**Race:** Orc **Gender:** Male **Role:** Mercenary Bodyguard **CR:** 7 (balanced for a level 8 party of six) --- ## Overview Grashnok Embermaw is the last surviving member of the trio of orc bodyguards hired by [[Grom]] to escort him through the perilous Burning Water region. A hardened sellsword who has survived countless raids, skirmishes, and mercenary contracts, Grashnok endured where his comrades perished—when a tornado tore across the burning waters, killing the other two orcs instantly. His survival is both a mark of fortune and a testament to his sheer willpower and grit. --- ## Appearance Grashnok is a scarred and stocky orc, standing just under 6’5” with deep charcoal skin and burning orange eyes that earned him the moniker _Embermaw_. His tusks are chipped from years of brutal combat, and his hair is braided with copper wire scavenged from broken weapons. His armor is pieced together from scavenged plate and chain, charred and blackened by fire, giving him a fearsome silhouette. Across his throat is a jagged burn scar—said to be from when he bit down on a flaming brand during a ritual trial. --- ## Personality - **Pragmatic Survivor:** Grashnok values life over honor, a rare trait among orcs. He will retreat if odds turn hopeless, but he always lives to fight another day. - **Loyal to Coin:** Though he respects strength, his loyalty is bought and tied to his contract with [[Grom]]. - **Dark Humor:** Often makes grim jokes at inappropriate times, masking trauma with laughter. --- ## Stat Block **Grashnok Embermaw** _Medium humanoid (orc), chaotic neutral_ **Armor Class** 17 (half plate) **Hit Points** 120 (16d8+48) **Speed** 30 ft. **STR** 20 (+5) **DEX** 12 (+1) **CON** 16 (+3) **INT** 10 (+0) **WIS** 11 (+0) **CHA** 14 (+2) **Saving Throws** Str +8, Con +6, Wis +3 **Skills** Intimidation +5, Survival +3, Athletics +8 **Damage Resistances** fire **Senses** darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 **Languages** Common, Orc **Challenge** 7 (2,900 XP) **Proficiency Bonus** +3 --- ### Traits **Aggressive.** As a bonus action, Grashnok can move up to his speed toward a hostile creature he can see. **Burning Fury (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).** Once per rest, Grashnok can ignite his weapon attacks with flame for 1 minute. While active, his melee weapon attacks deal an extra 2d6 fire damage. **Survivor’s Instinct.** Grashnok has advantage on death saving throws. **Mercenary’s Cunning.** Allies within 10 feet of Grashnok have advantage on saving throws against the frightened condition. --- ### Actions **Multiattack.** Grashnok makes two attacks with his Emberblade or his ranged weapons. **Emberblade (Greatsword).** _Melee Weapon Attack:_ +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. _Hit:_ 15 (2d6+5) slashing damage. While Burning Fury is active, it also deals 7 (2d6) fire damage. **Throwing Axe.** _Ranged Weapon Attack:_ +8 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. _Hit:_ 9 (1d6+5) slashing damage. **Heavy Crossbow.** _Ranged Weapon Attack:_ +4 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one target. _Hit:_ 7 (1d10+2) piercing damage. --- ### Reactions **Fiery Retaliation.** When hit by a melee attack, Grashnok can use his reaction to deal 5 (1d10) fire damage to the attacker. --- ### Legendary Actions (Optional, for larger battles) Grashnok can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. - **Move.** Grashnok moves up to half his speed. - **Ember Slash.** Grashnok makes one melee attack. - **War Cry (Costs 2 Actions).** All allies within 30 ft. gain advantage on their next attack roll. --- ## Background Born among the Emberfang Clan, Grashnok’s childhood was one of fire, ash, and blood. His people believed in ritual trials by flame, where only those who endured the burning would rise as warriors. Grashnok survived not once but three times, earning his name Embermaw when he clamped his jaw shut on a brand of fire to prove his will. Cast out for his mercenary ways, he wandered the lands of [[Karudasos]] and beyond, hiring his blade to whoever could afford him. When [[Grom]] hired three orc bodyguards, Grashnok joined, expecting an easy path of coin. Instead, a deadly tornado in the Burning Waters ripped his companions apart, leaving only Grashnok alive to protect his employer. He bears the guilt of survival but hides it beneath bravado and mockery. --- ## Current Role Grashnok now travels with [[Grom]]’s party as a surviving mercenary. While not a true companion, his presence adds steel to their numbers. Whether he remains loyal depends on both the coin and whether the group earns his respect through strength and leadership. --- ## Hooks & Story Potential - **Debt of Survival:** Grashnok feels compelled to prove himself worthy of living when his comrades died. - **Mercenary’s Oath:** If offered more gold, Grashnok may betray the group—unless he grows to genuinely respect them. - **Flame-Touched Legacy:** The fiery marks on his body suggest a deeper tie to orcish fire shamans or elemental forces—something that could be awakened or exploited.