Thandrik Stonelord

The original founder of the Council of Stone was a dwarf by the name of Thandrik Stonelord, known as the "Father of Unity". According to legends, Thandrik's stone skin bore carvings resembling dwarvish runes of unity, a trait interpreted as a divine omen by his kin. Raised among political turmoil and disputes between rival dwarven holds, he developed a deep sense of the need for cooperation among his people.
The Unification Wars During Thandrik's lifetime, the stone dwarves were fractured into numerous holds, each ruled by a king or queen fiercely protective of their independence. Resource disputes, ancient grudges, and territorial skirmishes were commonplace. Thandrik emerged as a charismatic leader, rallying support from several holds through diplomacy, wisdom, and might. His legendary weapon, Graniteshaper, a hammer said to have been forged from the heart of a living mountain, was both a symbol of his resolve and a practical tool in battle and negotiations.
The pivotal moment of the Unification Wars came during the Siege of Kirach Hold, where Thandrik led a coalition of allied dwarves to liberate the hold from an incursion of subterranean horrors. When they arrived, they were horrified to find that it wasn't subterranean invaders at all, but the dwarves of the hold itself had succumbed to the Corruption, becoming an army of Azer. His hard-fought victory over the Azer his reputation as a leader capable of uniting the often-stubborn dwarves.
Founding the Council of the Stonelords Recognizing that unity required more than battlefield alliances, Thandrik proposed a formal council to oversee matters of mutual interest—trade, defense, and cultural preservation. The Council of the Stonelords was established with Thandrik serving as its first High Arbiter. The council's structure, with each member being an equal voice from the major holds, ensured no single ruler could dominate, embodying Thandrik’s vision of shared strength and mutual respect.
Legacy and Myth Thandrik passed into legend after a mysterious disappearance in his twilight years. Tales claim he ventured into the Deep Below to seal an ancient evil, wielding Graniteshaper in his final battle. The hammer was never recovered, and some believe it still rests with him, awaiting the day a worthy dwarf will reclaim it in times of great need.
To this day, Thandrik’s name is invoked in oaths and songs, and his teachings of unity and shared strength are foundational to dwarven culture. Statues of him adorn council chambers and city squares, depicting a stoic figure with a stone-carved visage and a hammer raised high.