Grod, The Hammer-Singer
“Let the song of the hammer ring loud, and the shield be raised for those who cannot.”
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Realm of Influence: The Material Plane (Primarily Somnuria)
Current Status: Patron God of Orcs, Guardian of the Seven Eye Federation, Husband of Ayo Jabe, and Best Friend to Drakh
Art of Grod
Summary
Grod is a chaotic good god who reigns over the material plane, particularly revered among the orcish peoples of Somnuria. Once a Skald—a bard-barbarian of remarkable heart and terrifying presence—he rose to prominence in the final days of the Third Age. As a mortal, Grod unified fractured orc tribes, protected those in pilgrimage with Sissy Ontario and Drakh, and served as a loyal companion to rising deities such as Ceslida, Ansil, and Oog. Despite his brutish strength and lack of wit, Grod's heart was always in the right place.
His marriage to Ayo Jabe, a divine champion of orc culture and strength, cemented his influence in orc governance. It was Ayo who carried the God’s Eye, one of the Seven Eye Artifacts central to orc leadership. Their love was legendary—a sacred partnership that influenced generations of tribal leaders. Grod’s role is not only spiritual but foundational to orcish politics, ritual, and memory.
Grod now watches over Somnuria from the spiritual plane of the Material Realm. He is honored as the guardian of the orcish soul, patron of champions, and protector of the weak. Songs sung to him are often boisterous, humorous, or rowdy—reflecting his nature and the joy he brought to battle and brotherhood.
In all orcish faiths and rituals, Grod is honored through strength used to protect, song shared among kin, and humility in the face of wisdom. His temples double as feast halls, rallying points, and arenas where the past is remembered and the future is trained.
Tenets of Grod
Shield the Weak – Power is for the protection of others, not the oppression of them.
Honor Kin and Kinship – Loyalty to tribe, family, and chosen bonds is sacred.
Celebrate Life Loudly – Feasts, stories, and songs are sacred acts.
Live Boldly, Die Gloriously – Cowardice dishonors the breath you were given.
Humility is Strength – Even the strongest must learn to listen, apologize, and forgive.
Summary of Orc Society
Orc society in Kol, especially across the continent of Somnuria, is ancient, complex, and deeply spiritual—despite the many stereotypes cast upon it by outsiders. Built on the principles of honor, tradition, and kinship, the orcs trace their cultural foundations to the heroic era of Grod and Ayo Jabe, whose union laid the groundwork for the modern Seven Eye Federation. Orc society values both individual strength and communal responsibility, with each member expected to contribute to the prosperity of their clan and tribe. Unlike many surface cultures, orc society does not view strength as mere physical might—it also encompasses wisdom, storytelling, survival, faith, and healing.
The spiritual heart of orc society beats in rhythm with Grod’s teachings, but it is far from monolithic. Orcs are highly polytheistic and respect many gods—especially those of nature, battle, stars, and justice. Grod, Ceslida, Mekhila, and Drakh are some of the most venerated among the pantheon. While Grod remains the most widely worshipped, the Golden Clemency plays an outsized role in the educational, scholarly, and custodial aspects of orc life. They safeguard divine relics, provide divination services, and maintain the sacred traditions of the Aramenté, the rite of pilgrimage that determines the bearer of the God’s Eye artifact.
This structure of spirituality supports a unique social hierarchy. There are six ruling tribes, each governed by a chieftain who replaces one of their eyes with an artifact—three hold Beherits, and three hold Ciphers. The seventh and final artifact, the God’s Eye, is not reserved for a tribal leader but is awarded to a champion through trial. This balance of inherited leadership and earned honor is core to orc values. The most renowned champion to ever hold the God’s Eye was Pale Bear, an adopted albino kenku who became a living legend through his humility, valor, and dedication to the Federation.
Cultural expression thrives in orc society. Music, tattoos, and oral storytelling are essential to preserving their vast and diverse heritage. While other empires build monuments of marble and gold, the orcs etch their legends into their skin, their blades, and their songs. Skalds and shield-singers are seen not only as bards but as sacred archivists, who carry the memories of the past and warnings for the future. Orc society teaches that even in loss, identity is sacred and must be remembered.
Orc Empire in the Age of Ruby
The Seven Eye Federation, once a continent-spanning powerhouse, is the political manifestation of orc unity in the Age of Ruby. At its peak, it ruled all of Somnuria—known in some circles as The Old Lands. These lands thrived under orc stewardship: vast steppes, sacred valleys, thriving forests, and colossal stone temples maintained by warrior-clerics and wise druids. For centuries, the Federation was a patchwork of fierce independence balanced by shared culture, tradition, and divine duty. Each of the six tribes held a seat at the table of war and peace, with the seventh eye reserved for the Aramenté champion who rose above bloodlines to lead as a living example of the orcish ideal.
However, in recent centuries, the Federation has suffered under the unrelenting advance of the Patriciate—the imperialist regime of Gris, now secretly co-opted by the Cult of Ahriman. With clever diplomacy, devastating warfare, and an unshakable industrial engine, the Patriciate has colonized much of Somnuria. Orc cities have been sacked, sacred groves razed, and ancient songs silenced beneath the roar of Patriciate engines and bureaucracies. The occupation is not simply military—it is cultural. The Patriciate forces orcs to assimilate, stripping them of spiritual practices, renaming their towns, and rewriting their histories in imperial archives.
In response, the remaining tribes of the Seven Eye Federation have retreated behind the Womb of the World, a massive and enchanted wall built by Grod and blessed by Ceslida, Auriel, and Oog during the Age of Citrinitas. The wall is not just stone and sigils—it is alive with the divine and the remembered. Behind its barrier, the orcs rebuild, strengthen, and endure. The retreat is not surrender; it is survival, a sacred patience, a gathering of breath before the battle cry. Many believe the Aramenté is preparing to select its next champion—someone who will lead the orcs through a new age of resistance and rekindled strength.
Life behind the wall is one of vigilance, spirituality, and preparation. Stories of Patriciate atrocities fuel revolutionary songs, while the whispers of Black Church agents stir rebellion in towns like Qyn'ki, which rest outside the Federation’s protection. Despite external pressures, the internal unity of the Federation has never been stronger. Orcish youth are raised on legends of Pale Bear, Grod, and Ayo Jabe, and even now, bands of adventurers seek out lost Beherits and Ciphers in the name of restoring their people’s glory. The Age of Ruby may belong to Auriel, but the orcs know that every age is forged in fire, and Grod’s flame has not gone out.
To outsiders, the orcs may appear diminished—but to those who listen closely, the war drums still echo beneath the stone, and the warriors of the Federation are merely waiting for the signal to strike true.
Structure of the Church of Grod
Voice of the Hammer (High Priest/Priestess):
The spiritual head of Grod's church. They are often chosen for their deeds in battle or acts of immense compassion. The Voice of the Hammer leads sermons, oversees the sacred rites of the Seven Eye Federation, and speaks as the divine interpreter of Grod’s will.
Shieldbearers:
These are the clergy responsible for protecting the community. They may be warriors, battle medics, or shamans. Shieldbearers maintain the temples, lead war prayers, and often accompany orc leaders in times of war or negotiation.
Skalds of Grod:
These bards carry oral history, compose the sagas of champions, and lead the musical rituals of the faith. A Skald’s word is often given high weight in legal or cultural disputes. They are also responsible for indoctrinating the youth through story and song.
Chieftain-Blessed:
Local tribal leaders or champions recognized by the Church. They are not necessarily clergy, but their actions uphold the tenets of Grod. These individuals are often gifted a sacred mark or blade by the Church for their role.
Grove Brothers and Sisters:
Lay clergy or non-militant devotees. Many serve in temples, kitchens, or work with the Golden Clemency as intermediaries between orc faith and divine cosmology.
Church of Grod in the Age of Ruby
The Church of Grod has endured with a resilient heart through the Age of Ruby. Though not as politically influential as Ceslida’s Golden Clemency or as secretive as the Black Church, Grod’s followers are deeply woven into the orcish way of life. The Seven Eye Federation, built upon Grod’s teachings and his bond with Ayo Jabe, treats the church as a cultural cornerstone. Even as their empire wanes and foreign powers like the Patriciate press inward, the Church of Grod maintains a steady pulse within the fortified tribes. Grod's chaotic good nature is reflected in the joy, defiance, and deep empathy of his followers.
The orcish retreat behind their legendary walls was not merely strategic—it was spiritual. The magical fortifications are said to be blessed by Grod himself, drawn from ancient roots he planted during his pilgrimage with Drakh and Sissy Ontario. Within these walls, the Church of Grod has focused on preservation. Songs, stories, weapons, and memories are guarded in subterranean vaults, while divine artifacts like the God’s Eye remain in circulation only through great trials. These teachings emphasize that while land may be lost, identity and faith endure.
Despite the decline of orcish dominion in the Old Lands, Grod’s Church remains influential in subtle ways. It cooperates closely with the Golden Clemency and maintains a strong mutual respect for the guardianship of Affwys. There is some tension with more militant branches of the Silver Temple, but these are the exceptions. The Church of Grod champions compassion and protection—especially for those left behind in the wake of the Patriciate’s expansion. As such, many outcast non-orcs also find solace in its teachings.
A quiet rebellion pulses within the Church. While they do not yet declare open war on the Patriciate, many of Grod’s worshippers aid resistance efforts in secret. They smuggle food and supplies to border towns like Qyn'ki, shelter Black Church agents, and help pass forbidden knowledge through bardic chant. The Shield-Singers are increasingly being called upon to awaken old songs—battle songs not heard since the Carcosa Catastrophe. Whether this is prophecy or coincidence is unknown, but the wind that once followed Grod’s footsteps seems to stir again.
Prayers of the Church of Grod
1. Prayer of the Bound Arm
"By my blood, by my arm, by the strength in my howl, Grod, I bind myself to the shield of kin. Let my scars speak for me. Let my back break for the tribe. Let your fire burn in my breath."
This prayer is said before taking oaths or joining battle. It symbolizes sacrifice, loyalty, and unity, embodying the fierce spirit of Grod's teachings. Warriors whisper it as they tighten armor or raise weapons. It is often concluded by clasping forearms with a comrade.
2. Prayer of the Watcher’s Flame
"Grod, whose eyes pierce the dark, who guards the gate and the grove, watch over those who walk without fear. Shine through our blind spots. Burn away deceit and hesitation."
Offered by scouts, guardians, and travelers, this prayer asks for protection and clarity during uncertain journeys. Priests often burn incense or a small fire while reciting it. It is common to hear it at the start of the Aramenté or war patrols.
3. Prayer of the Quiet Strength
"I carry no crown, no staff, no song—but I carry the weight of many. Let my silence thunder. Let my burden be blessed."
This is whispered by those who take on quiet, difficult roles—caretakers, builders, scouts, and elders. It honors Grod’s teachings that not all power is loud or seen. Clerics often speak it while blessing workers or comforting grieving families.
Hymns of the Church of Grod
1. “Strike the Shield, Light the Flame”
This thunderous hymn is performed with rhythmic drum strikes and communal chants. It celebrates Grod's divine fire that burns in the heart of all who fight for kin and justice. The song’s beat builds in tempo, encouraging participation from all listeners, from children to elders. The final verse always ends with a roar in unison. It is considered sacred to perform this song before any major tribal speech, battle, or wedding.
2. “The Path of Grod”
A solemn, melodic hymn sung during funerals or during the Aramenté. Its verses detail Grod’s journeys with Ayo Jabe, his challenges, and his divine rise. The hymn reinforces themes of humility, perseverance, and love. It is often performed with flutes and soft percussion, and can bring a hush over even the most boisterous crowd. Many believe hearing this hymn in dreams is a sign Grod is calling you to destiny.
3. “Bones, Flame, and Roar”
This energetic hymn is associated with festivals and battle celebrations. It calls on Grod’s three blessings: the strength of bones, the power of flame, and the truth in roaring. Sung with wild abandon, it often devolves into dance and friendly sparring. The Church encourages it to be sung with no fear of tone or tune, only spirit. It’s believed Grod prefers it sung imperfectly but joyfully.
Sermons of the Church of Grod
1. “The Roar is Not a Cry, It is a Claim”
This powerful sermon teaches that expressing sorrow or anger is not weakness—it is ownership. Grod teaches us to feel deeply, to roar when broken, and to stand again with pride. Delivered during the Communion of Roars, this sermon empowers the downtrodden and shunned. It reminds orcs and non-orcs alike that their story is not over. Many priests retell Grod’s mortal grief after the death of a brother-in-arms during the Third Age.
2. “Humble Hearts, Mighty Hands”
This sermon is shared during harvest season and before major building projects. It centers on Grod’s view that strength comes from service, and greatness from humility. It recounts how Grod once gave up a crown to carry a wounded elder across a desert. The sermon emphasizes that bards, builders, warriors, and even fools have sacred roles. Grod, it says, smiles brightest at those who do not ask to be seen.
3. “Burn Bright, Burn True”
This sermon is often told to youth on the cusp of adulthood or warriors before taking command. It warns of false ambition, manipulation, and empty power. Grod’s fire is meant to warm others, not consume them. Speakers often draw symbols in ash and light candles as they tell of Grod’s rise with Ayo Jabe. It ends with a call: “Let your fire light the path of others, not cast their shadows.”
