Korik Kahaz
The Ancient Defender
Korik Kahaz
The Flame-Wrought Shield, The Hammer of Endings, Guardian of the Deep Stone
Mythic Hero and Ascended Deity
Patron of Dwarves, War Against the Undead, Oaths, and Endurance
Over 2,500 years ago, as darkness poured from the broken lands and the first great undead horde marched across Tierradia, the dwarves stood alone upon the mountain passes. The kingdoms of men were shattered, the elven citadels burned, and the gods seemed silent. It was then that Korik Kahaz, a mortal dwarf of unmatched will and unwavering faith, rose from the ranks of the forge-guard to become the flame that would hold back the night.
According to legend, Korik bore a hammer forged from the molten core of the world and quenched in the blood of the first lich king. His shield, carved from the fossilized heart of an elder wyrm, stood unbroken through the final siege of Feld Karath, where he and his kin held a mountain gate for seven days and nights while the last survivors of Tierradia fled south.
In that final battle, Korik is said to have challenged the necromancer-lord Velarax the Pale to single combat atop the Bridge of Mourning. Though mortally wounded, Korik drove his hammer into Velarax’s skull, shattering the lich's crown and causing the horde to collapse into chaos. His body was never recovered, only his shield—cracked but intact—found amid the ashes, still warm with divine fire.
Ascension and Worship In the centuries that followed, the dwarves came to see Korik not just as a hero, but as the vessel of divine resilience. His name became a battle cry, his hammer a sacred symbol, and his deeds the foundation of countless oaths. By the dawn of the Second Era, dwarven high priests began to receive visions from Korik—warnings, blessings, and commands from beyond death.
The dwarves of Tierradia elevated him to full godhood, and today, Korik Kahaz is worshipped across dwarven strongholds and by paladins, smiths, and oath-sworn warriors of many races. Temples to him are austere and solid, often built near forges or carved into mountainsides. His iconography shows him armored head to toe, flame crowning his brow, hammer raised in defiance against skeletal hordes.
Dogma and Tenets Korik’s doctrine is simple but absolute:
Hold the Line – Stand when others fall; never retreat in the face of evil.
Keep the Oath – Your word is your stone; once given, it is unbreakable.
Protect the Living – The dead have their place; the undead are an abomination.
Forge with Purpose – Whether weapon or word, all things you shape must serve good.
His followers are expected to be disciplined, unwavering in battle, and compassionate in defense of the innocent. Paladins of Korik are often seen as grim but dependable—unyielding shields between the living and the dark.
Korik in the Present Day In the face of a new undead threat rising across Tierradia, many see the current paladin following Korik as a sign of prophecy reborn. Some dwarves whisper that the fires of Kar Dhûral—Korik’s legendary forge—may blaze once more. Others believe that his spirit walks again, guiding champions to the next great stand against death.
To those who pray to Korik, every hammer strike is a vow. Every shield raised is a hymn. And every undead destroyed is justice made manifest.
Over 2,500 years ago, as darkness poured from the broken lands and the first great undead horde marched across Tierradia, the dwarves stood alone upon the mountain passes. The kingdoms of men were shattered, the elven citadels burned, and the gods seemed silent. It was then that Korik Kahaz, a mortal dwarf of unmatched will and unwavering faith, rose from the ranks of the forge-guard to become the flame that would hold back the night.
According to legend, Korik bore a hammer forged from the molten core of the world and quenched in the blood of the first lich king. His shield, carved from the fossilized heart of an elder wyrm, stood unbroken through the final siege of Feld Karath, where he and his kin held a mountain gate for seven days and nights while the last survivors of Tierradia fled south.
In that final battle, Korik is said to have challenged the necromancer-lord Velarax the Pale to single combat atop the Bridge of Mourning. Though mortally wounded, Korik drove his hammer into Velarax’s skull, shattering the lich's crown and causing the horde to collapse into chaos. His body was never recovered, only his shield—cracked but intact—found amid the ashes, still warm with divine fire.
Ascension and Worship In the centuries that followed, the dwarves came to see Korik not just as a hero, but as the vessel of divine resilience. His name became a battle cry, his hammer a sacred symbol, and his deeds the foundation of countless oaths. By the dawn of the Second Era, dwarven high priests began to receive visions from Korik—warnings, blessings, and commands from beyond death.
The dwarves of Tierradia elevated him to full godhood, and today, Korik Kahaz is worshipped across dwarven strongholds and by paladins, smiths, and oath-sworn warriors of many races. Temples to him are austere and solid, often built near forges or carved into mountainsides. His iconography shows him armored head to toe, flame crowning his brow, hammer raised in defiance against skeletal hordes.
Dogma and Tenets Korik’s doctrine is simple but absolute:
Hold the Line – Stand when others fall; never retreat in the face of evil.
Keep the Oath – Your word is your stone; once given, it is unbreakable.
Protect the Living – The dead have their place; the undead are an abomination.
Forge with Purpose – Whether weapon or word, all things you shape must serve good.
His followers are expected to be disciplined, unwavering in battle, and compassionate in defense of the innocent. Paladins of Korik are often seen as grim but dependable—unyielding shields between the living and the dark.
Korik in the Present Day In the face of a new undead threat rising across Tierradia, many see the current paladin following Korik as a sign of prophecy reborn. Some dwarves whisper that the fires of Kar Dhûral—Korik’s legendary forge—may blaze once more. Others believe that his spirit walks again, guiding champions to the next great stand against death.
To those who pray to Korik, every hammer strike is a vow. Every shield raised is a hymn. And every undead destroyed is justice made manifest.
Historical Basis
The last stand of Korik Kahaz is well known to have taken place, though his extreme power to stem the tide of the undead is thought to be myth by all but his most devout followers.
Spread
True events only known by the most ancient of dwarves, the legend is known by many.
Cultural Reception
The story is revered by many dwarves but unknown by the wider world.
Date of Setting
2500 years ago
