Grynza

The Matriarch of Strife

Shaped by hardship during The Age of the Planar Conflict, Grynza embodies endurance and survival through shear strength, and on a surface level this with is very similar to the faith of Azzazel. The difference lies at the driving force of their Ethos, where Azzazel endures because he must, Grynza endures because she can, because she is stronger than anyone else, demanding ever more gruesome displays of endurance from her worshipers. Those that cannot endure are weak, and as such are only fit to serve those who can, to be used as servants or game, providing sport, practice, and sustenance for the more powerful.
She resides in the Marshes of Mirage, a place dominated with voracious predators and deadly flora. This Intermediate Plane is a crucible in which everything has evolved to survive and kill, the natural process seemingly greatly accelerated. In this place Grynza was instilled with her powers, becoming the embodiment of this most deadly of all the inner-planes.
Grynza's faith is ruthless, but effective, her most divine warriors, the Lizardfolk completely encapsulate her ever lingering drive for personal strength. And all Lizardfolk have acknowledged Grynza as their better, becoming her unbreakable, ever-loyal warriors, ensuring no-one unworthy shall enter the Marshes of Mirage. Few have stood and surviced against the might of Grynza's warriors, and none have done so on their home turf.
Since their conception, and the forming of the Gates of Binding these cold-blooded warriors have repelled many Demonic Incursions, every failed attempt honing the skills and powers of the Lizardfolk. And with Grynza rewarding especial bold displays of brutality. As such many of the oldest of these warriors match the most powerful of demons in power and ferocity.

The Faith: Grynza's Exalted

Following the simple truth of Grynza: "The weak are only fit to serve the Strong" these Exalted have become masters in the art of combat, favoring brutality and raw strength as well as finesse, with the most powerful of these devout warriors also possessing a sharp mind, as knowing which fights to pick is equally as important as a great strength.
These warriors use their combat prowess mostly furthering their own goals and increasing their strength, all while paying respects to the most powerful being of all, Grynza. As such these Exalted are renowned as brutal bounty hunters, and uncanny trackers. They also serve as a force protecting against Demons, as the Exalted see these fiends as the arch-foe of their goddess.

The Temples to Grynza

Not commonly found in civilization due to their somewhat savage tendencies, these temples are overseen by a champion, a warrior devoted to Grynza who has proven themselves stronger than the previous champion, claiming his title. This has the consequence that everyone hypothetically can claim this title by challenging the existing champion in a ritualistic manner. The main room of the temple serves as an arena, where capable warrior fight each-other in a ritualistic manner to hone their skills, but sometimes to the death. The temple generally features a sacrificial shrine, which is often part of the arena, but especially on larger Temples is placed in a special room. The rest of the Temple provides shelter for the Exalted.
These shrines often adhere to a more natural decor, reminiscent of the Swamps where Grynza resides, in a few occasions still living trees make-up a part of the structure. Those that call the Temple their home use it's walls to display their trophies.

Aspects of the Religion:
Structure: Communities on the fringes of society.
Activities: Warriors for Hire, Hunting down demon incursions, Actively hunt down Yuan-Ti
Religious Gesture: With closed fists, cross you underarms in front of your chest, then bow from the waist.
Mantra: Empowered by everlasting vigor, molded by Strife, we are Grynza's Divine Warriors.

Relations

Because of her role in the downfall of Hogesh, Grynza and her Exalted are targeted by Hogesh and his schemes, and it's not uncommon for the Exalted to run into trouble caused by the Sleepers. They do welcome these challenges however, as they pose a new challenge.
Diplomacy Diagram not available

Empowered by everlasting vigor, shaped by Strife, we are Grynza's Exalted.

Overseeing the Struggles of those that serve her, Grynza and her indomitable Lizardfolk guard the Marshes of Mirage, and the Gate of Suffering.

Name: Grynza
Ally: None
Nemesia: Hogesh
Domains: Nature, Tempest and War
Core Concept: Survival and Perseverance
Divine Symbol: A female Face adorned with Snakes
Alignment: NE

Alternative Names

Grynza's Exalted.