Gruff

Violem    Plants & Fauna    Monsters      Gruff

Beastly brutes that stand out like a sore thumb, these wild creatures are known for being a real threat to those unlucky enough get in their way. With four muscular arms; a powerful jaw that snaps shut on its prey in two and a raging temper when hungry. The Gruff avoided by many adventuring parties.

---

Appearance:

The standout feature of the Gruff is its dirty orange, thick and hairless skin, forcing them to stand out amongst the dark caves or green forests they usually inhabit. Towering above the average hunter at 12ft tall with four muscular arms to pass through any obstacle they see fit. The hands of these creatures have 3 long fingers and dirty fingernails from digging in the ground for food. It has no eyes, instead relying on its sense of smell to navigate the world. Over centuries the snout of the gruff has grown in size to better aid the monster discover the world. Finally its wide jaw, powerful enough to snap a tree trunk with one bite is decorated with two protruding tusks from its lower lip.

For our main course this evening, we offer our refined Seared Gruff Steak, served with steamed Trancul and Fried snout trimmings. An excellent combination to honour the natural co-existence of both monstrous beast and insects found in the forests across Cytal.

— Galavan, Butler of The Fine Dining Clubhouse

Actions:

Swipe: The Gruff swings its arms around hoping to hit its target in fury. 1d8 melee damage, chance to cause stun condition upon a critical roll.
Chomp: Opening its jaw wide and forcing its under bite to clasp shut. 1d6 melee damage, chance to cause bleed condition upon a critical roll.
Berserk: The smell of Trancul is so strong, the beast charges in that direction without a thought. 1d10 melee damage, chance to cause stun condition upon a critical roll.

---

Favourite Meal:

The Gruff is a carnivorous creature that will eat any small prey it can get its claws on. Often digging up the ground to snack on the insects hidden beneath the forest floor. The most desired meal for a Gruff though is the taste of Trancul. A bubble blowing shroom slug that generates bubbles with a calming effect. The large creatures obsess over these slugs. To the point where if they catch the scent of one, then they go into state of uncontrollable lust. Following the smell in a rampage until they successfully find their meal. After eating these small creatures, the Gruff will happily find a nearby tree or cave and take a well deserved nap.

Potential Plot Hook: Your party have been tasked with protecting a lonely sorceress who wishes to reach her late mother's log cabin on the edge of the Great Forest. Every time she gets near, she describes a gang Gruff waiting by the cabin. Gathering in numbers, catching a whiff of something they desire, hidden inside.

TG20 Statblock:
HP - 13
DS - 13
Brute - +2
Actions:
Swipe - Melee 1d6 (bleed)
Chomp - Melee 1d6 (bleed)
Beserk - Melee 1d8 (stun)