Orcish deity of non-badness

[Matthias]

I'd like to know if there's any published description of an orcish deity that, unlike the rest of the pantheon, is good-aligned (or at least non-evil) from any edition of D&D. If not a deity ruling orcs, then perhaps one that rules over goblinoids, or (if necessary) humanoids in general...

 

[Kwitchit]

AFAIK no. I have good-aligned Orcs worship Kord. If they're neutral, they can still worship Gruumsh.

However, if you want a LOT of good Orcs, you could always have an Orcish subcult who worship Kord- but under a different name, and believing that he is an Orc.

 

[smootrk]

Just don't make a new one that is the 'good' twin of another prominent Orcish deity. Way, way, way, overdone concept, just usually the reverse.

 

[Moorcrys]

In first edition at the back of Unearthed Arcana (and before that found in a dragon magazine though I don't know which #), there are a number of demi-human deities listed including a list for Orcs. Theres a deity there named Luthic (known by Orcs as the Cave Mother) who is lawful evil with neutral tendencies... thats as close as I can find.

According to the book: "She is the goddess of female orcs, orcish fertility (more so for females, Gruumsh is the male fertility god), caves and caverns, servitude (as she serves Gruumsh), and primitive medicine, and she also helps to restore orcish morale."

and...

"...other orcish gods and goddesses fear her great claws, which are so strong they can tunnel through solid rock."

It also states that she's primarily a female orc deity, but that males will worship her for her 'ferocity and healing powers.'

That's a place to start anyway.

 

[Tiberius]

I LOVED that appendix. The orc creation story was really well-done. The deity that really stuck with me, and I have no idea why, is that evil neuter giant albino badger gnome god. Nergal, perhaps? No, he's Sumerian. Now I need to go find my UA.

 

[Delta]

You mean Urdlen (to last poster).

 

[Ambrus]

Both Luthic and Urdlen are updated to third edition in the Forgotten Realms book 'Faiths and Pantheons'. They even include illustrations for them, including Urdlen's giant albino mole form and Luthic's wicked looking sickle-like claws. The rest of the orcish pantheon is likewise featured.

 

[Nightfall]

My advice,

Have the tribe of Orcs worship one of the Celestial Paragons. It will save you some hassles.

 

[Matthias]

Yeah, I have that book (Faiths & Pantheons); it's really good. I use that book, Complete Divine, BOVD, BOED, and Deities & Demigods to fill out the pantheons in the campaign world of mine that needs the non-evil orc deity.

I may yet "promote" the paragons and archfiends to divine status as well... <grin>

 

[Magesmiley]

I seem to recall one from Mystara, Karaash I think, who might fight the bill. His followers were mostly warriors and whatnot. I think he'd probably fit as a LN orc deity. A quick hop over to the Vaults of Pandius (Mystara's website) and I found this:

Personality: even if he was an orc in his mortal life, Karaash doesn't make preferences among his followers. He wants to be recognised as the supreme deity of all humanoids who consider the way of the warrior as the true proper lifestyle. Karaash embodies the perfect warrior and shrewd leader: he is utterly stern with all his followers and encourages them not to give into fits of rage, to dominate their emotions in order to fight more efficiently. He is a great strategist and keen tactician, and he loves in particular those leaders who are able to build a strong nation based on military conquest after a well planned campaign. Karaash however doesn't care about moral codes or rules: the important is to win over one's enemy no matter how.

D&D 3E stats:
Domains: Thought, War, Strength
Preferred weapon: 2-handed sword