Like the thinking, keep it up.

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The Hellborn is far more Lovecraftian than Chaos. Old beings beyond our comprehension, insanity, etc. They are are the reason the Stygian are fleeing their dimension through the Avian Void Gates - well some of them. A great portion of their race has adopted one these ancient beings (the Viscera Queen) as their god...

The Grud have very little respect for their clients (especially the ones they consider "young and naive" by galactic evolution standards) and would think little of trading some artifact they knew would bring doom to it's buyer so long as they made out in the exchange...

A fine example of this is the FTL tech they traded the Federation which allowed humanity to begin colonizing worlds outside of the SOL system. This is considered to be a "bad move" by many of the star faring races (in particular the OTC). It's this sort of thing that earns the Grud their reckless and greedy reputations - but they are so mighty in arms, boisterous, and hard to reason with that little can be done to change their ways.

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Ok, I then stand corrected on the Grud helping out the planet because they want to foster good relations. I got nothing now.

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Tau Empire, Mymeara Eldar, Tallarn Desert Raiders

Some initial thoughts on the nature of the Grud:

While they have all the typical personality types as classic Tolkien Dwarfs (only exaggerated) - they aren't little bearded humans. They are indeed short - about 4 feet, but have stony skin of various earthy hues. Their skin features "cracks" in the joints, and even flakes off from time to time (which other races often find disgusting.) Their eyes are pupil-less and shine like polished gemstones of various colors. Because it is rare, lighter skin tones and eye color are considered highly attractive to the Grud. They have large brows, broad noses, and strong jaws. Their hands and feet end in thick digits. While they don't have hair - they do develop thick "quills" much like a porcupine which they take great pride in and often ornament with jewelry and trinkets.

Their art has a nordic feel - but they aren't little vikings. Their writing is "rune-like" but they have no magical or psychic abilities, and often dismiss such feats a parlor tricks and cons. The Grud rely on sturdy technology, massive weapons, and a boisterous spirit, which makes they excellent allies and drinking companions, but terrible enemies. It is known throughout the galaxy that you never get the upper hand on an exchange with a Grud - don't even try.

Grud have plenty of home worlds, but much of their population lives and works in massive trading, mining, and exploratory vessels. Any Alien race they encounter is a fresh "sucker" - and the Grud relish being the first to encounter new species. It's not unknown for a Grud trading vessel to leave a new civilization amazed with alien technology which turns out to doom them in the end, as the Grud often leave any sort of ethics out of their business dealings...

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Then perhaps the Grud knew of the "alignment" and coming problems with the Hellborn ahead of time, showed up to get some good prices on gear that might protect the citizens, made a hefty profit, then moved on without looking back. Perhaps they know of many hellborn incursions before they happen, and are using that knowledge to increase their riches by showing up "just in the nick of time" with overpriced, but desperately-needed tech.

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Tau Empire, Mymeara Eldar, Tallarn Desert Raiders

I like that, splash!

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Maybe some of the junk they sell - "ancient Avian Wards" for example are complete junk, and don't do a damn thing.

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Perhaps, but they have to be careful. Keep selling junk that gets entire planets eaten, and their customer base will get wise and disapper.

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http://thorvirshobbydumpster.blogspot.com/

Tau Empire, Mymeara Eldar, Tallarn Desert Raiders

Maybe some Grud are "encouraging" some Hellborn incursions on purpose just to have a market for their miraculous Anti-Hellborn Spraytm.

They're not that evil, are they? Just greedy, right?

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Tau Empire, Mymeara Eldar, Tallarn Desert Raiders

Not that evil!! lol

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m'kay...

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Tau Empire, Mymeara Eldar, Tallarn Desert Raiders

Grud short story is complete! Once the draft is out of review, I'll post to the blog. I think y'all will like it.

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Hey, how about putting a link in your sig or something so we can just access the stuff from your most recent post? Does that sound workable?

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Tau Empire, Mymeara Eldar, Tallarn Desert Raiders

Great suggestion.

When I publish new stuff, I'll provide a direct link. In the meantime, I've added the homepage to my sig. Thanks!

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Da Grud go to battle in the newest Onslaught short story...

https://onslaughtofwar.wordpress.com/20 ... ort-story/

Leave some feedback here or shoot me an email (at the bottom of the story page). Love to know what you're thinking, even if it's constructive criticism.

Thanks!
-R

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