Kord
The Brawler, God of Storms, God of Strength, Lord of Thunder, Lord of the Fist, Patron God of Athletes, the Storm Fury, the Iron Bull
God of athletics, strength, storms, and competition.
Kord is an unusual god in many ways. He is considered the most headstrong god in the pantheon, and certainly the most mercurial. He pursues his passions first and ponders the consequences later (if ever).
Kord’s aspect usually appears in the midst of a large or important athletic competition, although sometimes he appears just before an epic battle. When he appears, he inevitably is male with impressive muscles rippling across his arms, chest, and legs. He is bald with a weather-beaten and scarred face, although he most often seems to be laughing, smiling, or cracking jokes. Kord’s avatar appears in the mortal world more often than that of any other god, and as a result he is well recognized.
Despite his love of competition and contests of athletic prowess, Kord also understands fairness and honor. When his aspect appears in physical form, he never issues challenges, knowing full well that few mortals could hope to beat him – such a competition would be neither fair nor interesting for either participant. On the other hand, if someone challenges Kord, he will accept. He also eagerly accepts limitations and restrictions to the contest, especially if this gives him more opportunities to compete. He might, for example, enter a fistfight while blindfolded, or enter a wrestling bout with one hand tied behind his back. Interestingly enough, Kord’s avatar has lost matches on occasion. When he loses, he inevitably handsomely rewards the victor and celebrates the match.
Many people call upon Kord or pray to him. His name is often foremost on the lips of athletes, gladiators, and warriors of all kinds. They seek his favor, his blessings, and an opportunity to earn some glory. They also offer thanks to the God of Strength for their successes and natural talents.
At the same time, many people pray to Kord in hopes of appeasing the God of Storms. Sailors, pilgrims, merchants, farmers, and adventurers all ask for protection from storms. They seek to appease the god’s turbulent anger; when Kord rages, the skies seethe with thunder, lightning, and powerful winds. Much like the storm, once it ends, Kord’s temper disappears with shocking suddenness, and all is right once more.
It is also worthwhile to remember that one aspect of Kord ties directly into the ferocity and savagery of the storm. He can be fickle and moody, just like a storm.
Divine Domains
Strength, Athletics, Sports, Brawling, Courage, Chaos, Good, Luck, Strength, Tempest, War, competition, thunder, storms, battlefield prowess
Holy Books & Codes
The Manual of Puissant Strength: Although some priests of other faiths debate whether Kord can even read or write, Kord’s worshippers adhere to the teachings of The Manual, a slim book filled with training methods, advice, and techniques for gaining strength, speed, and ability. Many groups, not just followers of Kord, consider it a useful tool.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Storms of every type and size are considered signs of Kord’s wrath or displeasure. If you are on a vessel at sea or traveling into the face of an oncoming storm, your best hope is to pray to Kord for mercy and a small measure of protection.
Kord also offers signs of his blessings through sudden bursts of strength or speed, especially at times of great need or when victory is just in sight. On the field of battle, warriors speak of “Kord’s gift” in the form of a rush of renewed energy even after hours of combat. In almost every story, the individual receiving the blessing describes a sense of euphoria and invincibility that is unequalled. Those blessed with Kord’s gift are able to fight through agonizing pain, ignore grievous wounds, overcome tremendous obstacles, and defeat younger or stronger foes.
Individuals who choose to cheat or compete dishonorably, on the other hand, have sometimes experienced Kord’s curse. His curse manifests as sudden bouts of nausea, fatigue, or dizziness. The person’s muscles cramp up and he feels unable to continue.
Their symbol is a broadsword gripped in a fist, with a lightning hilt.
Their favored weapon is Kelmar (Greatsword).
Tenets of Faith
Be strong, but do not use your strength for wanton destruction. Strength (and other forms of athletic prowess) is considered an indicator of worth in Kord’s eyes. He encourages his followers to pursue physical perfection in one or more forms, whether involving warfare or athleticism. Kord teaches the value of building strength and vitality at all life stages.
At the same time, strength is a gift that should be used for honorable purposes. Just because you are strong or powerful does not give you any rights or privileges. If you waste your strength on pointless violence, needless cruelty, or dishonorable ways, you have squandered the gift and are unworthy. Kord has no problem with violence or conflict; these concepts stand at the foundation of his beliefs. Kord does, however, refute the use of violence for its own sake, or using it against those of lesser talent and skill. Besting a weakling or beating a helpless victim is unworthy of true competitors.
Be brave and scorn cowardice in any form. Defeat, although unpleasant, teaches many lessons – perhaps more than victory teaches. How you face defeat is more important than how you face success. If you surrender, flee, or give up in the face of obstacles, you have failed far worse than simple defeat. In Kord’s eyes, courage is another kind of strength, a form of strength worthy of recognition and respect. Cowardice, regardless of its form, deserves nothing but scorn.
Prove your might in battle to win glory and renown. Although the term “battle” often refers to actual combat, it also refers to any form of competition – a sporting event, surviving in the wilderness, or even raising a crop. A challenge (a physical challenge, that is) represents the purest way to demonstrate your abilities and skill. You should seek out physical challenges and take every opportunity to prove yourself. Once you find success, take joy in it and allow others to take note, so that they may follow your good example.
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