Torag
The head of the dwarven pantheon is the most visible of the dwarven
deities, to the extent that Torag is the only dwarven deity
most non-dwarves know of. While the other dwarven
gods represent specific areas of dwarven life and
culture, thus forming an expansive and comprehensive
dwarven pantheon, Torag’s areas of concern are those
most central to dwarven society. In his own family, Torag models
the values of community and protection that have cemented deeprooted
relationships among dwarven clans. His focus on strategy
and tactical acumen centers on protection, reflected in dwarves’
impenetrable fortresses and conservative military tactics, including
their willingness to use offensive maneuvers as a form of defense.
He also represents the forge: the creation of fine works from raw
materials, practice and mastery of a craft, and pride in one’s work.
His purview extends even to those activities that feed the forge
and dwarven artisanship, such as mining the earth for raw ore
and gemstones. Torag’s oversight over these core concepts has
secured his place at the head of the dwarven pantheon for ages.
It was Torag who sent the dwarves on
their legendary Quest for Sky during the
Age of Darkness, and his worship was longestablished
even then. Indeed, among dwarves, Torag is
often called the Father of Creation.
Worship of Torag centers around the
forge, literally and figuratively. Many sites of
worship include an active forge, and crafting
is incorporated into worship services. The
god’s teachings urge the faithful to continually
practice and improve their artistry, regardless of
their specific craft. Though metalworking is the most
iconic skill, Toragdans also appreciate and encourage
masonry, leatherworking, gem cutting, cooking,
brewing, and virtually every other pragmatic craft.
Refining one’s techniques and improving skills are highly
valued among Torag’s followers, and this pursuit of
quality and betterment is an aspect that draws many
non-dwarves to the faith.
It comes as no surprise that Torag places a strong emphasis on defense and
combat prowess in the name of protecting one’s community. Followers of
Torag are expected to train in martial techniques and lead in the defense of
the home—including, with no reservations, offense against the community’s
enemies. Even so, the emphasis remains on protection, and Torag’s focus on
the use of military might for defense rather than conquest and glory is a key
component in dwarves’ tendency to remain ensconced in their fortresses and
existing territories rather than expanding their borders
Torag encourages his followers to develop their skills in tactics,
planning, and forethought, but he also supports the ability to think on
one’s feet and respond in the moment to the chaos of combat. Tales of
the god’s exploits in battle tell of his calm and collected demeanor, rarely
losing his temper—a temperament that his worshippers seek to emulate.
of children, and deaths. Stability, tradition, and orthodoxy are
ingrained in the church, with values conveyed through legend and
storytelling. Clerics and priests are thus central pillars of a dwarven
community. Dwarven champions of Torag thrive, typically as paladins serving
at the forefront of a community’s military operations, and these champions’
merciless devastation of their community’s enemies is a terrifying sight.
Toragdans believe in destroying the community’s enemies, lest showing mercy
lead to further bloodshed down the line, which makes being a redeemer
virtually impossible to the faithful of Torag. When a dwarven settlement
needs to address a far-off challenge, it is often champions who take up the
task. In areas with few dwarves, encounters with these roaming faithful are
sometimes the only interactions non-dwarves have with followers of Torag.
DIVINE INTERCESSION
Torag makes his pleasure or displeasure known through unsubtle signs. Minor Boon: Torag repairs your equipment so you may continue your vigil. Once, a shield, weapon, or other item you hold or are wearing recovers all of its Hit Points. The item’s Hardness doubles for 1 minute. Torag can grant this boon just as the item would have been destroyed, preventing the item’s destruction. Occasionally, he grants this boon to restore an item important to dwarven history that has already been fully destroyed. Moderate Boon: You are counted as family among Torag and his followers. You gain the effects of a single dwarf ancestry feat of Torag’s choice, even if you are not a dwarf, as long as you maintain Torag’s blessing. Major Boon: Standing watch or guarding a location counts as resting for you, preventing you from being fatigued due to lack of rest as long as you stand watch for at least 6 hours a day. You can recover your Focus Points (if you have them) by standing guard in addition to any other options you have available. When on guard, you gain a +4 status bonus to Perception to notice ambushes and other dangers approaching. As long as you are holding a shield, you are always Defending during exploration without needing to move at half your travel speed, and you can perform another exploration activity as well. While you are using a shield, its Hardness increases by 5. Minor Curse: Shoddy artisanship makes itself known. Whenever an item you’re using takes damage, it is broken. Moderate Curse: You must prove your skills at a craft by providing your own equipment. You gain item bonuses only from items you make yourself. Major Curse: You are forever cast out from your home. Members of your community have their attitudes towards you shift two steps worse, meaning those who used to be helpful are now indifferent, those who were friendly are now unfriendly, and all others are now hostile. This doesn’t necessarily result in violence, but hostile community members generally seek your permanent exile.
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