Dwarf Templars
This section has been taken from various early Warhammer resources, which, like much fluff, conflicts. For example, there are two entries for the Order of the Stone Wall, one has them dedicated to Grungni (the source I trust most) and the other Grimnir. The fluff that supports Grimnir was taken from an independent fluff creation team's LEGION magazine, published by Warpstone. I've included both for completeness - that said, Slayer Cults of Grimnir are quite well documented.
The Dwarf temperament is perfect for the militaristic traditions of honour that personify Templars. There are, however, few Orders within the Dwarf Kingdoms, and none outside Imperial rule. This is due to the fact that Dwarfen military units and the main churches all exhibit Templar characteristics, without being Templars, and all are loyal to their gods, homeland, kin and king. There is thus little need for Templar organization, and few seeking to join. The exceptions are The Order of The Stone Wall, The Order of The Axe, The Order of Stone and The Order of Granite.
The Dwarf temperament is perfect for the militaristic traditions of honour that personify Templars. There are, however, few Orders within the Dwarf Kingdoms, and none outside Imperial rule. This is due to the fact that Dwarfen military units and the main churches all exhibit Templar characteristics, without being Templars, and all are loyal to their gods, homeland, kin and king. There is thus little need for Templar organization, and few seeking to join. The exceptions are The Order of The Stone Wall, The Order of The Axe, The Order of Stone and The Order of Granite.
Order of the Stone Wall
Official Warhammer version (old fluff):
Founded during the first coming of Chaos (-4500 I.C.), the Templars of the Order of the Stone Wall embody the virtues of precise execution of orders, standing fast in the face of onslaught, and never faltering in battle.
The image of a solid wall of warriors breaking a charging enemy is seen as a model of Dwarfen determination in battle. (These are basically a religious warrior sub-cult, much like the
Knights Templar.)
Unofficial Warpstone version:
The Order of The Stone Wall is for Slayers who have been unsuccessful, and who have survived in spite of their vows*. Dwarfs who find themselves unable to achieve their glorious atonement
are faced with two options. Most head north to the Wastes a Demon Slayers, where death is
certain; some, however, seek judgement from the Lawgivers in their holds. If they are deemed worthy through their actions as a Slayer, a codicil is added to their entry in the Book of Atonement, and they join the Order. The Order guarantees certain, heroic death. They are called the Stone Wall because they never retreat. In the face of a defeat, they will die to a Dwarf covering a forces’ orderly retreat. They are often called upon as a suicide squad who carry out any and all tasks. Note that they are still not accepted into mainstream Dwarf society, but are tolerated as those awaiting death in a necessary cause.
Founded during the first coming of Chaos (-4500 I.C.), the Templars of the Order of the Stone Wall embody the virtues of precise execution of orders, standing fast in the face of onslaught, and never faltering in battle.
The image of a solid wall of warriors breaking a charging enemy is seen as a model of Dwarfen determination in battle. (These are basically a religious warrior sub-cult, much like the
Knights Templar.)
Unofficial Warpstone version:
The Order of The Stone Wall is for Slayers who have been unsuccessful, and who have survived in spite of their vows*. Dwarfs who find themselves unable to achieve their glorious atonement
are faced with two options. Most head north to the Wastes a Demon Slayers, where death is
certain; some, however, seek judgement from the Lawgivers in their holds. If they are deemed worthy through their actions as a Slayer, a codicil is added to their entry in the Book of Atonement, and they join the Order. The Order guarantees certain, heroic death. They are called the Stone Wall because they never retreat. In the face of a defeat, they will die to a Dwarf covering a forces’ orderly retreat. They are often called upon as a suicide squad who carry out any and all tasks. Note that they are still not accepted into mainstream Dwarf society, but are tolerated as those awaiting death in a necessary cause.
Order of the Axe
Unofficial Warpstone version:
The Order of the Axe serves the political needs of the High King and the clerics of Grungni as a
distinct military wing of the church. With the diverse spread of the Dwarfen peoples, the Order
is a useful reminder of the central structure of Karaz-Ankor that was fragmented in the Elf-Dwarf War and its aftermath. Templars are known as Axes of Grungni, or simply as an Axe.
The Order is distinct from the Cult of Grungni, and demands no religious obligations.
The Order of the Axe serves the political needs of the High King and the clerics of Grungni as a
distinct military wing of the church. With the diverse spread of the Dwarfen peoples, the Order
is a useful reminder of the central structure of Karaz-Ankor that was fragmented in the Elf-Dwarf War and its aftermath. Templars are known as Axes of Grungni, or simply as an Axe.
The Order is distinct from the Cult of Grungni, and demands no religious obligations.
Order of Stone & Order of Granite
Unofficial Warpstone version:
Both the Order of Stone and the Order of Granite were formed as attempts to unify a defence during the Age of Darkness. They technically serve the Emperor of Karaz-Ankor, who no longer exists, of course. The kings of the remaining Holds which still nominally form the Dwarf Empire lay claim to some degree of loyalty from the Orders. Because of the nature of current events, and the general order of each king’s military, both Orders are small in terms of numbers, although both have large wealth in the form of the treasures which they managed to save from goblin invaders. For this reason, the Orders will always have some support. The Order of Granite is based in Karaz-A-Karak, whilst the Order of Stone based itself in Zhufbar when the hold was retaken.
Both the Order of Stone and the Order of Granite were formed as attempts to unify a defence during the Age of Darkness. They technically serve the Emperor of Karaz-Ankor, who no longer exists, of course. The kings of the remaining Holds which still nominally form the Dwarf Empire lay claim to some degree of loyalty from the Orders. Because of the nature of current events, and the general order of each king’s military, both Orders are small in terms of numbers, although both have large wealth in the form of the treasures which they managed to save from goblin invaders. For this reason, the Orders will always have some support. The Order of Granite is based in Karaz-A-Karak, whilst the Order of Stone based itself in Zhufbar when the hold was retaken.