Gritstone Horde

Gritstone Horde | statblocks

Gritstone Horde
Gritstone Emblem
(Organization)
LN
Type	Goblin horde
Leader	Stonewrought Gnog
Alignment	Lawful Neutral
Headquarters	The Cavern of Roots , a rocky cavern riddled with fungal growths and hidden tunnels.
Goals	To transform desolate regions into thriving, Grishkig -blessed lands.
Scope	Regional, with influence in rocky and barren terrains.
Structure	Militaristic, with leaders chosen for their strength and endurance.
Members	Goblin stonecutters, fungal farmers, and warriors.
Motivation	To honor Grishkig by embodying resilience and transforming barren lands into thriving, albeit strange, ecosystems.
Reputation	Known for their jagged stone weaponry and their ability to survive in the harshest terrains.
Age	Over 100 years, established by goblins who adapted to life in rocky wastelands.
Size	Medium (~300 members).
Stability	Highly stable, with loyalty built around shared hardship and resilience.
Enemies	Expansionist human settlements, fire-focused tribes, and mining companies.
Allies	Ironthorn Collective , decay druids, and stone spirits.
Resources	Jagged stone weapons, minerals, and fungal crops growing in rocky soil.
Other	They worship Grishkig by cultivating mushrooms even in barren, rocky wastelands.

Hierarchy of the Gritstone Horde

1. The Rockbreaker (Leader)

   Title:  Gnog the Unyielding 
   Role: As the Rockbreaker, Gnog is both the warlord and spiritual leader of the Horde. He exemplifies resilience, guiding the tribe through harsh conditions and overseeing its survival. Gnog interprets the will of Grishkig  through visions and omens, leading the tribe with an iron will tempered by the wisdom of decay.
   Traits: Strategic, unshakable, and deeply connected to the teachings of the  Sporefather .

2. Stone Wardens (High Council)

   Role: Advisors and enforcers of Gnog 's will. The Stone Wardens ensure that the Horde remains strong and unified, acting as generals during battle and administrators in times of peace.
   Members:
       Karzok the Jagged : Overseer of weapons and armor, ensuring the Horde’s jagged stone weaponry is always prepared.
       Vrasha the Crag Witch : Keeper of the sacred fungi and plants, blending alchemical knowledge with the teachings of Grishkig.
        Drog the Sentinel : Commander of scouts and protectors of the Gritstone borders.

3. The Stoneseekers (Spiritual Guides)

   Role: Shamans and priests who communicate with Grishkig  through rituals involving fungi, spores, and stone relics. They provide spiritual guidance and ensure the tribe adheres to the Sporefather’s edicts.
   Hierarchy within the Stoneseekers:
       High Seer: The chief spiritual figure beneath the Rockbreaker.
       Spore Weavers: Specialists in creating fungal potions and toxins.
       Earth-Tenders: Caretakers of sacred stone formations and fungal groves.

4. Cragborn Warriors (Elite Fighters)

   Role: The hardened core of the Horde’s military, tasked with leading charges, protecting vital resources, and carrying out Gnog ’s most dangerous commands.
   Traits: Each warrior is chosen for their ability to adapt to harsh environments and wield the jagged weapons of their tribe.

5. Boulderkin (General Population)

   Role: The backbone of the Horde, the Boulderkin work as hunters, gatherers, and craftsmen. They ensure the day-to-day survival of the tribe and support the elite fighters in times of war.
   Subgroups:
       Rockforgers: Craft tools and weapons.
       Trailrunners: Skilled in traversing treacherous terrain to gather resources or scout for enemies.
       Hollow Diggers: Specialists in creating hidden shelters and fortifications.

6. The Wyrmblooded (Fungal Touched)

   Role: These are goblins and hobgoblins who have undergone transformative rituals involving the spores of Grishkig. They are considered both blessed and cursed, embodying the cycle of decay and renewal. Wyrmblooded often act as berserkers or divine messengers.
   Traits: Toughened by fungal growths, some exhibit minor supernatural abilities, such as heightened senses or resilience to toxins.

Key Cultural Practices

   Rituals of the Spore: Regular ceremonies involve spreading spores over newly mined stone or the bodies of the fallen, symbolizing transformation and renewal.
   Fungal Relics: Artifacts made from fungal growths and stone are highly revered, used both in spiritual rituals and as symbols of leadership.
   Survival Challenges: Members must prove their worth by enduring grueling trials, such as surviving a week in the rocky wastelands with no supplies.