Book of Earth & Stone

The Book of Earth and Stone is a sacred and revered text among the Dwarves, chronicling the ancient origin of their people. According to the book, the first dwarves were forged by the god Tharok from the very earth and stone of Thalas. It speaks of their creation in the deep, dark caverns of the world, shaped from the soil, stone, and the divine power of Tharok. The book serves as a foundational myth, guiding the dwarves in their beliefs and their understanding of their connection to the earth. For generations, this sacred text has been passed down, teaching them of their origins, their values, and their purpose in the world. While the book is considered an invaluable cultural and spiritual artifact, it remains exclusive to the dwarven people, who view it not just as a history, but as the living word of their creator god.

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to preserve the information about the origin of the first dwarves—the Anarithian Dwarves. This book describes their creation and connection to the ancient god Tharok. The entire content of the book is dedicated to the myths surrounding the birth of this race on Thalas and describes the ancient times when this dwarf species was the only mortal race in the world. This book is intended to be an educational text for all younger dwarf races, serving as a source of strength in difficult times. According to legends, the original version of this book was created deep underground, in a magnificent city once inhabited by the Anarithian dwarves, and was crafted by the most skilled masters of that era.

Document Structure

Clauses

World's Legend

Describes the world before the dwarves, a barren land without treasures or gifts from the earth

The Birth of the Dwarves

Describes the creation of the first Anarithian Dwarves by the hands of Tharok

Teaching

In this section, many legends and myths are described, stories, and tales about the heroes of ancient times. About the heroes who had the honor to serve and learn from the god Tharok.

Betrayal

Here, the story is told, a story known to all members of the dwarf race. It speaks of a dwarf who disobeyed his god and left the depths of the earth, coming to the surface.

The Birth of the Elves

This chapter describes how a dwarf who disobeyed his god and emerged to the surface accidentally helped give birth to the elves. However, the new race was so different from him that they did not accept him among them, and they became ancient enemies.
This dwarf eventually tried to return to his kind, but Tharok did not allow it. He would not permit him to find his way back. Thus, this dwarf remained wandering beneath the earth, just beneath the surface.

Forgiveness

This part speaks of how the dwarf wandered alone underground, condemned to certain death. Tharok, his god, finally had mercy but did not forgive him. He allowed him to spend his last days in the company of his descendants. The god commanded the dwarf to carve statues from stone. When the dwarf did as the god asked, Tharok breathed life into the statues. Thus, the Dwarves were born. The dwarf, at the end of his days, passed away in the presence of his descendants, and died with a smile on his lips.

Dwarven Laws and Values

The final chapter describes the dwarven heart and its values. It aims to highlight and pass on the wisdom of their race to future generations of dwarves.

Publication Status

The original of this book has been lost for centuries, and no one knows its whereabouts.
Nevertheless, many copies and translations have been made based on ancient texts or oral traditions. Since the Dwarves have long cherished this historical myth about their origin, and most of them have no doubt about its authenticity, much of the original content has been preserved in altered versions, multiple copies, and transcriptions.

Legal status

This book is revered by all dwarves who believe in Tharok and recognize him as their god and creator. The vast majority of dwarves fall into this category.

Historical Details

Background

This book and the legends contained within it describe the first encounter between the Neithir and the Dwarves.
The book has an indescribable cultural influence on the dwarven race.

Public Reaction

Since this book is predominantly known among the Dwarves, and most of them do not doubt its truthfulness, it is regarded as the divine word.
Neithirs strongly deny the authenticity of this book and reject the stories described within it, as they do not believe that the first race of Thalas were the Anarithian Dwarves. Other races have a mixed attitude toward it, as it does not concern their beliefs or origins.

Legacy

The original text is considered sacred among the dwarves, and its preservation is of utmost importance. It is kept in the most secure locations, guarded by both scholars and warriors alike. The book’s influence extends beyond just religious beliefs, as it shapes the very identity and history of the dwarven people. Copies of the book, although not the original, are revered and safeguarded in many dwarven settlements. They are treated with great respect, often placed in sacred shrines, libraries, or halls of honor, and are never allowed to be defiled or destroyed. Even the smallest fragment of the book holds immense cultural and historical significance, serving as a reminder of the dwarves’ origins and their divine connection to Tharok. To harm or disrespect the book is considered a grave sin, one that could invoke the wrath of both the gods and the dwarven community.

Read the Document

Book of Earth & Stone

World Legend
Birth of the Dwarves
Teaching
Betrayal
Forgiveness
Dwarven Laws and Values

Close

Type

Text, Religious

Medium

Stone

Authoring Date

There is no living being who knows this.

Signatories (Characters)

• Tharok