Anvilborn
The Anvilborn are the elite shock troops of the Stoneguard—warriors not merely forged by battle, but tempered in the crucible of fire and stone. Every member of the Anvilborn is both a master smith and a battle-hardened soldier, trained within the Anvil Spire itself. They are the first into the breach, the last to yield, and are regarded by dwarves and outsiders alike as living weapons of the Hold.
To wear the Anvil Sigil—a burning hammer over a mountain—on one's chest is to command fear and reverence.
Culture
Becoming Anvilborn is a sacred and harrowing rite:
- The Flamewalk – Candidates walk barefoot across molten slag to demonstrate endurance and devotion to the forge.
- Hammerfasting – They must forge a weapon using no aid but their own breath and muscle, under the watch of three elder Anvilborn.
- The Ember Oath – Sworn before the Stoneheart Throne, binding them to eternal service. The oath may only be released by death or by the unanimous will of Thronemar Hall.
Few survive all three trials, and fewer still pass without scars—physical or spiritual.
Public Agenda
- Shock Infantry: The Anvilborn charge enemy lines in heavy wedge formations, wielding rune-hammers and tower shields capable of breaking through both formations and fortifications.
- Dragonslayers: Originally formed during the Cataclysm of Flame, they specialize in fighting massive elemental creatures—particularly dragons and firebound horrors.
- Forge-Wardens: Outside war, they are guardians of the Anvil Spire, protecting the sacred forges and relic smithies from intruders, saboteurs, or awakened threats from beneath the mountain.
Reputation:
- In Emberfall, fire cultists call them “Ashbreakers,” for their brutal effectiveness against flamebound foes.
- Among the frost clans of the Icy Wastes, tales speak of Anvilborn who slew ice drakes with hammers burning bright, their armor hissing steam with each blow.
- Other dwarven holds send their best to train under the Anvilborn for a decade, though few are ever accepted into their ranks.
Assets
- Hammer of the Deepbrand – A signature rune-inscribed warhammer forged personally by each Anvilborn during their induction. These weapons often house elemental cores, allowing them to explode with frost, resonate with seismic force, or shatter magical wards.
- Plate of Embersteel – Custom-fitted heavy armor layered with lava-tempered obsidian and lined with frostweave padding. The armor emits faint heat and is resistant to fire, acid, and pressure shockwaves.
- The Forgemark – A glowing rune seared into their armor or skin (depending on the warrior’s choice), this mark bonds their soul to the Hold’s flame. Some say it protects them from fear; others say it ensures they die before ever surrendering.
Strike as the forge strikes. Burn not with rage, but with purpose
Type
Military Order
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Ruling Organization
Parent Organization
Location
Manufactured Items
Related Items
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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