Yondalla
God of Fertility
Yondalla governs nature as it comes into play in the lives of mortals, representing domesticated nature—a bounteous, nurturing provider. But she also reminds mortals that they are part of the natural world; they are animals that eat and digest and reproduce and sleep, and Yondalla is influential in all of that, as well.
Mortals seek her favor because the fertility of nature is necessary for their existence. It isn't her wrath they fear—she is not a god of storms or plagues—but her withdrawal. Without her, plants, livestock, families, and communities simply fail to thrive. Her goodwill is a bulwark against both physical starvation and starvation of the spirit: despair, loneliness, and moral weakness.
Yondalla promises that spring will always come again, trees will always bear fruit, and flocks will always bear young. Children will always be born, parents will always care for them and be cared for in their turn. Great fortune or adventure might not be at hand, but the little joys of life—the smell of spring blossoms, the sweetness of ripe fruit, the flaming beauty of autumn leaves, the fellowship of community—can be savored.
In many ways, Yondalla represents the essence of the divine relationship with mortals: fertility and protection are the nucleus of the aid mortals have always sought from gods, and Yondalla doesn't complicate these basic needs by couching them in terms of abstract ideals of honor or law or justice. She is the distillation of an ancient and primal exchange: mortal devotion in return for divine blessing.
Divine Domains
Official Cleric Domains
- Light
- Life
- Nature
Other Domains
- Plants
- Protection
- The harvest
- Fertility
- Livestock
Artifacts
Divine Goals & Aspirations
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Social
Contacts & Relations
Relationships
Relationship Reasoning
Ephara's relationship with Yondalla is a difficult one from either perspective. Ephara approves of agriculture and fertility, a key ingredient for the development of cities, and both gods are concerned with defense of settlements. Even so, although Yondalla and Nylea have their own complicated relationship, Yondalla strongly favors Nylea over Ephara.
Relationship Reasoning
Yondalla is closely aligned with Pelor in attitude and philosophy. Pelor controls the radiant sun that makes the natural world flourish; Yondalla brings the interplay of light and nature to life for mortals in the practice of agriculture. Yondalla's closest relationship is with Pelor. He respects her civilized demeanor, and she recognizes the vital role the sun's brilliance plays in nurturing life.
Relationship Reasoning
The relationship between Yondalla and Nylea is respectful but strained. Nylea is disappointed by Yondalla's decision, as a nature deity, to subordinate nature to the needs of mortals. Yondalla is frustrated by what she sees as Nylea's refusal to recognize mortal folk—and all their civilizations—as part of the natural world. Despite this tension, both gods encourage their worshipers to leave offerings at each other's shrines.
Relationship Reasoning
The gods who provoke Karametra's sharpest disdain are Iroas and Mogis, who seem devoted to the idea of preventing mortal life from fully flourishing. War—even if it's couched in noble terms, as Iroas's followers like to do—is fundamentally an instrument of death, bringing a premature and pointless end to mortal life. That said, Karametra does recognize the need to fight in defense of one's life, family, and community when they come under attack, so she and Iroas are able to find some common ground in that matter—and in their shared hatred of Mogis. Mogis disdains Karametra because she aids mortals and provides succor to the weak. These are acts of foolishness because the weak don't deserve aid—they are fodder for the strong. Setting fertile fields ablaze and witnessing the resulting famine is a source of enjoyment for Mogis, though he has been surprised more than once by the ferocity of Karametra's reprisals.
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