Graous
Major Aspect of Order
The unyielding natural law, harnesing the power of the storm, a titan who balances the world with thunderous justice..
Graous is described as a towering giant, his skin a dark, polished obsidian marked with glowing, intricate patterns of lightning. These patterns are frozen in place, stable and unmoving, mirroring his control over the chaos of the storm. His mane is a swirling mass of living storm clouds, crackling with energy, and his eyes are twin orbs of pure, blinding lightning. His voice resonates like thunder, a deep, powerful rumble. He carries a massive greatsword, forged from storm-touched metal, crackling with raw power. Graous is a tangible manifestation of the storm, a being of immense power and elemental fury.
Graous conquered a powerful force of nature and uses it to establish control. He is impartial to the concerns of mortals, driven by an unwavering commitment to maintain the established order of the natural world, and he will unleash his fury upon those who violate that order, whoever they may be. Graous is a creature of natural law, an unstoppable and unwavering force. He is almost exclusively a destructive force, but one that does not destroy without meaning or reason. Followers of the Tamer of the Storm pray for safe passage through harsh weather, justice for loved ones, or victory in a just war.
Rites
Rite of Vengeance: To call upon Graous for vengeance against a wrong committed against them or a loved one, followers construct an altar with a significant item that is sacrificed as part of the altar, carve the wrongdoer's name, invoke Graous during a storm, and cast the carving into fire or water, vowing to uphold justice; By the faith, Graous would only grant vengeance when it is justified, and when it isn't, the one performed the rite risks Graous' ire.
The Rite of Storm Travel: For safe passage, followers offer sacrifices, mark vessels with Graous's symbol, pray daily, and invoke Graous during storms using a talisman; Graous favors those who respect the power of the storm.
Rite of Victory: To secure victory in a just war, be it for conquest or defence, followers perform war dances, invoke Graous with raised weapons, mark themselves with lightning symbols, and offer spoils.
Celebrations
The Reckoning: An annual festival honoring Graous's judgment, held in autumn when storms are fiercest, featuring a Storm Court for community grievances, a Cleansing Tempest bonfire for symbolic purification, and a Thunder Dance to invoke Graous, with offerings of storm-touched objects and metal.
The Guidance: A navigation season festival seeking Graous's blessing for safe passage, including ship blessings with his symbol, guiding beacon bonfires, and the Navigator's Oath to respect the sea, with offerings of model ships and compasses.
Effigy: These are different forms of effigies used to represent him.
- A towering figure made from lightning-struck dark wood with storm cloud carvings, glowing runes, and obsidian eyes.
- Jagged humanoid shapes made of dark stones with sparkling mineral veins and metal symbols of Graous, typically placed in a high, prominent location.
- Fluid, temporary forms woven from storm-grass, feathers, and leather, with metal charms that produce wind-like sounds, used for rituals.
Domains: Taming of Chaos, War, Vengeance, Conquest.
Legends: In the early days of the world, Graous was a minor deity of war, but he wished more power to establish order. To do so he fought, subdued and took control over an ancient chaotic god of storms, and took his power from him - making Graous the Tamer of the Storm.
Goals: Maintain natural law. Enforce boundaries between realms. Act as an impartial judge of natural order.
Draws Strength From: Feats of bravery and strength for a just cause, worship and reverence for his power, raw natural power of the elements.
Rivels: Wabu - The Storyteller, Diavola - The Crawling Doom
Originating Culture: Duchai.