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I've been a big fan of Orks for a long time. However, something about the other armies I've played (Chaos, Tyranids, Alpha Legion) has always given them precedence over me building a Waaagh!. So why am I posting this in the background section? Well, that's because I have absolutely no intention of dropping my Alpha Legionnaires in favor of Orks, but I definitely have a desire to buy, build, and paint some Orks.

So my question is in regards to the nature of Orkoid Mercenaries and how they relate to both Imperial and the non-Imperial races. I know for sure there is precedence with the Freebooters and Blood Axes when it comes to the concepts of "Waaagh!'s for hire", but how exactly do these interactions take place? Do they roam around the galaxy looking for work where they can find it? Do clients seek them out? Doesn't this concept seem a little overly organized for Orks, or is it something simpler? I would like to make my own clan of Orks and give them some back story so as to make them mercenaries, but I'm wondering where I should start as far as establishing a background that won't veer to far from Orkish territory as far as established fluff goes.

Thanks, all.

Unreliable at best. The race I think would actually have the best use of them are the Dark Eldar.

Depends. I hear a fancy hat helps
I believe they are seeked out by any who wish, and as long as they give the orks something the boss wants, the krumpin begins

I think generally the clients will open communication, preferably in a setting (such as long-distance transmission) where the Orks don't have the option of starting a fight immediately. Certain tribes develop a reputation as willing to fight for payment. I'd imagine a good way to open a professional relationship with an Ork boss is to deliver a bribe, whether treasure or superior equipment, and promise more upon completion of an objective.

Also I think the alliance chart is a useful guide as to whether a group might hire Orks. Allies of Convenience (Chaos Marines, Guard, Necron, Tau) might be willing to overcome their distaste and hire Orks in an extreme circumstance, while Desperate Allies (Daemons, Eldar, Dark Eldar, various Marines) might hold fire on the Orks if they're both attacking the same target, but would never stoop to parley with them.

playing ork freebooters myself i think tau are one of the better allies for orks or IG.

but as for how to get em fighting? look ad dawn of war 2 retribution on the first mission when budflagg first meet the inquisitor

In the 40k Rulebook Orks aren't battle-brothers with anyone as they are just as likely to turn around and stab you in the back for the banter (rather than any sinister self serving reason) as they are to be a reliable mercenary force.

That being said if a commander can convince a Warboss to do something generally all his boyz will tow the line. So if a Warboss collects Shiney fings he might lend his entire Waagh to a campaign against Chaos on behalf of the I.G for 3 rolls of Aluminium foil.
Or A Chaos Lord might promise a Warboss the Tau have lots of tech that is theirs for the looting if they assist the Lord in overthrowing the Tau defences.

There's literally any reason the Orks would ally with someone.

From what I remember of one of the alliances described in the necron codex, most alliances with 'da orks' happen as follows: Orks attack a planet. local ruler realises he can't actually beat the orks with the forces he has readily available. Local ruler bribes warboss with something shiny to either go away, or fight other enemies. Ork is payed in advanced tech or weapons. Warboss decides to use advanced tech on his former employer. Orks have tons of fun, their ally not so much.
Fluff wise, most combinations have their own background. Necrons and orks allying might be due to select use of mindshackle scarabs on some high-ranking orks. Tau tend to appreciate alien mercenaries anyway, and hirable orks make for a really good addition to their method of fighting. Chaos Marines see orks as vermin they can manipulate into striking at targets of their choice. And an Imperial commander who plays hard and fast with the rules might prefer to have orks dying for his cause rather then his own men.

My kustom character, a Bad Moons warboss, only half destroys his would-be employer. I mean if you leave a few 'umies alive, you can come back and fight dem later! Dats smart bizniss da it

Orks will accept a few forms of payment. Offers of a good fight later on, weapons, armor, and gear, some interesting technology for their mek boyz to "analyze", teeth (preferably sharp teeth, so start looting those tyranid corpses), and something shiny like gold. Obviously you have to be careful with what technology and kit you give the Orks. It has to be impressive enough for them to actually want it, but not so gee-whiz wow-ee that when the Orks inevitably attack you that you've just handed them a massive advantage.

Small trinkets of interest to a particular warboss are also valid forms of payment, as everyone has their quirks. Bluddflagg for example set his price to help Adrastia battle Kyras as a fight with three imperial guard regiments and inquisitor Adrastia's hat (to be fair, it WAS a very nice hat).

"Wot's dat: you needs an ekskjewses ter get more of da boys? I don`t get nuffink of you `umies. Orks iz bestest, orks iz made ter fight an` win! Dere is no ekskjewses, dere is no choice, dere iz only da WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!"

that about sums it up

There are plenty of examples of orks getting manipulated by the darker factions...certainly Alpha Legion are schemey enough to pull it off, Chaos Marines and Eldar have been known to practically point them at an enemy, sit back and watch...this means it's possible, though much rarer, for them to TEMPORARILY fight together on the battlefield if a deal's been made.

For mercenaries in particular, you're looking at Blood Axes and Freebooterz. It's undeniably part of their fluff, I don't understand all these claims that Orks won't ally with anyone...it's just normally not for long...

All this input is great, guys. I really appreciate it. As far as opening communication with Orks, do they use traditional forms of interstellar communication? What would be the most likely way for one to get in direct contact with a Waaagh!'s Warboss without actually having to meet in person?

 Darth Bob wrote:
All this input is great, guys. I really appreciate it. As far as opening communication with Orks, do they use traditional forms of interstellar communication? What would be the most likely way for one to get in direct contact with a Waaagh!'s Warboss without actually having to meet in person?

The easiest way to get an ork to work for you is to promise them teeth of Thunderwolves. That would be the best way to pay them.