-=- Da Kirkja Dverga -=-

[_RoyalCrafter_ 3242]

DA KIRKJA DVERGA

~ ᛞᚨ ᚴᛁᚱᚴᛃᚨ ᛞᚡᛖᚱᚷᚨ ~

 

Da Kirkja Dverga is the most crucial cultural institution within dwed society, the foundation on which all dwed traditions are built. The institution involves itself with all things cultural to the sons and daughters of Urguan, hosting festivals, teaching traditions, conducting rites and other methods of service to the Brathmordakin.

 

DA NOZAGAR’KRON

The core purpose of da Kirkja Dverga is to teach and protect the faith of the dwedmar. Although often done through sermons, teachings and rites, the main method by which dwed faith is preserved is through the body of writings known as the Nozagar’Kron. This contains teachings of the Brathmordakin, excerpts on Paragons, myths and legends, and a collection of all sermons and letters. However, not everything within the Nozagar’Kron is available to all dwarves, due to many texts either being lost to history or the complexity of some being too difficult to interpret.

 

BRATHMORDAKIN

The Brathmordakin consists of seven gods, each patron to certain themes of creation. The Brathmordakin were created as YEMEKAR forged the world, a result of divine craft. They reign from Khaz’A’Dentrumm over all creation, guiding the forces and themes that shape our lives.

 

YEMEKAR
Brathmordakin of Creation

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ANBELLA
Brathmordakin of Life

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GRIMDUGAN
Brathmordakin of Greed

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ARMAKAK
Brathmordakin of Trade

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BELKA
Brathmordakin of Passion

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OGRADHAD
Brathmordakin of Wisdom

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DUNGRIMM
Brathmordakin of Death

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CREATION MYTHOS

The tale recounts the creation of the world by YEMEKAR. Every step in the process of shaping reality, the Brathmordakin undertook, developing the themes of his design.  Described then is the shaping of the souls, the creation of Krug, Malin, Horen and Urguan.

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THE PARAGONS

There are those dwedmar who live their lives filled with honour and dedication, and who earn such a prestigious rank as that of Paragon. These dwedmar are examples of honour and worship of the Brathmordakin, especially the Paragons who are elevated to a position greater than all dwedmar in Khaz’A’Dentrumm, assisting the Brathmordakin in leading it. 

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KHAZ’A’DENTRUMM

When a dwed soul must part the mortal world, their soul is guided carefully to Khaz’A’Dentrumm, the lair of DUNGRIMM. Should they have been dishonourable and rejected the teachings of the Brathmordakin, should they instead have taken on the teachings of the Betrayer and his servants, they would fall from DUNGRIMM’s grasp and be cast into forever the darkness of Vuur’Dor. Should DUNGRIMM’s grip stay true on an honoured soul, they are brought to Khaz’A’Dentrumm where they are auctioned by the Brathmordakin and live a life of eternal happiness and honour with their ancestors and their gods.

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DA KHAZ’UR’KIRAKMAR

Da Khaz’ur’Kirakmar, dwed for Temple, refers to the structure of da Kirkja Dverga itself. With the sons and daughters of Urguan moving between several lands, countless shrines and holy structures falling to the enemy, it is not the construct itself but the organisation of da Kirkja Dverga that is the source of holiness. The structure of the clergy is divided in two, higher leadership and lower ranks, and overall offers higher ranks to people with more developed understandings of the Brathmordakin.

 

DA RHADAV’KARAAD

Da Rhadav’Karaad is the title for the leadership of da Kirkja Dverga, the innermost sanctum. It comprises the highest authorities on the Brathmordakin. Dwedmar who have dedicated their entire life to service of the Brathmordakin. Led by the High Prophet, da Rhadav’Karaad dictates clergy structure, religious doctrine, and other decisions regarding the faith of the dwarves. 

 

High Prophet

The elected leader of da Rhadav’Karaad, and with the assistance of their fellow clergymen, da Kirkja Dverga. They cannot alone discern the will of the Brathmordakin, and can only decide official doctrine with the guidance of the other Prophets and Priests. To remove a High Prophet from their position, a ⅔ majority is needed. During the vote, the individual in question can not vote upon their own removal.

 

Prophets

Among the highest authorities on the faith, to earn the title of Prophet one must demonstrate exceptional loyalty to the Brathmordakin, and hold a devotion to help lead the clergy through thick and thin. In the council led by the High Prophet, the Prophets hold supreme authority over all matters of faith, although they can choose to relinquish that power for a priest-wide vote. Each Prophet must choose a patron God of the Brathmordakin to dedicate themselves to. No two Prophets may hold the same patron God whilst they simultaneously hold the position. There can only ever be six Prophets at any one time so that in times of voting, the High Prophet will always have the deciding vote.

 

DA VATHMARAVOS

Da Vathmaravos is the term referring to the standard ranks of the clergy, composed of people who have begun their journey of dedication to the Brathmordakin. It is entirely common for members of da Vathmaravos to hold ranks outside of the clergy, such as in guilds or within their clans. Although these members have professed their dedication to the Brathmordakin and da Kirkja Dverga, it is not yet expected of them to devote themselves fully to it.

 

Priest

A Priest is the first rank of the clergy that holds any particularly strong religious authority and must choose at least one god to officially declare an oath to. Priests can be sworn into as many Brathmordakin as they want. Priests are designated authorities on a specific member of the Brathmordakin and are tasked with leading worship dedicated to that god. This does not mean however they are to forsake reverence for the rest of the seven, but simply for organisation, they are to manage the duties of one god. Once they have been sworn in, they are able to conduct the rituals of that god. Should the Prophet Council choose so, certain religious doctrinal decisions are made on a priest-wide vote. A priest must uphold all vows made to the Brathmordakin. If any are broken, they risk demotion and punishment.

 

Zealot

A zealot is a position parallel to that of a priest, but they hold personal views that are considered to be taking the Brathmordakin’s teachings to the extreme, eg. taking a vow of complete pacifism in honour of Anbella.  To become a zealot one must demonstrate knowledge equivalent to that of a priest, and they must swear a public oath, outlining their beliefs and the tenants of their oaths. A zealot doesn’t have the responsibility, nor authority of a priest, but they can express their unique views and offer insight should that be requested.

 

Acolyte

An Acolyte is the most basic and standard rank of da Kirkja Dverga. Acolytes can perform sermons and work on clergy projects, but cannot lead rites of the Brathmordakin. To become an Acolyte, a Neophyte must prove their extensive study and knowledge of the Brathmordakin. Once they have proven themselves, a Neophyte then must be blessed by a member of the Rhadaav’Karaad to become an Acolyte. Having reached the rank of Acolyte, the member continues to perform sermons, create writings, and do overall service to the Brathmordakin until they are ready to be made a Priest.

 

Neophyte

A Neophyte is someone who has just begun their journey of service to the Brathmordakin within da Kirkja Dverga. In order to become a Neophyte, a dwed must prove a basic level of understanding of the Brathmordakin. One must then take an oath to the Brathmordakin in the Temple, overseen by a member of the Rhadaav’Karaad. After their initiation, Neophytes tend to apprentice to and accompany many Priests to learn more during their religious trials.