Page 75 - Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes Deluxe

OTHER D EITIES to undermine the works that others have made, some-
The dwarvcn pantheon is quite large. The four deities times going so far as to take credit for their creation, or
discussed above are acknowledged by occupants of actually steal them. Greed distorts the joy that dwarves
almost every stronghold, while the following gods are normally take from their work. It focuses on the value
worshiped by some clans and ignored by others. These of the end result, rather than the importance of the pro-
deities include Dugmaren Brightmantle, the Gleam in cess of creation. A dwarf tempted by Abbathor might
the Eye; Dumathoin, the Keeper of Secrets under the sabotage a rival's work or uncover a wondrous treasure
Mountain; Corm Gulthyn, the Golden Guardian; Haela and pass it off as something they created.
Brightaxe, the Lady of the Fray; Marthammor Duin, Abbathor does, however, play a positive role in helping
Watcher over Wanderers; Sharindlar, Lady of Mercy; the dwarves discover new methods and techniques. Al-
and Vergadain, the Merchant King. though he espouses greed and treachery, he is also the
standard bearer for revision and innovation. His guid-
THE DUAL ROLE OF ABBATHOR ance is especially critical when a clan faces an unantici-
pated situation that requires quick, decisive action.
A LllTLE ACT OF SELFISHNESS NOW AND THEN IS TO BE
In that vein, dwarf emissaries and merchants are
expected even from the wisest of folk. expected to use Abbathor's tricks when they deal with
-Tenelar, Outcast of Five Peaks humans, elves, and other races. When a dwarf offers a
piece of merchandise for sale to an outsider, that mer-
chant is expected to drive a hard bargain, even if the
Dwarves have rigid principles and lofty ambitions. They
item is in truth an inferior example of its kind.
devote their lives to the pursuit of perfection, and the
best come close to realizing that goal. But for all their Fortunately for the other party in the arrangement,
the dwarves' idea of "inferior" means that a product they
dedication, dwarves are mortal, which means they are
consider substandard is still far superior to any such
fallible. And that's where Abbathor comes in.
item that outsiders might create. The dwarves might
The dwarves' attachment to their creations has a dark
laugh among themselves at a human farmer who bought
side: many of them fall victim to feelings of selfishness
a shovel from them that will last only a few decades. To
and greed. The culprit is Abbathor, the black sheep
the dwarves, that's a shoddy tool; to the farmer, it's a
of the dwarven pantheon. Abbathor is an advocate of
purchase that lasts a lifetime.
change, not stability- an attitude normally regarded
with suspicion by dwarves. But in this case, the god de-
ENEMIES ALL AROUND
livers his message inside the embrace of avarice.
Greed is at the heart of change. Greedy individuals If the dwarves weren't so good at accumulating trea-
aren't content with their own accomplishments and seek sure, it's likely that they wouldn't have as many ene-
mies. As things stand, however, almost every variety of
CHA.l'TER 3 I UWARVES ANO DUF.RCAR