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The UnSthommerons (Dwarven Fathers) |
The UnSthommerons (Thergerim UnSthommerons or "those like stone", also known as the Therbarolerons, "Dwarven Fathers") are the seven giants carved from living stone by Trum-Baroll, the Forging God, the Shaper of Earth Himself (called Urtengor by the humans). They are called Aephesvil, Corunvil, Hothesvil, Kannvil, Quontvil, Trumvil and Unphvil. They sought to imitate their creator and in turn carved more creatures like themselves, who became the ancestors of the dwarves. They are perceived as demi-gods or arch-ancestors in dwarven religion, and each has their own personality and responsibilities in the spiritual world of the Thergerim, as described below.
Aephesvil (Lord of Flint)
Worshipped by the Ylossians, ancient dwarven ancestors. According to Thergermin myth, Aephesvil, carved the Ylossians from stone using the rock from the Tandala Mountains to form them, and there they lived. The dwarves made their homes and livelihood in the Tandala tunnels which were vast underground caverns naturally formed in the limestone mountain. Aephesvil, who had completed his task of forging his dwarves, remained with his children, intent on guarding them. Soon it turned out that all the other races and the beasts which roamed at the Tandalas feared Aephesvil and so they stayed away from the tunnels. It is said that decades and even centuries passed and that te half-god had turned immobile. Finally his body fell, shattering to fragments on the dark cave floor.
Corunvil (Granite-Lord)
It is currently believed that Corunvil was the one to originate the idea of copying his own maker and creating life from stone in his own image. He proposed it to the other UnSthommerons who eagerly if somewhat ham-handedly took it up. Corunvil is associated with the chisel and the small stonemaul, and sometimes traditional smiths carve his rune on their tools to make them "strike sure", as they say. Highly conservative dwarves hold Corunvil to be a sort of arch-power or demi-god, above the other UnSthommerons. Female dwarves also invoke Corunvil during pregnancy and labour (the ultimate creative activity...)
Hothesvil (Lord of Lime/Sandstone)
Hothesvil's particular responsibility was to create and shape the intricate forms of stalactites and stalagmites, according to dwarven beliefs. Whenever a particularly attractive or aesthetic formation is found below ground, it is usually left in place where possible, rather as humans would spare a large old tree. Sometimes parts of the formation are "painted" to bring out their shapes, with a luminescent ink derived from fungal growths, as a kind of homage or offering to Hothesvil.
Kannvil (Marble-Lord)
Said to be the handsomest Unsthomm. There is a legend that he was unsatisfied with the short, rough bodies of the Thergerim he carved and sought out a massive deposit of alabaster in the high Imlith Mountains, where he hid himself from the other Stone Fathers and began creating a lovely female form to match his own size. Alas, when the last chisel-stroke separated her from the living rock, and the pale marble woman arose, she fled from Kannvil in terror and flung herself into Nubil's Gorge. Kannvil in despair would have followed her save that his brothers leapt from the ground and restrained him. Yet he grieved all his days thereafter. Hot springs are still often discovered underground and used by the dwarves in their caverns, and they are always said to be the Tears of Kannvil.
Quontvil (Obsidian-Lord)
Actually spelt "Kwontvil" in the dwarven tongue. Believed to be the creator specifically of the Morgerim tribe, whom he carved from obsidian after seeing how inflexibly similar the granite-formed Thergerim were. Quontvil is also said to be the only UnSthomm who possesses anything resembling a sense of humour. "Trickster" stories are sometimes accredited to Quontvil, as in when a tool goes missing after just having been to hand: "Quontvil took it!" This has also been adapted to a curse; "Quontvil take it/you/him!" His symbols are an obsidian ax-head and the small rocklizard commonly used as a roasting beast among the Thergerim. Note: The Morgerim will neither use obsidian ("Stoneflesh will cut flesh of our stone," they say, obscurely) nor eat that particular species of lizard...
Trumvil (Stone-Lord)
Not much is known or written of this reclusive Father with the unimaginative name. However, it is said that he was given the responsibility to count and name every pebble that Trum-Baroll shaped in making the Earth, so it was extrapolated that he be Master of Gems as well. It has, in the last few decades, become fashionable for dwarven couples to exchange various precious stones and jewelry pieces as betrothal gifts, rather than the traditional utensils and tools, and quite frequently Trumvil's Rune has appeared as a common decorative motif on these betrothal pieces. Some more liberal dwarven priests currently name Trumvil as the Wedding Presider, who aids in the joining of man and wife, but this is a fairly recent belief.
Unphvil (Basalt-Lord)
Particularly appealing to the dwarven females, Unphvil is the master (subcontracted by Trum-Baroll, of course) of basalt and other mephitic rocks. He is said to have power over lava, volcanic eruptions, and other netherworld heat sources. He was Trum-Baroll's assistant when the Dwarf God invented cooking and food preparation, so he is often invoked when dealing with hearth-matters. Dwarf couples will ask for Unphvil's blessing over their food after they eat it, and if herbs or medicines are to be imported/exported, they are often rune-protected in Unphvil's name.
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Information provided by Bard Judith |