The Ironbender

The Father of the Dwarfs, the Builder of the Mountains, and the Lighter of All Forges

For some, the Ironbender is the patron of blacksmiths, and as the legend goes, he first brought the technology of the forge to the dwarfs during the Times of Strife. And for the Stout Folk, he is a patriarch, a warrior, and a tireless craftsman, as stern and unyielding as the mountains themselves. He and his priests are vigilant defenders of the dwarven way of life, but uncompromising and unforgiving in their code. In particular, the will of the Ironbender enforces a strict caste system, which places skilled craftsmen at the top (the wisest among them ruling clans as Elders), and merchants, explorers, and vagabonds at the bottom (collectively known as ‘surface dwarfs’, and not well-regarded by their kin). Although the Ironbender is referred to as a "he" in Common, his gender is never specified in Dwarven.

Divine Domains

• The Ironbender is the god of the dwarfs, and the patron of smiths and metalworkers. He is also thought of as a war-god and a god of family and community.

• Clerics of the Ironbender would choose between the Forge, Knowledge, and War domains. Paladins of the Ironbender might swear the Oath of Vengeance, or the Oath of the Crown, but dedicated to their clans rather than a sovereign.

• Only dwarfs may worship the Ironbender in exchange for divine magic.

Holy Books & Codes

• Rather than use a text, the Ironbender possesses the minds of one or more of his followers, in order to have them chisel a series of runic scriptures upon the walls of a cave or temple. These runes are always identical, verbatim, and have come to be known as the Iron Dogma. Clergy are expected to memorize them, and often reproduce them on paper for personal use.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

• The symbol of the Ironbender is a hammer resting atop an anvil. Alternatively, a hammer may just by itself. Many war-priests use an actual weapon as their holy symbol.

• The Ironbender's beard is also considered a holy aspect of his being, and many dwarfs swear by it ("By the beard of the Ironbender..."). Doing so is considered rather irreverent.

Tenets of Faith

• The three noblest Virtues are, in order: be Loyal to Your Clan, to Your God, and to Your Craft. All else, including the Individual Self, falls below.

• Know and accept Your Place in the Clan. Obey and Honor Clan Elders, for They are divinely ordained, and their Word can be considered divine Law.

• Strive for Absolute Perfection. To create Something that Lasts the Test of Ages is to change the world for the better, and to make life meaningful.

Divine Classification

Deity

Alignment

Lawful Neutral