Yondalla
Yondalla (yon-dah-lah) created the Halfling race in her own image, and it is due to her charming personality, friendly demeanor, curiosity, loyalty, and sense of mischief that halflings are among the best-tempered of the goodly races. As the matriarch of the halfling pantheon (and indeed the entire race), all halflings 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 halflings, good relations with other races, and the strong defense when faced with the 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.
Clergy and Temples
Perhaps surprisingly, Yondalla’s clerics build few temples. Worship of the Nurturing Matriarch is so ingrained into nearly every aspect of halfling society that the hin treat the idea of specific services to their goddess once a ten-day with bemused dismissal. This isn’t to suggest halflings have a theocratic culture, but rather that Yondalla (and by extension, her clergy) presents through her actions (as interpreted through stories taught to all halflings in their youth) the values of a halfling 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 credo upon halfling society.
Clerics of the Protector and Provider pray for spells in the morning. Though organized common rituals and celebrations are rare, most halfling communities hold periodic gatherings in which clerics of the Blessed One minister to the public. Even non-halfings are invited to take part in the festivals that follow these congregations, which often involve a tour through the local enclave that gives village elders the opportunity to share locale lore with the young folk and visitors, strengthening the sense of community. Clerics offer even secular guidance to their communities, often acting in important government roles. Clerics of Yondalla rarely multiclass, though some few with a militant bent decide to become paladins.
Dogma
Those who seek to live in accordance with the way of the Provider will be blessed with a cornucopia of riches. Seek peace and comfort, for a life lived with both is true wealth. Although violence should never be welcomed, the Protector's aegis will extend to those willing to fiercely defend their home and community. Lead through example, and know the activities of those you lead so that you can help shoulder their burdens when 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.
History and Relationships
Yondalla has close bonds with Corellon Larethian. With the passion with which she loves and admires her fellow halfling deities, sometimes known as 'Yondalla's Children', she scorns certain evil deities, such as Bane, Cyric, Talona, and the Deities of Fury such as Umberlee.
Divine Classification
Greater Deity
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
- The Protector and Provider
- The Nurturing Matriarch
- The Blessed One
Children
Gender
Female
Comments