The Kalkodirmatis
From the heartkeeps of ancient Dwarven cities in the caves and crevasses of mountains, to the rolling hills where small tribes of folk wander among the tall grass and the riverbeds. The Dwarves are one of the native species on Czerelan, originally sharing the continent with the Orcs until the arrival of Humankind from the southern continent of Amracet. As Dwarven society grew and changed, so did their gods. The Kalkodirmatis is the overarching faith that most Dwarves follow. It is not just their religion, but holds the backbone of their very culture and the tale of their origin.
In a time referred to as the Age of Dust by the Dwarves, the gods had first arisen and bestowed the gift of life. The gods Echniros and Mycheri forged the first Dwarves from copper found in the rivers flowing from mountains. They made the forms, but they laid motionless upon the frigid stone. The gods realized they had forgotten something important. From the heart of the mountain, a red gleam shone to them during a deep excavation, upon its discovery, they took the red gems and carved a series of smaller rubies. Each ruby was placed into the chest of a copper construct, and imbued with gifts from Echniros and Mycheri. Echniros gave them creativity and ambition. Mycheri gave them love and passion. The gods looked upon their creations with pride and joy, hopeful for the world they would build. With these gifts, their existance had purpose and the Dwarves hummed with life. Thus began the Dwarven Age of Flame.
The Kalkodirmatis has been around as long as the Dwarves themselves. Their tales and legends stretch over the millennia following their civilization. However, it would be recognized by the other species over 2000 years ago, during the time of the Levanian conquests. In the heart of Dwarven territory, the clans of the Ziktos Range were disunited against the forces of the Levanians. The Oracesi colonies had been conquered and the threat of their own subjugation laid at the doorstep. During this time, a prophet was born and rose to the occasion, leading the people in a united front. His name was Kaliandres Hearthscar and his skin was copper like the gods. His hands were gifted with the powers of creation, being able to mend cracks and melt ore. He was blessed with a great strength that could carry a home upon his back. He would go on to unite a number of clan clergies, and founded the holy city of Elcozanum. In Elcozanum, the great forges hummed with power and forged the armor of legions, powered by coal, but infused with Kaliandres' holy power. As the Levanians attempted to invade the inner mountains, a legion clad in armor, each soldier had a ruby heart emblazoned upon their breast. The Levanian army was dashed among the shields of the Dwarven army in a climactic battle that would keep the Levanians out of the mountains.
Their creed and doctrine is a book of stories, myths, and legends known as the Vounospitia. This tome has been transcribed from a sacred set of stone tablets that were etched over thousands of years ago by a circle of scholars and priests.
The Gods of the Pantheon
Many gods once ruled over all aspects of Dwarven life. However, many were lost to the Ruination as they were physically slain or their worshipper base was destroyed. However, some remained and others took the seats left by those who died.
The heads of the Pantheon are the gods Echniros and Mycheri.
Other well known gods of the pantheon include the goddess Vainsae, the god Hachrion, and the god Bachriatis.
Echniros, Lord of the Forge. God of crafts, fire, inspiration, earth, and skill. He is the patron deity to Dwarfkind and serves as king in their pantheon of gods. Renowned for his skill as a creator, the Dwarves get their creativity and skill from their divine father.
Mycheri, the Mother of Dwarfkind. She is the goddess of life, marriage, home, hearth, family, and community. The high matriarch of the Dwarves and queen god of their high circle. She is the bestower of life and creator of community, the backbone of Dwarven civilization. Highly revered by many Dwarves, she is the most widely worshipped deity of the pantheon.
Vainsae, The Muse Eternal. Goddess of beauty, art, fertility, love, music, and festivals. The matron of artists and the beginning of countless vile feuds. Her beauty is only challenged by her jealousy.
Bachriatis, The Reveler Beyond. God of wine, mirth, dance, and madness. The god of wine, ale, and all liquors.
Hachrion, The Travel God and Bringer of Change. God of travel, trade, mischief, and change.
Culture
The culture of the Kalkodirmatis and their followers is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Dwarvish people. Born of stone in the heart of mountains at the center of the world. Their faith grew as result of their own mythologies and belief systems, coalescing into the large faith it stands as today.
One of the greatest beliefs of the Kalkodines is that of Craft Animism. They believe strongly that is enough effort is put into creating an object, it has its own soul and spirit. The more sweat, time, and passion you put into a project can produce a stronger spirit in the object it holds. These objects are also seen as a part of the family, which is why it is always important to place your insignia upon the items you craft. If you do not, the spirit may wander, never claiming allegiance to any family or house inthe mortal realm or the afterlife.
Another large part of Kalkodine culture is that of familial ties in the form of clans. When you are born into a household, you are not just part of a family in the eyes of the temple. You are divinely connected to a long line of ancestors that walked the earth and built the foundations you stand upon. You are also connected to all those who come afterwards in the length of your line. It is a proud and glorious thing to serve one's house. Dwarves build things to last, and their dyansties and families shall last just as long as their ancient halls.
Public Agenda
The goal of the Kalkodines and their faith is to spread and protect Dwarven culture and faith through practice and proselytizing. To protect and ensure the stories of their gods and people for every Dwarf that comes after them. An honorable goal from a people so concerned with familial bonds.
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