Faith

The Dwarves of Kildar chiefly worship their deity Moradin. Below are a number of rituals that they perform in their worship.

Craftsmanship as Worship

For dwarves, work itself is a form of worship. Whether they are smithing, mining, carving stone, or brewing ale, they view the act of creating something of quality as a way to honor Moradin. This means that every task is done with care, precision, and pride. Dwarves might even whisper prayers or sing hymns to Moradin as they work, infusing their creations with a bit of divine reverence.

A dwarf smith might inscribe Moradin’s runes on the inside of a shield or weapon, both to bless the item and to remind themselves of the divine influence in their craft.

This philosophy ensures that dwarves see their daily labor not just as work, but as a spiritual exercise, continuously striving to improve their skills in honor of their god.

In their worship, the Dwarves use the following common prayer: “By your flame, may my hands be steady; by your hammer, may my work be true; by your anvil, may my craft endure.”

The Forge Ritual

Dwarves hold moon cycle rituals at a communal forge. During these ceremonies, a master smith or priest of Moradin forges a simple item (like a nail, a key, or a small hammer) as an offering to the god. The forging process is seen as a sacred act, symbolizing Moradin's own work in crafting the dwarven race. The item is then either placed in a temple as an offering or given to a dwarf in need, symbolizing Moradin’s blessings.

This ritual emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and the connection between the dwarves and their creator. It also fosters a sense of community, as the entire clan may gather to witness and participate in the ritual.

The Hammer of Trials

Dwarven youths could undergo a coming-of-age ritual known as "The Hammer of Trials." In this ceremony, the young dwarves must forge their first hammer under the guidance of a senior dwarf or priest of Moradin. The hammer must be crafted from start to finish without assistance, symbolizing the importance of self-reliance and skill. Once completed, the hammer is blessed at a temple, and the dwarf is officially recognized as an adult and a full member of the community.

This rite of passage reinforces the values of perseverance, craftsmanship, and the importance of contributing to the community.

Communal Meals and Blessings

Meals, especially when taken communally, are likely to start with a blessing to Moradin. This might include thanking him for the earth’s bounty, which provides the raw materials for their work, and for the strong hands and sharp minds that allow dwarves to thrive. The meal itself is a celebration of the community and the divine gifts of craftsmanship and endurance.

These blessings ensure that even everyday activities like eating are connected to a larger spiritual framework, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

In their worship, the Dwarves bless their meal in the following manner: “For the stone beneath our feet, the fire in our hearts, and the strength of our kin, we thank you, Dwarffather.”