Deep in the dawn of time, the Elder Ones created the races of the multiverse, first the gods and in turn, the people. And, the gods gathered the divided up the lands. When the lot fell upon the orcs to be exiled into the wastelands, Gruumsh declared that the elvish gods had cheated, for he desired to slay Corellon Larethian. And, indeed, while it has never been proven, evidence exists implicating the elvish power.

But, Gruumsh was not always the chief deity of the orcs. For, the original orc pantheon consisted of three couples - Gruumsh and Luthic, Kislova and Wisuth, and Ravnost and Nikodalus. Evil, good, and neutrality. In those days, Kislova and Wisuth, the good deities, led the orcs, who free of the over-reaching pride of the elves, the coldness of the dwarves, the folly of the gnomes, the laziness of the halflings and the pettiness of the humans, were the beloved of creation. And the orcs were at that time popular with the other races, save only the elves. The heart of the orcish race beat strong and pure, symbolized by the great gem in the heart of Kislova's realm. Ambitious, evil Gruumsh one day whispered to someone with interests in weakening the orcs, how much better things would be if he were in charge. And with a little help, Gruumsh overthrew his betters, slaying Ravnost, crippling Nikodalus, and working black magics to corrupt the great gem that held the heart of the orcish race. This black and twisted piece of dagger-glass and searing metal rests deep in Nishrek today, seared by the black work of Gruumsh's most fanatic disciples. Today, the orcs are the culmination of Gruumsh's thousand thousand years of twisting. Nearly forgotten, the good orcish powers are fading. Remembered and venerated on a very few Prime worlds, the realms of these once noble powers are slowly overcome in floods of tears.

AoC: Light, kindness, mercy, growth, life, love, family

AL: NG

WAL: Any good

Symbol: White rose framed by the rising sun

Home P/L/R: Elysium/Eronia/Rememberance of Truths Long Past

AoC: Justice, courage, honor, war

AL: LG

WAL: LG

Symbol: Orc in white armour bearing white shield and sword

Home P/L/R: Mt. Celestia/Solania/Reclamation of Honour

AoC: Joy, friendship, art, creativity

AL: CG

WAL: Any good

Symbol: A swirl of festive colors

Home P/L/R: Arborea/Olympus/Joys Unforgotten

AoC: Love, beauty, fire, passion, animals, children

AL: CG

WAL: Any good

Symbol: Silhouette of an orc maiden kneeling in prayer

Home P/L/R: Beastlands/Brux/Passion Unquenched

AoC: Wisdom, trancendence, science, knowledge, journeys

AL: LG

WAL: Any good

Symbol: Crossed hands bearing the glyph for 'orc'

Home P/L/R: Bytopia/Shurrock/Wisdom Rekindled

AoC: Family, protection, war, children, age, stories, cripples

AL: NG

WAL: Any good

Symbol: A fat elderly orc warrior missing one hand and with a severed leg

Home P/L/R: Elysium/Eronia/Peace of Kinship

AoC: Diplomacy, understanding, trade, politics

Symbol: White circle with seven different gems

Chris "Orc-Friend" Nichols

© C. D. Nichols 1997