Horogki

Source: The Gods Are Bastards - Web Serial
Type: Low-Tier Sentient Demon
Hierarchy: Lower Tiers (lowest tier sentient demons, primary labor force in Khelminash caste system)
Minimum Warlock Level: 5

Physical Description

Horogki are physically basically stronger red-skinned hobgoblins. In fact, in the book they are frequently described as hobgoblins. They have the characteristic hobgoblin appearance but with red skin and demonic features. They are stronger than they look and very durable, making them effective laborers despite their unassuming appearance.

Role in Hell

Horogki are some of the lowest tier sentient demons. They are on the same rung of the Khelminash caste system as Hethelax, serving as the primary labor force in Khelminash cities. While Hethelax serve as shock troops, Horogki handle the physical labor and crafting work that keeps demonic cities functioning.

Genetic Memory and Crafting Skills

Horogki are bred into distinct bloodlines that have genetic memory for different crafting skills. This makes them incredibly effective laborers, as each bloodline instinctively knows how to perform specific types of work—from blacksmithing to construction to textile work. This genetic memory allows them to be highly productive workers without extensive training.

Dietary Adaptability

Horogki can eat almost anything, making them easy to maintain and feed. This adaptability, combined with their rapid reproduction, makes them both valuable as a labor force and dangerous if left uncontrolled.

Infernal Corruption and Supervision

The infernal corruption gives Horogki an unfocused frenetic energy that requires diligent supervision to keep them productive. Without proper oversight, their chaotic energy makes them inefficient and potentially disruptive. They need structured direction to channel their energy into productive work.

Rapid Reproduction - A Significant Threat

If left to their own devices, Horogki are considered a significant danger. Not because they are especially dangerous on their own, but because they reproduce rapidly:

6 week gestation period
Mature in 18 months
Litters of up to 30 offspring

Combined with their ability to eat almost anything, a small population of Horogki can rapidly become a significant threat. An uncontrolled Horogki population can explode in numbers, overwhelming resources and becoming a major problem. This is why they require strict supervision and control within the Khelminash caste system.

Making a Pact

What Horogki Want

Horogki demons seek: - Structured work: They need clear direction and tasks to channel their frenetic energy productively - Crafting opportunities: They value chances to use their genetic memory skills - Supervision: They appreciate having a master who provides direction and keeps them focused - Basic needs met: They need food (which they can get from almost anything) and shelter

What They Get from the Pact

Through the pact, Horogki gain: - A master to serve: The warlock provides direction, supervision, and purpose - Structured work: The warlock gives them tasks that channel their energy productively - Protection: The warlock ensures they are controlled and don't reproduce unchecked - Recognition: The pact acknowledges their value as laborers despite their low status

Contract Difficulty

Negotiation DC: Easy (DC 12 Charisma check)

Horogki are relatively easy to contract with. They appreciate clear direction and structure, and they respond well to warlocks who can provide supervision and purpose. However, the warlock must demonstrate the ability to control and direct them, as they require diligent supervision to remain productive.

Demon Summon

When you summon your pacted Horogki demon, it appears in its hobgoblin-like form and can aid you in the following ways:

Labor and Crafting: The Horogki can perform physical labor, crafting, construction, or any task requiring manual work, using its genetic memory skills
Supervised Work: The demon can work under your direction, channeling its frenetic energy into productive tasks
Physical Tasks: The Horogki can handle heavy lifting, construction, or other physical work
Crafting Expertise: The demon can use its genetic memory to create items or perform skilled work

The demon can remain summoned for a number of hours equal to your warlock level, and it will follow commands related to labor and crafting. Horogki require clear direction and supervision to remain productive—they will work diligently when properly directed but may become unfocused without supervision. They appreciate structured tasks and clear expectations.

Warning: Horogki reproduce rapidly and can become a significant threat if left uncontrolled. Warlocks who pact with Horogki must ensure they maintain proper supervision and control to prevent population explosions.

Example Stat Block

name: Horogki
size: Medium
type: fiend
subtype: demon
alignment: neutral evil
ac: 14 (natural armor)
hp: 75
hit_dice: 10d8 + 30
speed: 30 ft.
stats: [16, 12, 16, 10, 12, 10]
skillsaves:
  - athletics: 6
  - perception: 4
  - one type of artisan's tools: 4
damage_resistances: cold, fire, lightning, bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
damage_immunities: poison
condition_immunities: poisoned
senses: darkvision 60 ft.
languages: Abyssal, understands Tanglish but speaks in simple terms
cr: 5
traits:
  - name: Genetic Memory (Crafting)
    desc: "The Horogki has proficiency with one type of artisan's tools and has advantage on ability checks made with that type of tool. The specific tool type varies by bloodline."
  - name: Durable
    desc: "The Horogki has advantage on Constitution saving throws and resistance to exhaustion."
  - name: Omnivorous
    desc: "The Horogki can eat almost anything organic without ill effects and has advantage on saving throws against poison and disease."
  - name: Frenetic Energy
    desc: "As a bonus action, the Horogki can gain advantage on its next Strength or Dexterity check, or make one additional attack. It can use this ability a number of times equal to its Constitution modifier per long rest."
actions:
  - name: Multiattack
    desc: "The Horogki makes two melee attacks."
  - name: Claw
    desc: "Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage."
  - name: Improvised Weapon
    desc: "Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d12 + 4) bludgeoning damage. The Horogki can use almost anything as a weapon."

Greater Horogki

If a warlock contracts with a Horogki at level 5 and keeps it alive until reaching level 10, the demon evolves into a Greater Horogki—a more powerful laborer with enhanced crafting abilities, greater durability, and improved frenetic energy that makes it an exceptionally effective worker and combatant.

name: Greater Horogki
size: Medium
type: fiend
subtype: demon
alignment: neutral evil
ac: 16 (natural armor)
hp: 136
hit_dice: 16d8 + 64
speed: 35 ft.
stats: [20, 14, 18, 12, 14, 12]
skillsaves:
  - athletics: 9
  - perception: 6
  - two types of artisan's tools: 6
damage_resistances: cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
damage_immunities: poison
condition_immunities: poisoned, exhaustion
senses: darkvision 90 ft.
languages: Abyssal, Tanglish, Common
cr: 10
traits:
  - name: Genetic Memory (Crafting)
    desc: "The Horogki has proficiency with two types of artisan's tools and has advantage on ability checks made with those types of tools. The specific tool types vary by bloodline. The Horogki can craft items in half the normal time."
  - name: Durable
    desc: "The Horogki has advantage on Constitution saving throws and is immune to exhaustion. When the Horogki is reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, it can drop to 1 hit point instead. This ability can be used once per long rest."
  - name: Omnivorous
    desc: "The Horogki can eat almost anything organic without ill effects and has advantage on saving throws against poison and disease. The Horogki can consume organic materials to regain 2d8 hit points as a bonus action."
  - name: Frenetic Energy
    desc: "As a bonus action, the Horogki can gain advantage on its next Strength or Dexterity check, or make one additional attack. It can use this ability a number of times equal to its Constitution modifier (4) per long rest. When using this ability, the Horogki's movement speed increases by 10 feet until the end of its turn."
  - name: Master Craftsman
    desc: "The Horogki can use its action to repair damaged objects or structures, restoring 3d10 hit points to a damaged object it touches."
actions:
  - name: Multiattack
    desc: "The Horogki makes three melee attacks, or it makes two melee attacks and uses Master Craftsman."
  - name: Claw
    desc: "Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage."
  - name: Improvised Weapon
    desc: "Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The Horogki can create and wield improvised weapons with deadly efficiency."
  - name: Berserk Labor
    desc: "The Horogki enters a state of frenetic work for 1 minute. While in this state, it can take an additional action on each of its turns, but this action can only be used for crafting, repairing, or physical labor tasks. This ability can be used once per long rest."

Warning: Greater Horogki retain their rapid reproduction capabilities and remain a significant threat if left uncontrolled. Warlocks must maintain proper supervision to prevent population explosions.