Order of the Swords of Moradin
There are several Dwarvish orders. The Swords of Moradin are a psuedoreligious order, dedicated to preserving the Dwarven way of life, and the worship of Moradin. Moradin, the Soulforger, is the creator in Dwarven mythology, and is the patron of smiths, craftsmen, and to a lesser extent, warriors.
Dwarves who wish to join the Swords of Moradin are selected from Mountain Dwarf clans by existing members of the Swords. Dwarves who the Council of the Swords believe are worthy are invited to apply for membership, and then very few of the invited applicants are selected. To join the Swords, a Dwarf usually must first be recognised as a good to master swordsmith (equivalent of four NWP in weaponsmithing). He (and only male Dwarves are admitted) must have forged a weapon that has been used by either himself or another Dwarf to accomplish a great deed for the Dwarven race (DM's interpretation). The Dwarf must also be an accomplished warrior (of 3rd level or greater) and have forged a Dwarven shortsword of his own, and be specialised in shortsword.
The role of the Swords in Dwarven society is two-fold. Firstly, and most visibly to the outsider, they are the elite soldiers of many Dwarven armies. They do not, however, usually participate in martial activities outside of their settlements, rather are the elite guardsmen of places sacred to Moradin. Secondly, they are the keepers of the faith, second only in Moradin's eyes to his priests. Many of the Swords are not unknown, and devote their lives to the forge, but can be called upon to fight if the situation is dire.
When a Dwarf has been tested and accepted into the Swords, he is taught the shortsword and buckler fighting style of the Swords of Moradin. Follow the link for more information.
Links to other sites on the Web
Swords-n-Stuff Where you can find weapon pictures like those above.
IGRP International Guild of Roleplayers
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Where the above Dwarf warrior comes from, drawn by Thomas Patrick Reidy III
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