Faiths of Tirenia: The Dwarven Mores

The dwarves of Tirenia are the only community that refuses to follow salvationism. They have their own ways, which are older than those of the humans. In fact, according to the Storia, the beliefs of the Auromian Church are based on the dwarven mores. Unlike humans, dwarves see no difference between the religious and the secular. Their faith is with them always, tied up fundamentally with what it means to be a dwarf.

Dwarves believe in following the way of their ancestors. They do not believe in a god, or in reincarnation, but they do believe that their illustrious forefathers are with them always, watching over them. In fact, the dwarven ancestors are very similar to the human saints. Dwarves wish to live virtuous lives so that they may join the ancestors and watch over future generations. They also believe in virtuous actions and sinful actions. For dwarves, right actions are those which are for the good of the community; sin is promoting the self at the expense of the community. This is the cause of ideological differences between humans and dwarves: salvationism believes in individual perfection, while the dwarves are fine with behaviour that humans would see as morally dubious if it is for the good of the community. This community focus is why dwarves have such a focus on the hearth fire in their religion. Dwarven temples have a holy flame, which is the symbolic hearth of the community, and is tended by their priests so that it never goes out. Dwarves also see the act of creation as a holy act, which is why they have so many skilled artisans among their numbers.

Art: Detail from 'Moses and the Burning Bush.' Sebastien Bourdon, c. 1645.

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