Orc pantheon

The orc pantheon, also known as the Tribe of He Who Watches, was a collection of brutal, cruel deities that ruled over the orc race. The Tribe was dominated by the central drive of the father and chieftain of the pantheon, Gruumsh One-Eye, that being the desire to obtain territory through war, the other orc gods simply reflecting the facets of this primary motivation. All subscribed to a "might makes right" attitude, but while evil and lacking in sophistication, they were nonetheless powerful protectors and advocates for their people.

Organization
The orc pantheon followed a rigid chain of command with Gruumsh at its pinnacle, wielding absolute authority over all other members. However, the relative positions of the gods in this strict hierarchy depended on the shaman speaking, all of which sought to emphasize their own deity's power and glory and sometimes doing so to the point that they almost excluded mention of Gruumsh himself.

Activities
The interests of the various orc gods naturally conflicted with those of their peers. Each sought to make their followers more powerful than those of their peers, as their own power was derived from that of those that revered them. All struggled for power in one way or another, often against each other, but never risking the anger of Gruumsh himself.

Tactics
The various deities of the orc pantheon each served varying purposes in the lives of their followers. Gruumsh created the orcs and had continued to guide their destiny for eons afterwards, aided by the other warrior deities, Bahgtru and Ilneval, who brought strength and cunning respectively to the battlefield. It was these three who made up the patrons of the raiders and ravagers of an orc tribe, often the only part that was ever seen by outsiders, but there were other roles played among the orc gods.

Deep within a tribe's caves dwelt the followers of Yurtrus and Shargaas, whose cults of mystery and death were filled with orcs too weak for straightforward battle. For orcs in such a position to not join one of the two was to open themselves up to daily humiliation, exile, or death. Bridging the dual aspects of orcish life and death were the caretakers of Luthic, who raised orcs into the warrior life from birth and saw them off when it was finally their time to die.

Part of Gruumsh's advantage compared to a god such as Maglubiyet was that he didn't fear betrayal at the hands of his lieutenants. While much of his time was taken up by the eternal struggle against goblinkind, Gruumsh could afford to dedicate comparatively less of it, and still had time for engaging his personal vendettas. Gruumsh directed the war from his iron fortress, sending Bahgtru or Ilneval to command the troops when needed. Often the two warrior gods would aid their petitioners in battle (aid similarly matched by members of the Goblinoid pantheon) but Gruumsh himself would only send an avatar to intervene when needed for a great battle that neither of them could be entrusted with.

Gruumsh's somewhat hands-off approach to his pantheon did have its flaws, however. As their leader it was his responsibility to ensure their survival, something that became harder for reasons that were partially his fault. Allowing his lieutenants to fight amongst themselves saw them taken by surprise and driven into a corner by their enemies, although knowing they were making their last stand made the pantheon fight all the harder.

Base of Operations
The orc pantheon was centralized in Nishrek.

Members

 * Gruumsh One-eye, a greater god of storms and war, and of orcs. He is the leader of the orc deities.
 * Luthic, lesser goddess of fertility, medicine, and orc females; the consort of Gruumsh.
 * Ilneval, lesser god of war strategy, orc cross-breeds, and destruction.
 * Bahgtru, god of brute strength.
 * Shargaas, god of darkness and night, stealth, thieves, and undead.
 * Yurtrus, a feared god of death and disease.