Spellbook: Helm's Arcanum

How about some of these mountains in the north? There's lots of independent dwarven kingdoms etc… up there. Or the Frost hills. Citadel Adbar, Sundabar, Mirabar, are all pretty big dwarven / human enclaves.

Growing up in a small village south of Griffon's Nest, I grew up doing what any respectable dwarf does, drink and dabble with the earth. Many of the local families were exceptional miners, but the Hammerfist's have a history of cutting gems of a quality rivaled only by the master cutters of old. By the time I turned 35, I had tired of jewelcrafting and decided to leave the family business to become a brewer. A few seasons went by, as did many kegs of ale, but I always felt like it wasn't enough.

At the age of 40, a clan of Orcish warriors came and sacked our village. All who tried to fight were brutally slaughtered, including my family. I sought revenge, though sadly it was to never come to pass. The warriors of Helm destroyed their ranks in the next town. The cleric's came to check for survivors and help those in need. In that moment, I knew that I owed Helm a debt that I could never repay, that I must spend the rest of my days pleading for his grace and mercy.

I spent a year fashioning what I hoped would be a sufficient holy symbol to gain entry in the ranks of the order. It was the perfect hammer gripped by a clenched dwarven fist to pay tribute to my fallen family. The order had me engrave the staring eye(that I used a green emerald for) on the gauntlet to pay tribute to my lord. Seven years later, and after many, many nights of study, and much ale, my training was complete and I was allowed to emblazon my holy symbol onto a great and mighty shield. Going out into the world, no staff, axe or sword would do. Nay, only a greathammer for a Hammerfist to smite the enemies of Helm.

Going out into the world, I spent my next few years doing jobs as I could to earn my way before finally joining the Jeweler & Jemcutter's Guild. I always made sure to get the best prices or walk away. When I saw someone in need that truly deserved it, I helped them in what way I could.

Later, I was recruited by the Lord's Alliance. Though initially recruited to heal the sick and injured, I was found to be a more than competent warrior, especially in a fit of rage against orc opponents. The alliance gave me additional combat training in case they need call on my services once more.

The Cleric's of Helm acquired a love of the Hammerfist Ale. Luckily, the local farms tithed regularly to the temple to provide supplies for my hobby. I also helped fashion holy symbols for many of my brethren, as a jewel crafter, I had a special talent many of the order envied. Though jewelcrafting was no longer my passion, I still did my very best to honor the Hammerfist legacy.

My first years were spent learning about Helm and what he stands for. Later I became adept at channeling the divine power of my diety.

Though I once grew weary of the craft of my family, I found that adventuring is an expensive occupation, and as such, though I had no desire, this was the easiest way to fund my travels. While on a Pilgrimage to Helm's Hold, I met up with a Guild Master from the Jeweler & Gemcutters Guild. Due to learning the skills of my trade growing up, I was able to bypass the apprentice & journeyman stages to become a master artisan(after sufficient testing of course).