The Blood Prophecy

When skies are painted in blood, and the sun bleeds red, The One-Eye shall awaken from his slumber of dread. Through shadowed skies, his chosen will ride, Carving paths of conquest as Chaos divides. Born of battle, blood, and storm, A warrior of fire, both pure and reborn. Neither corrupted nor chained to Chaos's blight, They will wield the strength of mountains, the speed of the night. The flames of war will consume the tainted kin, Where the corrupted fall and the faithful begin. No temple of Chaos shall remain unscarred, As the One-Eye's faithful march with blades unmarred. The flames of war will consume the tainted kin, Where the corrupted fall and the faithful begin. No temple of Chaos shall remain unscarred, As the One-Eye's faithful march with blades unmarred. Born of battle, blood, and storm, A warrior of fire, both pure and reborn. Neither corrupted nor chained to Chaos's blight, They will wield the strength of mountains, the speed of the night.

Ug’marok dur gruum’ar, ug morash’ka vok tharn, Gruumsh ug’haz vahk sha’ar vor thrash, Morvuk agh dur karash’ka dur vahzoth agh brashar, Agh dur thrakk ur’dug ka vok krum agh goruk. Vakh-doruk agh thrak’mor, agh dur vorath’nar ug morash, Rogash dur nar’hak agh vah gorum tul’varak gruum’ar, Dur thrang nor chaos agh dur tah har’ka grosh, Mog horuth ka’mar agh dur kragoth zul’mar thrush. Dur agh grog’mar dur gruum’ar vok dur narok’ka zul, Gur’tharn ka-rogash agh gruumsh agh narok’mor tal, Dur tharn agh vok gruum’ar dar’vur zog’nok grom, Dur vah karok nor thrash vok gruum’shar gorum. Dur thrang vok ka’torn agh dur grog’mor ur’duk, Dur rivaz’ka vok karom ka’ug gruumsh’tharn guk, Agh dur kar’tharn vok marn vok dur norar grom, Mok’gor dur ghaz nor rug’ka agh gruum karosh’mog. Dur grog’mor ul throk ka nor’mok agh ka’gruumsh ur’mar, Vakh’tal nar dur grog vok mor’tarn narok’hag, Gruumsh ur’kar vorn vok’zul agh grok’mor ka’marosh, Dur thrak nor vok grom agh ur’gruum karosh’rash.

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The Blood Prophecy is a revered and ancient text passed down through orc shamans and tribal leaders. It is considered both a warning and a promise of Gruumsh’s return, a day when his chosen warriors will rise and cleanse the world of Chaos’s corruption. The prophecy is carved into the walls of sacred caves, etched onto bone talismans, and sung as hymns during battle preparations. Its verses, cryptic and powerful, inspire orcs to fight with unwavering conviction, believing that their destiny is tied to the god’s wrathful return.

Consolidated Interpretation of the Prophecy

The Blood Prophecy weaves a vision of destruction and renewal, with Gruumsh at the heart of an apocalyptic reckoning. The verses collectively outline a series of events that will herald his return. First, the world will witness the Burning Eye, a blood-red eclipse marking the awakening of Gruumsh’s chosen champion. This champion, pure and untainted by Chaos, will unite the fractured orc tribes and lead them in a crusade to reclaim their honor.

The Purging Flame symbolizes the cleansing of corruption, with Chaos-tainted orcs and desecrated temples falling before the wrath of the faithful. As orcish forces spread across the world, their path will be marked by cataclysmic destruction, shaking mountains and boiling rivers as described in the Wrath of the Mountains. The prophecy culminates in Gruumsh’s physical manifestation during the final battle, where he will personally lead his children to victory or annihilation.

Together, these verses serve as both a rallying cry for traditionalists seeking to purge Chaos and a dire warning of the devastation that awaits those who stand in their path.

The Champion’s Trial

According to the Blood Prophecy, the chosen champion must undergo a trial in sacred places blessed by Gruumsh himself. These locations, often hidden in dangerous regions such as the Tunnels of Destiny or the Herenyakal Mountains, are guarded by spirits of past orc warlords. Only by surviving these trials can the champion gain the strength and favor needed to lead the orcish armies.

Current Interpretation and Belief

In modern times, the prophecy serves as a rallying cry for traditional orc tribes resisting the influence of Chaos. Shamans and war chiefs invoke its verses before battle, using it to inspire warriors to fight with the ferocity of Gruumsh’s original vision.

However, within the corrupted sects of orcs, particularly the Eyes of Ruin, the prophecy is either ignored or distorted to justify their chaotic destruction. Some believe that Gruumsh’s chosen champion will come not to purge Chaos, but to harness its power and spread destruction across all of Deuslair.

Legacy of the Blood Prophecy

The Blood Prophecy has shaped the orcish perception of destiny and honor for centuries. While its verses vary slightly between tribes, the central message remains the same: the orcs are destined for greatness, and their god will return to reward the faithful. Whether that reward comes through salvation or annihilation depends on the path they choose—one of disciplined conquest or chaotic destruction.