Gruumsh, God of Destruction: The Ruiner (CE)

“Maul the weak, rip and tear until only warm blood is left. The only thing beneath you is the ground you walk on, and the only thing above you is the sky you will shred. The only thing that matters is the next kill. The space between blade and neck.” - Words spoken by a follower of Gruumsh while in a battle frenzy.

Culture Names

Culture	Name	Title	Pronouns	Group
Alonian (Tallman) Generic	Gruumsh	The Ruiner	He/Him	The Defiant Gods
Asteni (Tallman) Italian	Vesanus	The Master of Carnage	He/Him	Gli Dei Sfidanti (The challenging gods)
Dal (Tallman) Hispanic	Destrus	The Harbinger of Annihilation	He/Him	Los Desafiantes (The challengers)
Duir (Dwarven) German	Zerstorungs	The One Eyed	He/Him	Die Gegner (The opposers)
Dwelmer (Dwarven) Nordic	Fenrir	The Devourer of Realms	He/Him	Vanróg Gudar (Deifying gods)
Eldar (Elven) Elven	Xyrsylvar	The Fey Eater	He/They/It	Vaiar (Tyrants)
Eldarin (Elven) Japanese	Kurai	The Annihilator of Worlds	He/Her/It	Akugami (Evil deities)
Mularir (Tallman) Greek	Aporia	The Lord of Ruin	He/Her/They	Thymo theoí (Wrath gods)
Yotunn (Dwarven) Giant	Ragndyr	The Maelstrom Of Fury	He/Him	Gegn Guir (The Gods against)

Extra Titles

The Unstoppable Force: Gruumsh, God of Chaos The Fury of One Eye: Gruumsh, God of Wrath The Wild Destroyer: Gruumsh, God of Annihilation The Frenzied Beast: Gruumsh, God of Savagery

Commandments

• Ruin. Ravage. Kill.
• The weak exist to be crushed by the strong. Be the strong.
• There are no emotions but fury and joy. The rest are weakness.

Porfolio

1. Destruction: Gruumsh embodies the primal force of destruction, reveling in chaos and the dismantling of order.
2. Force: He represents raw physical power and brute force, empowering his followers to crush their enemies and dominate through sheer strength.
3. Wrath: Gruumsh embodies unbridled rage and fury, fueling the orcish berserkers and warriors in their relentless pursuit of conquest and vengeance.
4. Demons: He commands legions of demons and fiends, using them as instruments of destruction and chaos to sow discord and devastation across the realms.
5. Savagery: Gruumsh encourages savage and brutal tactics in warfare, advocating for ruthless aggression and relentless pursuit of victory.
6. Carnage: He revels in the bloodshed and carnage of battle, delighting in the chaos and destruction wrought by his followers in his name.
7. Orcs: Gruumsh is the chief deity of orcs, shaping their culture and identity as fierce warriors and raiders, instilling them with a thirst for dominance and conquest.
8. Anger: He embodies the primal emotion of anger, teaching his followers to channel their rage into focused aggression and relentless pursuit of their goals.
9. Pillage: Gruumsh encourages his followers to pillage and plunder, seizing what they desire through force and violence, asserting their dominance over weaker foes.
10. Blood: He demands blood sacrifices and offerings from his followers, symbolizing their dedication to his cause and their willingness to spill blood in his name.

Alignment

Chaotic Evil

Symbols

¹

Triangular eye with bony protrusions

²

Single, unblinking eye that bleeds

Avatars

Alonian (Tallman) Generic

They depict him as a hulking behemoth of an orc with his missing eye, lacking a pair since the Great War, has shifted and now central to the face, bearing close resemblance to a cyclops

²

Cleric Domains

Domains
Death
Tempest
War

Religious Practices

Gruumsh, the One-Eyed God, is revered by his followers as the embodiment of destruction, chaos, and savagery. His worshipers seek to emulate his ferocity and power, embracing conflict and conquest as sacred rites. The religious practices associated with Gruumsh are characterized by bloodshed, ritual combat, and displays of strength, reflecting the god’s domains of war and destruction. Devotees of Gruumsh engage in a variety of rituals and ceremonies to honor their deity and seek his favor in battle. These practices serve to reinforce the values of strength, aggression, and dominance that are central to the faith of Gruumsh.

1. Blood Offering: Followers of Gruumsh often perform blood sacrifices as offerings to appease their god. These sacrifices can range from animals to enemies captured in battle. The blood is spilled upon altars ornamented with the one eye dedicated to Gruumsh, symbolizing the destruction and chaos he represents.
2. Warrior Ceremonies: Ritualistic combat and displays of strength are common among the faithful of Gruumsh. Warriors may engage in duels to prove their worthiness or participate in larger battles dedicated to their god. These ceremonies serve to honor Gruumsh through acts of violence and conquest.
3. One-Eyed Vigil: Followers of Gruumsh may hold vigils or ceremonies where priests stab, scar or remove one of their eyes to symbolize their allegiance to the One-Eyed God. During these rituals, they meditate on their dedication to destruction and their readiness to embrace chaos in Gruumsh’s name.
4. Burning of Offerings: In homage to Gruumsh’s fiery temperament and his role as The Ruiner, followers may engage in rituals where part of their spoils of war are set ablaze. These offerings could include symbols of their enemies, representations of obstacles to their goals, or even objects of personal significance.
5. Gor’nash Before embarking on war or raids to intimidate their enemies, devotees of Gruumsh engage in a ritualistic chant known as Gor’nash (war-cry). This frenzied display of strength often mocks their foes, invoking Gruumsh’s favor to instill fear in their enemies’ hearts. With their spirits heightened and their allegiance affirmed, they charge into battle, fueled by the chaotic fury of their god.
6. Pilgrimages to Sacred Sites: Followers of Gruumsh may embark on pilgrimages to places associated with significant battles. These pilgrimages serve as reminders of Gruumsh’s power and the importance of embracing rage and conflict in the world.
7. Tatoos/Scars with Symbolic Imagery: Followers of Gruumsh tattoo or scar themselves with symbols associated with their god, such as the triangular eye with bony protrusions or representations of a bleeding eye, or creating a mark for each life they take. These symbols serve as reminders of Gruumsh’s presence and their commitment to his cause.
8. Feasts of Conquest: Ceremonial feasts are held in honor of Gruumsh following victorious battles or significant acts for the god. These feasts are characterized by extravagant displays of food and drink, with warriors recounting tales of their conquests and offering thanks to their god for his blessings in battle.

Cultural Norms

Those that worship Gruumsh are often characterized by their fierce and aggressive nature, rarely creating civilizations that last long. They are often nomadic or warlike, constantly seeking to expand their territory and prove their strength through conquest. The following cultural norms are commonly associated with societies that revere Gruumsh:

1. Strength and Might: The societies that worship Gruumsh often value physical strength and martial prowess above all else. Warriors are highly esteemed, and acts of bravery and conquest are celebrated. Weakness is viewed with disdain, and individuals are expected to constantly strive to prove their worth through feats of strength and dominance.
2. Hierarchy of Power: Within these societies, there is typically a strong hierarchical structure based on strength and dominance. Those who demonstrate exceptional prowess in battle or leadership often rise to positions of authority and respect. Leadership is often centralized around a strong ruler or warlord who embodies the ideals of Gruumsh.
3. Conflict and Conquest: Warfare and conflict are integral parts of the culture, seen as opportunities to honor Gruumsh through acts of battle and conquest. Battles are fought not only for territorial expansion but also as religious rites to appease their god and demonstrate their devotion.
4. Rituals of Sacrifice: Sacrifice plays a significant role in the religious practices of these cultures. Whether it be blood offerings on altars dedicated to Gruumsh or gruesome sacrifices before battle, the act of giving something valuable, often life itself, is seen as a way to remind themselves to not loose focus on honing their strenght and rage.
5. Valor in Battle and Mockery: Cultures devoted to Gruumsh place immense value on battle, rage, and the joy of conflict. Their mockery of enemies serves not only to instill anger but also to bring them joy, viewing it as a way to showcase their own strength and prowess. Through derisive chants, displays of captured foes in humiliating ways, or acts of psychological warfare, they aim to demoralize their opponents before battle. Moreover, this mockery serves as a reminder to the weak enemies of their failure to conquer their own anger, further weakening their resolve and bolstering the faith of Gruumsh’s followers in their righteous cause.
6. Tattoos and Markings of Triumph: Cultures devoted to Gruumsh distinguish themselves through intricate tattoos and markings that symbolize their connection to their god and their history of conquest. Adorning their bodies, attire, and architecture, these tattoos depict symbols of epic battles, representations of Gruumsh’s iconic symbols, or commemorations of personal or communal victories against formidable foes. Each mark serves as a testament to their devotion to Gruumsh and their dedication to the principles of destruction and chaos. These tattoos are often applied ceremonially, with rituals and rites accompanying the process to imbue the markings with spiritual significance and divine blessing.
7. Rites of Passage: Coming-of-age rituals often involve deadly tests of strength and courage to prove one’s worthiness as a follower of Gruumsh. These rituals may include feats of endurance, combat trials, or quests to demonstrate loyalty and devotion to their deity.
8. Death in Fervor: Followers of Gruumsh view death with fervor, interpreting it as a sign of strength and divine favor. It is seen either as the purging of weak blood from their ranks, strengthening the group, or as the ultimate achievement where the fallen warrior reaches their peak and ascends to join Gruumsh in battle eternal. Fallen comrades are honored not only for their individual valor but also for the contribution their death makes to the strength and unity of the group. Rituals surrounding their passing emphasize this belief, celebrating their transition to a higher plane of existence where they continue to serve their god in eternal conflict.

Political Structures

The few societies that worship Gruumsh are often characterized by their militaristic and aggressive nature, with political structures that reflect their devotion to the god of destruction and chaos. These societies are typically organized around principles of strength, dominance, and conquest, with leaders chosen based on their ability to lead in battle and secure victories for their people. The following political structures are commonly associated with cultures that revere Gruumsh:

1. Warlordism: Many societies devoted to Gruumsh are structured around a system of warlordism, where power is concentrated in the hands of a dominant leader or warlord who has proven their martial prowess and ability to lead in battle. The warlord holds absolute authority and commands the loyalty of their followers through strength and fear.
2. Militaristic Hierarchies: Political structures often mirror military hierarchies, with positions of power and authority determined by an individual’s rank and combat prowess. Leaders are typically chosen based on their ability to lead troops into battle and secure victories for their people, with the strongest and most skilled warriors rising to positions of leadership.
3. Councils of War: In some cultures, decision-making is conducted by councils comprised of seasoned warriors and strategists who advise the ruling warlord or chieftain. These councils may convene to discuss matters of war, conquest, and governance, offering counsel and guidance based on their collective experience and expertise in battle.
4. Tribal Confederations: Some societies worshiping Gruumsh are organized into tribal confederations, where multiple tribes or clans band together under the leadership of a powerful warlord or chief. Each tribe maintains a degree of autonomy, but pledges allegiance to the overall confederation and its leader in times of war and conflict.
5. Feudal Systems: In regions where Gruumsh is worshiped, feudal systems may emerge, with land and resources distributed among vassals who pledge loyalty and military service to a central ruler or warlord. The ruling elite derive their authority from their ability to protect and defend their territories, often relying on military might to maintain control.
6. Divine Monarchies: In cultures where Gruumsh is revered as the ultimate deity, political power may be vested in a divine monarch who is believed to rule by divine right. The monarch is seen as a direct representative of Gruumsh on earth, wielding absolute authority and serving as both a political and religious figurehead for their people.
7. Conquest-Based Expansion: Political structures in Gruumsh-worshiping societies are often driven by a relentless pursuit of conquest and expansion. Rulers and warlords seek to expand their territories through military campaigns, with the ultimate goal of uniting all followers of Gruumsh under a single banner of destruction and chaos.
8. Meritocracy through Combat: Some societies associated with Gruumsh may practice a form of meritocracy where individuals rise to positions of power and influence based on their performance in combat. Those who prove themselves in battle are rewarded with land, titles, and authority, regardless of their social status or background.

Elemental Affinities

Element
Fire
Earth
Darkness
Acid
Poison
Corruption
Cold
Necromancy
Divination
Gravity
Void
Chaos

Home Plane

Gruumsh often resides in his layer of The Abyss and but the god of destruction is known to wander into the Infinite Battlefield of Acheron

Champions

Previous Champions
General Makora, The Unstoppable Butcher

Holidays

Holidays

Blessings

A follower of Gruumsh can gain favor with their deity by proving their strength and prowess in battle, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to destruction and chaos. As they embody the principles of might and savagery, Gruumsh may bestow the following blessings upon them:

Any spell-like abilities granted by these blessings use the character’s spellcasting ability, if the character does not have a spellcasting ability, they can use their highest ability score.

1. Unyielding Might:

   • Gruumsh blesses his followers with enhanced physical strength and endurance, granting them a +3 bonus to their Strength and Constitution scores, reflecting their unwavering resolve in battle.

2. Ferocious Resilience:

   • Those favored by Gruumsh gain a heightened resistance to physical harm, the follower gains resistance to fire damage and damage from non-magical weapons, symbolizing their ability to shrug off blows that would fell lesser warriors.

3. Savage Instincts:

   • Gruumsh infuses his followers with primal instincts honed for battle, granting them advantage on initiative rolls and Dexterity saving throws, allowing them to react swiftly to threats and strike first in combat.

4. Aura of Intimidation:

   • Followers of Gruumsh exude an aura of fear and dominance on the battlefield, causing enemies that start their turn within 10 feet of them to make a Wisdom saving throw of dc 10 + the followers strength modifier or be frightened until the end of their next turn, reflecting the terror inspired by the Ruiner’s wrath.

5. Rage of the Ruiner:

   • Channeling the fury of Gruumsh, once per long rest, his followers can enter a state of demonic rage as a bonus action for 5 turns, doubling their speed, gaining resistance to all damage types except psychic, and dealing an additional 2d6 damage with melee attacks and healing themselves for half the damage dealt, symbolizing the destructive power of the Ruiner unleashed through their strikes.

6. Gaze of Annihilation:

   • Gruumsh bestows upon his followers the ability to focus their gaze with devastating effect. Once per short rest, they can unleash a powerful gaze attack as an action, forcing a creature within line of sight to make a Wisdom saving throw equal to 8 + the follower’s proficiency bonus + their Strength modifier or be paralyzed for 1 minute and take 2d6 psychic damage, as the overwhelming presence of the Ruiner breaks their will and shatters their mind.

7. Warrior’s Boon:

   • Gruumsh empowers his followers with enhanced combat prowess, Once per day, the follower can use the benefits of a long rest instantly, regaining all hit points, spell slots, and abilities, symbolizing the god’s favor in granting them the strength to continue their battles without rest.

8. Inescapable Wrath:

   • Gruumsh’s followers can invoke their deity’s power to pursue their enemies relentlessly. Once per long rest, they can teleport to melee range of a creature they can see or have damaged within the last minute, bypassing any obstacles or magical effects that would prevent their approach, symbolizing the Ruiner’s unyielding pursuit of those who dare to defy him.

Curses

Gruumsh’s followers can invoke their deity’s wrath upon their enemies by cursing them with afflictions that reflect the deity’s domains. As the followers gain favor with Gruumsh, they may gain access to the following curses to unleash upon their foes:

The follower must cast Bestow Curse to invoke their available curses:

1. Curse of Shattered Resolve:
   • The target crumbles under the weight of Gruumsh’s fury, imposing disadvantage on all saving throws for a duration, and giving them vulnerability any damage caused by the follower of Gruumsh, symbolizing the overwhelming power of the Ruiner’s wrath.
2. Curse of Debilitating Agony:
   • Gruumsh inflicts excruciating pain upon the target, causing them to suffer ongoing 2d8 psychic damage at the start of each of their turns for a duration, reflecting the relentless torment wrought by the Ruiner’s wrath.
3. Curse of Fragmented Defense:
   • The target’s defenses falter as Gruumsh disrupts their ability to protect themselves, any armor or shield they are wearing loses its magical properties and their AC is reduced by 2 for a duration, symbolizing the Ruiner’s ability to shatter even the strongest defenses.
4. Curse of Lingering Horror:
   • Gruumsh instills unrelenting terror in the target’s heart, causing them to loose their action and bonus action whenever 5 feet of the follower of Gruumsh, reflecting the paralyzing fear inspired by the Ruiner’s wrath.
5. Curse of Sundered Vitality:
   • Gruumsh drains the life force from the target, causing them to become unnably to regain hit points for the duration and suffer disadvantage on death saving throws, symbolizing the Ruiner’s ability to consume the life energy of his enemies
6. Curse of Chaotic Vulnerability:
   • Gruumsh disrupts the target’s connection to magic, causing them to need to roll a d20 to cast spells, on a 1-10 the spell fails and the target takes 1d6 psychic damage, symbolizing the Ruiner’s ability to sow chaos and discord in the weave of magic.
7. Curse of Shared Rage:
   • Gruumsh fills the target with uncontrollable rage, causing them to attack the nearest creature, friend or foe, symbolizing the Ruiner’s ability to incite violence and chaos in the hearts of his enemies.
8. Curse of Exhaustion:
   • Grummsh saps the target’s strength, roll a 1d4, the target recieves 1 point of exhaustion if the number is odd and 2 points if even, symbolizing the Ruiner’s ability to drain the vitality of his foes. Once this curse is used it cannot be used at the same enemy until they have completed a long rest.

Myths

Creation of Orcs

The Creation of Orcs

During the era of creation, Gruumsh, the Ruiner tried to claim the mountains for himself, but they had already been claimed and the dwarves and giants were already there. Gruumsh tried then to claim the forests, but the elves were already there. Each time he tried to claim a place, he was met with resistance. As the other gods laughed at Grummsh’s failures, and he responded with anger, the god clasped his mighty spear and burned the forests, the mountains, and the rivers. And from the blood of the earth and the hatred of Gruumsh, the orcs were born to pillage and destroy.

Link to original

The wound of Guumsh

Transclude of The-Great-War-(GW)#the-wound-of-gruumsh-god-of-destruction---the-ruiner-ce-gruumsh

Footnotes

1. Pinterest ↩

2. Critical Role Wiki ↩ ↩²