Jormungandr, The Guardian Serpent

The Guardian Serpent, The Great Protector, The World Serpent

Jormungandr is the massive snake-like minor god that protects the World Tree and has become the symbol of protection for those who venerate the Lords of Steel. Jormungandr is commonly depicted as a massive serpent, covered in thick scales and glowing runes. Jormungandr is the patron of those who fight to protect, whether that be to protect a place, people, or cause. It also teaches the importance of duty and fulfilling sworn obligations.

There are three main groups that worship Jormungandr. Lizardfolk and Serpentfolk make up the largest group of worshippers, and many see the god as a sort of guardian to those races. There are also a number of human and orc tribes that worship it as their patron as well. The final category is made up of different kobolds and dragons who worship Jormungandr for its connection the linnorms and dragons. The followers of the Lords of Steel who choose Jormungandr as their central patron are typically those focused on protection such as royal guards, town watchmen, and those who watch over sacred locations. Devout followers of Jormungandr have a reputation for being honest, loyal, and committed to fulfilling any oaths they make.

Jormungandr's role in the Army of the Gods is to protect the World Tree until the Army is ready for the final battle. While some of its most powerful followers also directly assist in this task, the majority focus on protecting the rest of mortal life, so that new warriors can continue to be born and join the Army of the Gods. Warriors who follow Jormungandr learn a defensive fighting style that involves using a shield to protect oneself and attempting to act as an immovable wall, halting enemy advance. These warriors are typically used to protect the flanks of an army, guard important positions, and break enemy charges.

Divine Domains

Jormungandr controls the Divine Aspects of Water, Protection, Wyrmkin, and Zeal.

Artifacts

Few have faced Jormungandr in battle and survived, but those who have faced it, and who were found to be worthy were each granted scale by Jormungandr. The scales of Jormungandr are powerful artifacts that can be used to create incredibly durable armors and shields, or used to fuel powerful protective wards. The scales also radiate a powerful aura of truth, and an oath sworn on a scale of Jormungandr is said to be unbreakable.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

A snake wrapped around a tree is the most common symbol of Jormungandr. This symbol is also commonly used as a prayer for protection, where instead of a tree the snake is depicted as circling around an effigy of whatever the follower wants kept safe. Many followers were the symbol of Jormungandr, or others symbols related to protection engraved on their shields or armor. Some also choose to have the symbol directly tattooed on their skin.

Tenets of Faith

Followers of Jormungandr are expected to follow the set of codes that all followers of the Lords of Steel are to abide by, the Honorlaws. Jormungandr also has several additional Honorlaws its followers are to obey. These laws are designed to both instruct followers on how to live proper lives, and protect them from those who would take advantage of their loyalty.

The first is the Oath of Honesty. Followers of Jormungandr are expected to be honest at all times. Oaths can only be just when all parties have a full understanding of the terms being made, and as such, an oath built on lies is a false oath.

The second law is the Oath of Loyalty. Followers of Jormungandr are to obey the commands of their rightful leaders, and have faith that they will do what is best. Any follower that swears and oath is expected to work towards fulfilling it, until the oath has either been completed, or until the one they swore the oath to releases them from service. Treason and betrayal are believed to be the most heinous crimes by Jormungandr, and any follower who violates their oaths will have their blessings revoked and shall be marked as an oathbreaker.

The third law is the Oath of Protection. When not bound in service to another specific cause, followers of Jormungandr are expected work in service of the Oath of Protection. This is an oath to protect the innocent, and to work against the enemies of life and order. They are to seek out people and places in need of a shield, and to be the shield that protects them. While most followers of Jormungandr find a specific person, or people to dedicate themselves to, some choose to serve of Oath of Protection throughout their lives, travelling form place to place helping wherever they are needed.

Divine Classification

Minor God

Alignment

Lawful Neutral

Realm

Valhalla

Church/Cult

The Lords of Steel