Grashua
The Great Chieftan
Grashua (Grah-Shoo-ah) is seen as a huge, brutal, humanoid beast similar to an Ork or Ogre. He is a wholly evil being, who embodies the brutal, hateful nature of the goblinoid races. He is patron deity of the Orks, Giants, and Goblins of the north, as well as some of the more brutal human soldiers.
As the spiritual leaders of their tribes, priests of Grashua usually form close ties with other tribal leaders. They bless troops, foretell the best course of action, and sanctify homes. Most rites are basic, and somewhat savage. Live sacrifices are involved in many major ceremonies.
History/Relationships
Northern legend holds that Grashua was once a great chieftain of the northern tribes who amassed such wealth and power that he could not be killed. He arose from anonymity as a common ork, and bound the tribes of the north together under his brutal rule. After years of raids to the south, Grashua tired of ‘easy’ conquest of the soft Human and Khadra, and lusted for the challenge that could only come from fighting his peers. He abandoned the goblinoids of the north, and took to the heavens to fight the gods. After his ascension, the great tribe of the north collapsed into anarchy, but the legend of the great chieftain lived on, and became religion.
Dogma
The exact goals of Grahsua’s loosely organized church are hard to fathom, but the goals of his priests remain similar. Each priest of Grashua lusts for power more than the last; Power for himself, and for his tribe.
Grashua teaches that strength is power, and that those who are able, should take that power.
Church/Priesthood
The main duty of a cleric of Grashua is to oversee the safety of the tribe. In such role, they often disagree with tribal leaders as to the best course of action. Safety, in an Ork’s mind, is relevant. For example, wiping out a neighboring tribe for no other reason than the fact that they may some day grow strong enough to do the same to you presents a high degree of safety. There are still times when the priests must speak out against a tribal warlord. Only a priest may do so freely, for tradition states that Grashua protects them from harm.
Since most Ork and Goblin tribes are nomadic, no established churches of Grahsua exist. A priest of Grashua carries all that he needs to minister his tribe with him. A curiosity of Grashua’s faith is that only a priest may pray to him, for they are shielded from his wrath. A common orc or goblin will ask the priest to include them in his prayers, with the belief that the great Chieftain will hear his servant, and return with the god’s tidings. This gives a priest tremendous power within their tribe.
A priest of Grashua typically dresses in furs, adorned with bone. They wear trophies of their kills, and the victories of the tribe in the form of captured clothing, armor, and jewelry. They pray for their spells before dawn. Grashua’s priests are often referred to by the tribe as part shaman, part mystic, and part healer. They are called the ‘Voice’ of Grashua by their followers.
"By Grashua's might I have defeated al of your champions and now kneel to me. By his power, I will lead us to war and to victory!"
Religions
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
Children
Bloody Coin
Main Temple
Garg
Portfolio
Battle, Orks, Self-Sufficiency, Trickery
Domain
War
Head of Priesthood
None
An Ork Priest of Grashua