You have spent your life in a monastery dedicated to the service to Moradin, the All-Hammer. You perform daily sacred rites in the divine presence of the All-Hammer. You are not necessarily a cleric—performing sacred rites is not the same thing as channeling divine power. Moradin's general tenets are stoicism and tenacity in the face of catastrophe, loyalty to family, clan and community, and the creation of lasting legacies, monuments and institutions that change the world for the better.
Although Moradin is primary deity of the dwarves, the god of creation and craft is widely worshipped by others as well. Therefore, there is a relatively strong likelihood a Monk of the All-Hammer Kloster could be dwarven, but all walks of life are welcomed to practice in their brotherhood. Whatever your genetic makeup, you have come to the Kloster because they are well known for their artisanship and handiwork in their tradition of brewing beer and baking bread, a labor that brings the monks closer to Moradin, funds their daily operations and benefits the region in general. The Kloster is looked upon favorably by most.
Were you a lesser functionary in the monastery, raised from childhood to assist the other monks in their sacred rites? Or were you a high ranking monk who suddenly experienced a call to serve Moradin in a different way?
- Skill Proficiencies: History, Religion
- Tool Proficiencies: Brewer's supplies or cook's utensils
- Languages: Dwarvish or one other of your choice if you already speak Dwarvish
- Equipment: A set of artisan’s tools with which you are proficient, a maker’s mark signet stamp used to mark your handiwork with the symbol of the All-Hammer Kloster, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp.
You are highly respected among dwarves in general, those who share your faith in Moradin, and tavern owners that understand the unique value of having access to your monastery's well-known lagers. You and your companions can expect to receive free healing and care at the Kloster or any religious establishment dedicated to Moradin, although you must provide any material components needed for those spells. You also have the option to reside at the Kloster itself, as long as you remain on good terms with them. At the monastery itself, you can call upon the other monks for assistance, provided that what you ask for is not hazardous and good standing remains.
Suggested Characteristics
The monks at the All-Hammer Kloster are shaped by their experiences in the monastery: Their study of religion, history and craftwork surely affect their mannerisms and ideals. Character flaws may be a hidden hypocrisy or heretical idea, or an ideal or bond taken to an extreme.
For ideas for traits and motivations, you can use the tables for Acolyte or Guild Artisan backgrounds as inspiration, modifying as appropriate to suit your identity as an All-Hammer Kloster monk. Your bond is very likely related to a fellow monk, perhaps someone who taught you your artisan skills or your historical and religious knowledge. Your ideal might have something to do with maintaining a high quality of craft or focusing on your service to Moradin.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example. |
| 2 | I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace. |
| 3 | I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen. |
| 4 | Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude. |
| 5 | I quote (or misquote) sacred texts and proverbs in almost every situation. |
| 6 | I am tolerant (or intolerant) of other faiths and respect (or condemn) the worship of other gods. |
| 7 | I’ve enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society among my temple’s elite. Rough living grates on me. |
| 8 | I’ve spent so long in the temple that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tradition. The ancient traditions of worship and sacrifice must be preserved and upheld. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Charity. I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good) |
| 3 | Change. We must help bring about the changes the gods are constantly working in the world. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Power. I hope to one day rise to the top of my faith’s religious hierarchy. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Faith. I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Aspiration. I seek to prove myself worthy of my god’s favor by matching my actions against his or her teachings. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I would die to recover an ancient relic of my faith that was lost long ago. |
| 2 | I will someday get revenge on the corrupt temple hierarchy who branded me a heretic. |
| 3 | I owe my life to the priest who took me in when my parents died. |
| 4 | Everything I do is for the common people. |
| 5 | I will do anything to protect the temple where I served. |
| 6 | I seek to preserve a sacred text that my enemies consider heretical and seek to destroy. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely. |
| 2 | I put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple’s hierarchy. |
| 3 | My piety sometimes leads me to blindly trust those that profess faith in my god. |
| 4 | I am inflexible in my thinking. |
| 5 | I am suspicious of strangers and expect the worst of them. |
| 6 | Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life. |