Thanks, Ben. Here's mine:

Name: Azgrim Helzak
Race: Dwarf
Age: 44
Height: 4’3”
Weight: 140lb
Appearance: Black eyes, coppery-brown hair, tanned/ruddy skin, muscular.

[i:aeb3f5b35d]Personal history:[/i:aeb3f5b35d]
Azgrim grew up in the heart of the Darain clanhold, in the dwarven city of Antek. He was named for his great-grandfather, Azgrim Delten, a cleric of Moradin, the dwarven “Allfather”, forger of souls. His parents were not surprised, therefore, when Azgrim showed an early interest in the dwarf lore he learned at the temple.

From the tender age of ten, Azgrim would go to the temple for lessons and smithing practise (although he was little more than a baby), as well as the combat training he later received, like all the other young dwarves. Azgrim would also help his father, a weapon- and armour-smith of some renown, in the forge.

Azgrim began training in earnest to become a cleric of Moradin at the young age of 30, as the temple’s clerics felt he showed great promise. He worked hard in the temple, as well as studying the dwarf lore and learning the ways of prayer and divine magic. A very devout young dwarf, he maintained a deeply-held belief in parts of the lore that even the other clerics felt were somewhat... apocryphal.

One night, at the age of 43, not long after his investiture, Azgrim had a dream about the legend of the Iron Clan and the great temple of King Albin, which had been sacked by orcs – and of the Holy Anvil of that temple, which was sundered and its pieces scattered. Azgrim dreamt that a dwarf with skin like bronze, and with hair and beard of black smoke, walked out of the temple ruins and spoke to him, giving him a quest from Moradin himself: to find the pieces of the Holy Anvil of Albin and to rebuild it.

When he relayed this dream to the other clergy, they called a gathering of the clan elders. Some were sceptical, as this anvil was the stuff of legend. But the clerics insisted that all their divination affirmed that Azgrim’s dream was genuine. So the elders agreed to help equip the young cleric for his quest.

His mother exhorted him to bring honour to his family’s name. His father helped to forge the maul that Azgrim crafted as his weapon against deadly foes, and made the armour that he would wear, bearing the sign of Moradin on his breastplate. A great feast was held for the young dwarf, and many blessing songs sung for him as he embarked on his journey, listening for the word of Moradin to guide him.

--------------------------------------

The following are notes that I have made to help me understand the character and know how he would behave in different roleplaying situations. This will help me make decisions that are in-character, and really act Azgrim’s part properly.

[i:aeb3f5b35d]Personal philosophies:[/i:aeb3f5b35d]
The strong must protect the weak.
In unity is strength.
I walk in the footsteps of my ancestors – I am crafted of the same stuff and was born of the same fire.
Suffering is the fire that refines the gold of our souls.
Where I have a duty, it must be fulfilled.
Fearlessness in the face of futility is the proving of the soul.
In community, every dwarf is the sum of all.
Nothing that is made of dwarven hand is stronger than the rock on which we stand.
A promise the price of a dwarf’s honour.
Do not lean your weight on fissured rock.

[i:aeb3f5b35d]Dwarven culture:[/i:aeb3f5b35d]
Being a traditional dwarf means he demonstrates; reserve, discipline, maintenance of mental personal space, stoicism, lack of ego boundaries in terms of community.
He believes dwarves greatest creations of the Allfather; therefore, while he might not approve of a non-dwarf’s behaviour, he would expect no more of them.
In a dwarven community, you [i:aeb3f5b35d]must[/i:aeb3f5b35d] be able to rely on another member to do as they should – therefore he believes community needs come before individual needs.
He believes the ruling of law is final – it must be accepted without grudge in order to keep the peace.
When necessary, he would lay down life for other members of the group. He believes there is nothing to fear in death; and when faced with peril or ignominy, there is no option but to fight.
He expects people to respect elders and to cherish children.
He is content with routine and simple things.
He believes one must be diligent and thorough in all things – in all you do, you should strive for perfection.
He believes in taking joy in community and celebrating individuals as a community.
You should not tell others what to do if it is not your place, but do the right thing yourself.

[i:aeb3f5b35d]Roleplaying notes:[/i:aeb3f5b35d]
Since he believes a group is greater than an individual, he thinks it’s better to be in a group than on your own.
Beliefs above mean he thinks you should: never break a promise; always protect your friends; always carry out your duty; never shirk a fight; honour your family name; show no fear.
At all times remember that we are nothing without Moradin’s blessing.

[i:aeb3f5b35d]Social:[/i:aeb3f5b35d]
He keeps his thoughts to himself.
He does not expect as much of a non-dwarf as of a dwarf.
He obeys the law of the land.
He helps the needy (unless they contravene his moral code).
He keeps his word.
He doesn’t always get jokes.
He is disciplined.
He is not good at distinguishing self desires, as opposed to group desires.

[i:aeb3f5b35d]Wants:[/i:aeb3f5b35d]
To find the pieces of the Holy Anvil of Albin, and rebuild it, thereby completing his quest.
To protect his friends.
To heal sick people.
To kill orcs and other evildoers.
To fulfil his responsibilities.
To bring honour to his family.
To glorify the name of Moradin.
To return home.

[i:aeb3f5b35d]Fears:[/i:aeb3f5b35d]
Failing to fulfil his quest.
Loneliness.
A friend or weak person being killed when he was around to prevent it.
Moradin laying him aside.
Being unable to keep his word.
Bringing dishonour to his family.
Never returning home.
Being thought a coward.
Giving in.

[i:aeb3f5b35d]Overall aspirations:[/i:aeb3f5b35d]
To fulfil the will of Moradin and bring honour to his family.
To be stalwart as a rock.