Ragnhildr

Description

Ragnhildr is the pragmatic and patient matron goddess of the Dwarven pantheon. She is stern and wise, and has a "waste not want not" attitude.
In her youth, she cut off her ears and cast them between the planes so that she may be the first to hear of all happenings, boon and bane alike. In listening to the turning of Orentia she learned its language, and formed Dwarves by speaking them into existence upon venison wrapped in wool. Some skilled Dwarven orators have learned some of this language, and can speak words into wood and stone where others would have to write them by hand.
In hearing all of Orent, she learned of the coming Klaskvaldir. This is the event - similarly predicted by the Orcish and Gnomish pantheons - that marks the final battle, the death of Orent, and the end of creation. In her words, "When the serpent below is loosed and the serpent above falls to meet it, their fangs shall tear a wound in Orentia, ne'r to heal. Through it, a thousand thousand demons shall flood and both gods and men shall meet them. When we are at last overwhelmed and slain, Orentus shall die and all the world shall be utterly finished." In preparation for Klaskvaldir, Ragnhildr has ordered her angels to find the bravest and most skilled of Dwarven souls and bring them to Daudrheim, her Celestial realm, upon their death. These angels are named Valkyries, and being chosen by one to spend the days until Klaskvaldir training and feasting within Daudrheim is considered the highest honor a Dwarf can achieve in death.

Appearance

Ragnhildr cuts a stark and matronly figure. She appears as an aged Dwarven woman, with long, waist length grey hair and beard kept in mindful tails and braids. Her features are deeply wrinkled, and though she often wears a stern expression her eyes bely a certain tolerant kindness. Where her ears once were, now only scarred holes remain. She wears formal robes and furs with light ornamentation, and carries always her war-pick: at once a cane, digging implement, weapon, and farming tool.

Personality

Ragnhildr comes off as cold, but this conceals her true nature. In truth she is more stoic than heartless, wishing well but acknowledging that fate is out of the hands of gods and mortals alike. She is deeply practical, and values hard work and forethought. She gladly helps those who help themselves, and becomes irritated with those who procrastinate or make half-measures. Her favored animal is the stork.

Worship

Ragnhildr is often worshiped by those with large responsibilities, and so ironically has dedicated worshipers among both the ruling classes and the rural poor. She is the patron goddess of shepherds, and is known for lending divine senses to shepherds in need. While many fixate on the dramatic spats between the siblings Hjalmarr and Oddrun, Ragnhildr is quietly regarded as the highest among the Dwarven patron gods. Dwarves who can afford it often arrange to be cremated when they die so that the flames can carry their souls upwards to their next destination, and it is believed that a soul traveling this way is more likely to be recognized by a Valkyrie as worthy of Daudrheim. It is common for grand events to be commemorated or memorialized by having a dwarf possessed of Ragnhildr's tongue say a short prayer to the All-Mother and speak a name or phrase into a stone, plaque, or timber. Shrines to Ragnhildr can be found nearly everywhere in Dwarven lands, from hamlets to cities, barns to dining halls. Prayers are said to her covering a range of topics and requests, but always include a justification for the prayer, citing the supplicant's hard work and great effort that makes them worthy of asking for aid. Clerics of Ragnhildr are known for wearing sturdy, durable boots fit for any condition, and they preach the worth of perception and preparation.

Symbol A winged helmet with blood flowing from both sides where the wearer's ears would be. Light, wind, or sound radiates from these sides.
Titles The All-Mother, She Who Hears All, Queen of Daudrheim
Portfolio Dwarves, Wisdom, Death, Shepherds
Domains Arcana, Grave
Favored Weapon War-Pick