Character Concept: Grubnik Stonebrace, Troll Civil Engineer

Character Concept: Grubnik Stonebrace, Troll Civil Engineer

Grubnik is not your average troll. While most of his kin are content smashing bridges, Grubnik builds them. A rare troll with a passion for creating rather than destroying, he’s a brilliant (if unconventional) civil engineer. His designs are robust and surprisingly elegant—if you can get past the strange materials and trollish aesthetics.

Key Personality Traits

• Practical and Resourceful: Grubnik is a problem solver who uses whatever materials are at hand. He’s not above using bones or troll saliva in construction, much to the horror of others.
• Proud Artisan: He takes immense pride in his work and is deeply offended by criticism—especially if someone questions the structural integrity of his projects.
• Hungry Diplomat: Grubnik loves to negotiate deals for his services. However, he sometimes accepts odd forms of payment, like livestock, shiny rocks, or recipes for exotic cuisine.

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Unique Abilities and Skills

• Structural Instincts: Grubnik can intuitively understand the weaknesses in buildings, bridges, and fortifications.
  • Mechanic: Advantage on Investigation checks related to structures.
• Troll Regeneration Construction: Grubnik uses his regenerative abilities in creative ways, such as growing back body parts to serve as temporary scaffolding or binding materials.
• Improvise Materials: He can jury-rig durable structures out of the most improbable materials. (Need a raft made of rocks? Grubnik can do it!)
• Strong as Stone: As a troll, Grubnik has incredible strength, which he often uses to move boulders or drive massive support beams into place.

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Roleplaying Grubnik

• Voice and Mannerisms: A gravelly, enthusiastic voice peppered with construction jargon. He frequently references the “load-bearing nature” of things or starts rambling about foundational integrity.
• Quirks:
  • Always carries tools like a massive hammer, a sack of rocks, and various adhesives (some troll-produced).
  • Frequently sketches designs in dirt or on any available surface with a claw.
  • Refers to himself as “Grubnik, the Great Builder.”
• Flaws: While a genius builder, Grubnik doesn’t always grasp human (or humanoid) aesthetics or safety standards. His bridges might look like nightmares but are incredibly sturdy... mostly.

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Plot Hooks

1. Building a Better Bridge: The party hires Grubnik to construct a bridge across a dangerous ravine, but local villagers are uneasy about trusting a troll.
2. Fortress Under Siege: A lord enlists Grubnik to reinforce their castle’s defenses before an impending attack. His unconventional methods may lead to unexpected outcomes.
3. Rival Architect: A rival builder (perhaps a snobby dwarf or elf) mocks Grubnik’s work and challenges him to a public contest. The party can help Grubnik gather rare materials or sabotage his rival.
4. A Troll’s Legacy: Grubnik is working on his magnum opus—an indestructible fortress. But a local monster or group of raiders seeks to destroy his dream, and the party must defend his work.

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In-Game Mechanics

If you’re playing this character, consider the following class options:

• Artificer (Battle Smith or Artillerist): Perfect for someone who builds complex structures or defenses.
• Barbarian (Totem Warrior): If you want to lean into the troll's natural physicality while tying in his engineering prowess as a “spiritual connection” to rocks and stone.
• Rune Knight Fighter: A thematic fit if you want to incorporate the idea of inscribing mystical runes into his creations.