Latest revision as of 11:54, 31 May 2017

Composed by Aramentia Sendia and Sasha Silverscales

The Protector and Provider, the Nurturing Matriarch, the Blessed One

Greater Hin Deity Symbol: Cornucopia on a Shield Home Plane: Green Fields Alignment: Lawful Good Cleric Alignments: LG, LN, NG Portfolio: Protection, bounty, Hin, Children, Security, Leadership, Wisdom, Creation, Family, Tradition Worshipers: Children, Hin, Leaders, Paladins, Parents Domains: Good, Healing, Protection Favored Weapon: "Hornblade" (Short sword)

Yondalla (yon-dah-lah) created the Hin race in her own image, and it's due to her charming personality, friendly demeanor, curiosity, loyalty and some sense of mischief that Hin are among the best tempered of the goodly races. As Matriarch of the Hin Pantheon (and indeed the entire race), all Hin revere the Blessed One. Even those few who have rejected the traditional values of the Hin respect Yondalla for her guidance of the race as a whole. Yondalla serves as an example to all her people, espousing harmony among Hin, good relations with other races, and strong defense when faced with affronts of enemies. It is Yondalla's wish that all her children are safe and prosperous, treat each other well, and live interesting, full lives. Yondalla is forgiving, slow to anger, and kind, but when her charges become threatened, she acts with bravery and ferocity that has gained the respect of even her most warlike godly contemporaries. Yondalla knows that her race represents a truly good creation, and does anything within the boundaries of honor to nurture and protect it

Yondalla's Clerics seldom build Temples to Yondalla, instead, preferring to turn the home of the highest priest into a shrine. Hin are taught from birth the values a Hin should embrace to live life to its fullest, and to benefit the community, namely: acceptance, community, love, gaiety, curiosity, loyalty, diplomacy, tradition and a well developed sense of mischief. The fact that many members of the clergy double as community leaders reinforces the influence of Yondalla's creed upon Hin society.

Clerics of the Protector and Provider pray for spells in the morning. Hin set aside one day per Realms month - typically the fifth day of each month - for worship of Yondalla. Safeday, as it is known, is a day that is mostly spent in rest and play. In the morning, families gather together in the home, collectively offer up the fruits of the goddess's bounty in homage to the Provider, and then spend several hours preparing a tenday's feast from those offerings. During these activities, local members of the clergy of Yondalla go from house to house to lead each family in brief devotions, offer the goddess's blessings, and share any concerns a family may have. When the tenday's feast is prepared, each family, sometimes joined by a local priest, joins together in eating, laughing, and the telling of tales. In the late afternoon, the Small Folk emerge from their homes and assemble in the central square. The highest- ranking priest of Yondalla (or in the absence of a priest, a pious lay representative) then leads the assembled Small Folk on a walk around the central community, symbolically joining Yondalla in her defense of the settlement. Such tours are hardly armed patrols; they usually involve contests to see who can pick the most perfect apple or the like and other gentle reminders of how bountiful are the goddess's gifts. When the promenade returns to the central square, the community-wide dinner feast begins. Extra food prepared during the morning hours is heated and served, while the community elders relate traditional tales of Hin folklore. Such festivities can last far into the night as the community reforges their communal bonds. Unlike the religious ceremonies of other races and powers, allies and even strangers are often invited to contribute and partake in the feasting and merriment, although those unknown to the community are discretely observed just in case.

Yondalla has another aspect, known only to the hin. Its name is whispered by the knowing, and the secret is tightly guarded from other races. Such secrets are not committed to paper, for who knows what prying eyes might then see them.

History/Relationships: Over the millenia, Yondalla has cultivated strong relationships with Garl Glittergold, Corellon Larethian and Moradin, and generally can count on thier support for her positions. Though her love for her Hin subjects knows no limits, she holds an even greater admiration for her fellow members of the Hin Pantheon, often known as Yondalla's Children. Though the Blessed One is content to ignore those evil deities who do not threaten her 'Families" (Mortal or Divine), she holds deep grudges against certain evil deities who have crossed her in the past. Such beings include Bane, Cyric, Talona and the Deities of Fury.

Dogma: Those who seek to live in accordance with the way of the Provider will be blessed with a Cornucpoia of riches. Although violence should never be welcomed, the Protector's Aegis extends to those willing to fiercely defend their home and community. Lead through example, knowing the activities those you lead so you can shoulder their burden if need be. Treasure your family, for your parents gave you life and your children are your future. Care for the aged and the weak, for you never know when you may be one of the strong laid low.