Intro

My name is Rev. Mace Hammerhand. I am a preacher of Nerot, god of Dwarves, on Galon, a fantasy world created by Adam Davis.

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my story and my history. In this book, as that is what is has become, you will find many adventures along with many trials. Please forgive any misspellings, mis-pronunciations, and any forgetfulness on my part. And above all else, enjoy the story that is about to unfold before you.

Chapter 1 - The Beginning

Mace was orphaned shortly after my birth, his parents dieing in a terrible accident that killed a total of 53 dwarves. This he learned many years after the fact. Mace spent the first 35 years of my life in what humans would call an orphanage. By the time he left the orphanage, his physical strength was already well known. What no one, not even himself could have known, is his connection to Nerot.

During his 35th year in the orphanage, it was time to decide where he would go for my apprenticeship. His elders knew Mace would make an excelland minor or metal smith. That was until Mace met Coros Redaxe, High-Father of the Church of Nerot. Coros spent several hours a week at the orphanage counseling young dwarves, including Mace. Here is an excerpt from their first conversation concerning his apprenticeship:

Coros: I understand that you're to start training for your life's work soon. They tell me you would make an excellant minor or craftsman.

Mace: Yes Father, I am to start training soon. Unfortunately I don't feel that mining or crafting is the right path for me.

Coros: Mining and crafting are honorable professions Mace. Many dwarves spend their entire lives in these professions. What is it you see yourself doing in the future.

Mace: Reverend, I'm not sure right now. I wan to help people. I feel that mining and crafting wouldn't be testing all of my abilities.

Coros: I sense you are telling the truth Mace. I shall meditate on you and your case. I may pray to Nerot for guidance and I sugges you do the same. I shall return tomorrow afternoon.

That evening, Mace skipped eating dinner and spent the entire evening in his room meditating. At the same time, Coros was in the church communing with Nerot. Almost simultaneously both came to the same conclusion. Mace would join Coros in service to Nerot. Mace, so sure of his decision, immediately began packing.

After a quick, nervous breakfast, Mace picked up his bags and set out for the church. He couldn't wait for the next stage of his life to begin. He came to the church just as Coros was getting ready to leave. Coros looks at Mace: "I see you have decided. Do you realize how much work is involved?"

Mace knelt before Coros, "Father, last night I decided to spend the rest of my life in service to Nerot. I am not worried about the amount of work that will be required."

Coros, placing a hand on Mace's shoulder, "It pleases my heart to hear this my son. Nerot gave me the impression that you would be coming into his service. I need to go down to the orphanage and inform them of our decision. In the mean time, you can sit in here and begin your reading. In the back you will find a copy of 'The Tablet of Arnock Bandbreaker'."

Coros walked out of the Church as Mace stepped back to the book. Mace looked at the stone tablets in awe. He opened the first page and began reading. A few hours later, Coros returned to fine still engrossed in The Tablet. After getting Mace's attention;

Coros: "It's time for lunch young Mace, and afterwards we'll make arrangements for your training to begin tomorrow. The Tablet will be here for your readings any time you feel the urge."

Mace: "Thank you Coros for the oppertunity to server Nerot. I welcome the challenge of learning how to serve."

Chapter 2 - The Trouble

Mace spent the next 20 years working hard in his studies. He spent most of his free time in the Church reading The Tablet. He read and re-read the sections he deemed important, attempting to memorize it word for word. He made an instant connection with Nerot and his teachings. Mace felt closer to his god than he had to anyone, including Coros who had taken him in.

This time was not without trouble for the young dwarf. He had trouble fitting in with the others in study. Mace felt he had to put himself above the rest of the students. he studies harder than anyone in the Church. He continually prayed to Nerot for the power and status he so desperately craved.

Mace began searching the Church, the library, and anywhere lse he could think of, looking for anything that would grant him any form of power. One night whil Coros was out, Mace started looking through the books and scrolls that Coros kept in his own library. Finally he thought he had found what he was looking for, an ancient looking scroll. Mace began incanting the runes on the scroll.

Mace watched in amazement as the runes on the scroll pulsed with power. The power coursed from the scroll and into Mace, yet nothing happened for many minutes. Mace assumed the scroll did nothing and set it back in its original location. That night his dreams were troubled. A voice haunted his mind, "You have wronged the one who has looked after, cared for you, and gave your life hope. You must repent for your sins."

At that, Mace awoke with a start, sweating despite the chilled air. Something felt wrong, very wrong. At sunrise, he went to the Church knowing Coros would be there for morning devotion. Unlike other mornings, Mace did not feel Nerot's presence. At the end of the devotion, Mace walked back to Coros' room and knocked. Coros called from inside, "Enter." Mace entered, his eyes downcast. Coros looked up from the scrool he was reading, "Is ther something troubling you my son?"

Mace hesistantly replied, "Yes Father, I have betrayed both you and Nerot."

Coros: "Son that is a serious charge to bring against yourself, please explain."

Mace continued almost whispering, "Father, while you were away, I entered your chambers looking for a source of power. I found the scroll on the second shelf behind you and read it."

Coros: "Mace you should realize by now that our power, as you call it, can not come from written words. Our power comes from our faith in Nerot and our desire to help Dwarfkind. Nerot grants us this power only if we are true of heart, mind, and soul."

Mace (a little bolder now): "Yes Father, but why must it take so long. I have memorized the scriptures, I have attended the devotions, and I have dedicated my life to Nerot."

Coros (growing gentler): "Mace look at me". As Mace looks up, Coros is rocked back in his chair at the sight before him. "My son, our Lord Nerot has already punished you. It is not enough to memorize the scriptures, you must read into them, and take the inner meanings from the written word."

Mace (sounding worried): "Father, what do you mean our Lord has already punished me?"

Coros (sadly): "Mace, last night when you read that scroll, Nerot cursed you with red eyes."

Mace (shocked and worried): "Father, how do I atone for my sins?"

Coros: "You cna start by fasting for the next day. You can also start reading The Tablet from the beginning. One scripture at a time, until you feel you understand the deeper meanings held within. When Nerot decides that you have fully atoned for your sins, the curse will be removed."

Mace (a little distraught at this turn of events): "Thank you Father for you guidance, and again my sincerest apologies."

Coros (smiling a little): "Mace, I have already forgiven your trespass into my chambers. It is Nerot you must prove your repetence to. You may go now."

Mace turned and left, feeling only slightly better than when he had entered. He knew he had alot of work to do before had fully returned to Nerot's good graces. He also realized it would take a while to prove to Coros that he could be trusted. He walked down the hall, determined to do both.

Chapter 3 - The Prelude

Mace walks into Coros's office. Coros looks up from his writings, both have aged almost 20 years since our last visit with our guests. Coros looks up from the scroll he's working on. "Thank you for coming Mace. We have a few matters of importance to discuss. You have done well in your studies since that regrettable incident with the scroll."

Mace responds with his deep voice resonating respect, "Yes Father, I took your words and advise to heart. I have gratefully been granted Nerot's ability to heal among other abilities. Yet it seems that are protector remains angry at me fore my eyes have not returned to their former color."

Coros, looking slightly amused, "I've noticed Mace. I still keep track of your progress. The reason I've brought you here is to discuss your punishment. It appears that Nerot wishes more of you. By remaining here in the Church, the temptation that placed you in your current predicament has been removed. It is Nerot's wish that you venture forth from our kingdom, into the world. Once out among the other races, you will be on your own, and you must follow Nerot's law in all that you do."

Mace looking quite concerned by this news, "Father, why I have been chosen to head out on my own?"

Coros frowns at this question, contemplating the ramifications of informing Mace of everything the council knows of the situation. He continues, "Mace, the reasons are not entirely clear to us yet. It is widely known that Nerot is not the most well-liked god among the younger races. You are to go out and help those you can in the name of Nerot. We believe this is the only way to change their perception of Nerot."

Mace, shocked at Coros' honesty, "Thank you for the oppertunity to prove my devotion and the challenge. I will do my best to follow through on Nerot's wishes."

Coros, concerned with Mace's shock, "I know son, that is one reason I supported the decision to let you go. We will make preparations for your journey tomorrow."