Gruul Clans: Difference between revisions

From MTG Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
>SirGregali
(tenses, some rewording)
>Running Gag
mNo edit summary
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox guild
{{Infobox guild
| name = Gruul Clans
| search = Gruul  
| image = Gruul Logo.png
| image = Gruul Logo.png
| alternative = The Clans
| alternative = The Lost Guild / The Clans
| colors = {{R}}{{G}}
| colors = {{R}}{{G}}
| parun = [[Cisarzim]] <small>(deceased)</small>
| parun = [[Cisarzim]]<abbr title="Deceased"><sup>†</sup></abbr>
| leader = [[Borborygmos]] <small>(informal/previously)</small><br/>[[Domri Rade]] <small>(incumbent)</small>
| leader = [[Borborygmos]] <small>(informal, bef. 10,012-{{circa}} 10,077 [[ZC]])</small><br/>[[Domri Rade]]<sup>†</sup> <small>(informal, c. 10,077)</small><br/>Borborygmos <small>(informal, c. 10,077-Present)</small>
| champion = [[Ulasht]]<br/>[[Ruric Thar]]<br/>[[Nikya]]
| champion = [[Ulasht]]<br/>[[Ruric Thar]]<br/>[[Nikya]]
| hall = [[Skarrg]]
| hall = [[Skarrg]]
| mechanic = [[Bloodthirst]]<br/><small>(''Guildpact'')</small><br/>[[Bloodrush]]<br/><small>(''Gatecrash'')</small><br/>[[Riot]]<br/><small>(''Ravnica Allegiance'')</small>
| mechanics = [[Bloodthirst]]<br/><small>(''Guildpact'')</small><br/>[[Bloodrush]]<br/><small>(''Gatecrash'')</small><br/>[[Riot]]<br/><small>(''Ravnica Allegiance'')</small>
| set = ''[[Guildpact]]''<br/>''[[Gatecrash]]''<br/>''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]''
| set = ''[[Guildpact]]''<br/>''[[Gatecrash]]''<br/>''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]''
| text = "Gruul territorial markings need not be legible. The blood, snot, and muck used to smear them are unmistakably Gruul." {{Em}} <c>Gruul Signet</c>
| text = "Gruul territorial markings need not be legible. The blood, snot, and muck used to smear them are unmistakably Gruul." {{Em}} <c>Gruul Signet</c>
}}
}}
The '''Gruul Clans''' form the [[red]]/[[green]] [[Ravnican guild|guild]] from the plane and city of [[Ravnica]]. Introduced in ''[[Guildpact]]'', the guild is also featured in ''[[Gatecrash]]'' and ''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]''.
The '''Gruul Clans''' form the [[red]]/[[green]] [[Ravnican guild|guild]] from the plane and city of [[Ravnica]]. Because of their loose structure, they are sometimes called "the guild which is not one."<ref name="GuildpactGuide"/> Introduced in ''[[Guildpact]]'', the guild is also featured in ''[[Gatecrash]]'' and ''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]''.
[[File:RNA Gruul basic lands.png|right|thumb|300px|Gruul basic lands from ''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]'']]
[[File:RNA Gruul basic lands.png|right|thumb|300px|Gruul basic lands from ''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]]]
==Background==
==Background==
Before and for a short time after the signing of the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]], the Gruul Clans were a wild and noble [[Ravnican guild|guild]] charged with maintaining the wild places on [[Ravnica]]. They were supposed to keep civilization in check. Civilization and the other nine guilds, however, overran every wild place on the plane. This changed the Gruul.<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/guildpact-style-guide-gruul-2006-02-01|''Guildpact'' style guide: Gruul|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 01, 2006}}</ref>
[[File:GruulManga.png|thumb|left|The Gruul before the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]].]]
Before and for a short time after the signing of the [[Guildpact (spell)|Guildpact]], the Gruul Clans were a wild and noble [[Ravnican guild|guild]] charged with maintaining the wild places on [[Ravnica]].<ref>{{WebRef|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20070930070138/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/feature/307|title=Signing Onto the Guildpact|author=[[Rei Nakazawa]]|date=January 9, 2006|publisher=Magicthegathering.com}}</ref> They were supposed to keep civilization in check. They were a powerful guild with a huge lodge-style guildhall, but its location has been lost to time.<ref name="GuildpactGuide">(2006). ''[https://archive.org/details/guildpact-players-guide-magic-the-gathering-2006 Guildpact Player's Guide].'' [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> Civilization and the other nine guilds, however, overran every wild place on the plane. This changed the Gruul.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/guildpact-style-guide-gruul-2006-02-01|''Guildpact'' style guide: Gruul|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 01, 2006}}</ref>


As the wilds were torn down, so too were the Gruul's responsibilities taken from them. The [[Simic]] claimed jurisdiction over nature's future. The [[Selesnya]] preached about nature in order to bring it into its conclave. With their responsibilities taken over by others, they were seen as outside of the Guildpact and the [[Azorius]] began to write them out of the law. Outside the law, the [[Boros]] were not required to protect them and the [[Orzhov]] were free to enslave them.  
As the wilds were torn down, so too were the Gruul's responsibilities taken from them. The [[Simic]] claimed jurisdiction over nature's future. The [[Selesnya]] preached about nature to bring it into its conclave. With their responsibilities taken over by others, they were seen as outside of the Guildpact and the [[Azorius]] began to write them out of the law. Outside the law, the [[Boros]] were not required to protect them and the [[Orzhov]] were free to enslave them.  


The Gruul decentralized, lacking any sort of real leadership. The guild became nothing but a loose affiliation of clans. Exploited and ignored, they started to take any reason to cause chaos, any reason to destroy a symbol of civilization. Most Gruul hold contempt for those outside the Clans, referring to them as "cobble roaches".  
The Gruul decentralized, lacking any sort of real leadership. The guild became nothing but a loose affiliation of clans. Exploited and ignored, they started to take any reason to cause chaos, any reason to destroy a symbol of civilization. Most Gruul hold contempt for those outside the Clans, referring to them as "cobble roaches".  


It is common for Gruul clans to raid an area, destroy it, and live there until the resources gleaned from the destructive raid are used up. Once that happens, they move on to a new area, leaving smoldering ruins in their wake. They observe few consistent traditions but love to celebrate '''Rauck-Chauv''', an irregular festival characterized by several days of rioting, feasting, looting, and destruction.   
It is common for Gruul clans to raid an area, destroy it just like the Rakdos, and live there until the resources gleaned from the destructive raid are used up. Once that happens, they move on to a new area, leaving smoldering ruins in their wake. They observe few consistent traditions but love to celebrate '''Rauck-Chauv''', an irregular festival characterized by several days of rioting, feasting, looting, and destruction.   


For a long time, [[Borborygmos]] was the largest and angriest of many large and angry clan leaders. He wasn't the official guildleader of the Gruul, as there is little official about the guild, but when he gave orders, the Gruul listened. As his orders were in line with the rage of the abused guild, they were happy to do so. With [[Bolas]] urging, the [[planeswalker]] [[Domri Rade]] challenged and defeated the aging Borborygmos by setting waves of [[beast]]s on the cyclops. Borborygmos wasn't killed, but he lost the Gruuls' respect. Currently, he is living as a Trog in the Rubblebelt.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]'''" . [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>   
For a long time, [[Borborygmos]] was the largest and angriest of many large and angry clan leaders. He wasn't the official guildleader of the Gruul, as there is little official about the guild, but when he gave orders, the Gruul listened. As his orders were in line with the rage of the abused guild, they were happy to do so. With [[Bolas]] urging, the [[planeswalker]] [[Domri Rade]] challenged and defeated the aging Borborygmos by setting waves of [[beast]]s on the cyclops. Borborygmos wasn't killed, but he lost the Gruuls' respect. Currently, he is living as a Trog in the Rubblebelt.<ref name="Ravnica art book">[[James Wyatt]] (January 2019). "''[[The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica]]'''". [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>   


There is also [[Ulasht, the Hate Seed]]. Though it isn't a part of any clan, it is revered by many Gruul as a natural embodiment of pure destruction and mindless rage.  
There is also [[Ulasht, the Hate Seed]]. Though it isn't a part of any clan, it is revered by many Gruul as a natural embodiment of pure destruction and mindless rage.  
Line 31: Line 32:


===Clans===
===Clans===
There are seven Clans that currently make up the Gruul. New clans occasionally form under ambitious Gruul warlords, and meanwhile other clans are occasionally challenged, defeated, and wiped out.  
There are seven Clans that currently make up the Gruul. New clans occasionally form under ambitious Gruul warlords, and meanwhile, other clans are occasionally challenged, defeated, and wiped out.  


*The '''Burning Tree Clan''' is the most influential in the guild, and is also the clan of [[Borborygmos]]. It is the fiercest clan, as well as the largest and most diverse. They make sure that everyone in the Clans remembers who has held them down and destroyed their guild and then lets that rage loose on civilization. They are often tattooed with the Burning Tree symbol. The Ravnican population considers this as the crest for the entire Gruul guild.<ref name="D&D">[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref>
*The '''Burning Tree Clan''' is the most influential in the guild, and is also the clan of [[Borborygmos]]. It is the fiercest clan, as well as the largest and most diverse. They make sure that everyone in the Clans remembers who has held them down and destroyed their guild and then let that rage loose on civilization. They are often tattooed with the Burning Tree symbol. The Ravnican population considers this as the crest for the entire Gruul guild.<ref name="D&D">[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref>


*The '''Scab Clan''' is the most violent of the Gruul Clans. This is because every member of it has been tortured, mutilated, or crippled by the organizations of civilization. They display their scars and body modifications as expressions of their terrible rage. The members of this clan make up for physical deficiency by cooperating with each other.<ref>{{NewRef|arcana/sketches-scab-clan-mauler-2006-01-31|Sketches: Scab-Clan Mauler|[[Magic Arcana]]| January 31, 2006}}</ref> Their leader is a corpulent [[Giant]], known as [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Narbulg Nine Fingers]].[[Image:Scab_Clan_Mauler.jpg|right|thumb|Scab Clan Mauler by Liam Sharp]]
*The '''Scab Clan''' is the most violent of the Gruul Clans. This is because every member of it has been tortured, mutilated, or crippled by the organizations of civilization. They display their scars and body modifications as expressions of their terrible rage. The members of this clan make up for physical deficiency by cooperating.<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/sketches-scab-clan-mauler-2006-01-31|Sketches: Scab-Clan Mauler|[[Magic Arcana]]| January 31, 2006}}</ref> Their leader is a corpulent [[Giant]], known as [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Narbulg Nine Fingers]].[[Image:Scab_Clan_Mauler.jpg|right|thumb|Scab Clan Mauler by Liam Sharp]]


* Of all the clans, the '''Ghor Clan''' execute the most frequent and savage assaults on Ravnican citizenry. The clan typically creates encampments close to heavily populated Ravnican districts. Their leader is [[Ruric Thar]].
*Of all the clans, the '''Ghor Clan''' executes the most frequent and savage assaults on Ravnican citizenry. The clan typically creates encampments close to heavily populated Ravnican districts. Their leader is [[Ruric Thar]].


* The '''Bolrac Clan''' (named after an ancient Ravnican word for heavy hammers) is mainly composed of [[Ogre]]s, [[Cyclopes]], [[Troll]]s and [[Giant]]s, who share a love for bringing down massive structures using mauls and battering rams. Their leadership changes frequently, sometimes even daily.
*The '''Bolrac Clan''' (named after an ancient Ravnican word for heavy hammers) is mainly composed of [[Ogre]]s, [[Cyclopes]], [[Troll]]s, and [[Giant]]s, who share a love for bringing down massive structures using mauls and battering rams. Their leadership changes frequently, sometimes even daily.


* The '''Slizt Clan''', in contrast, are more skulkerous and trust stealth attacks and using high ground to their advantage. They mainly consist of [[Viashino]] and [[human]]s. The other clans call them cowards, but are cautious to avoid Slizt territory.
*The '''Slizt Clan''', in contrast, are more skulker, and trust stealth attacks, and use the high ground to their advantage. They mainly consist of [[Viashino]] and [[human]]s. The other clans call them cowards but are cautious to avoid Slizt territory.


* The '''Zhur-Taa Clan''' (also called the skull bleachers) is the most religious of the Clans, claiming to practice pre-guild rites known as the "Old Ways". They worship the Utmungr, "gods of the deep earth," and await the awakening of Ilharg, the Raze Boar, an ancient [[boar]] god who will mount a fiery rampage and raze the over-civilized world once and for all. Their leader is a [[centaur]], known as [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Nikya of the Old Ways]]. Zhur-Taa druids are adept at [[summon]]ing and training [[beast]]s as war-companions and mounts.
*The '''Zhur-Taa Clan''' (also called the skull bleachers) is the most religious of the Clans, claiming to practice pre-guild rites known as the "Old Ways". They worship the Utmungr, "gods of the deep earth," and await the awakening of [[Ilharg]], the Raze Boar, an ancient [[boar]] god who will mount a fiery rampage and raze the over-civilized world once and for all. Their leader is a [[centaur]], known as [[Nikya]]. Zhur-Taa druids are adept at [[summon]]ing and training [[beast]]s as war companions and mounts.


* The '''Gravel Hide Clan''', a relatively new group, believes that resilience is the truest measure of strength. They have a reputation for shrugging off devastating attacks. Their leader is a hot-tempered [[goblin]], [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Skorik Boulder Tooth]].<ref name="D&D"/>
*The '''Gravel Hide Clan''', a relatively new group, believes that resilience is the truest measure of strength. They have a reputation for shrugging off devastating attacks. Their leader is a hot-tempered [[goblin]], [[List of secondary characters/Ravnica|Skorik Boulder Tooth]].<ref name="D&D"/>


Besides the clans there are the solitary wandering '''Trogs''', fierce independent warriors who traverse the rubblebelts as apex predators.<ref name="D&D"/>
====Trogs====
Besides the clans, there exist the solitary wandering '''Trogs''', fierce independent warriors who traverse the rubblebelts as apex predators.<ref name="D&D"/>


===The End-Raze===
===The End-Raze===
The druids of the Old Ways believe that civilization will never be eradicated by scattered raids and petty skirmishes.<ref>[[James Wyatt]] and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "''[[D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica]]''", [[Wizards of the Coast]].</ref> They cling to the idea of a coming apocalypse, the End-Raze, when llharg's hooves will trample every brick and stone of Ravnica's soaring skylines to rubble. The world will return to a state of nature in which the lawless code of muscle and savagery will reign once again. With the growing unrest between the guilds of Ravnica, and the ascension of Domri Rade as guildleader, it is thought that the time of the End-Raze has come.
The druids of the Old Ways believe that civilization will never be eradicated by scattered raids and petty skirmishes.<ref name="D&D"/> They cling to the idea of a coming apocalypse, the End-Raze when [[Ilharg]]'s hooves will trample every brick and stone of Ravnica's soaring skylines to rubble. The world will return to a state of nature in which the lawless code of muscle and savagery will reign once again. With the growing unrest between the guilds of Ravnica and the ascension of Domri Rade as guildleader, it was thought that the time of the End-Raze had come.


==Creatures and races==
===War of the Spark===
After the fight against the [[Dreadhorde]] in the [[War of the Spark (event)|War of the Spark]], and the death of Domri Rade, Borborygmos became acting guildmaster again.<ref name="Weisman Ravnica novel">[[Greg Weisman]] (April 2019). "''[[War of the Spark: Ravnica]]''". Del Rey.</ref>
 
===The Phyrexian invasion and its aftermath===
The Gruul Clans fought just as hard as anyone else in Ravnica's defense during the [[New Phyrexia's Invasion of the Multiverse|Phyrexian invasion]]. Borborygmos' ferocious fighting earned him even more respect and loyalty. The only real potential challenge to his power is the Zhur-Taa Clan, thanks to their leader, [[Nikya]], who was instrumental in bottlenecking the Golgari Swarm from the surface of Ravnica with her constricting vine magic.<ref name="Guide to MKM">{{DailyRef|feature/planeswalkers-guide-to-murders-at-karlov-manor|Planeswalker's Guide to ''Murders at Karlov Manor''|[[Emily Teng]]|February 1, 2024}}</ref>
 
The Clans lost no time in occupying or claiming as much of the ruins left in the wake of the invasion as possible, emboldened in further pushing the boundaries of their territory.<ref name="Guide to MKM"/> This territorial expansion occurred almost simultaneously across multiple zones of the [[Rubblebelt]], leading many to suspect that the various Gruul clans were coordinating their efforts to take advantage of the weakened states of the [[Azorius]] and [[Boros]]. In reality, the clans were each acting independently; it was merely coincidence that they all chose to do so at roughly the same time. Efforts to rebuild Ravnica are constantly and actively disrupted by the Gruul. Because of this abrupt increase in territory, the Gruul now find themselves with more territory than the clans can comfortably defend. Violent clashes break out as the Gruul struggle to maintain their control, typically against Boros incursions.
 
==Creatures, races and classes==
[[File:Ravnica Allegiance Gruul.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The Gruul as featured in ''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]'']]
[[File:Ravnica Allegiance Gruul.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The Gruul as featured in ''[[Ravnica Allegiance]]'']]


Creatures and races associated with the Gruul include the following:
Creatures and races associated with the Gruul include the following:
*[[Beast]]s
*[[Beast]]s
*[[Boar]]s
*[[Cat]]s
*[[Centaur#Ravnican Centaurs|Centaurs]]
*[[Centaur#Ravnican Centaurs|Centaurs]]
*[[Cyclopes]]
*[[Cyclops]]es
*[[Dragon]]s (<c>Skarrgan Hellkite</c>)
*[[Elemental]]s
*[[Elemental]]s
*[[Giant]]s
*[[Giant]]s
*[[Goblin]]s
*[[Goblin]]s
*[[God]]s
*[[Hellion]]s
*[[Human]]s
*[[Human]]s
*[[Hydra]]s
*[[Hydra]]s
*[[Ogre]]
*[[Insect]]s
*[[Mole]]s
*[[Ogre]]s
*[[Phoenix]]es
*[[Phoenix]]es
*[[Troll]]s <ref>{{NewRef|arcana/gruul-troll-2006-02-02|The Gruul Troll|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 02, 2006}}</ref>
*Pterros, flying beasts with long necks ridden by other Gruul.<ref name="Ravnica">[[Cory J. Herndon]] (2005). ''[[Ravnica (novel)|Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica]]'', [[Wizards of the Coast]]</ref>
*[[Snake]]s
*[[Troll]]s<ref>{{DailyRef|arcana/gruul-troll-2006-02-02|The Gruul Troll|[[Magic Arcana]]|February 02, 2006}}</ref>
*[[Viashino]]
*[[Viashino]]
*[[Wurm]]s
*[[Wurm]]s
Classes and professions associated with the Gruul include the following:
*[[Barbarian]]s
*[[Berserker]]s
*[[Druid]]s
*[[Rogue]]s
*[[Shaman]]s
*[[Warrior]]s


==Notable Gruul==
==Notable Gruul==
*[[Borborygmos]]
*[[Borborygmos]]
*[[Domri Rade]]
*[[Ghired]]
*[[Nikya]]
*[[Ruric Thar]]
*[[Trijiro]]
*[[Vor Golozar]]
*[[Vor Golozar]]
*[[Trijiro]]
*[[Yarus]]
*[[Ruric Thar]]
===Planeswalker===
*[[Domri Rade]]


==In the game==
==In the game==
===''Guildpact'': Bloodthirst===
===''Guildpact'': Bloodthirst===
{{Main|Bloodthirst}}
{{Main|Bloodthirst}}
The Gruul's special ability in ''[[Guildpact]]'' was [[Bloodthirst]]:<ref>{{NewRef|making-magic/designing-gruul-2013-03-04|Designing for Gruul|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 04, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{NewRef|latest-developments/gruuling-workout-2006-02-03|Gruuling Workout|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|February 03, 2006}}</ref> when a creature with bloodthirst comes into play, if an opponent was dealt damage that turn, the creature comes into play with a fixed number of +1/+1 [[counter]]s (exception: <c>Petrified Wood-kin</c> has Bloodthirst X, meaning that it comes into play with counters equal to the total damage dealt to all opponents that turn).
The Gruul's special ability in ''[[Guildpact]]'' was [[Bloodthirst]]:<ref>{{DailyRef|making-magic/designing-gruul-2013-03-04|Designing for Gruul|[[Mark Rosewater]]|March 04, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{DailyRef|latest-developments/gruuling-workout-2006-02-03|Gruuling Workout|[[Aaron Forsythe]]|February 03, 2006}}</ref> when a creature with bloodthirst comes into play, if an opponent was dealt damage that turn, the creature comes into play with a fixed number of +1/+1 [[counter]]s (exception: <c>Petrified Wood-kin</c> has Bloodthirst X, meaning that it comes into play with counters equal to the total damage dealt to all opponents that turn).


===''Gatecrash'': Bloodrush===
===''Gatecrash'': Bloodrush===
{{Main|Bloodrush}}
{{Main|Bloodrush}}
[[Bloodrush]] from ''[[Gatecrash]]'' allows players to [[discard]] [[creature]] [[card]]s in order to give an attacking creature a temporary [[power/toughness]] boost equal to the power and toughness of the discarded creature card.
[[Bloodrush]] from ''[[Gatecrash]]'' allows players to [[discard]] [[creature]] [[card]]s to give an attacking creature a temporary [[power/toughness]] boost equal to the power and toughness of the discarded creature card.
===''Ravnica Allegiance'': Riot===
===''Ravnica Allegiance'': Riot===
{{Main|Riot}}
{{Main|Riot}}
Line 92: Line 121:
==Preconstructed theme Gruul Decks==
==Preconstructed theme Gruul Decks==
60 cards deck:
60 cards deck:
* '''[[Gruul Wilding]]''': from [[Guildpact]]   (''require various creatures [[token]]'' [[Saprolings]] 1/1 and [[Wurm]] 6/6)
*'''[[Gruul Wilding]]''': from [[Guildpact]]
* '''[[Gruul Goliaths]]''': from [[Gatecrash]]
*'''[[Gruul Goliaths]]''': from [[Gatecrash]]
* '''[[Gruul Siege]]''': from [[Dragon's Maze]]
*'''[[Gruul Siege]]''': from [[Dragon's Maze]]
see also   
see also   
* '''[[Magic 2014/Event deck#Rush of the Wild|Rush of the Wild]]''': Event Deck from [[Magic 2014]]
*'''[[Magic 2014/Event deck#Rush of the Wild|Rush of the Wild]]''': Event Deck from [[Magic 2014]]


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:RAV Gruul.jpg|Ravnica block crest.
File:RAV Gruul.jpg|Ravnica block crest.
Image:Gruul Logo.png|Return to Ravnica crest.
File:Gruul Logo.png|Return to Ravnica crest.
File:GruulConcept.jpg|Gruul concept by [[Aleksi Briclot]].
File:CLU Gruul Clans.png|[[Half deck]] summary card used in ''[[Ravnica: Clue Edition]]''.
File:Gruul Clans.png|[[Return to Ravnica]] art.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 107: Line 139:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
==Sources==
==Sources==
*{{NewRef|feature/rage-against-machine-2006-02-01|Rage Against the Machine|[[Matt Cavotta]]|February 1, 2006}}
*{{DailyRef|feature/rage-against-machine-2006-02-01|Rage Against the Machine|[[Matt Cavotta]]|February 1, 2006}}
*{{NewRef|making-magic/aaaargh-2006-01-30-0|Aaaargh!!!|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 30, 2006}}
*{{DailyRef|making-magic/aaaargh-2006-01-30-0|Aaaargh!!!|[[Mark Rosewater]]|January 30, 2006}}
*{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/gruul-ingenuity-2012-12-21|Gruul Ingenuity|[[Adam Lee]]|December 21, 2012}}
*{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/gruul-ingenuity-2012-12-21|Gruul Ingenuity|[[Adam Lee]]|December 21, 2012}}
*{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/ruric-thar-2013-04-02|Ruric Thar|[[Jennifer Clarke Wilkes]]|April 2, 2013}}
*{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/ruric-thar-2013-04-02|Ruric Thar|[[Jennifer Clarke Wilkes]]|April 2, 2013}}
*{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/burying-part-1-2013-01-30|The Burying, Part 1|[[Adam Lee]]|January 30, 2013}}
*{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/burying-part-1-2013-01-30|The Burying, Part 1|[[Adam Lee]]|January 30, 2013}}
*{{NewRef|uncharted-realms/burying-part-2-2013-03-04|The Burying, Part 2|[[Adam Lee]]|March 4, 2013}}
*{{DailyRef|uncharted-realms/burying-part-2-2013-03-04|The Burying, Part 2|[[Adam Lee]]|March 4, 2013}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080409183528/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=magic/guildpact/gruul Gruul Minisite] (Internet Archive snapshot)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080409183528/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=magic/guildpact/gruul Gruul Minisite] (Internet Archive snapshot)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140216123351/http://www.wizards.com/magic/tcg/productarticle.aspx?x=mtg/tcg/guilds/gruul Return to Ravnica - Gruul Clans Minisite] (Internet Archive snapshot)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140216123351/http://www.wizards.com/magic/tcg/productarticle.aspx?x=mtg/tcg/guilds/gruul Return to Ravnica - Gruul Clans Minisite] (Internet Archive snapshot)

Latest revision as of 06:41, 17 June 2024

Gruul Clans
[[File:{{#setmainimage:Gruul Logo.png}}|150px]]
Alternative Names
The Lost Guild / The Clans
Lore Information
Parun Cisarzim†
Guild Leader Borborygmos (informal, bef. 10,012-c. 10,077 ZC)
Domri Rade† (informal, c. 10,077)
Borborygmos (informal, c. 10,077-Present)
Guild Champion Ulasht
Ruric Thar
Nikya
Guild Hall Skarrg
Game Information
Colors {R}{G}
Mechanics Bloodthirst
(Guildpact)
Bloodrush
(Gatecrash)
Riot
(Ravnica Allegiance)
Featured Sets
Guildpact
Gatecrash
Ravnica Allegiance
Signet Flavor Text
"Gruul territorial markings need not be legible. The blood, snot, and muck used to smear them are unmistakably Gruul." — Gruul Signet
Scryfall Search
watermark:"Gruul"

The Gruul Clans form the red/green guild from the plane and city of Ravnica. Because of their loose structure, they are sometimes called "the guild which is not one."[1] Introduced in Guildpact, the guild is also featured in Gatecrash and Ravnica Allegiance.

Gruul basic lands from Ravnica Allegiance

Background

The Gruul before the Guildpact.

Before and for a short time after the signing of the Guildpact, the Gruul Clans were a wild and noble guild charged with maintaining the wild places on Ravnica.[2] They were supposed to keep civilization in check. They were a powerful guild with a huge lodge-style guildhall, but its location has been lost to time.[1] Civilization and the other nine guilds, however, overran every wild place on the plane. This changed the Gruul.[3]

As the wilds were torn down, so too were the Gruul's responsibilities taken from them. The Simic claimed jurisdiction over nature's future. The Selesnya preached about nature to bring it into its conclave. With their responsibilities taken over by others, they were seen as outside of the Guildpact and the Azorius began to write them out of the law. Outside the law, the Boros were not required to protect them and the Orzhov were free to enslave them.

The Gruul decentralized, lacking any sort of real leadership. The guild became nothing but a loose affiliation of clans. Exploited and ignored, they started to take any reason to cause chaos, any reason to destroy a symbol of civilization. Most Gruul hold contempt for those outside the Clans, referring to them as "cobble roaches".

It is common for Gruul clans to raid an area, destroy it just like the Rakdos, and live there until the resources gleaned from the destructive raid are used up. Once that happens, they move on to a new area, leaving smoldering ruins in their wake. They observe few consistent traditions but love to celebrate Rauck-Chauv, an irregular festival characterized by several days of rioting, feasting, looting, and destruction.

For a long time, Borborygmos was the largest and angriest of many large and angry clan leaders. He wasn't the official guildleader of the Gruul, as there is little official about the guild, but when he gave orders, the Gruul listened. As his orders were in line with the rage of the abused guild, they were happy to do so. With Bolas urging, the planeswalker Domri Rade challenged and defeated the aging Borborygmos by setting waves of beasts on the cyclops. Borborygmos wasn't killed, but he lost the Gruuls' respect. Currently, he is living as a Trog in the Rubblebelt.[4]

There is also Ulasht, the Hate Seed. Though it isn't a part of any clan, it is revered by many Gruul as a natural embodiment of pure destruction and mindless rage.

Rite of passage

The rites of becoming Gruul, whether you have come from outside the guild or are marking your entrance into adulthood, centers around being buried alive.[5] When one enters the shallow grave, the person they were before is dead. Their past wrongs and errors are forgotten, but so are their past accomplishments. No matter how well you proved yourself in battle before, when you rise from the earth you are untested. The clan leaders recognize you only when you earn glory in battle as a Gruul.

Clans

There are seven Clans that currently make up the Gruul. New clans occasionally form under ambitious Gruul warlords, and meanwhile, other clans are occasionally challenged, defeated, and wiped out.

  • The Burning Tree Clan is the most influential in the guild, and is also the clan of Borborygmos. It is the fiercest clan, as well as the largest and most diverse. They make sure that everyone in the Clans remembers who has held them down and destroyed their guild and then let that rage loose on civilization. They are often tattooed with the Burning Tree symbol. The Ravnican population considers this as the crest for the entire Gruul guild.[5]
  • The Scab Clan is the most violent of the Gruul Clans. This is because every member of it has been tortured, mutilated, or crippled by the organizations of civilization. They display their scars and body modifications as expressions of their terrible rage. The members of this clan make up for physical deficiency by cooperating.[6] Their leader is a corpulent Giant, known as Narbulg Nine Fingers.
    Scab Clan Mauler by Liam Sharp
  • Of all the clans, the Ghor Clan executes the most frequent and savage assaults on Ravnican citizenry. The clan typically creates encampments close to heavily populated Ravnican districts. Their leader is Ruric Thar.
  • The Bolrac Clan (named after an ancient Ravnican word for heavy hammers) is mainly composed of Ogres, Cyclopes, Trolls, and Giants, who share a love for bringing down massive structures using mauls and battering rams. Their leadership changes frequently, sometimes even daily.
  • The Slizt Clan, in contrast, are more skulker, and trust stealth attacks, and use the high ground to their advantage. They mainly consist of Viashino and humans. The other clans call them cowards but are cautious to avoid Slizt territory.
  • The Zhur-Taa Clan (also called the skull bleachers) is the most religious of the Clans, claiming to practice pre-guild rites known as the "Old Ways". They worship the Utmungr, "gods of the deep earth," and await the awakening of Ilharg, the Raze Boar, an ancient boar god who will mount a fiery rampage and raze the over-civilized world once and for all. Their leader is a centaur, known as Nikya. Zhur-Taa druids are adept at summoning and training beasts as war companions and mounts.
  • The Gravel Hide Clan, a relatively new group, believes that resilience is the truest measure of strength. They have a reputation for shrugging off devastating attacks. Their leader is a hot-tempered goblin, Skorik Boulder Tooth.[5]

Trogs

Besides the clans, there exist the solitary wandering Trogs, fierce independent warriors who traverse the rubblebelts as apex predators.[5]

The End-Raze

The druids of the Old Ways believe that civilization will never be eradicated by scattered raids and petty skirmishes.[5] They cling to the idea of a coming apocalypse, the End-Raze when Ilharg's hooves will trample every brick and stone of Ravnica's soaring skylines to rubble. The world will return to a state of nature in which the lawless code of muscle and savagery will reign once again. With the growing unrest between the guilds of Ravnica and the ascension of Domri Rade as guildleader, it was thought that the time of the End-Raze had come.

War of the Spark

After the fight against the Dreadhorde in the War of the Spark, and the death of Domri Rade, Borborygmos became acting guildmaster again.[7]

The Phyrexian invasion and its aftermath

The Gruul Clans fought just as hard as anyone else in Ravnica's defense during the Phyrexian invasion. Borborygmos' ferocious fighting earned him even more respect and loyalty. The only real potential challenge to his power is the Zhur-Taa Clan, thanks to their leader, Nikya, who was instrumental in bottlenecking the Golgari Swarm from the surface of Ravnica with her constricting vine magic.[8]

The Clans lost no time in occupying or claiming as much of the ruins left in the wake of the invasion as possible, emboldened in further pushing the boundaries of their territory.[8] This territorial expansion occurred almost simultaneously across multiple zones of the Rubblebelt, leading many to suspect that the various Gruul clans were coordinating their efforts to take advantage of the weakened states of the Azorius and Boros. In reality, the clans were each acting independently; it was merely coincidence that they all chose to do so at roughly the same time. Efforts to rebuild Ravnica are constantly and actively disrupted by the Gruul. Because of this abrupt increase in territory, the Gruul now find themselves with more territory than the clans can comfortably defend. Violent clashes break out as the Gruul struggle to maintain their control, typically against Boros incursions.

Creatures, races and classes

The Gruul as featured in Ravnica Allegiance

Creatures and races associated with the Gruul include the following:

Classes and professions associated with the Gruul include the following:

Notable Gruul

In the game

Guildpact: Bloodthirst

Main article: Bloodthirst

The Gruul's special ability in Guildpact was Bloodthirst:[11][12] when a creature with bloodthirst comes into play, if an opponent was dealt damage that turn, the creature comes into play with a fixed number of +1/+1 counters (exception: Petrified Wood-kin has Bloodthirst X, meaning that it comes into play with counters equal to the total damage dealt to all opponents that turn).

Gatecrash: Bloodrush

Main article: Bloodrush

Bloodrush from Gatecrash allows players to discard creature cards to give an attacking creature a temporary power/toughness boost equal to the power and toughness of the discarded creature card.

Ravnica Allegiance: Riot

Main article: Riot

A creature with Riot enters the battlefield with its controller's choice of either a +1/+1 counter or haste.

Preconstructed theme Gruul Decks

60 cards deck:

see also

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ a b (2006). Guildpact Player's Guide. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. ↑ Rei Nakazawa (January 9, 2006). "Signing Onto the Guildpact". Magicthegathering.com.
  3. ↑ Magic Arcana (February 01, 2006). "Guildpact style guide: Gruul". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. ↑ James Wyatt (January 2019). "The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Ravnica'". Wizards of the Coast
  5. ↑ a b c d e James Wyatt and Jeremy Crawford (November 2018). "D&D Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica", Wizards of the Coast.
  6. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 31, 2006). "Sketches: Scab-Clan Mauler". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  7. ↑ Greg Weisman (April 2019). "War of the Spark: Ravnica". Del Rey.
  8. ↑ a b Emily Teng (February 1, 2024). "Planeswalker's Guide to Murders at Karlov Manor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  9. ↑ Cory J. Herndon (2005). Ravnica Cycle, Book I: Ravnica, Wizards of the Coast
  10. ↑ Magic Arcana (February 02, 2006). "The Gruul Troll". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  11. ↑ Mark Rosewater (March 04, 2013). "Designing for Gruul". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Aaron Forsythe (February 03, 2006). "Gruuling Workout". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.

Sources

Monocolored
Multicolored ({M})
See also
Ravnica block
Return to Ravnica block
Later sets
Related games
Ravnica storyline
Publications
Locations
Characters
Affiliations
Other
Retrieved from "https://mtg.wiki/index.php?title=Gruul_Clans&oldid=72116"