Kaelos, The Shattered God of War

Basics:

• Domains: War, Glory, Conflict

• Symbol: A broken sword wrapped in flames.

• Appearance: Kaelos is depicted as a massive, imposing figure with green skin and coarse, dark hair. His body is covered in scars and wounds that never fully heal, and he wields a jagged, broken sword. His eyes burn with the fires of eternal battle, and his roar is said to shake the very earth itself.

Lore & Mythology:

Kaelos was once a proud god of honor and combat, but after being injured by the Fallen One in a fierce battle during the divine rebellion, his form was forever shattered. Now, he represents the chaotic nature of war, where honor is often forgotten, and only survival matters. His following rose to prominence after his brutal defeat, as mortals recognized that glory in battle often comes at great cost.

Despite his fall, Kaelos continues to grant power to those who seek victory at any cost, and many warriors offer him prayers before going into battle, seeking both his blessing and his fury to overcome their enemies.

Orc legends say that Kaelos created the first orcs from the blood-soaked earth of a great battlefield. As such, orcs are considered his favored warriors, blessed with immense strength and a fierce desire for combat. They are driven by a primal urge to prove their worth in battle and to honor Kaelos with their victories.

Worship:

Worship of Kaelos is both chaotic and bloody. Warriors, gladiators, and mercenaries offer him blood sacrifices before battles, often cutting their palms or marking themselves with the blood of animals as tribute. Temples to Kaelos are rough stone structures, often adorned with weapons and trophies taken from the battlefield.

• Daily Worship: Followers of Kaelos offer blood sacrifices before entering combat, seeking his strength and fury. They may pray while sharpening weapons or repairing armor.

• Festivals:

- The Red Reckoning: A violent and bloody festival where warriors engage in ritual combat to honor Kaelos. It is common for cities to hold tournaments or mock battles where combatants fight for honor, wealth, or fame.

- Day of Fire: A day of remembrance where warriors light bonfires and burn offerings of weapons and armor to signify their devotion to Kaelos. The flames symbolize both destruction and rebirth through conflict.

Boons & Curses:

• Boons: Kaelos grants strength, ferocity, and unyielding resolve to those who honor him in battle. His chosen warriors often feel no pain during combat, becoming unstoppable forces of destruction.

• Curses: Those who fail in combat or betray their comrades are cursed with cowardice and fear, unable to ever fight without trembling. In extreme cases, Kaelos may cause their weapons to break or their armor to fall apart at crucial moments.

Fun Facts:

• Shattered Sword: Kaelos’ broken sword is said to have fallen to the mortal realm, and many orc warriors quest to find its pieces, believing the one who restores it will gain ultimate power and become the champion of their god.

• Fallen Warriors: Kaelos is said to collect the souls of fallen warriors, giving them endless combat in the afterlife. Many orcs who die in battle believe they will join his eternal war, fighting alongside their god for all eternity.