Ancestral Cults (Dwarven Religion)
Jun 6, 2014 1:39:00 GMT
Post by SeanS on Jun 6, 2014 1:39:00 GMT
Dwarves are effectively atheist; they believe in and worship no gods. That is not to say that they lack faith, however. Ancestor worship is an important part of their culture and as a whole the dwarven people revere both departed clan members and the great heroes of their people.
The Ancestral Cults, as they are called, involve revering prominent historical figures. On an individual level, it means most familial clans have small shrines dedicated to the most successful members of their linage. On a cultural level, the stonekin take hero worship to extremes that can unsettle outsiders. In theory, this could lead to pragmatism, as great men are not always good men, however Dwarven culture is filled with various taboos which genuinely keep their kin in line.
Name: Ancestral Cults
Portfolio: As varied as the dwarves themselves. Community, the forge, and dwarf-kind itself are important aspects of communal worship.
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Domains: Artifice, Community, Law, Protection
Holy Symbol: An ornate warhammer.
Favored Weapon: Warhammer
Description: As the dwarves worship their ancestors, iconography tends to be a highly personalized thing. The great temples in dwarven homelands are decorated with the statues of great heroes and kings.
Overview of Faith: The dwarven people literally worship their ancestors, praying to them for guidance as the other races do their gods. While each individual has their own personal "pantheon" they revere, most also worship the great heroes of their party. Their clergy is viewed as separate from dwarven culture, both feared and respected, as they are believed the channel the souls of the departed. Still, they hold hold weekly religious service which all dwarves are expected to attend. Communal service tends to involve singing praises to the great heroes and asking them for inspiration.
The Ancestral Cults, as they are called, involve revering prominent historical figures. On an individual level, it means most familial clans have small shrines dedicated to the most successful members of their linage. On a cultural level, the stonekin take hero worship to extremes that can unsettle outsiders. In theory, this could lead to pragmatism, as great men are not always good men, however Dwarven culture is filled with various taboos which genuinely keep their kin in line.
Name: Ancestral Cults
Portfolio: As varied as the dwarves themselves. Community, the forge, and dwarf-kind itself are important aspects of communal worship.
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Domains: Artifice, Community, Law, Protection
Holy Symbol: An ornate warhammer.
Favored Weapon: Warhammer
Description: As the dwarves worship their ancestors, iconography tends to be a highly personalized thing. The great temples in dwarven homelands are decorated with the statues of great heroes and kings.
Overview of Faith: The dwarven people literally worship their ancestors, praying to them for guidance as the other races do their gods. While each individual has their own personal "pantheon" they revere, most also worship the great heroes of their party. Their clergy is viewed as separate from dwarven culture, both feared and respected, as they are believed the channel the souls of the departed. Still, they hold hold weekly religious service which all dwarves are expected to attend. Communal service tends to involve singing praises to the great heroes and asking them for inspiration.