Khazmorg

Khazmorg is a significant deity in dwarven mythology, revered for his strength and prowess in battle. He was once a mortal shaman and warrior who achieved godhood after The War of the Undying, a devastating conflict that threatened the existence of the dwarven race. Khazmorg played a vital role in the final battle against the undead, joining a group of legendary heroes in the ascent of Ruin's Peak to slay the powerful lich, Vauldis.
Khazmorg is widely considered the patron god of warriors and berserkers, who seek his blessing before engaging in combat. He is often depicted as a towering and imposing figure, wielding a mighty axe crafted by his own hand. Khazmorg's weapons are said to be imbued with his own martial spirit and the fury of the storm itself, granting them immense power and durability in battle.
His worshippers offer him gifts of weapons, treasures, and other offerings in exchange for his blessing before they charge into battle. In times of war, dwarven armies led by Khazmorg's high priests are known to be unstoppable, with their warriors exhibiting unbridled ferocity and loyalty to their god.
Moreover, Khazmorg's influence extends beyond warfare. He is also revered by craftsmen and blacksmiths for his legendary skills in crafting weapons and armor. The berserkers, a group of dwarven warriors known for their wild and frenzied fighting style, are particularly devoted to Khazmorg. They are said to enter into a state of battle frenzy, known as "Khazmorg's rage," when invoking their god's name in combat. Khazmorg's followers believe that he embodies the very spirit of battle and glory and that his blessings will lead them to victory on the battlefield.

Depiction

Khazmorg is often depicted as a towering and imposing figure, exuding an aura of unbridled strength and ferocity. He is typically portrayed as a heavily muscled Dwarf, with broad shoulders, bulging biceps, and a thick neck. His piercing eyes, set beneath a prominent brow, are said to shine with an inner fire that reflects his martial spirit. Khazmorg's hair and beard are often depicted as wild and unkempt, adding to his untamed and formidable appearance. Instead of wearing traditional armor, Khazmorg is often depicted wearing woad tattoos that cover his entire body, marking him as a warrior and a shaman. These intricate patterns and symbols represent his dominion over storms, fury, and hunting, and are said to lend him enhanced physical strength and endurance. In artwork and sculptures, Khazmorg is often depicted in dynamic poses, charging into battle with his weapon raised high, or standing atop a slain foe, inspiring awe and reverence among his worshippers.

Tenets of Faith

Khazmorg is the god of storms, fury, and hunting, revered by the dwarves as a symbol of unyielding strength and ferocity. His tenets embody the ideals of courage, resilience, and unwavering devotion to the dwarven race. As the patron of warriors, hunters, and craftsmen, Khazmorg calls upon his followers to embrace their inner fury and channel it into acts of self-sacrifice and service to their kin. Through hard work, dedication, and an unshakable faith in their abilities, the followers of Khazmorg strive to honor his legacy and forge a better future for all dwarves.
Embrace the ferocity of battle with unshakable determination. Battles are not won by the timid or the half-hearted. Khazmorg calls upon his followers to embrace the fury of battle and to charge into combat with unshakable determination. Fear is a natural emotion, but it must not be allowed to control one's actions. Instead, Khazmorg's worshippers must channel their fear into a powerful force that drives them forward, inspiring them to fight with unbridled ferocity. They must be willing to face any challenge, no matter how daunting, and to overcome it with the sheer force of their will. Only by embracing the ferocity of battle can Khazmorg's followers achieve victory, honor, and glory.
Respect the power of the natural world and embrace the thrill of the hunt. Khazmorg's followers are called upon to respect and revere the elemental spirits that govern the natural world. In particular, they should honor the power and fury of storms, and the primal thrill of the hunt. Khazmorg himself is a god of storms, and his worshippers are encouraged to seek out the adrenaline and ferocity that comes with facing the might of nature. However, this reverence for nature is not solely rooted in admiration or empathy for animals, but also in a deep-seated fear and respect for the elemental spirits. Khazmorg's followers understand that the natural world can be unpredictable and dangerous, and they must always be prepared to face its wrath with humility and reverence.
Embrace self-sacrifice for the greater good of all dwarves. Khazmorg teaches that the strength of the dwarven race lies not only in individual prowess but in collective action. Sometimes, it may be necessary to put aside personal goals and desires for the benefit of the community. Khazmorg's worshippers are called upon to be willing to make sacrifices for the betterment of all dwarves, whether it be in times of war or peace. The sacrifice of a few can ensure the survival of many, and such sacrifices are the highest form of honor and duty.

The Church of Khazmorg

Khazmorg's priests are most often shamans; a rare and respected group among the dwarven people, known for their unique blend of spiritual insight, naturalistic wisdom, and martial prowess. They are believed to be gifted with the ability to communicate with the elemental spirits and wield the primal powers of nature.
Priests of Khazmorg undergo rigorous and demanding training, requiring a deep understanding of dwarven history, tradition, and religious practices, as well as a strong connection to the natural world. They are tasked with protecting the dwarven people from threats both natural and supernatural, and are often called upon to provide guidance and counsel to clan leaders and rulers.
Khazmorg's shaman priests are known for their distinctive tattoos and warpaint, which are said to reflect their spiritual connection to the elemental forces of nature. They often wear furs and pelts of animals they have hunted and use their powers to heal the sick and wounded. Some shamans are known to possess the power to control the weather and call forth lightning bolts and thunderstorms to aid them in battle.
Most recognized among the faithfuls of Khazmorg are his berserkers, a unique and dangerous group of dwarf warrior-shamans who have forsaken their former lives in exchange for a path of violent battle. They seek a glorious death to be remembered by the sagas of their people. To become a berserker, a dwarf must make a pilgrimage to the holy Shrine of Khazmorg in the treacherous peaks of Farinholme, shave their head except for a fearsome plume, and carve their name into a pillar alongside the names of other berserkers who have made the same journey.
Berserkers live a solitary life of constant battles, seeking out mighty foes and overwhelming odds. Many perish in their first or second battle, but those who survive are exceptional warriors. Berserkers take the names of the foes they slay, including trolls, Giants, and the undead, with the greatest among them becoming dragonslayers. In times of war, berserkers join dwarf throngs to lend their combat skills and ferocity, often turning the tide of desperate battles.
Despite their fearsome reputation, berserkers remain a rare and respected part of dwarf society, honored for their dedication to Khazmorg and their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of dwarven society. They are a reminder of the harsh realities of life and the importance of facing challenges head-on with determination and courage.

Portfolio
Skies, Storms, Fury, Battle, Warriors, War, Strength, Hunting, Wilderness

Divine Classification

Lesser Ancestor God

Religions

• Dwarven Pantheon

Alignment

Chaotic Neutral

Species

Dwarf

Gender

Male

Related Historical Events

• NC. 0 → NC. 100
  The War of the Undying