Gurzthrak, the Deathbringer
Weapon (battleaxe), artifact (requires attunement by an orc)
Forged by Gond and empowered by Gruumsh, Gurzthrak is the sacred Axe of the Orc-Lords - a weapon born of divine wrath and orcish destiny. It is not merely a weapon, but a test of worth: only a true orc may wield its full power. To others, it is heavy, dull, and dead - its edge refusing to bite. To elves, it is poison; the axe burns their flesh upon contact, forcing them to drop it as though it scorns their touch.
The axe is forged from a dark, near-black metal said to have been quenched in the blood of titans. Orcish runes crawl across the blade’s surface, glowing faintly when gripped by one of true orcish blood. Its handle is wrapped in the deep crimson leather of an ancient dragon's hide, and its pommel takes the form of a triangular eye - a reflection of Gruumsh’s own surrounded by jagged bony protrusions that mimic a sunburst of bone.
Weapon Properties
You gain a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic battleaxe. While attuned to Gurzthrak, you are considered proficient with it even if you lack the required weapon proficiency.
This weapon is only magical when attuned by an orc. If touched by a non-orc, the weapon becomes inert. If touched by an elf, the wielder must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 4d6 fire damage and immediately drop the weapon.
Features (Orc Attunement Only)
Chosen of Gruumsh
When wielded or worn openly by an attuned orc, Gurzthrak grants advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) and Charisma (Intimidation) checks made to influence other orcs. This applies to any tribe, clan, or bloodline that recognizes the axe’s legend—which includes nearly all traditional orcish cultures.
In moments of formal parley or dispute, presenting Gurzthrak counts as irrefutable proof of authority, granting the wielder precedence in orcish negotiations, war councils, and ritual duels.
Lore Note: In orcish culture, refusing a bearer of Gurzthrak the right to speak is a grave dishonor—one that may call for immediate challenge or blood compensation. Even enemies may pause to hear the wielder's words, for fear of divine reprisal from Gruumsh himself.
Orcish Fury
When you hit a creature with a melee attack using Gurzthrak, you may choose to deal an additional 2d6 damage of the same type.
You may use this ability a number of times equal to your Strength modifier (minimum 1), regaining all uses after a short or long rest.
Gruumsh’s Endurance
While attuned, you gain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical weapons.
In addition, when you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you may choose to drop to 1 hit point instead. Once you use this feature, it cannot be used again until you finish a long rest.
Gruumsh’s Blessing
As an action, you may invoke the wrath of Gruumsh to steel your body. You gain temporary hit points equal to your level + your Constitution modifier (minimum of 1). These last for 1 hour or until depleted.
This ability may be used once per long rest.
Unbridled Fury
Once per long rest, you may use an action to unleash Gurzthrak’s full divine fury. All enemies within 30 feet of you must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. Frightened creatures may repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns.
While this aura of fury persists, the area around you is filled with the sound of distant war drums and the faint shimmer of ghostly orcish warriors.
Legacy of the Axe (Optional Progression Mechanic)
To represent a wielder's progression toward gaining Gurzthrak’s full might, the following tiered awakening can be used:
Dormant: +1 weapon, Orcish Fury only.
Awakened: +2 weapon, unlocks Gruumsh’s Blessing and Gruumsh’s Endurance.
Exalted: +3 weapon, all features unlocked including Unbridled Fury.
Gruumsh himself judges the wielder’s worthiness, and the final tier may only be unlocked through great deeds, such as uniting tribes, slaying a legendary foe, or invoking the god directly.