The Rites of the Eye

The Eyes of Gruumsh are an order of elite orcish fighters who channel the power of Gruumsh, the chief deity of the orcs and the god of destruction into an overwhelming battle-fury. The ritual pays homage to the legendary duel between Gruumsh and Corellon Larethian, the chief deity of the elves, where Gruumsh famously lost an eye.

In order to become an Eye of Gruumsh, an orc must undergo purification rites with priests of Gruumsh for three days, where the priests will recount the birth and deeds of Gruumsh leading up to his duel with Corellon during the Dawn War. The initiate must then climb to the top of the Eye of Gruumsh, ritually gouge out an eye, and then sacrifice it in the crater of the volcano. This represents Gruumsh's duel with Corellon and the loss of one of his eyes to Corellon's blade. By losing an eye, the initiate is supposed to become closer to Gruumsh and his power, and show their willingness to sacrifice themselves for their god.

Many candles are consumed in the three days leading up to the ritual sacrifice, and a ritual knife made of orthicalum is used by the initiate to gouge out an eye of their choice.

Aside from the initiate, the most important members of the rites are the priests of Gruumsh, who oversee and administer much of the ritual.