Yondalla (Yon-dalla)
Overview
Sister of Mehena, she 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 race 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.Portfolio and Responsibilities
She is a goddess whose portfolio includes protection, bounty, halflings, children, security, leadership, wisdom, creation, family, and tradition. 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 race treats the idea of specific services to their goddess once a tenday 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.Divine Domains
Halfling, Community (Including all subdomains), Healing (Including Restoration and Medicine), Good (Including Friendship), Protection (Including Defense and Fortification)
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Holy Weapon - Sling Staff
Holy Animal - Badger
Holy Colors - Green, Gold
Holy Mineral - None
Holy Symbol - Cornucopia on a shield
Tenets of Faith
Edicts - Defend your home and family from invaders. Have close ties with your community and clan. Nurture the next generations for the life ahead of them.
Anathema - Neglect your family or children. Abandon your community. Lose your temper.
Holidays
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 nonhalfings 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.
Example Paladin Codes
Worship of the Blessed One, Yondalla, is not confined to temple walls but is a way of life. By following her guiding principles, halflings ensure that they live fulfilling lives, contributing to the collective happiness of their communities.- Always strive to extend hospitality, kindness, and acceptance. No matter the size of the world, the heart of a halfling must be boundless.
- Embrace the world with boundless curiosity. Every journey, be it long or short, is an opportunity for discovery and mischief.
- Stand steadfast in defense of your kin, home, and values. Protecting one another ensures the longevity of halfling spirit.
- Honor and uphold the traditions passed down through generations. They are the threads that weave the tapestry of our identity.
- Cherish the land and its gifts. The world is bountiful, and in gratitude, we must nurture it just as it nurtures us.
Physical Description
Body Features
She is depicted often as a ginger haired middle aged halfling, wearing a green and gold outfit and clutching a golden shield imaged with her holy symbol. She is often shown teaching or defending halfling communities from natural and magical threats.
Divine Classification
Rank 16 Greater Deity
Religions
Alignment
Lawful Good
Realm
Church/Cult
Honorary & Occupational Titles
“The Blessed One” or “The Nurturing Matriarch”
Children
Pronouns
she/her
Aligned Organization
Ruled Locations
