Grumgrush

Description

Grumgrush is a peregrin who is worshipped primarily by orcs, goblins and trolls, all of whom claim him as their race's progenitor.

Grumgrush in the Divine Record
The Divine Record refers to Grumgrush as "The Warlord," and cites that it was he who struck the final blow in the battle against Mâl. Other stories describe him as a powerful conqueror, a commander of armies, and the "father of orcs and trolls." Despite this, the book seems to provide no account for his origin, noting only that "he is one of the oldest among us, and mighty."

Beliefs
Followers of Grumgrush call themselves "green-bloods," and believe in only three guiding principles: might, action, and honor. As such, the following statements are known as "The Green-Blood Code." While some tribes or groups take these statements more literally than others, all followers of Grumgrush honor them in one form or another. As a result, it is common for followers to challenge one another constantly in order to establish and re-establish dominance. In many areas, this leads to ritual duels or contests which are often fatal, after which the winner will ceremonially mark their opponent's corpse with their own blood.
 * 1) Do as you speak, or do not speak; unfulfilled words are spoken with breath stolen from more deserving warriors.
 * 2) Life, family, and tribe are honored prizes, earned only through honorable action.
 * 3) Warriors write their names in blood, drained from all who oppose their will.

Followers
Grumgrush is considered the progenitor deity for Orcans, who are his primary followers. Among them, however, the Warlord is more commonly seen as an ancestor than a deity, and as such he venerated and honored rather than worshiped. When members of other races worship Grumgrush, however, worship is often highly ritualized, entailing frequent shows of martial prowess or other shows of strength.

Regardless of race or region, followers of Grumgrush do not typically marry. Instead, mating is a reward for honor, battle-prowess, and strength. When one green blood wants to honor another, it is customary to offer one or more mates from their personal harem, or even from among their own children as an invitation to unify bloodlines. Alternatively, warriors may simply offer themselves to those they perceive strongest among their peers. In either case, pregnancy is seen as Grumgrush's gift to both parents and is considered a great blessing.

Harems vs. Slaves
Because Grumgrush's followers universally believe in exerting their dominance and will on the world around them, the strongest often amass great harems and many willing servants. Despite this, slavery is extremely rare. Defeated rivals who willingly offer service are seen as honoring the warrior who defeated them, thus proving themselves honorable as well. Those who resist remain enemies, however, and are therefore killed as a final display of dominance.

Important Rituals
Rituals vary from tribe to tribe and group to group, but almost all include the ritual writing of one's name using the blood of one's enemies.