Runaldir the Soul Forge (/rue-nal-deer/)

An Elysian and one of the original twelve creators

Profile and Followers

Runaldir the Soul Forge is the divine god of craft, family, dwelling, and blood. He is characterized as a stoic figure. One who is unflinching of threats, but is still warm and compassionate to those he considers family.
Runaldir is depicted as a large and muscular dwarf. Almost more than any other Elysian, Runaldir is always depicted as one race above the others, as his favoritism to the dwarves is clear to all. He also wields a large hammer, one that can be used for perfect smithing and glorious battle.
The followers of the Soul Forge tend to be artisans. Those who push their craft to its limit in order to create masterpieces often see Runaldir as their patron. For their respect and worship, Runaldir grants inspiration for those who are stuck, and skill for those who are in the middle of a project. Additionally, as the Deity of family and blood, bloodlines are very important to the Soul Forge. He is said to watch over the longest family lines in Aedar, keeping a special eye on them and making sure their traditions and heritage continue. Temples to Runaldir are typically found in dwarvish settlements. Even those who are not found in dwarf cities are often lead by a dwarf council or a dwarf acolyte. These places serve as an all purpose craft shop, a location where artisans can spend hours and days at a time in deep concentration working to create their magnum opus. Additionally, many families will take trips together to the temples of the Soul Forge to get his blessing, and to ask for him to watch over their family, be them old or young.

Popular Myths

Being the Deity of craft and forging, all the most impressive acts of creation are credited to Runaldir. The Elysians' armor are often said to have been personally crafted by the Soul Forge himself, with a few even having their weapons crafted by him. It would be pointless to try to outperform Runaldir in his own domain, so asking him for a favor was always easier. Not only that, but Runaldir is also said to have created every Chthonic prison. He wasn't the one to trap them, defeat them, or even design the prisons, but the reason why none of the Chthonic have managed to break free lies solely on the Soul Forge's shoulders.

History With Other Deities

Since the beginning, Runaldir has had the strongest connection with Ezstus the Stormcrown. Both of their domains, and therefore their ideals, align perfectly for them to be allies. To go to war you need an excellent blacksmith. To protect your family you need an excellent warrior. As such both bring out the best in one another, Runaldir reminds Ezstus what he is fighting for, and Ezstus reminds Runaldir that one must always be ready for war, even with one's own family.

The Soul Forge has had a rivalry with Lylarus the Cryptheart for a long time. A partial reason is their complete opposite personalities. Runaldir sees Lylarus as a joke, someone who doesn't take their title and their rank seriously, and is therefore undeserving of the power they wield. Meanwhile, Lylarus sees Runaldir as a stuck up traditionalist, who is holding back his domain, and the rest of the pantheon, from truly moving forward and creating something new. This disdain to each other goes all the way down to their temples, who rarely get along and never work together.

The Chthonic whom Runaldir hates the most is Guull the Ravager. The Ravager's barbaric and mindless need for destruction clashes heavily with the Soul Forge's duty to protect families and bloodlines. While some Chthonic would keep families together, knowing that it would make people less likely to strike back, Guull cares not about such logic. No man, woman, or child is safe from his random slaughter, and as it is his domain to protect, Runaldir stands in opposition.

Commandments of the Soul Forge

• Remain stoic and tenacious in the face of catastrophe.

• Uphold and promote loyalty to your family, loyalty to your clan, and loyalty to your people.

• Legacy is paramount. To create something that lasts is to change the world for the better.