Ankora

The Ankora is the name of the polytheistic, Dwarven religion based in the High Kingdom of Khrumaz (on the continent of Norvinia). Ankora is a branch religion of the older faith Tokora, both believe in the Prophet Rhesh, and the First Vakir Sueyuet Dokam. The "Ankora" is also the name of the pantheon of the gods within the Ankoran faith. The chief gods in the faith are Tokad, "The Flame Father" and Yora, "The Earth Mother" who bore many children that are the minor gods of the Ankora. Tokad and Yora forged the world in fire and flame, bringing the world as it is known into being. All races (chiefly Dwarves) and all lands were made by the Ankora, and are forever watched by them. 
== Key Tenets ==
===== The Five Truths =====
# There are no gods but those of the Ankora, and no other faith holds true divine power compared to the Ankora.
# The Flame Father and the Earth Mother crafted the world in their infinite wisdom, and made the Dwarves their chosen people.
# The Ankora created the Dwarves to supervise and guide the other races to the light of the Ankora and are thus the most holy of all races.
# To be faithful is to be loyal, charitable, brave, hardy, and industrial. To be sinful is to exhibit slothfulness, cowardice, weakness, and greed.
# If true and utmost belief is achieved, the true follower shall ascend to the plane of the Ancestors.
Additional writings of the Five Truths are expanded upon in Oracle Durnhelm Runehammer's "Expositions Upon the Five Truths."
===== The Runescript =====
Beliefs and ways subscribed to by Ankoran adherents, inspired by elements of Tokad's First Laws written in the Az Kron. Written by the Second Vakir Kozar Runehammer before his departure to encourage his followers to live better lives.
# Life is the greatest of gifts; it must be cherished.
# Time changes all, and time is unstoppable.
# Seek knowledge, for it broadens the mind and enriches the soul.
# To be willingly unfaithful is to be willingly blind.
# The great dark fears the existence of light.
# To be strong is to be wise; to be wise is to embrace truth.
# To murder in cold blood is to rob Yora's gift of life, and is the action of a coward.
# To steal is to dishonor yourself and your blood, for no honor is gained in ill-gotten achievements.
# To live by law and order is to live honestly.
# Truthfulness is virtuous, for a lie is a chink in glory's armor.
# Protect the helpless, and see that they are safe and well treated.
# Dwarrow-folk shall keep their beards and braids, for in them dwells the honor and self-respect of a Dwarf.
# To be baptized in fire and lava is to be held in Tokad's embrace and ask for his blessing.
# To disregard the lessons of the past is to forsake the wisdom of hindsight and our ancestors.
# To sacrifice faith in the Ankora for gain is to sacrifice morality for wealth.
# Offerings to the Nine must be made in sincerity, for a hollow gift holds no value in the eyes of the Ankora.
# To teach the young is to pass down the lessons of the old and honors the wisdom of those who sacrificed before you.
# A vow made must go unbroken, for the honor of your word reflects the integrity of your soul.
# The mountain is a fortress and a temple, defend it as you would yourself.
# A weapon must be raised in defense of the innocent, in pursuit of justice, or in protection of the faith.
# The Ancestors watch and judge; live a life worthy of their approval.
# Justice must be swift and fair befitting the crime, as vengeance is not in the domain of the mortal heart.
# To wield the light against the dark is the true calling of an Ankoran.
== Main Practices ==
=== Rituals ===
==== Blood Baptism (Ritual of Conversion) ====
This long-standing tradition, dating from the founding of the Tokoran faith, has remained in the new faith of the Ankora. Conversion as a Dwarf is relatively simple, you must renounce all ties to other gods, and declare that the Ankora are the only true divine gods. You then step into a pool of lava after drinking a potion of fire resistance. A Vicar or higher religious figure will baptize you as you stand in the lava as a new adherent of the faith. You then become a Blood Adherent within the Ankoran church and attend religious ceremonies and other activities within reason. Conversion as a Non-Dwarf is slightly different, as you must first become a Dwarf by drinking a potion of "Giant's Blood." You will do this at the same time you are in the conversion ceremony, submerging yourself in the lava as you transform into a Dwarf.
==== Test of Steel (Ritual of Combat) ====
An archaic tradition stemming from Khrumazi culture (specifically from Clan Blackhammer), the ritual of combat is one of the oldest problem-solving methods in the Ankoran Orthodox Church. This is the last resort when a dispute between two individuals or two groups is so unresolvable that discussion or compromise cannot resolve the issue. Although this method is not commonly used, it still occurs when the issue is incredibly important to both sides. The two combatants (or groups of combatants) will gather in a sanctioned area of an Ankoran Church or other Ankoran holy grounds with a Vicar will be present to officiate the ritual. Both sides will agree to terms of combat (such as avoiding hitting of the face or whether the duel will be to the death or until one side surrenders), then they will gather to flip a card. This card will be provided by the Vicar, and upon one side winning the card flip, they will decide what weapons shall be used for both sides. Upon all terms being settled and weapons decided, the Vicar will utter a prayer to the Nine to give justice through the sacred ritual. Upon the Vicar's command, the combat will begin and will end until the terms of the Test of Steel's combat is concluded. Upon the conclusion of combat, the verdict will be decided in favor of the winning party, and the Vicar will state the Nine's judgment has been dispensed through the ritual of combat.
=== Pilgrimages ===
==== Urd-Azhâr ====
Urd-Azhâr is considered one of the most sacred places in the Ankoran canon, as all holy sites in the Old World were lost. It holds special significance as it is the site of where Vari rose from the stone to Valaam, and it is where Tokad now lays in stasis. Tokad is kept alive in a tomb-like structure in the annals of the city, in a structure where the Second Vakir lays to rest near he. The Second Vakir is entombed by his own will, using ancient magicks and his soul to keep Tokad alive. In exchange, he is comatose and unconcious. It is also in Urd-Azhâr where one of the few magma pools where the Nê'Maikrifî (roughly equivalent to "Unbroken"), Kron's fallen warriors who he has chosen to be reborn on Etta, rise from the molten rock to begin their next life and resume their duties. All Ankorans will make a pilgrimage to this holy city of the Nine Gods, to pay homage to the sacrifice of the blessed Second Vakir. The Cult of Vari who is based here also sees it as a very important city specifically due to it's connection with Vari. All sects of the Ankora understand and believe in it's importance. 
==== Durag'Aban ====
The holy city of the Orthodox Ankorans, Durag'Aban is the base of operations and base of the Orthodox Ankoran Church. It is home to the National Archives of Khrumaz, where the Ankoran Church stores knowledge and manuscripts. No pilgrimage is mandated here, though many see it as a way of enlightenment to visit these archives, especially Adherents who have a strong affinity to Bor or Yora. It is also the residency of the Oracle Durnhelm Runehammer, where he continues to write histories and Ankoran literature.
==== Vel-Ukaad ====
A religious site where the dead of the Khrumazi Dwarves bury their dead, as well as the only city controlled by the Velsite Ankoran sect. It is not seen as a holy site beyond the Velsite sect. Though only Velsites consider it a sacred place, many Ankorans from differing sects choose to bury their dead here (though some opt for burial sites closer to their respective homes).
== Religious Hierarchy ==
The Second Vakir (ᚡᚪᚴᛝᚱ) - The Voice of the Gods and head of the faith, the second Vakir (the first being Sueyuet Dokam) in the Ankoran-Tokoran canon. The current Second Vakir is Kozar Runehammer (distant descendant of Sueyuet Dokam), currently entombed in Urd-Azhâr, his soul and lifeforce being used to keep the injured Tokad alive. Long may he reign.
The Oracle(s) - Described as visionaries, or seers, these two individuals are often self-isolated from their fellow Dwarven Kin to focus on their divine studies. They write scripture and manage the religious artifacts of the faith. They are as much historians and writers as they are preachers or advisors to the Vakir. The oracles pass down these sacred texts and artifacts to their successor, to preserve the ancient knowledge of the Dwarven ways and the faith. They act as a religious leader in the absence of the Second Vakir, which the current Orthodox Oracle Durnhelm Runehammer and Velsite Oracle Kili Silverfoot fulfill. 
Vicar - An Ankoran priest or priestess who spreads the faith and leads ceremonies in their local temple to the Ankora. They have dedicated their life to the Ankora, and one of their duties entails religious counsel and guidance to those who seek it. They are appointed by the Oracles, or in rare cases the Vakir himself (though this has not been so since the Vakir's entombment). Vicars are not forbidden from joining the army, and those who do are appointed in the Dwarven armies of Khrumaz as spiritual guides and providers of wisdom within the companies they are appointed to. They act as warpriests, who use faith to help guide those they lead to victory. 
Blood Adherent - An ordinary faithful of the Ankoran Church. Though they are not expected to be anything more than devoted followers of the Ankora, they are encouraged to proselytize to non-believers. Blood Brothers and Blood Sisters make up the majority of the Ankoran faithfuls.
#
== History ==
Section will be redone in accordance with the updated creation myth.
== Deities ==
=== The Ankora ===
Made up of the Great and Minor Gods, these nine gods make up the Ankora. The number nine has gained reverence as a holy number amongst the faithful Dwarves, in some cases, the number nine has been taken as a sign from the gods, such as the Founding of Dorn Khazrak in Khrumaz. These nine have shaped and guided the faithful Ankorans throughout history.
==== Great Gods ====
The whispers and visions given to the Oracles and the Second Vakir himself from the Chief Gods have grown fainter and fainter ever since the Earth Mother and Flame Father shielded the Dwarves from the destruction at the hand of the comet. Tokad lay dormant, wounded in the Great Battle to try and save the Old World, and Yora, she lay dormant too, having not died but merely fled to Valaam. She now weeps for her husband Tokad to awaken from his wounds given to him by Ikta, Father of Lies.
Tokad, "The Flame Father" - One of the two chief gods of Ankora. Tokad is the father of the 'Minor Gods' of Ankora. He is the god of fire, blood, justice, and holy war. He aided in the world's construction and slaying of the giants (as written in the sacred Az Kron). It is he who slew Ikta's evil forces and it is he who kept Ikta's corruption from tampering with the world in its early ages. He is the one who brought the Nether to heel, and it is he who brought mountains into the sky. He has been described as having "golden skin, save for hands the color of blood, bronze hair, including a heavy beard, and being wreathed in flame." He now rests in Urd-Azhâr, all but his heart turned to bedrock, with only the life force of the Second Vakir in his holy entombment keeping Tokad alive.
Yora, "The Earth Mother" - One of the two chief gods of Ankora. Yora is the mother of the 'Minor Gods' of Ankora. She is the goddess of the stone, the seas, the earth, and bounty. In her divine visions, she carved the Dwarves from the world she had created. She gave all Dwarves life, alongside the other races, and she gifted the Dwarves every gem and jewel in the world. She made the stars in the sky and the caverns below, for "She was there before the first Dwarf ever awoke in Jagdas, and before the first mountain ever rose in the night" (as written in a letter from Durnhelm Runehammer to High King Vaelis Runehammer). She has been seen by a mere few Tokoran and Ankoran Cardinals in their visions or divine meetings (notably Sueyuet Dokam) throughout the ages as having "hair like coal, skin like soil, and eyes the color of stone." 
==== Minor Gods ====
Bor, "The First Scribe" - Bor is the God of knowledge, the seas, writing, logic, fair debate, discussion, and curiosity. His power allows for philosophy and higher thinking to bloom among intelligent species. In the two lands of the Old World, the great Tokoran citadel of the Twin Bastion created the Holy Library in his name, forming a collection of (among other knowledge) Dwarven literature to show their faith in Bor. Rumors say that the books within this library escaped with the help of a member of Clan Ironhammer (which was the clan that would marry into Clan Runehand, forming the notable Clan Runehammer, which has extensive ties to the faith) before the end of the Old World, and made it to Abexalis. This knowledge is now rumored to be kept in the Khrumazi hold of Durag'Aban. Bor is now a key god of worship within Clan Runehammer as well as Khrumazi Scholars in general. Bor is known to inspire those to begin great journeys to discover new knowledge or influence them to begin to write great works. He is described as only "having hair as blue as the seas and a red beard stretching to his feet." He is a triplet of Gol and Sori, and was born after Kron, Ori, and Fari. 
One individual to whom Bor has granted visions outside of the main Ankoran church is Findal Taerinxoth, who is a scholar and the editor of the Dwarven Chronicle newspaper in Khrumaz. She was spoken to by Bor to construct a fortress of knowledge to fight against ignorance in the Golden Sea (or Kheled-Zaram, as some have called it) West of Clan Goldfield's hold during her travels across Abexalis. 
Related to Bor, Ankoran Epistemology is the philosophical belief of Ankorans on how knowledge arises as a result of the Ankora (though Bor governs and took part the most in this effort). 
Fari, "The Harvester" - The God of agriculture, animal husbandry, hunting, medicine, and nature's bounty. He is the twin of Ori, and they are the oldest among the minor gods. Described as having "fair skin like flour and hair the color of full-grown wheat." Fari is especially observed by farmers, herbalists, and doctors. He is the triplet of Ori and Kron. Most observed by faithful farmers and agricultural workers, he is mostly prayed to for a good harvest and good health. It is said that Fari rested in the lands in the southern lands of the High Kingdom of Khrumaz after Fari aided his father in the battle against Ikta, which gave those who live there (known as 'Revarians') their fertile and healthy fields. His long sleep there left his essence permanently in those lands, giving the plants increased life. 
Gol, "The Merchant Master" - God of trade and business sense. Gol provided the Dwarves with their minds for commerce and economic senses, sometimes leading to greed. He is a triplet of Bor and Sori, and was born after Kron, Ori, and Fari. Worship of Gol is especially important for merchants and traders, for example, Lord Gundahar Goldfield as well as the rest of Clan Goldfield hold him in specific high regard and prayer in their coastal trading halls by the sea. WIP
Kron, "The Warlord" - Kron is the god of battle strategy, tactics, and military skill. He was born as a triplet alongside Ori and Fari. He is often credited with being a god of war, but this is not so. He is the god of combat and all the disciplines relating to it, while war (specifically holy war, but war in general) falls under Tokad. Tokad is rumored to have favored Kron for his swiftness and strength. He has made it his mission to root out and destroy Ikta, especially since Ikta wounded his father Tokad. He sends forth his warriors from their holds to destroy followers of Ikta as apart of his great mission to purify the mortal realms. Kron treats Vari with the most suspicion and the least amount of tolerance, for Kron sees Vari as unnatural and Vari's metallic nature as strange. However, he respects Vari for his power, as he does for the rest of his family. 
Nê'Maikrifî (Traveler's Tongue: "Unbroken") are chosen warriors who were slain in battle and who Kron has chosen to be reborn upon Etta. Their servitude was great, though not to the rare accomplishment of reaching Ancestorhood. Kron sees to it that their skills are continued to be used in Etta. Through this unique pact the warriors of the Ankora make with Kron, they rise from specific magma pools across the world upon Etta (one of these pools being in Urd-Azhâr) as a way of resurrection. They remember nothing but Neo-Khuzdul, their name, and instinctive combat skills from their previous life. 
Ori, "The Forge Master" - The God of mining, smithing, masonry, and labor. He, Kron, and Fari were born triplets shortly before Gol, Sori, and Bor were born. They rule over the oldest and most sacred of duties necessary to life. He is one of the most revered of the minor gods, and is highly praised by the Dwarves due to their boundless love of mining and smithing. He is heavily worshipped by the Dwarves, for mining and smithing are key elements of their life, and Ori was the one to have taught them it in ancient times. 
Sori, "The Artist" - Sori is the goddess of artistic expression, creativity, and fine crafts. She is the only minor god that appears as a female figure before those who witness her, and is cherished by her mother, Yora. She is a triplet of Bor and Gol, and was born after Kron, Ori, and Fari. She is described as having "golden eyes and deep red hair." There was originally a cult on the Old World dedicated to worshipping her, though it was slowly corrupted by an outside faith, and it is unknown if those believers made it to the New World. 
Vari "Lord of Machines" - Vari is the god of engineering, innovation, machinery, and technological advancement. It is the newest god, born of fire and metal. Vari was secretly forged in the underground by Ori, shortly after Tokad slew the giants. Ori was unable to bring him to life, and Vari's dormant body sat in Azhâru'aban deep underground for centuries, where Tokad brought the Dwarves to the New World. As Tokad fought Iristor the Ender (a guise of Ikta, the Great Deceiver and Father of Lies) to protect the Old World, Ori knew he must save his creation from potential destruction. Ori brought Vari to the New World through his divine power, and Vari was brought to rest in the stone beneath the mountains that would become the Dwarven hold of Urd-Azhâr When Tokad was wounded in the final battle, and Ikta's black magic destroyed the Old World, Yora wept tears of silver onto the New World. These tears fell upon Urd-Azhâr and seeped through the stone onto Vari. These tears, imbued with her essence, awoke the dormant Vari, its eyes glowing with fire and light. Before any Khrumazi Dwarf would set foot off their boats at what would become the Dwarven hold of Goldfield, Vari rose unto the sky, and unto Valaam. He would be treated with varying levels of acceptance from the Gods, with Yora and Ori treating him with the most kindness, while some such as Kron and Fari held the most hesitancy to accept him as the ninth god. 
=== The Ancestors ===
The Ancestors are not counted among the Holy Nine, for they are the servants and defenders of the Ankora, but they are not the Ankora themselves. Ascending to Ancestorhood is what is widely considered to be the greatest goal of an Ankoran. Ankorans who accomplished something truly great in their mortal life (whether it be leading an army to a series of great victories, or inventing a machine that will improve life for all Ankorans, depending on which specific god chooses to ascend them viewed as a great deed) will ascend to Ancestorhood. Each Ancestor is a sort of saint, revered as an individual blessed by one of the Ankora to carry out their deeds on Etta (The Mortal Realms). Their families will often pay tribute (but not worship, for only the Ankora are worthy of it) to Ancestors in their bloodline. Upon ascension, new Ancestors enter Ubrun, the Hall of Guides, which is the first hall of Valaam. They rest in Ubrun, yet they often travel down to Etta in an invisible, spiritual form to watch and guide mortal Ankorans. Initially mistaken by Tokorans as extensions of the main gods, the concept of the Ancestors is a relatively new idea (though they have been present in Dwarven life since Jagdas and the first Dwarven Empire that dwelled in that now shattered world). They can be seen as spirits resembling their mortal selves, though they often watch the world invisibly, aiding faithful followers where they can. If an Ankoran were to pray for an Ancestor's aid in a task, they might receive an Ancestor's blessing by channeling that Ancestor's skills from their mortal lives into their own. The Ancestors are considered the guardians of Etta, who watch over the mortal world in the name of the Nine.
=== Ikta "The Great Deceiver" ===
While Ikta often falls under the category of deities when spoken of, he holds no true power compared to the combined might of the Ankora. Though he may be able to fight one and win (aside from perhaps Tokad, whom he was only able to beat due to Tokad focusing on saving the Dwarves from the end of the Old World), against the entirety of the Ankora he is no match. He is a spirit of evil, and the Great Gods utilize his disobedience and malice as a test for the followers of the Ankora. True faith is his weakness, and as such he will fall if the world is faithful. In Ikta's lust for power, he tempts mortals to do his bidding to uproot the Ankora's rightful dominance. He promises those whTh join him power beyond their dreams, strength, titles, wealth, and all other possible desires for a mortal being. Those who take his offering may find themselves empowered in their mortal lives, yet are forever damned to eternal suffering in Ruhkz'dumu upon their death. He has appeared in many incarnations, from a great shadow with deep red eyes, angelic beings appearing in the dreams of lords and kings, to slender. tall and graceful figures with pointed ears and sharp perception. It is Ikta who managed to corrupt some of Yora's races to varying degrees, though subtly. Two examples of this are Orcs, who were corrupted from their unknown intended form, as well as Elves. Though Orcs have undeniably been corrupted more than Elves, they are both still tainted and must be cleansed. This is why those of the Ankora turn those from other races who convert to the Ankora into Dwarves, by having them drink Giant's Blood. 
==== Itka vs. Ikta ====
Among the Ankora and to a certain extent, the Tokora's followers, a long-standing disagreement has persisted regarding the correct spelling of the Great Deceiver’s name. Some believe the true name is "Itka", while others argue for "Ikta", and this minor yet notable discrepancy has caused endless debate. Adherents of the "Itka" spelling contend that the error of "Ikta" was not accidental but may have been deliberately caused by Itka itself, in a display of its deceitful nature. They cite the ancient Az Kron of the First Mallean Vicar, a sacred text preserved by the archives of the Twin Bastion and believed to have been gifted by the First Vakir. In it, the passage reads: "...As you are Itka are the father of lies..." This version, "Itka," is the most widely recognized spelling throughout Khrumaz and most Ankorans.
However, some Ankorans (and most Tokorans) say the true spelling is "Ikta," and argue that "Itka" was the mispelling. They reference an old letter written by the chief scribe (appointed by the First Vakir and therefore one of the most well-versed on the Tokora aside from the First Vakir himself) of the time to Jarl of Sanctuary, Varn Torum, in which the scribe refers to the Great Deceiver as "Ikta." Further evidence lies in the older copies of the Az Kron that were preserved and brought to Abexalis, which consistently use the "Ikta" spelling. Though many counter that other, different copies of the same age use the "Itka" spelling, which has led to no further progress on determining which is the true spelling. Though the debate centers around what might seem a minor error, many continue to disagree over it to this day. Tokorans often see it as a trivial matter, a mere misprint that holds no true bearing on the doctrines of the faith, while many Ankorans view it as a reflection of Itka’s role as the Father of Lies—sowing confusion even in the Az Kron itself, making it an impure and inferior holy book compared to the modern Ankoran texts such as the Epic of Dvaron and the REVISED AZ KRON TITLE HERE (WIP). These two spellings have continued to be passed down through the ages, being a trivial yet somewhat argued-over subject for many millennia.
== The Planes ==
=== Valaam, "The Heavens" ===
Tokad's throne lay empty, and Yora weeps for her husband's life and for him to return to Valaam. WIP
==== Ubrun, "The Hall of Guides" ====
The hall within Valaam where the Ancestors bring those who died from Etta to Valaam, preparing to aid the Ankora and valiant dead in the final battle. These halls are the entrance to Valaam, and all good faithfuls who die will pass through this hall.
=== Etta, "The Mortal Realms" ===
It is also known as Sullu, meaning "everything" in Neo-Khuzdul, the primary language of the Khrumazi Dwarves.
==== Ibriz'kâmin, "The Lands of the Sun" ====
The Lands of the Sun is the outside world that many live in their entire lives, but not Dwarves. Ibriz'kâmin is the surface, where the faithful Dwarves tend not to dwell. This section of Etta where the sun and moon share their light upon us, and where many folk dwell. It is the realm of kings and lords who claim governance over the land, the seas, and all else that the Ankora have graciously provided them. It is what makes up the surface world we know today, where great stories of kingdoms and heroes are written with every passing day, and where many peoples both ill and good dwell in. 
==== Azhâru'aban, "Home of Stone" ====
The birthplace of everything, the heart of the world, that is the true meaning of Azhâru'aban. The Home of Stone is where the Dwarves, the eldest race upon Etta, were shaped by the Ankora, and where they carve their great kingdoms. It is also referred to as the Underlands by some, it is the oldest and most timeless realm upon Etta, where kingdoms have risen and fallen in the darkest deeps and caverns of yore. It is a vast expanse of caverns larger than continents, tunnels without end, deeps that you can drop something down and never hear it fall, and vast sunless seas where creatures older than time stare at you through cold, unmoving water. It is home, and it is safe. The peoples of the Sun Lands do not often delve into the deeps as the faithful Ankora do, aside from their ventures to plunder the riches of Azhâru'aban. It is considered by the Ankorans the right of all Dwarves to own the deeps, for it was given to them in the eldest days of the world. 
=== Ishtar, "The Nether" ===
Often referred to as Ruhkz'dumu in Neo-Khuzdul, meaning "Mansion of Demons" or "Hall of Demons." 
The world of the damned and deceitful, the fiery depths of Ishtar. Left dead and desolate after Tokad slew some of the greatest threats to Etta, the giants. t was relegated to the place where the damned and the sinful would be sent. They labor for eternity to try and regain the favor of the Ankora, yet none they shall receive. The pain is so unbearable they do nothing else but scream, for the flames and heat burn at them, yet they do not receive the gift of death. Ultimately, they decided to sin willingly, and their mortal life was wasted upon flights of fancy and laziness. WIP
== Symbols ==
Redstone - Redstone symbolizes the life force of Dwarves, which was given through Yora's gift of life in the first age of the world. (Tokorans believe it was gifted from Tokad, though Ankoran scholars have argued that while Tokad taught the Dwarves the foundation of their civilization, he did not gift them life. Instead, they argue that Yora, who created the Dwarves, would have likely given the life force. This dispute is caused by the ancient scripture not outright stating who brought the Dwarves to sentience in their bodies, despite the texts having said Yora made them).
Redstone encased by diorite - Identical to the Tokoran belief, it symbolizes the bright sun extinguishing darkness. In darker times, the star is used as a symbol of the "Blood Moon of Judgement," which is cast upon the stars by Yora to show her mercy fading upon the world.
Lava - It is seen as the blood of the giants, made holy by Tokad's wrath against the giants in his great battle in Isthar, or "The Nether," that boiled the giant's blood into the molten rock it is today. To drink it leads to one becoming a Dwarf through a ritual led by a Vicar, which is used to convert one into the Ankoran faith.
Goat - Goats are seen as sacred, and are often ridden by many faithful (particularly in Khrumaz) for transportation, to kill a goat is considered akin to murder, and as such is strictly forbidden. Harvesting of their horns is permitted, as long as it is done without harm to the goat.
Alcohol - While it is enjoyed as a method of euphoria and relaxation, it is also considered a method of testing one's willpower and fortitude. This sacred drink is not something to be consumed in excess (though a Dwarf can stomach more alcohol far more than any man), but to be used as a way to test one's self-resilience and prove their resolve before the Ankora. wip
== Denominations ==
Though the traditional Orthodox Ankora makes up the majority of believers, a few other Ankoran sects are condoned by the Ankoran Church based in Durag'Aban.
=== Cult of Vari ===
Main Article: Cult of Vari (Ankora)
The Cult of Vari is a henotheistic sect, acknowledging all Nine Gods, but giving specific attention and praise to Vari, Ori, and Tokad. The cult is primarily based in Urd-Azhâr and its surrounding areas. It is closely tied to Clan Steamhammer, which governs the holy city of Urd-Azhâr. Followers of this sect believe that Vari, the ninth god, was not simply an accidental creation of Ori but was gifted to the world for a higher purpose. They hold that Vari was brought to life tfaithful the Ankorans with a profound test. The cult teaches that Ankorans must augment not only their minds and souls but also their bodies through mechanical enhancements to become stronger. Unlike most Ankorans, who believe the Dwarves are the perfect race, the Cult of Vari views the Dwarves as a template: a foundation to be improved upon through the will of the Ankora. They believe this path of self-improvement brings them closer to the Nine Gods and deepens their understanding of divine purpose. Things such as steel, iron, or bronze hands, legs, and even parts of the cultists' heads are not uncommon amidst cultists of Vari. They see the Velsite sect as backwards and too blind to see the progress and use of the technology they create, and as such have had a notable rivalry and even battles between Velsite and Varist clans.
==== Orthodox Views on the Cult of Vari ====
Mainstream Ankorans view the Cult of Vari's beliefs with suspicion or outright disgust. Orthodox Ankorans believe that the Dwarven bodies given to them by Yora are sacred. The faithful hold that the blessed Dwarven form should not be 'mutilated,' or 'augmented,' as the cult refers to the mechanical enhancements they perform upon themselves. Orthodox Ankorans consider Dwarven bodies to be the result of divine design by Yora, and tampering with that design is deemed heresy—except in cases of medical necessity, such as amputations performed to save a Dwarf's life. Initially, the Ankoran Church sought to suppress this belief and bring the worshippers of the Cult of Vari back in line with traditional Ankoran doctrine. However, Clan Steamhammer, who were and remained devoted cultists of Vari, controlled much of the production of finished goods and advanced machines in Khrumaz. Furthermore, the Dwarven realm of Khrumaz had become highly dependent on the ore mined from Urd-Azhâr. Fearing that any conflict with Clan Steamhammer over their religious beliefs could disrupt the flow of resources to Ankorans that rejected the Cult of Vari, the Ankoran Church refrained from taking more drastic action, which has allowed Orthodox Ankora and the Cult of Vari to remain on somewhat amiable terms to this day. Orthodox and Cult of Vari relations still remain tense when it comes to specific religious practices, though both see the necessity of the other.
=== Velsite Ankorans ===
Main Article: (WIP)
Velsite Ankorans (also referred to as "Ankoran Mystics") are a small denomination of the Ankoran faith. They dwell primarily in Vel-Ukaad, where they maintain the Dwarven catacombs and grave city, acting as keepers of the dead. They consider rituals, incense, and other practices to bring themselves closer to the Nine Gods. Led by Kili Silverfoot, the Velsite Oracle, they are considered heretics by most of the wider Ankora. However, they do not differ too significantly on major issues, allowing the Velsites to go undisturbed in Vel-Ukaad. Orthodox Ankorans consider them primitive in their customs compared to themselves, though the Velsites consider themselves closer and more devoute, and are less concerned with the affairs of mortal realms compared to the rest of the Ankoran Church. They consider the Cult of Vari and the Orthodox Ankoran Church as too corrupt and the other Ankoran sects as too immersed in the affairs of Etta to worship the Nine with true sincerity. They have a deeper connection with the natural arts than the other sects, and despise the modernization and technology that they consider evil and destructive that the Cult of Vari makes. This has resulted in many disagreements and even conflicts between Velsite and Cult of Vari clans. 
Category:Dwarves
Category:Abexilas
Category:WIP