Story Shelf Card

The Instigator

by Rhuairidh James

Published In
Da Red Gobbo Collection
Publication Date
November 16, 2024
Genre
Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Read As
Short Story in White Dwarf Issue 494
Review Spoilers
Spoiler-free public review
Rating

Best For: Readers who like reading Warhammer 40k Ork stroies with a twist.

Vibe: Mystery with a little gore.

Nerdy Pleasure Factor: 🎲 Worth the Roll / ✨ Small Spell, Sharp Teeth

Synopsis

This is a prequel short story to the novella Da Gobbo Rides Again, also by Rhuairidh James. It offers a glimpse into the early life of the Ork painboy (medic) named Stimma. Lead by Aznab (da kaptin), Stimma and lots of youth torpedo into abandoned humie's spaceship in the search for loot. But things aren't adding up as they explore the ship and youths start dying in weird ways.

Nerdy Take

For me, The Instigator is such a great example for when the need to fight back comes you should. And teaching the lesson that being a bully isn't the way. I had fun reading the whole time. Since becoming a fan of Warhammer 40000 and the Ork kulture, I've wanted to read some Ork literature. This is a great start. I'll definitely be getting my hands on Da Red Gobbo Collection.