The First Dwarf King

My name is William. I have died how I always hoped I would. Saving people from some type of evil, wether it be a common mugger to full on terrorist attack. I live in southern Mississippi very close to the Gulf of Mexico. I was taught manners, morals, and how not to get caught all my life. Though I was self taught on that third one. So when I hear a neighbor start screaming bloody murder at two in the morning I'm not the wait and see type, I'm also not the type to call the police and wait for the crime to be over and done with.

Since I'm already outside in my garage just getting home from work I quickly grab the first weapon in reach which just so happens to be a hammer. I rush on over to the house I heard the scream from and knock once just to make sure I don't make an ass out of myself and walk in on a couple getting a little too heated. When I hear another scream but this time for help I kick open the door and and immediately see what the problem is. This house belongs to a single mother and two daughters. Martha, the mother, is knocked out cold with a head wound on the ground in the hall way while the to little ones are being held down and forcibly stripped from two masked men. I don't waste a second and Spartan kick the man closest to me. The crack I heard from my size 13 work boots connecting with his sternum was satisfying and reassuring at the same time knowing he won't be getting up anytime soon. The second assailant whipped around when he heard his buddy slam into the wall next to him and went for what I'm assuming is a gun. I wasn't too far away to reach him so I did the next best thing and tomahawk threw hammer right in the fuckers nose. I have never been so accurate in my life. When he goes to cover his face on instinct from the pain I'm already halfway across the room. When he notices me finally it's too late I'm already airborne about to RKO this rapist son of a bitch. My inner sports announcer is screaming for him to watch out but he won't have the time to listen for I'm already atop him. As I tackle him to the ground his head hits a side table and gets knocked unconscious. I stand up to make sure everyone is down.

"Is there anyone else in the house?" I quickly ask the oldest of the two kids. "N-no it was just those two. You gotta help Mama! She's hurt real bad!" She frantically says. I pull my phone out and tell her to call the police while I check the mother out. I kneel next to her and gently move her head to the side to see how bad the damage is. it only looks like a flesh wound, the reason there's so much blood so I believe she should be fine until an ambulance shows up. I tell the youngest child to go get a wet towel while I go grab my hammer and make sure crooked nose is still out. As I'm about to turn around I hear two thunder claps and feel pain erupt in my back and chest. I turn around to see the first assailant standing unsteadily and pointing his gun at me, but he can't keep it up because of the pain.

At this point in time in still pumped full of adrenaline, so it's easier to ignore the shock and pain to make sure the little ones don't get injured. Now here's the thing we're both injured and I brought a hammer to a gun fight. I'm not gonna lie I'm a little pissed. So pissed inbfact the first logical thing to come to mind is to kick the table in front of me as hard as I can the the Gunner while I follow up with a running haymaker. He didn't have enough time to dodge the table and certainly not the hammer connecting with his jaw. I take a note out of my favorite zombie movie and hit him one more time just for safety sakes.

Falling to one knee now that the pain is registering I hear my cousin and some more people, probably the other neighbors running in and calling out to us. The children both yell out for help. when my cousin comes in and sees the mess we made he immediately runs over to me seeing the blood pouring out of me. "Jesus Willy whad'ya do? Stand still asking for him to shoot?" Steven says jokingly trying to hide his worry. *cough* "yeah you jackass wanted to see how it's feels to get lead lodged in my lung." *cough* I start spitting blood and now my cousin drops all humor " Quit talking now and sit still. I can hear the sirens from here. Won't be long now and you'll get to tell everyone how you're a hero." I laugh just to cough some more.

I start to choke and realize I'm drowning in my own blood. Too much of it got in my lungs. "I'm gonna die Steve." I whisper. He starts tearing up "No you won't. Stop talking and take shallow breaths. Look The ambulance is right out side!" Steve's practically shouts. He starts to yell for help but I'm already passing on. I grab his hand and squeeze it tight to get his attention. When he looks down at me I say barely a whisper, "Tell everyone... I love..them.". It's the last words I'll ever say in this world.

When I opened my eyes I was expecting either fire and brimstone or maybe fluffy white clouds and angels singing. What I wasn't expecting was to find myself in a cozy little log house sitting in a recliner by a fireplace. Across from me in her own chair sits what I can only assume is the most beautiful woman I have and ever will see in my entire life and after.

"Why thank you William. I'll have to make sure my sister hears what you said." The beauty incarnate says with a chuckle. "Did is say that out loud?" I asked embarrassed. "No no it's just hard not to hear your thoughts when you are projecting them so loudly." Ah, right after life, mostly like and angel at the least. "Well I'm not gonna apologize for thinking the truth. May ask where I am and also who I am speaking to?" I ask as politely as possible not wanting to anger a definitely more powerful person. "You don't have to worry about angering me William, and to answer your questions we are in my humble abode right next to the River of Reincarnation. My name is Jade I am the Goddess of life, creation, nature, and co-goddess of reincarnation. My sister Opal is my exact opposite divinity wise. Death, destruction, purgatory and also co-goddess of reincarnation. Together we govern the multiverse. We have several Minor gods do other work for us." The now named Jade says calmly with that silky smooth voice of hers. Honestly it has to be a sin to sound that good so casually.

"So what's going to happen to me then? I definitely remember dying. Hard to forget that." She looks at me with the soul piercing stare. Which come to think of it that just might be the case. Those iridescent green eyes with that inner fire they have are absolutely captivating. I could get lost in those pools liquid emeralds forever. "I have brought you here to give you an option other than heaven or reincarnation. I have recently made a new world and I need someone to be the firstborn of a race, and you fit the bill. This world is very much like those sword and magic ones you know of. It is still in it's early development, but it will not take long for for civilizations to kick start. I already have Humans, Demi-Humans, Elves, and Daemons. I need one more race to have a balanced world. You see there are seven continents, but only four are filled. Five continents circle the Eastern side of the sixth continent from North to South. There are large land bridges connecting all of them together. The Seventh and most dangerous continent is West of the rest of the land unconnected.

The southern country, which is mostly Savannah type climate, with a small mountain range near the southern tip, is the home of the Demi-Humans. They call it Rohine. The South Eastern country is the home to the Daemons, not to be confused with demons. They are a just dark aligned species, though they do have horns like demons. They are not inherently evil they just have aggressive instincts. There home has a large volcano on the outer coast making it very inhospitable for a quarter of the land for any other race. Morvere is the name of their country.

The Eastern continent is a mixture of rolling hills, lakes, rivers, and small to medium sized forests. The humans have claimed this land as there home naming it Britannia. Most crops and farming are done in this country.

The Northeastern continent, Mathrátrevas, is comprised of enormous forests. The Elves thrive here in symbiosis with nature. The land is brimming with nature and light magic. The Elves usually stick to themselves but do communicate with the other races when need be.

The center continent is not filled yet but when it is. It will be a large multi-race kingdom. This will be the neutral ground for all races to come negotiate, trade, and coincide. This land is Lead by the a small but powerful breed of dragons. They are highly intelligent and immortal. They take orders directly from me and my sister. They will not conquer other lands and they will not try to govern other people. Only what we call the Middle Kingdom will they rule."

That was an absolute info dump. Wow. This place sounds awesome though. "So you described 5 out of six continents, what's the other two for?" I ask. "The northern continent will be yours." she says with a mischievous smile. I blink once. Twice. "Mine?! What do you mean mine? All by myself?!" I ask incredulously. She chuckles, " No dear William, as I said earlier you will be the first of your race. you can choose what you want to be within reason. You can make a race you already know of, or make a brand new all your own." Oh yeah I forgot she said that.

"Can I modify an already existing race?" I ask excitedly. "Hmm yes you can but nothing too powerful. Like you can't make them gods or all powerful." she agrees. "Sweet! Give me a moment to think about it. Oh what is the Northern continent like?" "Mainly mountains and valleys. You also have a large bay on the far north said surrounded but high cliff walls. The mountains are snowcapped as well." This is perfect! I've always loved dwarves. They are my favorite race of all time. Strong and hard willed, Master Craftsmen and fearsome warriors. An honorable people and devoted to family and kin. I can build my kingdom inside the mountains. Mighty underground fortresses built for survival and self sustainment. I can trade valuable ores, rock, and different crafts. If I give them magic of some type it will have to be nature related along with runic.

"Ok, I've made my decision. I want to be a Dwarf with long lives, nature and runic magic, abundant strength with great endurance and conviction. We will be natural miners, warriors, and Craftsman. We will have magic specialists for different areas such as earth magic for excavation, Nature magic for crop growth and cattle, Fire magic for smithing and war, Runic magic for armor, weaponry, and technology. The final bit will be we will all have our own individual familiar. It will be soul bound and can be used for a variety of things. Sending messages, help in combat, help in our individual line of work or hobbies. Like a small fairy creature for the farmers and herbalists, or small golems for blacksmiths." I finish listing what I would like hoping to get all of what I said.

Jade sits back and thinks through what I asked for. Slowly she starts nodding with a smile forming on her face. " Yes, I believe that would be a perfect race for my world. Very good thinking William. Very thought out and detailed. Oh you are going to be a fantastic addition to my world!" The brilliance of the smile she flashes me almost out me in a coma. "Now each race has there own small pantheon to watch over, guide, and help them along their journey. Since I am sending you I will personally be your God Queen. I will command the pantheon that watches over you. I will also allow you to pick five more gods/goddesses for your pantheon." The goddess says. That is a hard choice to make. Alright let's think this through. Jade is already the God Queen, we will definitely need a god for craftsmanship, nature, war/battle, and magic.

"can I rip off some gods from different mythology and fictions?" I ask hoping to get a stacked pantheon. "I don't see why not if they are busy or don't actually exist I can always make them." Right all powerful goddess, of course she can make gods. "Ok then for craftsmanship I would like Hephaestus, preferably the one from Danmachi. For nature can I get a caring and motherly Gaia? For war Mars from the Romans. And for magic Freyja from Norse mythology. Oh and if you want to use Valkyries as your reapers I wouldn't complain." I list off my choices. I think I have a pretty balanced group in my humble opinion.

"I would have to agree William. That is very balanced and fits perfectly for your people. The best part is I won't have to make any new gods either. Makes my job easier and I will definitely take your suggestion on the Valkyries. they are my favorite reapers." she says happily. "Now all that is left is for you to customize your body and your skills and affinities." A screen appears in front of me with an average looking dwarf with multiple tabs and sliders next to it. "While you do that I will go and collect your gods and set up everything for your arrival." "Thank you ma'am for this. I cannot wait to start." I thank her genuinely. "Oh no problem William this is also to help me as well. It's the least I can do." Jade says as she walks out.

I jump into customizing my new body with excitement. Since I'm going to be the firstborn and king I figured I should look fearsome and kingly. I make myself tall for a dwarf, just a 5 foot. I give myself dark auburn hair that comes down to my shoulder blades. My eyes look like liquid gold, shining and vibrant. Can't be a dwarf without a beard, so mine is mid chest length and braided down the middle with a large golden bead at the end. I'm very muscular fit for large two handed weapons. I also make sure my dwarvenhood is a good size while Jade is away.

"A good size I'd say" Jade says directly behind me. I almost jump out of my skin. The goddess laughs heartily. I'm too embarrassed to even say anything back. Jade finally calms down and says "Well it seems you have completed body. Dwarvenhood and all." she snorts holding back more laughter. " I'll go ahead and merge you into it. When that's done we can go ahead and head down. I'll create 101 dwarves for you to start your kingdom with. For the first 100 years your people will have an increased fertility. You will need to have plenty of little dwarvlings running around to get your numbers up. The others in the pantheon will meet us down there to bless the land and your people along with give you all starting gear for different jobs. I will personally bless you along with gift you with your own personal weapon."

"Why 101? That seems like an oddly specific number." I ask curiously. "Well you will need farmers, miners, builders, lumberjacks, and Craftsmen. they will be evenly created 20 each. The final one will be a surprise when we get there. Also before we leave you to your own devices we will give you your familiars. They will be picked by me and the other gods to suit you best. They will grow with you and gain abilities as the get stronger. You will be able to telepathically speak with them. Now I'll begin the body merger." She finishes while waving her hand and I feel extremely uncomfortable.

It feels like I'm clay being hand molded. It's not painful just extremely weird. "Gah! Ugghhh that felt sooo wrong." I utter trying to forget what just happened. Jade chortles then says "That bad huh? Well then all that's left is a name. Any ideas?" I think for a moment before answering. " Reinhardt Axeblade".

Jade smiles at me before exclaiming, "Then I welcome you to Pandora, Reinhardt Axeblade, First of Thy Name!", and my vision fades to black.