Balor

industrious and inventive nature. Yet most importantly he taught them that everything existed to serve a purpose.

 

Dwarves aspire to live with purpose and to add to the greater purpose of life. To the Dwarves purpose means being great craftsmen, fierce warriors, excellent miners, or tinkerers beyond compare. To be the very best at something and to always reach for greatness is what brings purpose and worth to the great existence of life. 

 

The days of Balor’s active role in Dwarven society are long gone. Yet he still remains their sovereign god and protector. However to fill his absence the Dwarves turned to closer representations of him and his teachings amongst themselves. They turned to ancestor worship or as it is more commonly known to the Dwarves Otusnat Yashet. The greatest of their kind are recorded and treated as connections between the mortal and divine. Every dwarf aspires to be an Ancestor. To live a long life, to serve their greater purpose and finally be entombed within the earth they came from.

 

There are many ancestors that are worshipped. In fact every clan may have one or two of their own that were recorded for doing great things in days long past. Yet there are few that truly stand out among all of their kind and prayed to in times of need and guidance. The First is Nurglaek Haldrinon more commonly known as the Smith. He is known as the greatest smith the world has or will ever know. He forged Balor’s very own warhammer and christened it “Mountain Breaker.” The second is Vafed Skallotze more commonly known as the Warrior. He served second in command to Balor during the Dwarven crusade and advance into the deep dark. Last though not least is Rustak Yitzalt more commonly known as the Brew Master. He organised the supply, feeding and clothing of the Dwarves as they delved ever deeper. The Three tombs of these Ancestors are known as the holiest places in the world for the Dwarves. It is said that on occasion Balor visits them to see his old companions. 

 

While the Dwarves lack priests in the conventional way they instead have Keepers. These Keepers guard the tombs and resting places of their ancestors. They keep the record of their great deeds and share the tale for all that come to hear them, hopefully spreading the wisdom and inspiration for great deeds to all that come to hear. 

 

Common Ceremonies/Practices

 

Earth Burials: Dwarves have a great desire to be put to rest in the earth, not only that but in the same mountain or hill that they came from. They believe that if you are not buried close to your ancestors or family this will separate you from your connection to Balor. Furthermore they believe that should they not be entombed in the ground then they shall be separated permanently from their Ancestors.

 

Feast of Stories: The feast of stories started as a grand celebration at the start of every new decade. Large feasts encompassing entire holds would be held. During these feasts many speakers and storytellers would tell tales of their ancestors or great stories of the great old ones of Dwarven society. They were a time of remembrance and pride for the achievements the Dwarves had accomplished in their past. 

 

Spirits of the Ancestors: The Dwarves believe that on certain circumstances or holidays/seasons that the spirits of their Ancestors shall roam the halls of their people making sure that they do not part from Balor’s teachings

 

Divinity through perfection: The Dwarves believe that perfection is the holiest of things. Such is why they strive to perfect and master their crafts so they can become a great Ancestor in Balor’s service. 

 

Gifts to the Ancestor’s: Dwarves will often leave gifts at the tombs and burial places of their Ancestors. Usually offerings of their crafts so they may be judged and inspected. 

 

Holidays

 

Dtuy Poy: Translated to Brew Dawn. Dtuy Poy is the week-long celebration after harvest season comes to an end. It consists of heavy drinking, local festivals, fairs, games and large feasting. 

 

Balor’s Lteuh: Commonly known as Balor’s Grief. It marks the day that Balor left the Dwarves in his physical form. It is a day of grief and sadness for the Dwarven people. They often spend the day revisiting the tales of the Deep Crusade. 

 

Otusnat's Nemu: Ancestor’s day is a time of pilgrimage and prayer. Often the most well off of Dwarven society would travel to the great tombs of the most well known and respected Ancestors. However many make local trips to the tombs of their own Ancestors. 

 

Priesthood

 

The Dwarves lack a large scale and sophisticated religious organisation or structure. Rather they have local “priests” that have dedicated themselves to local tombs or burial grounds. They are called Keepers. They devote themselves to recording and retelling the tales of any who are buried within the tomb they keep. Much of a keeper’s job is actually dedicated to the maintenance and upkeep of the tomb they serve. 

 

Keeper’s will often keep large tomes within their tomb or graveyard. Within these large books is the entire documented story of the single or all the Ancestors that they may be serving. While all of this information is written it is extremely common for the keepers to memorise by heart every part of these books to ensure that even should the papers be lost their tales shall live on. 

 

In their old age Keeper’s will seek out or accept offers of apprenticeship. During their last days they shall ensure that their tomb and the ancestor buried within shall be awarded the care and upkeep it shall always deserve.