Dwarven religion is, not surprisingly, uncomplicated, straightforward and very structured, like the dwarves themselves. I have been very fortunate to have spent some time in their eastern capital of Khaseldon, a six-month excursion which ended up being closer to two years. Collectively they worship a synergy of four elemental divinities, a balanced "quadrumvirate", if you will. During my stay in Khaseldon, I observed many of the ceremonies performed by the different clergies. More elaborate than even the Larocian humans, in my opinion, these rites are quite breathtaking to behold.
Dwarf male
Enoch, the Earthfather, is depicted as a great warrior who wields a massive two-handed axe and guards the underearth against enemies of the dwarves. As an earth god, he has been described as strong as adamant, as durable as mithril. His task in the creation of the world was to forge its bones from earth, mineral and stone. To this day, it is said that he continues to shape his creation in the form of geologic pressure and upheaval. Worshippers of the Earthfather are collectively known as Children of the Ardent Stone and conduct ceremonies in sacred tunnels where they sing deep, rumbling songs in his honour.
One might think that Norgred, the Lord of Wind and Storms, would have little dominion in the dwarves' subterranean realm, but quite the opposite is true. Dwarven territory extends to some of the highest peaks in the region not to mention that good ventilation is always an important concern in the underearth. Norgred is envisioned as shorter than an average dwarf, but extremely fierce and agile, particularly with the use of his two-handed sword. His task during the creation of the world was to shape the land with great gales, a process which is believed to continue to this very day. Norgred's worshippers, or Attendants of the Holy Wind as they are called, utilize droning, bass-tone wind instruments in ceremonies which are held atop high peaks on the surface.
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Ferahl, the Queen of Fire, represents heat and magma, what the dwarves will refer to as the blood of the world. She is depicted as fierce as the forge fire, fluid as molten steel, a very intense warrior who wields a one-handed hammer that is similar to a smith's hammer. In fact, more metalsmiths offer prayers to Ferahl than even Enoch. It is commonly known that the heat of a craftsman's forge is an essential ingredient in true artistry. At the dawn of time, Ferahl forced molten rock to the surface of the world to help shape it and has continued to change the land with heat and pressure. The Disciples of the Sacred Flame, worshippers of Ferahl, hold rites around huge forge fires and play bass drums which simulate the pounding of hammer on steel.
Ulia, the Lady of Water, is a mysterious figure in dwarven theology. Envisioned as a fluid and stylish warrior who wields a shining flail, she is also described as placid as the deepest pool, as strong as the ocean tide. Ulia is said to have brought quenching water to the world during its creation and these waters have continued to shape the land ever since. Followers of Ulia are known as Seekers of the Pristine Water and consecrate deep pools, both above and under ground, where they offer up hymns played on bass-tone stringed instruments.
The dwarves of the eastern territory of Cladash place Enoch, the Earthfather at the head of the small pantheon, while their cousins to the west in Karthad regard Ferahl, Queen of Fire, as paramount. However, the difference is barely noteworthy as far as I have gathered.
Dwarf female
One particular thing I have noted about dwarven religion is that it is not limited to specific shrines or churches and plays a distinct role in their typical architecture. The grand entrance to Khaseldon is a double representation of the Earthfather and statues of all four divinities can be found throughout the dwarven realm. When traveling through their lands, one has no choice but to become familiar with their gods.
- Kitterwen, Chief Historian of Ignilly University |
