Gruk, known as Bonecrusher, hails from the Ugull Mountains. But the prospect of treasure and adventure lured him into the employment of Lord Gral, who makes his home in the expansive Underland within a formidable underground fortress. Gruk is amongst the largest and strongest of his kind, with a massive stature and thick, resilient hide that makes him a fearsome presence in battle. His reputation as Bonecrusher is well-deserved; he is a savage warrior known for overpowering foes with his enormous iron hammer, striking terror into the hearts of all who dare oppose him.
Life in the Underland offers Gruk plenty of hunting opportunities, fulfilling his predatory instincts as he participates in tribal hunts and revels in the camaraderie of his fellow goblins. Under Lord Gral’s leadership, Gruk serves as a fierce warrior and enforcer of the lord’s will. Gral recognizes Gruk’s strength and cunning, often employing him in raids to gather resources or enforce loyalty among the lesser goblin sub-species.
Gruk’s life is laden with constant battles against rival goblin factions and the occasional foray into the surface world for raids against the citizens of Alchester. His combat style is tactile and ferocious, relying on sheer brute strength to overwhelm enemies, and he frequently leads ambushes from the dark shadows of the Underland, using traps and clever tactics to gain the upper hand. While gaugaths tend to be territorial and aggressive, Gruk has nevertheless developed strong bonds with his fellow warriors.
The creature had entered the cage and not bothered to turn around, or maybe it couldn’t, given its sheer size, so as it emerged, it did so with its back to us, unfolding itself from a hunched position to stand at least ten feet tall. Spiked hair, iron armor, and muscles rippling across gray arms and legs stood out the most, but so did what it carried. In one meaty hand, it balanced a long-handled mop. In the other, a great bucket sloshing with sudsy water. The creature inhaled a massive breath and sighed. “You made the mess,” it muttered in a gravelly voice, “so you gotta clean it up, says the boss. So, here I am to clean it up.” The creature spun around, sloshing water everywhere. The moment it spotted us, it almost dropped the mop and bucket in surprise. Crimson eyes under a thick brow narrowed, and it spoke in a deep baritone, the words choked out between pointed teeth and fangs. “Hey, you ain’t supposed to be here.”
- THE ASSASSIN’S CUNNING
Superstitious by nature, Gruk believes in omens and sees his victories as signs of favor from the gods of strength and war, letting their guidance influence his decisions. This deep-rooted belief fosters a determination that further fuels his ferocity in battle and loyalty to his tribal kin. Driven by an innate desire for power and respect, Gruk aspires to expand his influence. Gruk, Bonecrusher, stands as a symbol of raw power in the Underland, always ready to crush an enemy and assert his dominance.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Gruk first appears in The Assassin's Cunning (Assassin Without a Name Book Two).
