![[Kord.png|400]] **Lesser Deity** **Alignment**: Chaotic Good ### Overview Kord, known as _The Brawler_, _The Brawling One_, and _The Unflinching Arm_, is the intermediate deity of athletics, sports, brawling, strength, and courage. One of the most powerful and widely worshipped gods of the Suel pantheon, he embodies physical excellence, bravery, competition, and the determination to overcome difficult challenges. His followers believe that strength must be developed through continual effort and that courage is among the greatest qualities an individual can possess. Kord is an energetic, competitive, and pleasure-loving deity who delights in athletic contests, feats of strength, wrestling, and personal combat. He considers competition an essential part of existence and frequently undertakes difficult challenges simply for the enjoyment of testing his abilities. Although he values physical superiority, he also respects determination, resilience, and the willingness to confront an opponent despite overwhelming odds. His teachings encourage followers to develop their bodies, strengthen their resolve, and demonstrate their abilities through action. Kord believes that strong and capable individuals are best suited to lead others, but his clergy distinguishes leadership from unnecessary domination. His followers are expected to train others to become stronger rather than simply exploit their weaknesses. Kord is traditionally depicted as an enormously muscular human man standing approximately nine feet tall, with long red hair, a thick red beard, and an imposing physical presence. He wears a fighting girdle fashioned from the hide of a red dragon, gauntlets made from white dragonhide, and boots crafted from blue dragonhide. These garments possess powerful enchantments and reflect his extraordinary martial abilities. His principal weapon is **Kelmar**, an intelligent greatsword possessing powerful enchantments against dragons. Kord is renowned for his immense strength and enthusiasm for battle, although he is equally capable of fighting with other weapons or engaging opponents in unarmed combat. Kord is also known for his enjoyment of feasting, celebration, and romantic encounters. He has pursued relationships with mortal humans, elves, giants, and other humanoids, and numerous heroic bloodlines claim descent from him. His reputation for physical excellence and extraordinary courage has made him particularly popular among barbarians, warriors, athletes, wrestlers, and adventurers. His religion is especially influential among the Suel peoples of the **Thillonrian Peninsula**, where the Frost, Snow, and Ice Barbarians preserve longstanding traditions of athletic competition and personal combat. His worship is also found throughout Keoland, the Ulek States, Ahlissa, Hepmonaland, and numerous other regions of the Flanaess. ### Domain and Influence Kord's divine authority encompasses physical strength, athletic competition, courage, brawling, and the pursuit of excellence through personal effort. His followers believe that individuals should continually challenge themselves and that adversity provides the greatest opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. He teaches that strength and fitness are qualities worthy of admiration, particularly when accompanied by bravery. To Kord, an individual who possesses extraordinary power but refuses to face danger is less worthy of respect than someone of lesser ability who confronts overwhelming odds without surrendering. Kord's teachings also emphasise competition as a means of resolving disagreements. Rather than allowing disputes to develop into prolonged feuds or unnecessary bloodshed, his followers often settle arguments through wrestling, races, athletic contests, and nonlethal duels. This practice is particularly common among barbarian communities, where contests of strength may determine leadership, settle personal grievances, or establish the relative standing of warriors. Although Kord encourages boldness and direct action, his clergy recognises the distinction between a difficult challenge and a needlessly suicidal undertaking. His priests value preparation, endurance, and tactical awareness alongside physical power. A warrior who possesses immense strength but cannot resist fear, magical manipulation, or deception is considered inadequately prepared for battle. Kord is the son of **Phaulkon**, the Suel god of air, wind, clouds, birds, and archery, and **Syrul**, the goddess of lies, deceit, treachery, and false promises. He is the grandson of **Lendor**, the greater god of time, patience, and the established order of the universe. Despite his chaotic nature, Kord maintains considerable respect for Lendor. His grandfather possesses sufficient authority to restrain him when his anger becomes uncontrollable. Kord is regarded as one of the mightiest Suel deities, with divine power traditionally considered second only to that of Lendor. Kord maintains a friendly rivalry with **Llerg**, the Suel god of beasts and strength. Both deities value physical power and personal combat, although their approaches differ. Kord emphasises athletic excellence and organised contests, while Llerg embodies more instinctive and savage expressions of physical strength. Kord is particularly hostile toward evil dragons, especially those of lawful evil disposition. His personal equipment and enchanted sword demonstrate his longstanding association with dragon-slaying. Although Kelmar is dangerous to virtually all dragons, it cannot strike **Bahamut**, the benevolent dragon god. Kord also sponsored the ascension of **Nazarn**, the half-orc hero-god of formal, ritualistic, and public combat. Nazarn's elevation demonstrates Kord's respect for extraordinary athletic achievement and determination regardless of an individual's ancestry or former social position. His divine realm is the **Hall of the Valiant**, situated upon the first layer of the **Heroic Domains of Ysgard**, also known as Gladsheim. This celestial hall is constructed from immense wooden beams hewn from a single enormous ash tree. Within its walls, celebrated warriors and devoted souls gather for feasting, athletic contests, and friendly combat. The Hall of the Valiant contains a great open space surrounded by banquet tables. Wrestling matches and other contests take place there continually, while guests celebrate the achievements of exceptional warriors. Kord occasionally sets aside his weapons and enters the contests himself. ### Symbols and Icons ![[KordSymbol.png|300]] Kord's principal holy symbol is an eight-pointed star formed from four spears and four maces radiating outward from a central point. The emblem represents physical strength, combat prowess, courage, and the importance of competition. The alternating weapons reflect the different forms of martial ability valued by his faithful, from physical power and weapon training to the determination required to overcome formidable opponents. His followers display the symbol upon banners, weapons, shields, ceremonial garments, and objects awarded during athletic competitions. Temples frequently incorporate the eight-pointed star into decorations surrounding arenas and training grounds. An older Suel representation of Kord consists of his distinctive dragonhide equipment: white gauntlets, blue boots, and a red fighting girdle. These objects are closely associated with his supernatural strength and victories against dragons. Red, white, and blue are the traditional colours of his clergy. Priests wear brightly coloured garments reflecting these colours, although they are forbidden from reproducing the precise arrangement of Kord's divine attire. The wearing of dragonhide armour is particularly restricted. According to an ancient religious tradition, only Kord's direct offspring who have entered his clergy may wear such armour without committing an offence against the faith. Kord's favoured weapon is the **greatsword**, reflecting his mastery of powerful two-handed weapons. Older Suel traditions also associate his priests with the bastard sword, while berserkers devoted to him frequently favour broad-bladed swords. His personal weapon, **Kelmar**, remains the most important martial artifact associated with his divine authority. ### Worship and Tributes Kord's worship centres upon physical exertion, athletic achievement, courage, and the celebration of personal accomplishments. His followers believe that demonstrating strength through action is more meaningful than lengthy religious ceremonies or elaborate offerings. Religious services are generally brief, energetic, and celebratory. They frequently involve rhythmic chanting, clapping, dancing, and the recounting of notable victories. Most formal rites last only a few minutes and are conducted following athletic contests, battles, or extraordinary feats of endurance. Prayers to Kord are commonly accompanied by loud, rhythmic clapping. Their words emphasise strength, courage, and physical achievement, although certain syllables exist primarily to maintain the rhythm of the chant. Established religious practices include: - **Athletic Competitions**: Wrestling, running, climbing, throwing, lifting, and other contests of physical ability are important expressions of devotion. Worshippers demonstrate their capabilities and seek to overcome increasingly difficult challenges. - **Nonlethal Contests**: Disputes between followers are commonly resolved through wrestling, athletic games, or duels conducted with practice weapons. Such competitions allow disagreements to be settled without unnecessary deaths. - **Celebrations of Victory**: Victorious warriors and athletes offer prayers of thanks following important achievements. These ceremonies commonly involve dancing, rhythmic chanting, and public recognition of the victor's accomplishments. - **Feats of Strength**: Worshippers demonstrate devotion by completing demanding physical challenges. Examples include climbing exceptionally difficult mountains, surviving dangerous expeditions, or defeating formidable opponents. - **Songs of Glory**: Members of the faith recount their victories through songs and declarations of achievement. These performances are considered prayers honouring Kord rather than ordinary boasting. Some worshippers maintain records of enemies defeated and competitions won so that their accomplishments can be incorporated into future songs. - **Training and Improvement**: Rigorous physical exercise is regarded as an important religious responsibility. Worshippers are encouraged to improve their strength, stamina, agility, and martial abilities through regular training. - **The Challenge of Advancement**: Members of the Mighty Arms of Kord seeking greater recognition must defeat another suitably accomplished member in single combat or an athletic competition. Practice weapons are frequently used to prevent unnecessary injury. - **Celebrations Following Great Labour**: Kord's faithful celebrate the completion of exceptional physical undertakings, including construction projects requiring prolonged exertion. Raising a large building or moving enormous stones may be recognised through the same brief, joyful ceremonies performed after battle. - **Feasting and Revelry**: Communal celebrations reinforce the bonds between warriors and athletes. Food, drink, stories, and friendly contests frequently accompany religious gatherings. Kord's faith does not possess a universally established calendar of named annual holy days within the Flanaess. Local temples and communities organise competitions and celebrations according to regional customs. The religion instead places considerable importance upon personal victories, difficult achievements, and successful challenges. A great contest or exceptional feat of endurance may therefore become a significant religious occasion regardless of the date upon which it occurs. ### Clergy and Temples Kord's clergy consists primarily of clerics, warriors, athletes, wrestlers, barbarians, and individuals devoted to physical excellence. His priests are expected to demonstrate strength, courage, and leadership through their actions. The religion does not possess a single rigid hierarchy comparable to the highly organised priesthoods of Heironeous or Hextor. Individual temples possess considerable independence, and authority is frequently earned through athletic accomplishments, combat experience, and personal reputation. Priests are expected to train others, organise competitions, and participate in demanding physical activities. They consider accusations of weakness or poor fitness serious insults and frequently respond by challenging their critics to demonstrate their abilities. Prospective priests are commonly identified through exceptional athletic accomplishments. An individual who wins an important wrestling match, tournament, or contest of strength may attract the attention of an established cleric. However, Kord's priesthood also recruits individuals who initially possess little physical ability. Some initiates are sickly or unusually weak but demonstrate an intense determination to overcome their limitations. Experienced priests may recognise this desire for improvement and offer them the opportunity to train. Clerical instruction involves extensive exercise, running, calisthenics, wrestling, and specialised athletic training. Novices are expected to develop both physical endurance and the mental determination necessary to overcome difficult challenges. Kord's priests generally prefer using magic to strengthen allies and improve martial abilities rather than relying exclusively upon destructive spells. They value the ability to confront opponents directly and regard excessive dependence upon magical power as a weakness when it replaces physical preparation. His clergy maintains a tradition of deferring to senior priests of **Lendor**. This practice reflects Kord's acknowledgement of his grandfather's authority and Lendor's unusual ability to restrain his anger. Temples dedicated to Kord frequently resemble large athletic arenas rather than traditional religious sanctuaries. Many are spacious, open-air structures containing extensive training grounds, exercise areas, wrestling rings, and spaces for public competitions. They may also possess gymnasiums, bathing facilities, galleries overlooking combat arenas, trophy halls, and statues depicting Kord undertaking exceptional feats of strength. Combat within these temples is ordinarily nonlethal. Disagreements between members are frequently resolved through contests, duels, or athletic challenges conducted before other worshippers. Kord's religion is especially influential throughout the barbarian states of the **Thillonrian Peninsula**, where his worship is closely associated with the physical demands of warfare, raiding, and survival. Thriving religious communities are also found in the **Duchy of Ulek**, **Keoland**, **Ahlissa**, **Almor**, **Hepmonaland**, and **Lendore Isle**. His followers are additionally present in the **Bone March**, **Ratik**, **the Yeomanry**, **Aerdy**, the **Amedio Jungle**, and the Bandit Kingdom city of **Alhaster**. Smaller shrines and isolated congregations exist among communities descended from the ancient Suel migrations. Several recognised traditions are associated with his clergy. **The Mighty Arms of Kord** are an established religious organisation devoted to physical strength, courage, and martial accomplishment. Members believe that combat provides an important test of personal ability and that victory against powerful opponents brings them closer to the ideals embodied by their deity. Membership is open to those willing to pursue the organisation's ideals, but advancement requires active participation in physical combat. Spellcasters are expected to use their magical abilities to improve their martial effectiveness rather than rely exclusively upon spellcasting. The organisation recognises four ranks: - **Persuader**: An initiate recognised for combat potential and the ability to intimidate opponents. - **Bravo**: An accomplished member whose courage and resistance to fear have earned greater standing. - **War Leader**: An experienced combatant whose physical strength and determination provide exceptional resilience. - **Battle Savant**: An exceptional champion whose accumulated experience and divine favour allow them to influence the outcome of important confrontations. Advancement requires victory against an appropriately formidable fellow member, usually through single combat or an athletic competition. The Mighty Arms place considerable importance upon mental resilience as well as physical strength. Members who cannot withstand magical fear or manipulation are encouraged to improve their weaknesses rather than rely solely upon their martial prowess. **The Sanctified Ones of Kord** are exceptionally devoted champions who undergo religious sanctification and receive divine abilities associated with physical strength, luck, and the unpredictable circumstances of combat. Unlike the Mighty Arms, they do not constitute a separate, centrally organised religious order. Their status arises from individual sanctification and service within Kord's wider church. The recognised degrees of standing associated with these champions are: - **Supplicant**: A devoted servant entitled to hospitality and healing within Kord's temples in exchange for religious service. - **Competitor**: An accomplished champion whose reputation and physical ability have earned recognition among the faithful. - **Master**: An experienced combatant whose expertise in wrestling, grappling, and other close-combat techniques is particularly respected. - **Paragon**: A celebrated representative of Kord whose accomplishments are recognised through extraordinary supernatural courage and heroic ability. Sanctified Ones may receive accommodation, healing, and access to training facilities within temples. In return, they undertake religious duties that may include defending sacred property, training other warriors, or completing important quests. ### Powers and Abilities Kord possesses extraordinary divine abilities associated with physical strength, courage, athletic excellence, combat, and the manipulation of luck. He is among the mightiest gods of the Suel pantheon and is particularly formidable in direct physical confrontation. His principal abilities include: - **Divine Strength**: Kord possesses immense physical power, allowing him to perform feats far beyond the capabilities of mortal warriors. His strength is a defining aspect of his divine identity. - **Supreme Athletic Ability**: Kord possesses extraordinary skill in wrestling, climbing, running, jumping, and other demanding physical activities. His supernatural abilities reflect his mastery of athletic competition. - **Martial Excellence**: Kord is an exceptionally capable combatant who favours direct confrontation. He is skilled with greatswords and other heavy weapons and is equally enthusiastic about unarmed combat. - **Kelmar**: His personal weapon is an intelligent, electrically enchanted greatsword possessing exceptional dragon-slaying abilities. The sword can move and fight independently of its wielder, allowing Kord to use another weapon while Kelmar continues attacking. It can also detect nearby enemies and communicate its findings telepathically. - **The Fury of the Brawler**: When severely wounded, Kord may enter an uncontrollable battle rage that greatly increases his strength and ferocity. During this state, he may attack anyone nearby, including allies and companions. His anger can become so intense that only Lendor possesses sufficient authority to restrain him. - **Transformation into a Titan**: Kord can assume the form of a magnificent titan while retaining his extraordinary physical strength. In this form, his supernatural presence inspires allies and weakens the morale of enemies. - **The Dragonhide Regalia**: His red dragonhide girdle, white dragonhide gauntlets, and blue dragonhide boots possess powerful enchantments. The girdle grants immense strength, the gauntlets enhance physical power, and the boots provide extraordinary speed. Kord retains his inherent divine strength even when separated from these objects and may lend them to other warriors. - **Protection Against Dragons**: Kord's divine equipment and principal weapon reflect his longstanding hostility toward evil dragonkind. Kelmar is particularly dangerous to dragons and is driven by an almost uncontrollable desire to attack them. - **Divine Courage**: Kord can grant supernatural resistance to fear, allowing his followers to remain steadfast when confronted by terrifying opponents. - **Blessings of Physical Power**: His faithful may receive supernatural improvements to strength, endurance, movement, and athletic ability. - **The Luck of Battle**: Certain sanctified servants can draw upon his favour to improve their chances of success during important contests and confrontations. - **Protection Against Critical Injury**: Sanctified champions can receive the power to negate the damage and consequences of an otherwise devastating critical attack. - **Divine Fire**: Some of Kord's sanctified followers can transform the fire produced by their magic into divine energy capable of overcoming the resistance of evil creatures. - **Command of Celestial Servants**: Kord is particularly associated with powerful titans, which he favours as divine heralds. Bralani and ghaele eladrins, along with enormous earth elementals, are among the supernatural beings capable of assisting him. Several important relics are associated with Kord's worship. **Kelmar** is Kord's sentient greatsword and one of the most important objects associated with his divine power. The weapon possesses electrical enchantments, can fight independently, and communicates telepathically with its wielder. Its special purpose is the destruction of dragons and related creatures, against which its enchantments are exceptionally deadly. Kelmar's hostility toward dragonkind is so intense that it may attempt to escape its wielder's grasp to attack a nearby dragon. Only an individual possessing extraordinary strength can restrain it. The weapon is capable of harming even exceptionally powerful dragons, including Tiamat, but it cannot strike Bahamut. **The Belt of the Champion** is a sacred golden belt fashioned from thick links decorated with polished gemstones. Its large oval buckle bears the closed fist of Kord. The belt enhances physical strength and provides additional protection against fear to devoted followers. Its greatest blessings temporarily cease to function if the wearer succumbs to supernatural fear. According to its legend, the first Belt of the Champion was created by a priest for a travelling hero who volunteered to defend a village against an approaching orc horde after failing to persuade its inhabitants to flee. Since that time, Kord has bestowed a belt upon a favoured champion approximately once every decade. These relics are treasured and frequently passed down through generations of worshippers. **The Sword of Mighty Thews** is an enchanted greatsword created by Kord's high priests in imitation of Kelmar. These weapons are decorated with golden filigree and possess ruby-set hilts. Their blades bear an inscription in Draconic declaring that size alone does not determine strength. A Sword of Mighty Thews possesses enchantments particularly effective against dragons. Its divine blessings protect the wielder against a dragon's terrifying presence and improve the wielder's ability to avoid its breath weapon. Kord is said to award one such sword approximately once every decade to a hero who has earned his favour. Kord's personal dragonhide girdle, gauntlets, and boots are also sacred objects associated with his exceptional strength and victories against dragons. Their importance is reflected in the restrictions placed upon clergy who attempt to wear similar equipment. ### Treatment of the Chosen and Faithful Kord values followers who demonstrate strength, courage, perseverance, and an enthusiasm for difficult challenges. He respects individuals willing to test themselves and admires those who continue fighting or competing despite unfavourable circumstances. His favour is not reserved exclusively for naturally powerful individuals. Those who overcome physical weakness through determination and training may be considered equally worthy of respect. Kord encourages his followers to develop their abilities rather than remain satisfied with previous accomplishments. His faith therefore places considerable importance upon continual improvement and the willingness to confront increasingly formidable opponents. His treatment of devoted followers is reflected in several established traditions: - **Blessings of Strength**: Faithful warriors may receive supernatural improvements to physical power, endurance, and martial effectiveness. - **Recognition Through Competition**: Individuals who defeat powerful opponents or win demanding athletic contests may gain religious recognition and greater authority within the church. - **The Gifts of the Mighty Arms**: Members who advance within the Mighty Arms of Kord receive benefits reflecting courage, battlefield resilience, and martial experience. - **Sanctified Champions**: Exceptionally devoted servants may undergo sanctification and receive divine abilities associated with strength, luck, and protection during combat. - **The Belt of the Champion**: Kord periodically grants this sacred relic to an especially worthy follower, recognising exceptional courage and physical accomplishment. - **Respect for Perseverance**: The clergy may accept physically weak individuals who demonstrate a sincere determination to become stronger. Such followers are expected to undertake rigorous training. - **Condemnation of Cowardice**: Fleeing from battle without sufficient justification is considered a grave religious offence. Members who abandon their obligations through cowardice may be publicly excommunicated. - **The Fate of the Faithful**: Devoted souls may enter Kord's Hall of the Valiant within Ysgard, where they participate in feasting, wrestling, and athletic competition. Kord's followers believe that courageous conduct during mortal life can earn an honoured place at their deity's table after death. Some religious teachings also maintain that those who fail to achieve sufficient glory may return to mortal existence in another form, granting them another opportunity to demonstrate their worth. Kord's treatment of his mortal descendants is particularly demanding. Although he has fathered numerous children among mortals, only a small number are considered worthy of claiming a divine birthright. According to ancient Suel traditions, offspring who possess exceptional physical abilities may be recognised by Kord personally. On their seventeenth birthday, he may appear and assign them a formidable task based primarily upon their fighting ability. Those who successfully complete the challenge may receive supernatural gifts and recognition as possessing a limited measure of divine status. These blessings can include resistance to fear, protection against dangerous magic, extraordinary movement, and other powers associated with strength and courage. Failure to meet Kord's expectations can have severe consequences. Ancient accounts maintain that he may disown offspring who demonstrate cowardice, reject the martial traditions associated with their ancestry, or otherwise fail to honour his teachings. His sponsorship of Nazarn's ascension demonstrates that Kord may also elevate an exceptional mortal whose accomplishments embody courage and competitive excellence, regardless of whether that individual possesses divine ancestry. Kord does not possess a single universally established order of mortals formally designated as his Chosen. His most celebrated servants are exceptional athletes, mighty warriors, religious champions, and individuals who have earned his recognition through extraordinary achievements. ### Myths and Legends Kord's mythology concerns his divine family, his extraordinary strength, his battles against dragons, and the accomplishments of mortal champions who have earned his favour. His religious traditions frequently emphasise courage, physical excellence, competition, and the importance of confronting formidable opponents. - **The Son of Phaulkon and Syrul**: Kord is the son of Phaulkon, the god of air and wind, and Syrul, the goddess of lies and deception. His divine ancestry places him among the ancient Suel powers and establishes his relationship with Lendor, the patriarch of the pantheon. Although his mother embodies treachery and falsehood, Kord's teachings emphasise courage and the open demonstration of strength. His divine nature therefore differs considerably from that of Syrul. - **The Authority of Lendor**: Kord possesses extraordinary physical power and is considered one of the mightiest Suel gods. However, his battle rage can become so overwhelming that he loses the ability to distinguish between friend and foe. Only Lendor, his grandfather, possesses the authority necessary to restrain him. This tradition establishes the unusual relationship between Kord's chaotic temperament and Lendor's authority over time, patience, and order. - **The Dragonhide Regalia**: Kord's distinctive garments are fashioned from the hides of three dragons: a red dragon whose hide became his fighting girdle, a white dragon whose hide became his gauntlets, and a blue dragon whose hide became his boots. These objects are celebrated as evidence of his prowess against dragonkind. Followers seeking to emulate Kord may undertake dangerous quests against evil dragons, although the wearing of dragonhide armour remains restricted by religious tradition. - **The Legend of Kelmar**: Kord's intelligent greatsword possesses a supernatural desire to slay dragons. Its magical properties allow it to move independently and attack enemies while Kord wields another weapon. The sword is nearly impossible to restrain when dragons approach, except by beings possessing extraordinary strength. It can strike even Tiamat but cannot harm Bahamut. - **The Rage of the Brawler**: Kord's extraordinary strength is accompanied by a dangerous capacity for uncontrollable fury. When sufficiently wounded, he may enter a state of battle rage in which anyone nearby becomes a possible target. Even his allies are not necessarily safe until his anger subsides. Only Lendor can reliably bring him under control. The story serves as both a celebration of Kord's destructive strength and a warning that courage and power are not identical to restraint. - **The Children of Kord**: Kord is renowned for pursuing mortal lovers, particularly among humans and elves, although giants and other humanoids are also associated with his descendants. Numerous warriors claim divine ancestry, but only a small number possess the extraordinary abilities necessary to establish their birthright. Ancient tradition maintains that Kord may personally test a worthy child upon reaching seventeen years of age. Those who complete his challenge can receive exceptional supernatural powers, while those who demonstrate cowardice risk rejection. - **The Rivalry with Llerg**: Kord maintains a friendly rivalry with Llerg, the god of beasts and strength. Both deities value physical ability and direct confrontation, but Kord's devotion to athletic competition differs from Llerg's more instinctive nature. Their rivalry is understood as a competition between different expressions of physical power rather than an enduring divine feud. - **The Ascension of Nazarn**: Nazarn was once a half-orc gladiator enslaved by a member of the Scarlet Brotherhood. After escaping captivity, he travelled widely in search of freedom and greater opportunities. During his journeys, he impressed a half-giant descended from Kord. Nazarn eventually entered an arena in Hepmonaland controlled by yuan-ti, where he defeated every opponent placed before him, including a young green dragon. His exceptional achievements attracted Kord's attention, and the Brawler sponsored his elevation to divine status. Nazarn became the hero-god of formal, ritualistic, and public combat. - **The First Belt of the Champion**: A travelling hero once arrived at a small village threatened by an approaching horde of orcs. When the villagers refused to abandon their homes, the hero chose to remain and defend them despite the danger. A priest of Kord created a magical belt to recognise this act of courage. The belt became the first of the sacred relics later known as the Belts of the Champion. Kord subsequently established the tradition of granting such a belt to an especially worthy follower approximately once every decade. - **The Swords of Mighty Thews**: The high priests of Kord created enchanted greatswords modelled upon Kelmar, intending them for powerful warriors willing to confront dragons. The swords became important relics of the faith, and Kord is said to award one to a particularly accomplished champion approximately once each decade. Their legend reflects the belief that victory is determined by courage and strength of character as well as physical size. - **The Hall of the Valiant**: Kord's celestial dwelling is an immense wooden hall constructed from a single great ash tree. Its inhabitants celebrate the deeds of exceptional warriors through feasting, wrestling, and other athletic contests. Kord frequently joins these competitions himself, setting aside Kelmar and his dragonhide equipment to wrestle among his followers. The tradition reflects his belief that physical contests remain worthwhile even for individuals who have already achieved extraordinary greatness. - **The Promise of Another Challenge**: Followers of Kord believe that those who face danger bravely earn honour after death. Some traditions teach that souls who fail to achieve the glory expected of them may return to the Material Plane in another form, allowing them to undertake further challenges. The teaching reflects the belief that failure need not be permanent and that renewed effort offers another opportunity to demonstrate courage. These traditions establish Kord as a deity whose divine influence is demonstrated primarily through physical achievement, courage, and personal challenges rather than political authority or the establishment of permanent institutions. ### Encounters with Kord's Influence Kord's influence is most frequently encountered through athletic competitions, martial training grounds, barbarian communities, religious champions, and quests involving exceptional feats of strength or courage. - **The Thillonrian Barbarian States**: Kord is particularly influential among the Frost, Snow, and Ice Barbarians. His worship is associated with physical endurance, martial accomplishment, wrestling, and the leadership traditions of their communities. - **Athletic Temples**: Temples dedicated to Kord frequently resemble arenas containing wrestling rings, training grounds, exercise facilities, and galleries for spectators. Visitors may witness competitions or receive instruction from experienced warriors. - **The Mighty Arms of Kord**: Members of this organisation undertake difficult martial challenges, compete against one another, and seek recognition through demonstrations of courage and physical excellence. - **The Sanctified Ones**: Particularly devoted champions may possess supernatural abilities that enhance their strength, luck, and resistance to dangerous attacks. They may be encountered training other warriors, protecting temples, or undertaking religious missions. - **Trials of Strength**: Worshippers may undertake exceptional challenges such as climbing dangerous mountains, winning important tournaments, or defeating powerful monsters. - **Dragon-Slaying Expeditions**: Kord's hostility toward evil dragons inspires warriors to seek out dangerous specimens of dragonkind. Victorious followers may attempt to emulate their deity's legendary achievements. - **Disputes Settled Through Competition**: Communities influenced by Kord may resolve disagreements through wrestling, races, or controlled duels rather than prolonged feuds. - **Sacred Relics**: Objects such as the Belt of the Champion and Sword of Mighty Thews may become the prizes of major competitions or the objectives of quests undertaken by devoted followers. - **Descendants of Kord**: Warriors claiming descent from Kord may undertake extraordinary challenges to establish their birthright or demonstrate that they possess the courage expected of their divine ancestor. - **The Legacy of Nazarn**: Gladiators and other professional combatants may honour Kord alongside Nazarn, particularly when competing in formal arenas or seeking recognition through exceptional victories. - **The Hall of the Valiant**: Planar travellers entering Kord's realm within Ysgard may encounter legendary warriors, celestial servants, and an endless succession of feasts and athletic competitions. ### Conclusion Kord is the intermediate deity of athletics, sports, brawling, strength, and courage, and one of the most powerful and widely revered gods of the Suel pantheon. His teachings emphasise physical excellence, bravery, determination, and the importance of continually challenging one's abilities. His religion maintains a strong tradition of athletic competition, martial training, and the resolution of disputes through nonlethal contests. Although Kord admires exceptional strength, his followers also recognise perseverance and the determination required to overcome personal weaknesses. His divine relationships with Phaulkon, Syrul, Lendor, and Llerg establish his place among the ancient Suel gods, while his sponsorship of Nazarn demonstrates his willingness to recognise extraordinary accomplishments among mortals. Kord's unpredictable battle rage and demanding treatment of his own descendants reveal that his expectations of courage can be severe. His faithful celebrate his strength and achievements while recognising that his anger can endanger allies as readily as enemies. The Hall of the Valiant, his legendary weapon Kelmar, and the sacred relics bestowed upon worthy champions reflect his enduring association with courage, competition, and martial excellence. The Brawler's enduring purpose is to inspire individuals to test their limits, develop their strength, and confront difficult challenges without surrendering to fear. His faithful believe that greatness is achieved through continual effort and that courage is demonstrated most clearly when an individual willingly faces an opponent or obstacle that appears impossible to overcome.