Character 4 - Dwarf Cleric

Backstory

You grew up in the Glitterhold, a Dwarven Delve known the world around for its riches, and your story is a simple one. Your family and clan have devoted themselves for thousands of years to the sacred task of maintaing the honor and sanctity of the tombs of the ancestors of the Delve, and as you grew up, you expected you too would follow in that time-honored tradition. But Fate had other plans for you.

Your life as a young dwarf was unremarkable in all but one way. Perhaps it was your parents, both priests of Gordrimm, the dwarven god of the dead, that nurtured your fascination with the afterlife. But instead of this leading you to also put on the robes of a priest of Gordrimm as your family intended, it led you to seek more answers. You were drawn to a small group of worshippers of another god who professed to know the purpose of death and afterlife. These were the Reapers of Tormessar. Tormessar was something different. He was Mysticar, not of the race of gods that created the dwarves. But the very name hinted that there was more to the universe than the simple stories told by the common priests.

The Reapers taught that death was inevitable, and ultimately must be accepted by everyone. They taught that tampering with death by attempting to resurrect the dead, or worse, trap a soul in undeath with necromantic magic - was a blasphemy against the sanctity of life. It was perfectly acceptable to take every action to keep someone alive, but once they went, they "belonged" to Tormessar. This tenet resonated well with you. You studied with the Reapers, learning as much as you could about the rituals and prayers that would bring Tormessar's favor to you, and eventually, you were asked to put on the robes of a priest of the Mysticar god.

Your family didn't quite know what to make of this. Tormessar wasn't a secret - he and his Reaper Cult were known within the Delve, but they weren't taken too seriously. Your family supposed you could still take up your duties to the clan by tending the tombs despite the fact that you were praying to "the wrong god". At least it was still a god that watched over the dead. It was the Reaper leadership, though, that revealed what would become your personal future.

Beyond the Delve, Tormessar was little known and often misunderstood. There were two other known Sects devoted to Tormessar. The Reapers believed these others did not understand their god, and out of either ignorance or arrogance were blaspheming against him. Your duty to Tormessar, you were told, would be to go out into the world. By your actions and deeds, you would bring glory to Tormessar. By your actions you would show Tormessar as a champion of life as well as death, willing to fight to let people enjoy their time on Cartyrion so that when it was time to leave, they could do so without regret.

And if, in your travels, you came across any of the misguided Twilight Sect or the downright blasphemous Deathmaster Sect, you would do whatever is in your power to either set them straight or vanquish them. Your journeys have brought you into the Feywood, and you now find yourself pondering your life's direction as you enjoy another one of these really remarkable ales. Smiling you think to yourself that at least the food and drink are far tastier out here in the "above world".

Pertinent Information

Race

Dwarf

Heritage

Tombkeeper

Background

Acolyte

Class

Cleric (War Priest canon)

Trained Skills

Athletics, Crafting, Intimidation, Medicine, Religion, Scribing Lore, Dwarven Lore

Languages

Common, Dwarvish

Armor

Scale Mail

Melee Attacks

Fist, Scythe, Clan Dagger

Ranged Attacks

None

Deity

Tormessar (Reaper Sect)

Deity Spells

1st Level: Soothe

Children

Physical Description

Dwarves are short and stocky, standing about a foot shorter than most humans. They have wide, compact bodies and burly frames. Dwarves of all genders pride themselves on the length of their hair and beards, which they often braid into intricate patterns, some of which represent specific clans. A long beard is a sign of honor among the dwarves, and thus a clean-shaven dwarf is considered weak, untrustworthy, or worse. All dwarves retain one characteristic of their undermountain origins: the ability to see even in total darkness.

Dwarves typically reach physical adulthood around the age of 25, though their traditionalist culture places more value on completing coming of age ceremonies unique to each clan than reaching a certain age. A typical dwarf can live to around 350 years old.

Other Characteristics

As a Dwarf...

You will strive to uphold your personal honor, no matter the situation. You won't waver or back down once you’ve set your mind to something. You will appreciate quality craftsmanship in all forms. Others will see you as stubborn (some will consider this an asset, others a detriment). They will assume you are an expert in all things related to stonework, mining, precious metals, and gems. They will be aware of the deep connections you have with family, heritage, and friends.

As a Tombkeeper Dwarf...

Your ancestors have been tomb guardians for generations, and the tombs deep beneath the Glitterhold can be dangerous places. This heritage manifests as a stronger understanding of and resistance to the effects of the necromantic energies that may manifest in such settings.

As a Former Acolyte...

You spent your early days in the secluded spaces of the Delve that the Reaper Sect used as a gathering place. You were being prepared to travel out into the world to spread the message of your faith. Your study of the sect's sacred writings helped hone your mental skills and your knowledge of the written word.

As a Warpriest Cleric...

During combat encounters, you balance between casting spells and attacking with your scythe (Tormessar's favored weapon). Your deity has granted you extra ability to heal your allies with prayers. After the combat is over, you will insist that the dead be dealt with appropriately. During social encounters, you might make diplomatic overtures or deliver impressive speeches. Because you’re wise, you also pick up on falsehoods others tell. While exploring, you detect nearby magic and interpret any religious writing you come across. You might also concentrate on a protective spell for your allies in case of attack. After a battle or hazard, you might heal anyone who was hurt. In between adventures, you might attempt to spread the word of your deity or research scripture.

You will have an immediate affinity with other worshippers of your deity provided they are of the Reaper sect. Worshippers from other sects, however, must be either converted or otherwise dealt with. You will know the teachings of your religion’s holy texts and how they apply to situations (including disposal of the dead). You will cooperate with your allies, provided they don’t ask you to go against divine will. Others will probably find your devotion impressive, even if they don’t understand it. They will certainly expect you to heal their wounds and rely on you to interact with other religious figures.

Cartyrion - An Overview

Laurels & Loot