The Voices of the Forgotten Loa
Name: The Path of the Ancestors
Deity: The Forgotten Loa
Beliefs:Trolls follow an ancient, shamanistic faith centered around the Forgotten Loa, powerful ancestral spirits that have long watched over their people. These primal spirits are believed to predate even the dragon gods, residing in the deepest parts of the natural world, such as ancient forests, mountains, and rivers. Orcish shamans communicate with the Loa to gain wisdom and strength in battle. The Loa are divided by aspect—war, hunt, blood, and survival. Each orc clan venerates different Loa depending on their traditions, and these spirits are called upon in times of need.
The trolls believe that blood spilled in battle strengthens the bond with the Loa, making sacrifice and ritual combat an essential part of their spiritual practice.
Teachings:
Strength through Ancestry: The Loa watch over their descendants, and honoring them through combat and survival rituals brings their blessings.
The Power of Sacrifice: Blood spilled in battle or during rituals is believed to nourish the Loa and increase their power. Nature’s Fury: The Loa represent the untamable forces of nature, and orcs respect them as wild and unpredictable entities. They believe they must channel these forces to thrive.
Practices:
The Blood Rite: Troll warriors engage in a ceremonial battle to spill blood in honor of the Loa, often held before major conflicts to ensure the spirits’ favor. It is both a test of strength and a prayer for victory.
The Dance of the Hunt: A celebration where the trolls hunt wild beasts in the name of their clan’s Loa. The hunt itself is a form of prayer, and the strongest warrior claims the title of Loa’s Chosen for a year.
Hierarchy: The Spiritcallers are the highest-ranking shamans, serving as both spiritual leaders and battle priests who commune with the Loa. Beneath them are the Bloodwalkers, who lead the warriors in the sacred rites of battle and sacrifice. Each clan has a Loa Speaker who interprets the will of their specific ancestral spirit.
Advantage: +1 in Survival and Religion
Disadvantage: