Whiterock Clan

The Whiterock Clan is a formidable force in the southeastern Kron Hills, a large family unit of eleven Hill Giants and their seventeen Ogre followers. For centuries, they remained secluded within their cavernous home, emerging only when necessary. However, their fate changed with the arrival of the enigmatic Cowled Lady, and their reluctant alliance with the Temple of Elemental Evil led them into the infamous The Battle of Emridy Meadows . Though their numbers were decimated, they have since rebuilt their strength and now control a significant portion of the Kron Hills.

History and Origins

The Caverns of Plenty

The Whiterock Clan’s ancestral home is a vast cavern system carved into the Kron Hills, hidden from prying eyes. This underground refuge provided abundant resources, including deep-rothe herds, massive fungi forests, and a thriving ecosystem of giant centipedes, beetles, and spiders. The bounty of their home allowed the giants to sustain themselves without needing to raid or pillage, an anomaly among their kind.

The Arrival of the Ogres

During The Hateful Wars , as orcs, goblins, and other monstrous kin fled the dwarves and elves, a battered tribe of ogres stumbled upon the Whiterock Clan’s domain. Their leader, Dundur, a cunning and unusually intelligent hill giant, saw an opportunity. Instead of driving them off, he offered them safety in exchange for servitude. The ogres, desperate and weakened, had little choice but to submit. Over time, they became the clan’s labor force and warriors, securing the giants’ dominance over their hidden domain.

The War and the Cowled Lady

Sometime before 540 CY, the Whiterock Clan’s fate was altered by the arrival of Nassandra , the Cowled Lady. This alluring yet terrifying vampire sorceress established an eerie rapport with Dundur and his successor, Nathrok. She provided them with wealth in the form of enchanted trinkets and precious gems, and she whispered promises of power and conquest.

"Death walks with us, and she wears a cowl."

By the 560s, at her urging, Nathrok led warriors of the Whiterock Clan to fight as mercenaries for the Temple of Elemental Evil. Many perished at Emridy Meadows, yet they never blamed Nassandra for their losses. Her influence remained strong, and even after the Second Temple’s rise and fall, the Whiterock Clan continues to revere her as an almost divine figure.

Korunk, Chief of the Whiterock Clan (Deceased)

The Chieftain of the Giants

Korunk was the most powerful of the giant chieftains of the southeastern Kron, towering over his kin and ruling with brutal efficiency. He was slightly taller than his fellows and, unlike many of his slovenly underlings, his massive muscles were chiseled, marking him as a warrior of great strength. He typically wore a simple bearskin loincloth, donning poorly cured hide armor only when heading into battle.

Appearance and Persona

Korunk had little hair left on his pate but sported a massive, tangled black beard and bristling eyebrows—both of which were burned off when he was struck by a perfectly hurled flask of alchemist’s fire. His cruel nature was tempered by a sense of pragmatism, as he was more instructive than casually brutal. Ambitious and greedy, he had an unusual talent for organization—at least for a hill giant.

Station and Influence

Korunk was integral to the early plans of the Cowled Lady, who saw his potential as a powerful tool. Using her potent sorcery, she easily Dominated him, bending his will to serve her grand designs. Despite his personal ambitions, his loyalty to her was absolute, as she promised him rulership over the giants and ogres of the Kron Hills. His dream was to crown himself king, an aspiration that would ultimately lead to his downfall.

The Battle of Crooked Ridge and Death

Korunk met his demise at the Battle of Crooked Ridge, where he was slain by Candyce Palfrey, a renowned warrior and enemy of the forces of darkness. His death marked a turning point for the Whiterock Clan, as his rule had been one of order, however brutal, and his absence left a power vacuum that his successor, Nathrok, would struggle to fill. Despite his downfall, his legend remains a cautionary tale among the giants, warning against overreaching ambition and blind trust in dark patrons.

Nurk, Shaman of the Whiterock Clan

The Wise and Cunning Elder

Nurk is the oldest surviving giant of the Whiterock Clan. Unlike many of his kin, he is rotund, bald, and sports only a few whisker-like hairs on his warty face and neck. He wears a heavy jack of poorly cured hide armor when expecting trouble, though he otherwise dons only a filthy loincloth and a dire bear hide cloak. Despite his aged and sluggish appearance, he wields a massive, rounded club, its surface darkened by the dried blood of countless victims.

Background and Influence

Nurk remembers the Hateful Wars well, having observed the strategic discipline of the dwarves, the potent magic of the elves, the illusions of the gnomes, and the fearsome cavalry of human knights through his Crystal Ball. He is cautious, preferring quietude and calculated raids over the reckless aggression of Korunk. He remains loyal to the late Nathrok’s vision and now rules in his place until his son, Nurdur, is ready to take command.

Personality and Leadership

Nurk is known for his oddly good cheer, frequently grinning even in dire circumstances. However, his jovial demeanor belies his ruthless pragmatism. He does not seek outright war, preferring to consolidate power through stealth and patience. While he holds authority over the clan, he makes it clear that he is merely a steward, preparing Nurdur to rule when the time is right.

Murga, Consort of the Late Chieftain

The Fearsome Widow

Murga is a dull, angry-looking female giant, standing over ten feet tall. She is clad in the thick, poorly cured hide of a bear and decorated with all manner of bone talismans and skulls, which serve as both religious paraphernalia and a brutal display of power. She wields a belt knife and an enormous tree trunk of a club, both of which have seen countless battles.

Personality and Role

Murga has an awful temper, even for a hill giant, but possesses a bestial cunning and more than her share of common sense. She mourns the loss of her mate, Korunk, and supports the rule of Nurk until her son, Nurdur, is ready to take his father’s place.

Influence and Future Ambitions

A shaman in her own right, Murga is both respected and feared by the giants and ogres of Whiterock, who believe she is favored by Grolantor. Her formidable presence has not gone unnoticed by the Cowled Lady, who has shifted her magical influence toward Murga, seeing her as a key figure in maintaining control over the Whiterock Clan until Nurdur can take power.

Society and Culture

Leadership and Hierarchy

Nathrok the Mighty (Chieftain): The son of Dundur, Nathrok is a cunning and fearsome warrior who commands the loyalty of both giants and ogres.
Nurk the Shaman (Spiritual Leader): A twisted and malevolent figure, Nurk worships both Iuz and the Elder Elemental God, believing them to be aspects of a greater force of chaos.
Murga, Consort of the Late Chieftain: A fearsome widow, Murga wields great influence and ensures the clan remains stable until her son can rule.
The Ogre Thralls: The ogres, though technically free, remain bound to the giants by generations of servitude. They enforce the clan’s will upon outsiders and perform much of the clan’s manual labor.

Beliefs and Traditions

The Whiterock Clan has adopted a strange mix of beliefs over the centuries. They pay homage to Iuz, believing his dominion represents strength and brutality, yet they also revere the whispers of the Elder Elemental God, interpreting the chaotic destruction it promises as a natural law of existence. Nassandra, however, remains their most revered figure, and they await her nocturnal visits with awe and trepidation.

The Whiterock Clan and the Outside World

Relationship with the Temple of Elemental Evil

First Temple Service (560s CY): Nathrok sent warriors to fight at Emridy Meadows at the Cowled Lady’s suggestion. Many perished.
Second Temple Service (late 570s CY): Additional warriors were sent but suffered similar losses.
Post-Temple Era: The survivors became cautious, avoiding direct involvement in grander schemes but continuing to fortify their home.

Alliance with Iuz

While not direct vassals of Iuz the Old, the Whiterock Clan respects his power. Nathrok has maintained a distant but respectful alliance with Hedrack , the Supreme Commander of the Greater Temple. However, they have resisted full servitude, preferring autonomy.

Enemies and Threats

Dwarves and Gnomes of the Lortmil Mountains: Constant skirmishes erupt between the giants and these races.
The Gnarley Rangers: The Rangers view the Whiterock Clan as a major threat and routinely attempt to root them out.
Adventurers: With growing tales of their hoarded treasures, the Whiterock Clan faces an increasing number of incursions from ambitious heroes.

The Future of the Whiterock Clan

Goals and Aspirations

Expansion of Territory: Nathrok seeks to expand the caverns and secure greater dominance over the Kron Hills.
The Return of the Cowled Lady: The giants eagerly await her next appearance, believing she will bestow even greater power upon them.
Ultimate Autonomy: The Whiterock Clan wishes to remain independent, using Iuz and the remnants of the Temple of Elemental Evil as tools rather than masters.

"Stone endures, blood rules, and the weak shall kneel."

Korunk, Chief of the Whiterock Clan by 3orcs

Korunk, Chief of the Whiterock Clan

Huge Giant (Hill Giant), Chaotic Evil

Armor Class 21 (19 while raging) (Hide Armor, Amulet of Natural Armor +1)
Hit Points 178 (17d12+68) (210 while raging)
Speed 40 ft.

STR 28 (+9) | DEX 8 (-1) | CON 18 (+4) | INT 9 (-1) | WIS 11 (+0) | CHA 13 (+1)

Saving Throws Fort +8 (+10 while raging), Dex +1, Wis +3

Skills Athletics +13, Intimidation +6, Perception +4, Survival +3

Damage Resistances Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing while raging

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14

Languages Giant

Actions

Multiattack. Korunk makes two melee attacks.

Greatclub. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit (+17 while raging), reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 23 (2d8 + 14) bludgeoning damage (26 while raging).

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit (+18 while raging), reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 19 (1d4 + 14) bludgeoning damage (21 while raging).

Thrown Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, range 60/120 ft., one target.
Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) bludgeoning damage.

Bonus Actions

Rage (2/day). As a bonus action, Korunk enters a rage for 9 rounds, gaining the following benefits:

Advantage on Strength checks and saving throws.
+4 to Strength (increasing attack and damage rolls).
Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
-2 to AC.

Reactions

Rock Catching. If a rock or similar object is thrown at Korunk, he can make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw to catch it and take no damage.

Legendary Gear & Treasure

Greatclub of Brutality (Large, finely carved from a single tree trunk).
Amulet of Natural Armor +1 (provides extra protection).
Crown of Bones and Tusks (Symbol of his rule).
A short sword +1 (looted from a fallen warrior).
Bag of plunder (gold, silver, rare ingots, and a fine painting).
Dire Bear Hide Cloak (Poorly cured but intimidating).

Type

Geopolitical, Clan

Location

Lortmil Mountains

Forces of the Whiterock Clan

Fighting Strength

The Whiterock Clan is a fearsome force in the southeastern Kron Hills, boasting a combination of brute strength, cunning tactics, and supernatural backing. While their numbers are not vast, their raw power makes them a formidable presence in the region.

Hill Giants

Number: 11
Role: The core of the clan’s might, these massive warriors wield enormous clubs, boulders, and crude but effective weapons.
Combat Style: Direct and devastating, relying on overwhelming strength to crush opponents.

Ogres

Number: 17
Role: Servants and frontline warriors of the Whiterock Clan.
Combat Style: Brutish and reckless, often used to weaken enemy formations before the giants strike.

Nurk’s Warband

Key Members: Nurk, Murga, and a handful of elite ogres trained in strategy and ambush tactics.
Role: Acts as a tactical strike force, using Nurk’s magic and brute strength to subdue foes.
Special Abilities: Nurk’s shamanic abilities include minor divinations, elemental magic, and battlefield healing.

Murga’s Chosen

Key Members: Murga and a select group of fanatical ogres who follow her unquestioningly.
Role: Enforcers of the clan’s will, ensuring discipline among the ogres and striking down any dissenters.
Special Abilities: Murga’s shamanic influence gives her warriors a sense of divine purpose, making them fearless in battle.

Beasts of the Clan

Dire Wolves: Used as hunting beasts and battle companions.
Giant Boars: Trained for war, often unleashed against enemy lines.
Cave Lizards: Occasionally used as mounts by ogre scouts.

The Cowled Lady’s Influence

Magical Gifts: Nassandra’s past favors included enchanted weapons and protective charms for the clan’s strongest warriors.
Dark Blessings: Some giants claim to hear her whispers in their dreams, guiding their actions in battle.

Strategy and Tactics

Ambush and Terrain Utilization: Using the caves and rocky outcroppings of the Kron Hills, the Whiterock Clan prefers ambushes over open combat.
Crushing Strength: When battle is inevitable, they rely on sheer force, using boulders, clubs, and beastly allies to overwhelm foes.
Magical Support: Nurk and Murga provide limited magical aid, bolstering their warriors and cursing enemies before the fighting begins.

The Whiterock Clan’s forces may be small compared to full armies, but their sheer power and supernatural connections make them a terror to any who oppose them.