RivethunSource Divine Mysteries pg. 249While nowhere near as large as the following of the dwarven pantheon, the worship of spirits and ancestors is still strong among the Five Kings Mountains and other dwarven population centers. Various groups and orders have existed throughout the duration of dwarven history, but none has endured as long as the Rivethun. Deriving their name from an exceptionally ancient dwarven dialect, Rivethun roughly translates to “releasers of secrets,” a name that speaks to the organization’s ancient traditions of animism. The members of the Rivethun, which include non-dwarves, seek to make contact with various spirits. These range from the souls of the dead and undead to elementals and fey, and to other spirits that exist beyond the typical classifications. Rivethun members communicate with these spirits, negotiating for knowledge, guidance, and favors. Serving as intermediaries, a Rivethun priest or shaman acts as a living link between dwarven civilization and the supernatural forces of reality.
Rivethun are marked by a disjunction between their body and their souls, which they embrace to gain great power. Many of the Rivethun’s most capable members have dealt with major difficulties or chronic troubles throughout their lives. They draw upon these experiences, focusing on their memories, emotions, pain, and growth during these times to open their minds and souls to the spiritual. With these techniques, Rivethun members can cultivate their spiritual attunement, developing the capacity to cast magic, draw upon qi, unlock psychic abilities, tap into their instincts, or other skills in addition to their ability to communicate with spirits. Of particular note are the various recipes, rituals, formulas, and support techniques the Rivethun have to facilitate gender transition.
Not all Rivethun members rely on trauma and past difficulties for their skills. Some instead learn meditative practices that draw on other emotions and experiences to aid with their work. However, since many of the original Rivethun teachings focused on working through and with life’s natural struggles, it sometimes takes these other members longer to reach the same capabilities as their companions. Thanks to their general experience with personal troubles, members of the Rivethun also serve as counselors and mentors for many people. While Rivethun members can’t directly relate with every person’s specific issues, the group has developed a number of techniques, teachings, and support methods over its long history. Over the ages, the Rivethun has encountered many variations of life’s hardships, most of which are chronicled in some capacity, allowing the lessons of the past to continue helping those in the present.
Category Faiths & PhilosophiesEdicts maintain balance and understanding between the mortal and spirit world, internally cultivate yourself, serve your community
Anathema continually place mortal matters above spiritual ones, mislead a petitioner and fail to set it right, willingly misrepresent the will of spiritual entities
Areas of Concern spirits, guidance, balance
Religious Symbol gem floating above a diamond of metal
Pantheon Members spirits
Devotee Benefits
Divine Attribute Constitution or Wisdom
Divine Font harm or
healDivine Sanctification none
Divine Skill NatureFavored Weapon mace