Gaerdal Ironhand

The Stern, Shield of the Golden Hills

Gaerdal Ironhand (GAIR-dahl EYE-urn-hand) is the stalwart defender of the Forgotten Folk, the most martial deity of the gnome pantheon. His serious nature garners him sober respect, instead of the gentle affection that is lavished on the other deities. The Shield of the Golden Hills guards against threats from above and below and teaches gnomes to hold their own in combat with larger and more powerful creatures by using their size and natural abilities to their advantage. Gaerdal has a small but devout following among gnome warriors and those responsible for defending gnome communities against outside threats, and he has earned the respect of the Forgotten Folk in general.
Gaerdal has generally good relations with the rest of the gnome pantheon, with the notable exception of Urdlen, but his stem nature keeps him somewhat aloof from the mischievous antics of the other gods of the Forgotten Folk. In particular, the Shield of the Golden Hills is somewhat hostile toward Baravar, disliking deceitfulness, and to a lesser extent Baervan, disliking foolish pranks and other jests, and he may work to thwart their plans if he learns of them. In times of danger for the Forgotten Folk, however, Gaerdal cooperates with all the gnome gods, except the Crawler Below. Among other pantheons, Gaerdal is closest in temperament with the gods of the dwarven pantheon, particularly Gorm Gulthyn and Clangeddin Silverbeard. Gaerdal works well with Helm and Torm of the human Faerunian pantheon.
The Shield of the Golden Hills is ever vigilant in guarding against Urdlen's insidious attacks, and he battles the gods of the kobold and goblin pantheons regularly.
Gaerdal Ironhand is the most dwarflike deity of the gnome pantheon, rarely smiling, and he is the only gnome god who could be considered stern. Gaerdal takes his duties as the protector of gnome burrows very seriously, at the cost of sacrificing a playful spirit. The Shield of the Golden Hills has no use for tricks, jokes, or deceits, and he remains unsmiling at gnome tales and pranks (save those of Garl himself). The other gnome deities say he chuckles in private, but this is uncertain. Gaerdal often sends an avatar to assist gnomes preparing for battle.

Divine Domains

War

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Iron band

Tenets of Faith

The best defense is unswerving vigilance. Gaerdal charges his followers to serve him with absolute dedication and devotion. Defend and protect communities of the Forgotten Folk against all invaders, both obvious and hidden. Never cease to hone the skills of battle and war, and use times of peace to pass such talents on to gnomes at large so that they can eventually preserve peace for all the Forgotten Folk forever by presenting a defense that none dare challenge. Be fair to those in your charge, and ask of them nothing that you would not do yourself- including laying down your life for your friends, relatives, and brothers and sisters of battle. Follow orders given you to preserve the efficient function of the chain of command, but do not be blind to the consequences of your actions or the implications of a command. You have a right to question once any order that seems to run counter to the common good or the ideals of our society, for in doing so you may unmask a spy, a traitor, or an invader cloaked by magic.

Holidays

The followers of Gaerdal refer to tenday periods as Tenhammers, a name referring to the marking of the passage of each day by striking a great hammer against a metal shield, for such is the typical length of service for guard duty for members of this faith. The tenth day of every ten Tenhammers is a holy day of the faith, known to gnomes everywhere as the Great Clang and on such days the cult of Gaerdal assembles to pay homage to the god through battle hymns and rhythmic chants.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Day-to-Day Activities

Gaerdal's priests are as close to being a warrior caste as one could find among gnomes. Their numbers are fairly small. They are much less given to levity than most gnomes and may often be administrators, judges, and the like. Their role as protectors is of major importance to both their religious teachings and the safety of the communities where they dwell. Although temples of the Shield of the Golden Hills are rare, Gaerdal's priests usually erect small statues of Gaerdal at major entrances to gnome settlements to remind other gnomes of their daily duties. The closest most members of Gaerdal's clergy get to actively seeking enjoyment is their perennial and self-assumed task of making life difficult for the followers of Baravar, and to a lesser extent, Baervan and Garl.

Priestly Vestments

The ceremonial vestments of Gaerdal's clergy include a suit of chain mail, an open-faced helm, and a shield emblazoned with the god's device. The faith's holy symbol is an iron or steel band worn on the right forearm.

Adventuring Garb

The strictly functional ceremonial garb of priests of Gaerdal serves them well in dangerous situations. Nevertheless, members of the clergy acquire the best armor that they can afford, and most senior priests commission a suit of gnome-sized plate mail at some point in their lives.

Symbol: Iron band
Home Plane: Dothion in the Golden Hills (Stronghaven)
Alignment: Lawful Good
Portfolio: Vigilance, combat, martial defense
Worshipers: Administrators, fighters, judges, monks, paladins, soldiers, warriors
Cleric Alignments: LG, LN, NG
Domains: War
Favored Weapon: "Hammersong" (warhammer)
SUPERIOR: Garl Glittergold
ALLIES: Arvoreen, Clangeddin Silverbeard, Cyrrollalee, Gorm Gulthyn, Helm, Torm, the gnome pantheon (except Urdlen)
FOES: Abbathor, Gaknulak, Kuraulyek, Kurtulmak, Urdlen, the goblinkin pantheons

Divine Classification

Intermediate Power