Garl Gristlebeard

The rise of Garl Gristlebeard
Frostlord Garl Gristlebeard rules over the Nibolg Alfrostun, one of the largest and most feared of the Winterbite’s tribes. His story is one that typifies the brutal, merciless way of life amongst the Beastclaw Raiders. Gristlebeard once rode with the Mournfang cavalry of the Nibolg, gaining a fearsome reputation as an outrider and prey-seeker. Over the course of hundreds of battles, he eventually earned the rank of Huskard, making the journey into the deadly mists of the Everwinter to find and break a Stonehorn mount.

Naming his foul-tempered companion Bittertusk, Gristlebeard became a favoured chieftain of Frostlord Yorva, master of the Nibolg. He fought at the tip of the spear in the Battle of Black Peaks, grinding the Blood Warriors of the Fell Scythe into the sulphurous earth. He personally slew the Jabberslythe of Jod, eating the mad beast’s eyes to gain its deranged insight. In time, his legend grew to rival that of Yorva himself. When the venerable Frostlord was slain in battle with a vampiric Terrorgheist, the ogors of the Nibolg observed the Rite of Hoctgar. The most powerful warriors, including Gristlebeard, left the main tribe and roamed into the wilds, searching for worthy prey to offer up to their kin. Gristlebeard sought out the very beast that had slain his predecessor – the Ravener of Icespine Pass. After a hunt that lasted many days, he cornered the Terrorgheist in its lair, impaling the undead horror with Yorva’s frost spear and lashing its rotting corpse to his Stonehorn. Upon arrival back at the Nibolg’s war-camp, Gristlebeard’s offering was accepted and his place as Frostlord assured.