Banner of Gruumsh

Ancient tales tell of a vile hero of orcs called Theghlit Wrathswon, who crusaded against the forces of good; men, elves and minotaur alike. Some say that Theghlit was the son of Gruumsh; He Who Watches, the undisputed ruler of the orc pantheon. Legend says that when Theghlit gouged out his eye in honor of Gruumsh, a flame ignited in the socket, driving Theghlit to ceaseless slaughter.

Eventually, Theghlit met his match against Minos, the Father of All Minotaur. Legend tells that the two demigods fought for days, destroying the earth around them. Eventually, however, Minos landed a fatal blow upon Theghlit Wrathsworn, pinning him to the ground with his golden horns. As Theghlit passed into the domain of Gruumsh, it is said that a portion of his soul was trapped in the banner he wore atop his shoulders. This became known as the Banner of Gruumsh.

Unbeknownst to most, Gruumsh’s son’s soul is not the only soul trapped within the banner. The pure fury and warmongering of Theghlit, combined with the bestial form of Minos, attracted the attention of even fouler forces. From the deepest depths of the Abyss, Baphomet, The Prince of Beasts, stirred. He saw the violence between generations of orc and minotaur as an opportunity to corrupt the Material Plane. Centuries of war allowed him to sneak his influence into the banner, waiting for the day when enough blood has been spilled in the name of war for him to muster a physical form.