Fires of Faith and War

Stalwart of Angradd

Battle is in the heart of almost every dwarf. Although they don’t long for war, they look fondly upon a fight well fought. Many of their gods bring favor to those who take the field, but only one is said to see the souls of the fallen to the afterlife. Angradd is the dwarven deity of fire, tradition, and war. This week we take a look at three possible sects for the younger brother of the dwarven patriarch Torag.

As always, let us imagine we are sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules for the game that we will play. In this game, we are to make a follower of Angradd. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of Forge-Fire. What character do you make?

For more information on Angradd

Angradd’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Angradd’s Archives of Nethys Page

The Rushing Boars

Angradd’s code says that passivity gives evil a chance to thrive and spread. To that end, many of his followers go out of their way to battle evil on all fronts. Places like Lastwall, The Worldwound, and even the part of Kyonin blighted by Treerazor are obvious hotbeds of evil activity. But the obvious battlegrounds aren’t always the places that the Fire-Forge’s devout are most needed. The Rushing Boars hunt down the secret evils of the world and lead the forces of their patron to them.

The Rushing Boars are seekers of evil, and although they can hold their own if they have to they aren’t really Angradd’s front line. Rogues, investigators, rangers, inquisitors, and paladins whose determination trumps their battle prowess join the Boars to root out evil wherever it may lie. Joining the group requires no special qualification, but one must swear an oath of service.

The Field Tenders

When dwarves take the battlefield they say a silent prayer to Angradd in hopes that his favor will seem them well off in the afterlife. Not every dwarf is meant to move on right at that moment and The Field Tenders are there to see The Fire-Forge’s will done. They scour a field of battle after the skirmish over looking for those who can be saved and those who must be brought back.

Members of The Tenders are chosen, they don’t apply. The sect is made up strictly of healers; clerics make up the bulk although a few oracles also grace their numbers. A higher ranking member with the ability to bring a dwarf back from the dead is always on hand at a battle site in case Angradd thinks someone’s soul needs to be shepherded back into its body.

The Master Plan

This is one of the core sects of the church of The Fire-Forge in the Five Kings Mountains region. Although there has been little more than skirmishes in the recent past, the kings like to keep an extensive battle plan should they need to defend their territory, or god forbid mobilize for a full-scale war away from home. The Master Plan comprises the best strategists Angradd has to offer and they are constantly retooling “the plan.”

The devotees of Angradd who join this sect have a litany of military commendations for both valor and quick thinking in battle. When a commander saves his battalion with well thought-out tactics he is considered for membership in the sect. To actually become a member one must outmaneuver a current member on a mock battlefield. These practice battles are also often used to test tactical theory.

This being’s followers erupt to life and bring something new to the table every time. Who is your disciple of Angradd? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Forge-Fire? Where does their devotion to this dwarven deity come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB has helped you take a closer look at those inspired by the divine, please consider showing support and become one of my patrons by donating to my Patreon or making a donation to my Paypal. Looking for more out of the CRB? Then you’re in luck! Facebook, Google +, Tumblr, and Twitter all have a CRB presence. And if you’re as impatient as I am, have the CRB pushed directly to your Kindle with every new post by signing up for KindleSubscriptions.

A Promise is a Promise

The Sworn of Kols

Dwarves have been long known as serious folk who take oaths and promises seriously. This truth of their being is nowhere more evident than in the fact one of their gods personifies these aspects their culture. Today we look at that divine being, Kols, the Dwarven deity of duty, honor, and promises. Presented here are three possible sects you may choose to use in your game.

As always, let us imagine we are sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules for the game that we will play. In this game, we are to make a follower of Kols. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Oath-Keeper. What character do you make?

For more information on Kols

Kols’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Kols’s Archives of Nethys Page 

The Stone Binders

When one has to make an extremely important binding promise they often seek out one of the Stone Binders to oversee the event. The Stone Binders etch the words of the promise onto small stone tablets and bless them with the will of Kols and the spit of the dwarves involved. Promises carved by the Stone Binders are seen as sacred and breaking them leads to dire consequences.

Stone Binders are generally clerics of Kols, although occasionally oracles or paladins will join their ranks. Becoming a Stone Binder is a promise to the Oath-Keeper in and of itself and any who abuse their power fall prey to The Oathkeepers. Each member of the sect has their own stone tablet created if it should ever crack that is seen as proof that they have forsworn their duties.

The Oathkeepers

Named after the moniker of their patron, these dwarves are the arm of the church that hunt down those who break an oath. They are particularly ardent about bringing in those who break a pact that was solemnized by The Stone Binders. This group is trained to hunt down other dwarves who shirk their duty and train often with The Hounds of Dranngvit.

This sect is made up most of paladins, inquisitors, rangers, rogues, and investigators. Tracking and other investigative skills are required of Oathkeepers as well as the martial ability to round up their quarry. The motto of this sect is “An oath kept, lest it be kept for you”.

The Elders

This is a small sect of older brothers who follow in Kols’ footsteps as protector of his younger brother Grundinnar. Functioning as more of a support group than a zealous religious sect, as each member has been tasked with watching out over a younger sibling due to the death of their parents. They swear a promise to The Oath-Keeper that their younger family member will not only survive but thrive, and many of them put their own life’s dream on the back burner to accomplish this.

Because this sect’s goals are family oriented the dwarves who join come from all walks of life. They lean on each other for aid in their appointed task, with the older members passing their experience to the younger. Aid can come in the form of teaching the younger sibling, monetary assistance, or just an ear to bend.

It is an honor to serve for the dwarves who follow the master of duty and promises. Who is your disciple of Kols? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Oath-Keeper? Where does their devotion to this Dwarven deity come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB has has helped you take a closer look at those inspired by the divine, please consider showing support and become one of my patrons by donating to my Patreon or making a donation to my Paypal. Looking for more out of the CRB? Then you’re in luck! Facebook, Google +, Tumblr, and Twitter all have a CRB presence. And if you’re as impatient as I am, have the CRB pushed directly to your Kindle with every new post by signing up for Kindle Subscriptions.

We Gather Here Today

Devotees of Bolka

When people think of dwarves they often picture gruff, dour, and humorless bearded folk, but that is not every dwarf. Bolka, the dwarven deity of beauty, desire, and love is the only daughter of Torag the head of the dwarven pantheon. So what kind of dwarf follows a deity of things that the typical dwarf is not generally known for? Let’s find out with these three sects.

As always, let us imagine we are sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules for the game that we will play. In this game, we are to make a follower of Bolka. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Golden Gift. What character do you make?

For more information on Bolka

Bolka’s Pathfinder Wiki Page 

Bolka’s Archives of Nethys Page 

Chords of Bolka

This sect is a small group of dwarven musicians who are in love with the idea of love. This group, which is not only bards, offer their services to suitors who find difficulty in talking to their beloved. How they know which suitors are at a loss for words is anyone’s guess, but they always seem to find their man or woman.

The group consists of six members, the leader of whom is a dwarven singer named Argar Clanghammer. Also included are a drummer, a bagpipe player, a horn player, and accordion player.  The sixth member doesn’t play an instrument or perform with the band but she is always on hand wherever they go.

The Stone Maidens

To many stone is hard, unforgiving, and bland. To the stone maidens there is a deep beauty hidden within a piece of stone. This sect has members in almost every large community of dwarves. They are all master sculptors who seem to bring the beauty of the stone out for the rest of the world to see. Many of the more “practical” dwarves see this art as frivolous but the Stone Maidens see their art bring a smile to even the most straight faced dwarf.

There is an application process to joining the Stone Maidens. A piece of sculpture must be created specifically as a test piece. The Stone Maidens are very particular about the sculpture they approve, but no one is quite sure what their process for deciding acceptance is. Contrary to the name, there a few male members of the Stone Maidens, although this is a recent development in the last two-hundred years or so.

The Joiners

Like a well-made building the architect needs to make sure the joints are strong, so too do The Joiners of Bolka. This sect is a group of match makers who work exclusively with prearranged marriages. When two families seek to join their fortunes together they come to The Joiners to seek approval of their endeavors.

The Joiners are worshipers of Bolka who specialize in divination. They are usually clerics or oracles, although they accept the occasional devout diviner wizard. They look into the future of both families and see if the union will be harmonious. The services of The Joiners isn’t done there, as they often help the pre-matched couple in the difficult process of getting to know and fall in love with each other.

From the stone comes the beauty of this dwarven deity and her followers. Who is your disciple of Bolka? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Golden Gift? Where does their devotion come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB has has helped you take a closer look at those inspired by the divine, please consider showing support and become one of my patrons by donating to my Patreon or making a donation to my Paypal. Looking for more out of the CRB? Then you’re in luck! Facebook , Google +, Tumblr, and Twitter all have a CRB presence. And if you’re as impatient as I am, have the CRB pushed directly to your Kindle with every new post by signing up for KindleSubscriptions.

Match Made In Heaven

Hembad's Love Brokers

Connetions, matchmaking, and synergy. Hembad is a being who makes things happen--in its own chaotic fashion. The minor Empyreal Lord has practically nothing written about him; but from his favored animal, the lovebird, to his holy symbol rings bound by ribbon, we can see he delves heavily into romantic matchmaking. But is this all he is about? And who are his followers? Maybe they are one such as this dwarf here.

As always, let us imagine we are sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules for the game we will play. In this game, we are to make a follower Hembad. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of the Empyreal Lord. What character do you make?

For more information on Hembad

Hembad’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Hembad’s Archives of Nethys Page 

The League of the Knotted Cord

Although many revere Hembad in his role of connection between lovers, The League of the Knotted Cord view his aspect of connections and matchmaking as being more than just romantic. The League of the Knotted Cord is a sect in the church of the Wise Grandfather that connects merchants with buyers, suppliers with producers, and tradesmen with clients. They believe that if you put in a good days work you should be able to find an outlet for your skills.

Many of the members of the League are still merchants and tradesmen in their own right. They use their businesses and wealth to aid those who are seeking to make something of themselves. To become a member of the League one only need prove that they will work hard and donate a small amount of their time, product, or connections to aid someone else seeking to prosper. Each member of the League wears a knotted cord around their neck as a badge. The more knots, the more respected the member.

The Nesters

In Magnimar there are many mystery cults for the various Empyreal Lords. Hembad too has his followers within the city of monuments. His church here is not very well organized, constituting mainly of older ethnic Varisians. These grandmothers and grandfathers are harrow readers all, but they specialize in seeing love in some one’s future.

Becoming a member of the Nesters isn’t something you can do, you have to be chosen. Hembad is said to personally pick every member in the harrow readings of existing Nesters. All Nesters are true harrow readers from many differing disciplines: oracles, sorcerers, clerics, and witches. The source of the power matters not. Because of their connection with Hembad the Nesters look down on those who peddle in fake love potions and harrow readings, even among their own people.

The Silver Circle

In Taldor courtly politics are still the currency of the land. Even in its failing decadence the Taldanes respect those who have mastered the ways of court. The Silver Circle is a secret group of courtesans who keep their finger on the pulse of Taldane politics for their own selfish ends. Although Hembad is by his own nature good, he understands that connections are connections and the Silver Circle worship him devoutly.

Unlike the League where you can apply, or the Nesters where you are fated, members of the Silver Circle are groomed to join the ranks of the sect. Potential candidates are watched closely by the Circle’s inquisitors before they approached about joining the ranks of the organization. The sect’s leaders are a group shrouded in mystery; five masked figures who maneuver the Circles members in a dance that even those who have been members for decades do not understand.

The purity and majesty of silver exists in all the sects you’ve seen here. Who is your blessed follower of Hembad? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to the Wise Grandfather? Where does their devotion come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB made a match between your next character and the Empyreal Lord Hembad, please consider showing support and become one of my patrons by donating to my Patreon. Looking for more out of the CRB? Then you’re in luck! Google +, Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook all have a CRB presence. And if you’re as impatient as I am, have the CRB pushed directly to your Kindle with every new post by signing up for Kindle Subscriptions.