Thrumdor, the Spine of the World
One major dwarven ancestral god that embodies the mountain and its primal power is known as Thrumdor, the God of Stone and Earth. According to dwarven legend, Thrumdor was one of the first earth elementals that roamed the world in ancient times, shaping the land and raising up mountains with his mighty strength whenever it took a step.
As Thrumdor grew older, he became tired and decided to rest his weary form in the heart of a great mountain range, known as The Spine of the World. As he slept, his form slowly transformed into the very essence of the mountains, with his skin turning into the hardest granite, his blood cooling to flowing magma, and his bones becoming veins of precious metals.
When the dwarves first arrived in the region centuries ago, they were in awe of The Cold Rise's majesty and power. They felt the presence of Thrumdor within the mountain, and recognized his presence that embodied the primal strength of the earth. This is where they would make their home.
Today, Thrumdor is worshipped by dwarves throughout the world, who see him as a symbol of the strength and endurance of their people. They hold grand ceremonies in his honor, and build great temples and shrines at the base and heart of the mountain ranges that he now embodies. Thrumdor is seen as a protector of the earth and a source of great power, and his name is invoked in times of need and in times of great celebration.
Priests, Paladins, and Clerics
Rarely seen outside dwarven societies, a cleric of Thrumdor is a devout dwarf who has dedicated their life to serving the ancestral god of stone and earth. These priests are highly respected members of the dwarven community, and are responsible for maintaining the many temples and shrines that dot the city of Volturuhm within and along the mountain range.
Paladins of Thrumdor are typically skilled stonemasons and architects, as the construction and maintenance of the city's many temples and holy sites is a central part of their work. They are also deeply knowledgeable about the history and lore of their ancestral god, and are tasked with preserving and passing down the ancient traditions and teachings of Thrumdor to future generations.
In terms of practices, priests of Thrumdor are responsible for leading regular worship services and ceremonies in the city's many temples and shrines. These services typically involve offerings of precious metals and gems, as well as prayers and invocations to the great god of stone and earth. The priests also hold a number of special ceremonies and festivals throughout the year, including the aforementioned Thrumdor's Wake.
Clerics and Paladins of Thrumdor always craft their deity weapons when they can. Typically, clerics wield warhammer pickaxes for the dual nature of the god but never utilize the pick end in battle.
Religious Ceremonies
One key religious ceremony that all dwarves in the city of Volturuhm go through is the Embodiment Rite. This rite is a celebration of the dwarven connection to the mountains and their patron deity Thrumdor.
During the ceremony, dwarves gather together in one of the city's grand halls or temples. They begin by drinking a potent dwarven spirit, often made from local herbs and minerals. This spirit is meant to symbolize the strength and resilience of the mountains, and is also believed to help the dwarves connect with their inner selves and the spirits of their ancestors.
After the initial toast, the dwarves then engage in a series of physical challenges and rituals, designed to embody the qualities of the mountains and their deity. These might include feats of strength, endurance, and agility, as well as meditations and prayers that focus on the power and majesty of Thrumdor.
At the height of the ceremony, the dwarves gather around a central altar or shrine, where they offer up small gifts and tokens to their god. These might include crystals, gemstones, or other minerals that are found within the mountains. They also offer up prayers and songs of praise, asking for Thrumdor's blessings and protection for their families and communities.
Overall, the Embodiment Rite is a powerful and transformative experience for dwarves, helping them to connect with their spiritual roots and the power of the mountains that surround them. The use of alcohol and physical challenges serves to heighten the experience, allowing the dwarves to truly embody the spirit of their god and their mountain home.
Divine Domains
As the dwarven ancestral god of stone and earth, Thrumdor is believed to have divine influence over several major domains. Here are some of the most important domains of Thrumdor and how the dwarves believe his will is manifested in those domains:
- Mining and Metallurgy - Thrumdor is the patron of all dwarven miners and metallurgists. It is said that he blesses the mines and quarries with his presence, guiding the miners to the richest veins of ore and gems. In the forges and foundries, Thrumdor's power is said to imbue the metals with greater strength and durability, allowing the dwarves to create weapons and armor of unparalleled quality.
- Engineering and Architecture - Thrumdor is also the patron of all dwarven engineers and architects. His divine influence is said to be present in every great dwarven work of stonework and engineering, from the grand halls of the mountain cities to the intricate clockwork mechanisms that power their machines. It is believed that Thrumdor inspires his followers with a natural talent for engineering and architecture, and guides their hands as they create their great works.
- Defense and Warfare - Thrumdor is a powerful protector and defender, and his divine influence is believed to be present in every fortress and stronghold built by the dwarves. It is said that Thrumdor's power imbues the walls and gates of these fortresses with greater strength and durability, making them impervious to attack. In battle, Thrumdor is believed to grant his followers great strength and courage, allowing them to fight with unbreakable resolve and overpower their foes.
- Mining Safety - Thrumdor is also a protector of dwarven miners and is believed to watch over their safety while they work deep within the earth. It is said that Thrumdor's divine influence can be felt in the air of the mines, guiding the miners to avoid dangerous caves and preventing cave-ins and other hazards. The dwarves offer prayers to Thrumdor before they enter the mines, asking for his protection and guidance.
- Earthquakes and Natural Disasters - Finally, Thrumdor is believed to have the power to shape the very earth itself. It is said that Thrumdor can cause earthquakes and other natural disasters when he is angered, and the dwarves believe that they must constantly appease him to avoid his wrath. However, Thrumdor is also believed to have the power to calm the earth and prevent natural disasters, and the dwarves offer him prayers and offerings in times of need.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
- The Hammer and Anvil - The hammer and anvil are the most recognizable symbols of Thrumdor. They represent the god's patronage of mining and metallurgy, as well as his divine strength and endurance. Many dwarven forges and temples feature images of hammers and anvils, and the dwarves often wear pendants and amulets with these symbols.
- The Mountain - As a god who embodies the mountain itself, Thrumdor is often represented by the image of a mountain peak. This symbolizes his power and endurance, as well as his protection of the dwarven people who make their homes in the mountains.
- The Diamond - The diamond is a symbol of Thrumdor's divine power and the precious metals and gems that are found in the mountains. It represents his patronage of mining and metallurgy, as well as his favor and blessing on the dwarven people.
- The Earth Elemental - Thrumdor's primal form as an earth elemental is sometimes represented in dwarven art and iconography. This symbolizes his power over the earth and his divine strength, as well as his connection to the dwarves as a race of stone-workers and miners.
Tenets of Faith
- Respect for the earth and all its bounty: Followers of Thrumdor believe that the earth is a sacred gift, and as such, they are deeply committed to preserving its natural beauty and abundance. They believe in the importance of sustainable living, responsible stewardship of the earth's resources, and using the gifts of the earth for the betterment of all.
- Community and family: Dwarves are known for their close-knit communities and familial bonds, and followers of Thrumdor are no exception. They believe in the importance of strong family ties and communal solidarity, and strive to build and strengthen these bonds wherever possible. They also believe in the importance of supporting and caring for those in need within their communities, as a way of living out their faith.
- Courage and strength: As a god of stone and earth, Thrumdor is often associated with the qualities of strength, endurance, and resilience. Followers of Thrumdor who are also warriors of the faith see these qualities as integral to their identity, and believe in the importance of developing physical and mental strength as a way of honoring their god. They believe in the value of courage in the face of adversity, and strive to embody these qualities in all aspects of their lives, including their combat and martial training. They see their martial abilities not as an end in themselves, but as a means of defending their communities, standing up for their beliefs, and embodying the strength and resilience that Thrumdor represents.
"Hail Thrumdor, our mighty god, In mountain's stone we make our laud, Your strength and power, they sustain, We pledge our fealty, in your domain. In every rock, in every hill, Your presence there is felt and still, Your ancient wisdom guides our way, And we give thanks to you each day. Hail Thrumdor, our mighty god, In mountain's stone we make our laud, Your strength and power, they sustain, We pledge our fealty, in your domain. Thrumdor, our god, we praise your name, In stone and earth, forever reign, Your might and power, they endure, And in your love, we are secure. Hail Thrumdor, our mighty god, In mountain's stone we make our laud, Your strength and power, they sustain, We pledge our fealty, in your domain."
Divine Classification
Primal Ancient God
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