The Snakebites are one of the most traditional and rugged Ork clans in Warhammer 40,000, shunning much of the modern technology that other Orks gleefully embrace. They hold steadfastly to the ancient ways of their kind, preferring simple but brutally effective tools of war over fancy mechanical contraptions. To the Snakebites, relying on primitive strength and cunning in battle is a mark of true toughness, and they believe that the old ways are best when it comes to surviving in a galaxy full of enemies. Because of this, their Boyz often arm themselves with crude weapons like choppas and sluggas, while proudly wearing patchwork armor made of animal hides and toughened leathers.
A key part of Snakebite culture is their connection to beasts, particularly squigs and other Orky creatures. Snakebite Orks are expert breeders and handlers of these creatures, training them to fight alongside them in battle or serve as mounts. The clan has a special fondness for war boars and squiggoths, massive beasts that they use to devastating effect in combat. Snakebite Weirdboyz and Beast Snagga Boyz, the latter being a subset of Orks who specialize in hunting enormous creatures, are common within their ranks. The Snakebites’ reverence for the natural world and beasts gives them a unique character among the Ork clans, and they take pride in their ability to thrive in the harshest and wildest environments.
Due to their emphasis on tradition and survival skills, Snakebites are considered some of the toughest and most resilient Orks around. They often test their strength and endurance in brutal rites of passage, such as surviving for days in dangerous wildernesses or wrestling dangerous creatures. These trials toughen Snakebite Boyz, making them hardy warriors who are incredibly difficult to kill. They can shrug off wounds that would fell lesser creatures and endure hardships that even other Orks would find daunting. For the Snakebites, hardship and pain are a way of life, and every scar or mark of battle is a badge of honor. Their rugged nature makes them excellent scouts and trackers, able to thrive in hostile terrain where other forces might falter.
The Snakebites’ traditionalist ways often put them at odds with more technology-loving clans, like the Bad Moons or Deathskulls. They view these other Orks with a mix of suspicion and disdain, considering their reliance on fancy gear to be a weakness. This sometimes leads to brawls and rivalries between the Snakebites and more tech-savvy Orks, although all differences are set aside when a great Waaagh! is called. At the same time, their ruggedness and beast-handling abilities make them an essential part of any large Ork warband, where their squiggoths and war beasts can wreak havoc on enemy lines. The Snakebites’ devotion to the old ways ensures that they remain a vital and feared presence in Ork society, proving time and time again that strength and survival are the greatest virtues an Ork can have.