In many campaign settings for the Dungeons & Dragonsrole-playing game, the Morndinsamman, the dwarven pantheon of gods, consists of the leader, Moradin, as well as Abbathor, Berronar Truesilver, Clanggedin Silverbeard, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Dumathoin, Muamman Duathal, and Vergadain. Other dwarven gods (such as Hanseath, Mya, Roknar, Tharmekhûl, Thautam, and Valkauna from the Races of Stone supplement) may be present in different campaign settings.
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A campaign is a series of individual adventures, and a campaign setting is the world in which such adventures and campaigns take place. Usually a campaign setting is designed for a specific game or a specific genre of game. There are numerous campaign settings available both in print and online. In addition to published campaign settings available for purchase, many game masters create their own settings, often referred to as "homebrew" settings or worlds.
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. It was first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. (TSR). The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997. It was derived from miniature wargames, with a variation of the 1971 game Chainmail serving as the initial rule system. D&D's publication is commonly recognized as the beginning of modern role-playing games and the role-playing game industry.
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making regarding character development. Actions taken within many games succeed or fail according to a formal system of rules and guidelines.
Moradin is the chief deity in the dwarven pantheon in the Dungeons & Dragons game and is a member of the default D&D pantheon. In 3rd edition, Moradin's domains are Creation, Earth, Good, Law, and Protection. The 5th Edition Players Handbook include Knowledge as a suggested domain. His titles include Soul Forger, Dwarffather, the All-Father, and the Creator. He created the first dwarves out of earthen materials and tutored them in dwarven ways.
Roger E. Moore is a designer of role-playing games. He is best known for his long-running tenure as editor of Dragon magazine, and was the founding editor of Dungeon magazine.
Dragon was one of the two official magazines for source material for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game and associated products; Dungeon was the other.
The dwarven pantheon of the Forgotten Realms appeared in Dwarves Deep (1990), consisting of Moradin, Clanggedin Silverbeard, Sharindlar, Vergadain, Dumathoin, Abbathor, Berronar Truesilver, Marthammor Duin, Gorm Gulthyn, Haela Brightaxe, and Thard Harr.[4]
Forgotten Realms is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fantasy role-playing game. Commonly referred to by players and game designers alike as "The Realms", it was created by game designer Ed Greenwood around 1967 as a setting for his childhood stories. Several years later, Greenwood brought the setting to the D&D game as a series of magazine articles, and the first Realms game products were released in 1987. Role-playing game products have been produced for the setting ever since, as have various licensed products including novels, role-playing video game adaptations, and comic books. The Forgotten Realms is one of the most popular D&D settings, largely due to the success of novels by authors such as R. A. Salvatore and numerous role-playing video games, including Pool of Radiance (1988), Eye of the Beholder (1991), Baldur's Gate (1998), Icewind Dale (2000) and Neverwinter Nights (2002).
The dwarven pantheon was detailed in the book Monster Mythology (1992), including details about their priesthoods. This version of the pantheon consisted of Moradin, Berronar Truesilver, Clanggedin Silverbeard, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Dumathoin, Muamman Duathal, Vergadain, Abbathor, and the dwarf hero Gnarldan Steelshield.[5] The role of these dwarvish powers in the cosmology of the Planescape campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground (1996).[6]
Monster Mythology is a sourcebook for the second edition of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Released by TSR in 1992 and written by Carl Sargent, with interior illustrations by Terry Dykstra, John and Laura Lakey, and Keith Parkinson, Monster Mythology was released as a companion volume for Legends & Lore. This book contains detailed information on the societies, cultures, myths, and deities of several non-human pantheons, including those of the elves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, orcs, goblins, dragons, giants, drow, and many other creatures.
Planescape is a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, originally designed by Zeb Cook. The Planescape setting was published in 1994. As its name suggests, the setting crosses and comprises the numerous planes of existence, encompassing an entire cosmology called the Great Wheel, as originally developed in the Manual of the Planes by Jeff Grubb. This includes many of the other Dungeons & Dragons worlds, linking them via inter-dimensional magical portals.
The members of the dwarven pantheon received very detailed descriptions for their roles in the Forgotten Realms in Demihuman Deities (1998), including Abbathor, Berronar Truesilver, Clanggedin Silverbeard, Deep Duerra, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Dumathoin, Gorm Gulthyn, Haela Brightaxe, Laduguer, Marthammor Duin, Moradin, Sharindlar, Thard Harr, and Vergadain.[7]
Dungeons & Dragons 3rd edition (2000–2007)
Moradin appears as one of the deities described in the third edition Players Handbook (2000),[8] and is detailed in Deities and Demigods (2002).[9]
The dwarven pantheon's role in the Forgotten Realms is revisited in Faiths and Pantheons (2002), which describes Abbathor, Berronar Truesilver, Clanggedin Silverbeard, Deep Duerra, Dugmaren Brightmantle, Dumathoin, Gorm Gulthyn, Haela Brightaxe, Laduguer, Marthammor Duin, Moradin, Sharindlar, Thard Harr, and Vergadain.[10]
Moradin appears again in the 3.5 revised Players Handbook (2003).[11] His priesthood is detailed for this edition in Complete Divine (2004).[12] The dwarven deities Moradin, Hanseath, Laduguer, Mya, Roknar, Thammekhûl, and Valkauna appeared in Races of Stone (2004).[13]
Dungeons & Dragons 4th edition (2008–2013)
Moradin appears as one of the deities described in the Player's Handbook for this edition (2008).[14]
Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition (2014–)
Moradin appears as one of the deities described in the Player's Handbook for this edition (2014).
Abbathor
Abbathor (AB-ba-thor[15]) is the dwarven deity of greed. His holy symbol is a jeweled dagger. Abbathor manifests as a very large dwarf, fat and piggy-eyed. He wears leather and furs made from those non-dwarves who have opposed him in the past. He is the only evil power in the dwarven pantheon of Morndinsamman, but is tolerated and supports the other deities in conflicts. Designated of being of intermediate power and with neutral evil alignment, his home plane is the Gray Waste of Hades.
Abbathor was first detailed in Roger E. Moore's article "The Gods of the Dwarves," in Dragon #58 (TSR, 1982).[16] In Dragon #92 (December 1984), Gary Gygax indicated this as one of the deities legal for the Greyhawk setting.[17] He also appeared in the original Unearthed Arcana (1985).[18]
Abbathor was first detailed as part of the dwarven pantheon in the Forgotten Realms in Dwarves Deep (1990).[4] He was detailed in the book Monster Mythology (1992), including details about his priesthood.[19] His role in the cosmology of the Planescape campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground (1996).[20] He received a very detailed description for his role in the Forgotten Realms in Demihuman Deities (1998).[7] Abbathor's role in the Forgotten Realms is revisited in Faiths and Pantheons (2002).[10] His priesthood is detailed for 3rd edition in Complete Divine (2004).[21] A story details that a long-abandoned temple to Abbathor in the Yatils was looted by Arnon Orberend.[22]:75
Berronar Truesilver
Berronar Truesilver is the dwarf deity of safety, truth, home, and healing. She shares a realm with Moradin, Erackinor, on the plane of Mount Celestia. She acts as Moradin's consort. She is an intermediate deity that is of the Lawful Good alignment. Berronar appears as a powerful female dwarf with a beard braided into four rows, wearing chain mail and a silver helm.
Berronar Truesilver was first detailed in Roger E. Moore's article "The Dwarven Point of View," in Dragon #58 (TSR, 1982) in which she was just called Berronar.[16] In Dragon #92 (December 1984), Gary Gygax indicated this as one of the deities legal for the Greyhawk setting.[17] She also appeared in the original Unearthed Arcana (1985).[18]
Berronar Truesilver was first detailed as part of the dwarven pantheon in the Forgotten Realms in Dwarves Deep (1990).[4] She was detailed in the book Monster Mythology (1992), including details about her priesthood.[19] Her role in the cosmology of the Planescape campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground (1996).[20] She received a very detailed description for her role in the Forgotten Realms in Demihuman Deities (1998).[7] She is described as one of the good deities that celestials can serve in the supplement Warriors of Heaven (1999).[23] Berronar Truesilver's role in the Forgotten Realms is revisited in Faiths and Pantheons (2002).[10] Her priesthood is detailed for 3rd edition in Complete Divine (2004).[21]
Clanggedin Silverbeard
Clanggedin Silverbeard is the dwarf deity of battle. Clanggedin's realm is named Mount Clanggedin after himself, located on the plane of Arcadia. Clangeddin appears as a craggy, middle-aged, bald, silver-bearded dwarf in chain mail. He is usually armed with paired battle axes, and appears powerful and always smiling. He is an intermediate deity of Lawful Good alignment with the domains of Good, Law, Strength, War and Dwarf.
Clanggedin Silverbeard was first detailed in Roger E. Moore's article "The Dwarven Point of View," in Dragon #58 (TSR, 1982).[16] In Dragon #92 (December 1984), Gary Gygax indicated this as one of the deities legal for the Greyhawk setting.[17] He also appeared in the original Unearthed Arcana (1985).[18]
Clanggedin Silverbeard was first detailed as part of the dwarven pantheon in the Forgotten Realms in Dwarves Deep (1990).[4] He was detailed in the book Monster Mythology (1992), including details about his priesthood.[19] His role in the cosmology of the Planescape campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground (1996).[20] He received a very detailed description for his role in the Forgotten Realms in Demihuman Deities (1998).[7] He is described as one of the good deities that celestials can serve in the supplement Warriors of Heaven (1999).[24] Clanggedin Silverbeard's role in the Forgotten Realms is revisited in Faiths and Pantheons (2002).[10] His priesthood is detailed for 3rd edition in Complete Divine (2004).[21]
Deep Duerra
Deep Duerra (dwair-uh), also known as Queen of the Invisible Art or the Axe Princess of Conquest, was the duergardemigod of psionics, conquest and expansion.[10]:117 Deep Duerra received a detailed description in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Second Edition sourcebook Demihuman Deities (1998),[25] and is described in the Dungeons & Dragons third edition book Faiths and Pantheons (2002).[10]
Dugmaren Brightmantle
Dugmaren Brightmantle is the dwarf deity of scholarship, discovery, and invention. Dugmaren shares the Dwarven Mountain on the Outlands with Dumathoin and Vergadain. Dugmaren appears as an elderly dwarf with sparkling blue eyes. He is slightly hunched over and he wears the bright blue cloak that is his namesake. He irritates his father by wandering away from his projects before he completes them or before he finds a use for the knowledge he has collected. He is of the Chaotic Good alignment, his domains are Chaos, Good, Knowledge and is worshiped by dwarves and some gnomes who are scholars, inventors, engineers, or tinkers.
Dumathoin (DOO-muh-THOE-in) is the patron of mountain dwarves, and the dwarf deity of mining and underground exploration. He is also the protector of the dwarven dead. His holy symbol is a cut, faceted gem inside of a mountain. He is an intermediate deity of Neutral alignment with the domains of Earth, Knowledge, Protection and also Cavern, Craft, Dwarf, and Metal in Forgotten Realms.
Dumathoin is described as a gigantic male dwarf with a barrel chest. His hair and beard are sculpted gray stone, and his skin is earth-brown in color. His eyes are silvery flame. He carries a two-handed mattock made from solidified magma. Dumathoin never speaks and instead communicates with gestures and the occasional grunt or sigh. Dumathoin is a rival of his brother Abbathor and shares the Dwarven Mountain on the Outlands with Dugmaren and Vergadain.
Gorm Gulthyn, also known as Fire Eyes, Lord of the Bronze Mask and the Eternally Vigilant, was a dwarven lesser deity who held the portfolios of defense and watchfulness and was the guardian of all dwarves. Gorm Gulthyn was introduced in Dwarves Deep (1990).[26] Gorm Gulthyn received a detailed description in Demihuman Deities (1998).[27]
Haela Brightaxe
Haela Brightaxe (D): Goddess of luck in battle, joy of battle, dwarven fighters; is now a dead power. She was introduced in Dwarves Deep (1990).[28] Haela Brightaxe received a detailed description in Demihuman Deities (1998) and a detailed revisitation in Faiths and Pantheons (2002).[29]
Hanseath
Hanseath is the dwarven deity of war, carousing, and alcohol. He is a lesser deity of Chaotic Neutral alignment and his domains are Chaos, Strength, Travel, War.
Known as the Bearded One for the thick hair that obscures most of his face, Hanseath represents the festive side of dwarven culture. Brewers hold him in high regard, as do dwarf barbarians and any dwarf who charges headlong into battle heedless of the odds.
Laduguer
Laduguer (/ˈlɑːdəɡwɜːr/LAH-də-gwur)[7][10] is the evil deity of the duergar, the Underdark-dwelling cousins of dwarves. He is an intermediate deity of the Lawful Evil alignment with the domains of Evil, Law, Magic, Protection and also Craft, Dwarf, and Metal in Forgotten Realms settings. Laduguer appears as a tall, gaunt duergar with skin that can change between gray and brown to match the nearby rock. He is bald and perpetually frowning. He was in the Morndinsamman, but he exiled himself over a point of honor. His realm, Hammergrim, is located on the plane of Acheron
Marthammor Duin (Mar-tham-more doo-ihn), is the dwarvendeity of Travel and Protection in the Forgotten Realmscampaign setting. He is also known as the Finder of Trails, the Watcher over Wanderers, the Watchful Eye, and the Wanderer. He is the patron of dwarves who have left the clanholds to explore the world. His holy symbol is an upright mace in front of a fur-trimmed leather boot.
Moradin is the chief deity in the dwarven pantheon in the Dungeons & Dragons game and is a member of the default D&D pantheon. Moradin's domains are Creation, Earth, Good, Law, and Protection.[34] He is the creator deity of the first dwarves out of earthen materials in the Dungeons & Dragons lore. Moradin is the head of the dwarven pantheon. He is married to Berronar Truesilver and lives with her in Erackinor, on the plane of Mount Celestia.
Moradin was created by James M. Ward for the Deities and Demigods Cyclopedia (1980).[1] Moradin was first detailed as part of the dwarven pantheon in the Forgotten Realms in Dwarves Deep (1990).[35]Monster Mythology (1992) included details about his priesthood.[5] His role in the cosmology of the Planescape campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground (1996).[6] Moradin received a very detailed description for his role in the Forgotten Realms in Demihuman Deities (1998).[7] Moradin is described as one of the good deities that celestials can serve in the supplement Warriors of Heaven (1999).[24]
In Dungeons & Dragons 3.0, Moradin appears as one of the deities described in the Players Handbook for this edition (2000).[8] Moradin is also detailed in Deities and Demigods (2002),[9] and his role in the Forgotten Realms is revisited in Faiths and Pantheons (2002).[10] Moradin appears in the revised Players Handbook for 3.5.[11] His priesthood is detailed for this edition in Complete Divine (2004).[12] Moradin is also included in the 4.0 edition handbook.[14] A setting-specific version of him appears in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide and the Forgotten Realms Player's Guide (both 2008) for this edition.
Muamman Duathal
Muamman Duathal (Moo-AM-man Doo-AH-thuhl) is the dwarf deity of wanderers and expatriates. He is also the dwarven god of lightning, which he uses as an omen. His symbol is an upright mace over a single leather boot trimmed with fur, or a mace clutched by a pair of gauntleted fists. He is a lesser deity of the Neutral Good alignment and has the domains of Good, Protection, Travel[36] Muamman appears as a weathered, nondescript dwarf dressed in plain clothes, usually green. He is thin, with a beard of deep black. He wields Glowhammer, a mace that glows as if were still cooling from being forged. Often, he carries a weathered staff. Muamman's realm is the Cavern of Rest in the ever-shifting subterranean layer of Nidavellir on the plane of Ysgard.
Thard Harr(thard harr), the dwarven god of jungle survival and hunting, is the patron of the wild dwarves; he watches over them and works to ensure their continued survival. His followers revere the jungles they live in and do their best to live in harmony with and to protect the jungles (and themselves) from outsiders who would do either of them harm. His followers tend to be suspicious and isolationist, and they rarely willingly interact with outsiders. Only those who have proven themselves over a long period time can gain their trust. Thard Harr is also an exarch of Moradin.[37]:81
Thard's clerics and druids are known as vuddor ("those of the jungle") and due to the wild dwarves' general ignorance of deities other than Thard, have a position of great prominence in their society. They lead hunts, act as generals and representatives of their race.
Tharmekhûl is a god of the forge, fire and warfare.[13]:19
Thautam
Thautam is an intermediate god of magic and darkness.[13]:20
Ulaa
In the World of Greyhawkcampaign setting, Ulaa is the goddess of Hills, Mountains, and Gemstones. Her holy symbol is a mountain with a ruby heart; she places rubies in the earth as gifts to miners, who do her husband's work. Ulaa is depicted as a dwarven woman with gnomish facial features. She wields a mighty hammer called Skullringer. Ulaa's realm in the Outlands is called the Iron Hills. She also spends time in the Seven Heavens. Her husband, Bleredd, is said to dwell with the gnomish gods in Bytopia.
Valkauna is an intermediate goddess of oaths, death and birth.[13]:21
Vergadain
Vergadain (VUR-guh-dain) is the dwarf deity of Wealth and Luck. He is an intermediate deity of the Neutral alignment; his domains are Luck, Trickery and also Dwarf and Trade in Forgotten Realms. Vergadain appears as a tall dwarf dressed in the brown and yellow garb of a merchant; often his clothes are tattered and dusty from his long travels. Underneath this, he wears armor and often carries musical instruments (Vergadain has a great singing voice and is said to be a great poet), disguises, and sacks of treasure protected with poisonous snakes and vermin. His boots contain concealed weapons such as knives or garrotes, or hidden places or both. He shares the Dwarven Mountain on the Outlands with Dugmaren and Dumathoin.
Vergadain was first detailed in Roger E. Moore's article "The Dwarven Point of View," in Dragon #58 (TSR, 1982).[16] In Dragon #92 (December 1984), Gary Gygax indicated this as one of the deities legal for the Greyhawk setting.[17] He also appeared in the original Unearthed Arcana (1985).[18]
Vergadain was first detailed as part of the dwarven pantheon in the Forgotten Realms in Dwarves Deep (1990).[4] He was detailed in the book Monster Mythology (1992), including details about his priesthood.[19] His role in the cosmology of the Planescape campaign setting was described in On Hallowed Ground (1996).[20] He received a very detailed description for his role in the Forgotten Realms in Demihuman Deities (1998).[7] Vergadain is described as one of the good deities that celestials can serve in the supplement Warriors of Heaven (1999).[24] Vergadain role in the Forgotten Realms is revisited in Faiths and Pantheons (2002).[10]
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Olsen, John. "Worth its weight in gold." Dragon #109. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1986.
Oppen, Eric. "The Folk of the Underworld." Dragon #131. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.
"Servants of the Jeweled Dagger." Dragon #152. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989.
Conforti, Steven, ed. Living Greyhawk Official Listing of Deities for Use in the Campaign, version 2.0. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2005. Available online:
Living Greyhawk: Volume 1, Number 3. Spring, 591 CY. February 2001.
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