Aberron

Introduction

Aberron is the god of the land, of stone and earth. It is primarily worshipped by those who work with rock or stone, such as miners or stonecutters. It is especially popular among the Zwergen (Dwarves).

Depiction

It is depicted as a grey-brown, wingless dragon, immense in scale and far larger than any dragon ever seen. His massive feet can cause earthquakes when he stomps them.

Theological Mission

In the human realms, Aberron does not have much in the way of the way of an organized religion. It’s church, such as it is, focuses on venerating the land beneath our feet as the foundation upon which all creation is built. There are few churches to Aberron. Small temples or shrines are occasionally built in mines. Earthquakes and mine disasters are sometimes attributed to Aberron, the victims often blamed for angering the god.

Among the Zwergen kingdoms, however, Aberron is a major deity. It’s church often advises local rulers and the head of the church sits on the council of King Dhazadmer, ruler of the Mauernzwerg.

Social Mission

Aberron’s impact on society greatly varies between human and Zwerg culture. Where human churches exist, they sometimes attempt to improve conditions for miners, but this is rare. Aberron is largely seen as an uncaring god by humans, more abstract concept than divine being.

For the Zwergen, however, Aberron is the protector of miners and stonecutters, and masons. It is one of the pillars upon which Zwergen culture rests.

Organization

Regional Authority

Although Aberron’s church’s headquarters among the Zwergen is located in the Avermauern, it is considered a sovereign geographic entity, with it’s own laws and secular government.
Offshoots of the church can be found in Nordsteinen and the Khun Mountains. Although they ostensibly fall under the umbrella of the church of Aberron, they generally consider themselves to be independent churches. There are also small contingents of Aberronese found throughout the Empire. In fact, wherever Zwegen gather, a priest of Aberron is likely to be found.

Temple Hierarchy

The following applies to Zwergen worship of Aberron

Houg Zhdencûr (Pontiff)
The High Stonecutter is the supreme ruler of the church of Aberron among the Zwergen.

Houg Maesnare (Bishops)
The High Masons serve as regional authorities for the church, each given a section of the Avermauren or Empire. Although there are High Masons over the Nordsteinen and Khun Mountain regions, they have no real power there. This is a major source of friction in Zwergen politics.

Vattern (Priests)
The priests of the church. They preach the word of Aberron among the Zwergen and uphold the traditions of the church. It is they who run the day to day operations of the church and oversee local places of worship.

Clerical Orders

Brud Esern (Iron Brotherhood)
Formed to combat the Corruption in the Khun Mountains. Although Aberron is not a martial god, his followers believe the Corrupt taint the earth and, thus, must be destroyed. They are fierce fighters, who incorporate the hardest stone into their armor and weapons.

Religious Practices

Where Aberron is worshipped among the humans, ceremonies usually consist of sacrifices of precious metals and stones. While this does enrich the local priest, the offerings are generally small.

Among the Zwergen, worship is much more formal and in line with more organized religions. The Zwergen observe few holy days; Abernagert (Aberron’s Night) is the holiest.

Archetype: The Behemoth
Titles: The Everliving Mountain, The Stone King, The King Beneath
Gender: Neutral
Sacred Animals: The Dragon
Sacred Colors: Brown, Grey
Favored Weapons: Mace, warhammer

Holy Days

• Abernagert: 5th of Lödzeit
• Mass: 14th of each month