Moradin

Moradin, pronounced (mor-uh-din), is the lawful good god of the dwarves and the chief deity in their pantheon. A harsh but fair judge, he is strength and force of will embodied. Moradin inspires dwarven inventions and constantly seeks to improve that race, encouraging their good nature, intelligence, and harmonious existence with other good races while battling their pride and isolationist tendencies. Moradin's holy day is on the crescent moon and he is worshipped at forges and hearths.

Followers


Moradin's clerics, known as Sonnlinor, are usually drawn from family lines, like most dwarven occupations; they wear earthy colors, with chain mail and silvered helms. Moradin charges his followers with the task of removing the kingdoms of orcs and wiping out the followers of Gruumsh. The church of Moradin has an active role in guiding the morals of dwarven communities; they emphasize his hand in everyday dwarven activities such as mining, smithing, and engineering, and invoke his blessing when these tasks are begun. They lead the push to found new dwarven kingdoms and increase their status among surface communities. Many of these communities celebrate Hammer 1st, believing that day in 1306 DR to be a blessing by the Dwarffather.

Orders

 * Hammers of Moradin: The Hammers of Moradin are an elite military order dominated by crusaders and fighting clerics with chapters in nearly every dwarven stronghold and members drawn from every dwarven clan. The Hammers serve both as commanders of dwarven armies and as an elite strike force skilled in dealing with anything from large groups of orcs to great wyrms to malevolent fiends from the Fiendish Planes. The order is dedicated to the defense of existing dwarven holdings and the carving out of new dwarven territories. Individual chapters have a great deal of local autonomy but, in times of great crisis, a Grand Council will assemble to plot strategy and divine Moradin's will.

Relationships
Moradin has a strategic but friendly alliance with Gond, Kossuth, Helm, Torm, Tyr, and the heads of the elven, gnome, and halfling pantheons. He opposes the gods of the goblinoids, orcs, evil giants, and banished dwarves.

History


Moradin is held in dwarven myths to have been incarnated from rock, stone, and metal, and that his soul an ember of fire. It is said he forged the first dwarves from metals and gems and breathed souls into them when he blew on his creations to cool them. Moradin was responsible for banishing the evil gods of the derro and duergar from the surface.

Moradin's avatar appeared while the Ironstar dwarf clan was fleeing from orcs at the Stone Bridge, after a desperate appeal by Daurvos Frostbeard (which was his final act), and helped them defeat the orcs and gain safe passage to Ironford, thereby forming the Fallen Kingdom.

Dogma
''Moradin is the father and creator of the dwarven race. Honor him by emulating his principles and workmanship in smithing, stoneworking, and other tasks. Wisdom is derived from life and tempered with experience. Advance the dwarven race in all areas of life. Innovate with new processes and skills. Found new kingdoms and clan lands, defending the existing ones from all threats. Lead the dwarves in the traditions laid down by the Soul Forger. Honor your clan leaders as you honor Moradin.''