Rudlug's Armored Orcs (Warhammer Dogs of War)
Nostalgia Review by Daclaud Lee

Ruglud’s Armored Orcs: A Legendary Regiment and How I’m Bringing Them to Life
For fans of Warhammer Fantasy Battles, Ruglud’s Armored Orcs hold a special place in the Dogs of War army list. This iconic unit combines the ferocity of Orc warriors with the unexpected sophistication of ranged combat via crossbows. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey of painting these miniatures with Vallejo paints, explore their historical significance in the Warhammer world, and discuss their potential uses in modern tabletop games. Whether you’re a nostalgic Warhammer veteran or a modern wargamer looking for versatile proxies, this regiment offers plenty to talk about.
Ruglud’s Armored Orcs: A Dogs of War Icon
Ruglud’s Armored Orcs first appeared in the 5th and 6th editions of Warhammer Fantasy Battles as part of the Dogs of War army. These mercenary units were unique in the Warhammer world, allowing players to field a colorful mix of regiments drawn from across the Warhammer setting. Ruglud’s Orcs stood out because they were heavily armored (unusual for Greenskins) and equipped with crossbows, a rare sight among Orcs who typically prefer choppas and brute force.
The unit was led by Ruglud Bonechewer, a cunning and brutal Orc with just enough smarts to keep his ragtag crew together. The regiment also featured Maggot, a Goblin standard bearer, whose presence added a touch of comic relief and inspiration to the Orcs’ ferocity.
Unfortunately, with the discontinuation of Dogs of War in later editions of Warhammer Fantasy, Ruglud’s Armored Orcs were relegated to the annals of Warhammer history, becoming a sought-after collector’s item and a nostalgic favorite.
The (Unofficial) Rules and Stats for Rudlug’s Armored Orcs
Ruglud’s Armoured Orcs are a renowned Orc mercenary unit in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, led by Ruglud Bonechewer. This regiment is unique for its combination of heavy armor and crossbows, a rarity among Orcs. The unit includes Ruglud himself, the Goblin standard bearer Maggot, a musician, and a number of armored Orc troopers.
Unit Composition and Cost:
- Base Unit: Ruglud Bonechewer, Maggot (standard bearer), a musician, and seven armored Orcs.
- Total Base Cost: 190 points.
- Additional Troopers: 12 points per model.
Unit Profile:
Model | M | WS | BS | S | T | W | I | A | Ld |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ruglud | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
Maggot | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
Armored Orc | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
Equipment:
- Weapons: Choppa (excluding Maggot), crossbow.
- Armor: Heavy armor.
Special Rules:
- Ignore Greenskin Panic: Ruglud’s Armoured Orcs are indifferent to the misfortunes of other Greenskin units. They do not need to test for Panic when a friendly Greenskin unit is destroyed, breaks, or flees past them.
- Choppa: The Orcs wield brutal choppas, granting them +1 Strength in the first round of combat if they charge. Note that Maggot does not carry a choppa and thus does not benefit from this rule.
- Maggot’s Banner: Maggot, the Goblin standard bearer, is considered a lucky mascot. His presence inspires the Orcs to fight more fiercely, and the banner he carries adds +2 to combat resolution instead of the usual +1.
Please note that these statistics are based on the Warhammer 6th Edition ruleset. As of now, there are no official updates for Ruglud’s Armoured Orcs in subsequent editions. For the most current information, it’s advisable to consult the latest Warhammer army books or official publications.
Painting Ruglud’s Armored Orcs with Vallejo Paints
Bringing Ruglud’s Armored Orcs to life on the tabletop has been a rewarding experience. The models themselves are brimming with old-school character—chunky armor, exaggerated expressions, and dynamic poses that harken back to the golden age of Warhammer sculpting.
For the skin tones, I’ve been using Vallejo Heavy Khaki as the base coat for their green skin. It’s an unconventional choice, but its slightly muted, greenish tone works perfectly for an aged, weathered Orc look. Once the base coat is dry, I apply Vallejo Game Ink Green as a wash. The ink seeps into the crevices, adding depth and a vibrant green hue while maintaining the gritty, battle-worn aesthetic I’m going for.
For Ruglud and his crew’s heavy armor, I’ve been using Vallejo Gunmetal Grey highlighted with Vallejo Silver. The goal is to give the impression of well-used but still functional equipment—these Orcs aren’t the type to polish their armor, but they’re smart enough to keep it in fighting shape. The crossbows are painted with Vallejo Heavy Sienna for the wood, washed with Vallejo Sepia Wash for added texture, and accented with metallic paints for the hardware.
Maggot, the Goblin standard bearer, is a fun side project within the unit. I’m painting his skin with a brighter green palette to emphasize his Goblin heritage and to provide contrast within the regiment. His banner, with its chaotic Orc glyphs, is a perfect place to experiment with freehand designs—an opportunity to add personal flair to the model.
Check out my thoughts on Vallejo Game Color Extra Opaque Paints and Vallejo Game Inks.

The Present State of Ruglud’s Armored Orcs
Officially, Ruglud’s Armored Orcs haven’t been part of a Warhammer army book since the 7th edition. However, their legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and collectors. Original metal models can still be found on secondary markets like eBay, often fetching high prices due to their rarity and nostalgic appeal.
For those who want to field Ruglud’s Armored Orcs in modern games, the models are perfect for proxying in other systems. Whether you’re playing Kings of War, The Ninth Age, or even Warhammer Age of Sigmar, these heavily armored, crossbow-wielding Orcs can easily find a home. Their unique aesthetic also makes them a fantastic choice for narrative-driven games like Mordheim or Frostgrave.

Using Ruglud’s Armored Orcs as Proxies in Other Games
While Warhammer Fantasy Battles no longer officially supports Dogs of War, Ruglud’s Armored Orcs remain a versatile addition to any miniature collection. Here are a few ways they can be used in modern games:
Kings of War: As Orc Ax regiments or Orc Skulks with ranged capabilities.
The Ninth Age: In armies with mercenary themes or as an alternative Orc unit with crossbows.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: While AoS doesn’t have crossbow Orcs, Ruglud’s unit could easily proxy for Ironjawz or Bonesplitterz with ranged weapons.
Mordheim or Frostgrave: The unit’s old-school aesthetic is perfect for narrative-driven skirmish games.
Dungeons & Dragons: With their detailed sculpts, Ruglud’s Armored Orcs make excellent NPCs or enemies in tabletop RPGs.
The Nostalgia of Dogs of War
Dogs of War remains one of the most beloved and unique aspects of Warhammer’s history. The idea of mercenary armies—hailing from Estalia, Tilea, and beyond—gave players a chance to experiment with unusual units and characters. Ruglud’s Armored Orcs epitomized the whimsical, unpredictable nature of Dogs of War, blending humor with battlefield effectiveness.
Today, fans of Dogs of War keep the spirit alive through custom rules, fan-made army books, and narrative campaigns. Ruglud’s Armored Orcs are a perfect reminder of what made Dogs of War so special: creativity, variety, and a sense of fun that permeated every model and unit.
Concluding Thoughts About Rudlug’s Armored Orcs
Ruglud’s Armored Orcs are more than just miniatures; they’re a piece of Warhammer history. Painting these models has been a nostalgic and fulfilling project, and their versatility means they’ll see plenty of action on the tabletop—even in systems beyond Warhammer Fantasy Battles. Whether you’re a collector, a painter, or a wargamer looking for unique proxies, Ruglud’s Armored Orcs are a fantastic addition to any collection.
If you’re working on this regiment or have used them in your games, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Let’s keep the legacy of Dogs of War alive!
Rudlug’s Armored Orcs For Sale
I am getting rid of my painted miniatures. They are painted to a high table top standard using Vallejo Paints.