From a young age, Maldor was taught the teachings of Iomedae and worshipped Her, his Clan would forge countless works of art and engineering in her name over the ages.
Maldor wasn't a smith, an artist or anything like that, he spent his days once he was old enough to leave the clans home going on Pilgrimages to Holy Sites significant to Her, he would journey with many of his family, mostly cousins but some close relatives.
The area around their home wasn't under constant threat of attacks, but it wasn't safe either, they always had warriors with them during their pilgrimages to keep everyone safe, Maldor convinced another Dwarf, Adrick to teach him how to wield a weapon, and on their journey together Maldor became able to at least defend himself, should the need arise.
Maldor continued his training with Adrick, who became his mentor and friend for many more pilgrimages, taking the teachings of The Inheritor to heart.
One day, during one of their longer pilgrimages, they were attacked, this time unlike the smaller attacks they had faced in the past, this was much larger and more organised group of bandits, Maldor and Adrick fought with the other dwarves at hand and a bloody battle and once the dust settled, only Maldor and Adrick, who was mortally wounded were standing.
Adrick later died in Maldors arms, the words he said before he died were lost on Maldor, but he took his body to the shrine and prayed to Iomedae, for justice, for vengeance, anything he could think of in the mournful state he was in.
It all faded like wind after what felt like hours, his rage, his hatred, all gone, he didn't hear any words from Iomedae, but he knew she was there with him. Without another moments hesitation, he swore to her shrine with every fibre of his soul that he would Uphold justice in the world, and do everything he could in his power to prevent this kind of thing happening again to anyone else.
He returned to the clan and explained what happened, while they were mournful about the losses of so many Dwarves, some of the more religious folk did see the signs of what he experienced at the shrine, and trained him rigorously until he could be worthy of the title of Champion.
Once his training was complete, he left the clan in search of a new purpose, his days of making pilgrimages behind him, he steeled himself for the role he was taking on, in some small hope of redeeming himself in his own eyes, in hopes his strength would be enough to save others.
He heard tale of The New World on his travels, and decided that if anywhere needed adventurers, it was there.