Īfter Mab informs Dresden that he is her Emissary, three more Gruffs with submachine guns assail Dresden. One of them is killed by Charity Carpenter, while the rest retreat, wounded. At first, four Gruffs are sent to assault Dresden while he is training his apprentice at the Carpenter household three of them attack the Carpenter family as a distraction so that a fourth could attack Dresden from the roof. In Small Favor, Gruffs collectively act as the Summer Emissary, countering Harry Dresden who is once again the Winter Emissary.

Like the fairy tale, younger Gruffs are sent at a target first, with their older (and larger) brothers continuing the pursuit if they fail. Role in the Summer Court Īmong the Summer Fae, Gruffs serve as enforcers and bodyguards they are noted for their ability to kill trolls, and as a group they are reasonably highly ranked-'up there', as Harry Dresden puts it. They are believed to be the origin of the fairy tale 'Three Billy Goats Gruff'. Gruffs are very similar to satyrs, half-man half-goat creatures from Greek mythology. The Eldest Gruff has killed several Senior Council members in battle and still wears the purple stoles as a trophy on his belt. While younger gruffs might not wear anything or use any tools unless necessary, older Gruffs may wear clothing or armor, wield weapons, and even use very powerful magic. Like many large digitigrade animals, their hooves are also vulnerable to damage if hit behind the ankle such a hit can lame them indefinitely, especially when dealt against larger and heavier gruffs. They are, however, susceptible to cold iron or steel. Older gruffs can also wield powerful magic. They are intelligent beings, and can handle weapons as diverse as oaken cudgels and submachine guns. They smell like a cross of a skunk and rotting eggs. Average Gruffs have a height around five foot six, while older Gruffs range from human size to twenty feet tall. Gruffs appear as bipedal goats with white fur, digitigrade legs, hooved feet, claws, and tightly-curled horns their size varies by age. Likest thou jelly within thy doughnut? - Eldest Gruff

Dresden files small favor