====== Dwarven Faiths ======

===== Overview  =====

Philosophically, the main Dwarven faiths teach loyalty to Race, Holding and Clan, reinforced by a great respect for the law, predictable behaviour and a willingness to work for the benefit of the community. There are slight differences but, overall, the faiths are similar enough that there is no cultural tension between The followers of Moradin, Torag or Magrim.

Theologically, the priests have debated the difference in creation myths for years, and have not yet come to a conclusion.    One group favour the theory that two different proto-gods were blessed by Sybel the Bounteous at the same time -  and thus created different branches of the same race simultaneously.  Others argue that Torag and Moradin are two different names for the same deity, and the different interpretations are down to the priesthood.  Some argue that Moradin’s church was advised to reach for the sun earlier, and whuile they reached the surface, they abandoned the underdark completely -  all settling in surface only mines.  Another school of thought talks about a single deity, somehow split asunder, to create  two founding deities …  To say it is complicated, is an understatement.  The one thing they all agree on, is that Droskar and Laduguer are renegades that should not be tolerated.  And they will have another surprise in store when they eventually rediscover Thard Harr and try to fit him into their theology.

===== Surface Faiths =====

  * **Moradin's Church**, believe that Moradin created Dwarfkind, and gave them a home in mineral filled caves and caverns caves, close to the surface.  While he advised trading with likeminded surface races, he advised them that  hat Dwarf was Dwarf, and that the mine-hold should always be home.  Followers of Moradin tend to be LG, and choose their trade partners carefully.  Some dwarves travel, but they always expect to come home, to their mine-hold, when they are ready to settle down or raise a family.  Moradins Church is mainly found in those Dwarf mine-holds that do nt have a connection to the underdark.
  * **Torag's Church** believe that Torag created Dwarfkind, and gave them a home in mineral filled caves and caverns caves, deep underground. While he advised trading with likeminded races, he advised them that  Dwarf was Dwarf, and that the mine-hold should always be home. Later they were told that they should seek the sun and eventually, they forced their way to the surface.  Followers of Torag tend to be LG, and choose their trade partners carefully.  Some dwarves travel, and may well settle somewhere on the surface, where they can live in the sun.  Torag’s Church is found in those Dwarf mine-holds that have a connection to the underdark, and is predominant is ex-pat communities.
  * **Magrim’s Cult** is less common, and only found in a few Torag worshipping mine-holds.  As Torag’s older brother, Magrim, is recognised as the Dvarven god of fate and the protector of the dead.  Magrim’s Cult more pragmatic approach to life that might be favoured in those mine-holds that have suffered greatly, been attacked or lost their access to the underdark. .  The Mine-hold follows Torag’s core philosophies, diluted with Magrim’s pragmatism and tends to be LN(g) overall
  * **Thard Harr** is a dwarven patron of Jungle survival, and is (very occasionally)  found as the sole patron of Jungle Dwarf tribes.  Thard Harr is going to be a great surprise to the Dwarven Religious hierarchy, when he is rediscovered.  (CG)

===== Underdark Faiths =====

The following cults  are rarely encountered, on the surface.  When they are found the other dwarves will band together to defeat them, as they are seen as the antithesis of Dwarfdom. The two strands of the dark dwarf faith have slightly different ethical philosophies – however, some surface philosophers think they might be different names for the same deity, with different cults.  **They faiths are not available to PCs**.

  * **Droskar’s Church** is rarely found above ground, although he is popular with the grey-skinned dwarves found deep underground, who are known as Duergar.  (NE)
  * **Laduguer’s Church** is in competition with Droskar’s Church for Duergar worshippers and is rarely found above ground (LE)