Heimdall (HAME-doll or Haym-Dahl)
Heimdall, revered as the Vigilant One and the Watcher, embodies the virtues of guardians, protection, and protectors. Both guards and paladins revere him, traditionally viewing him as an aloof and focused deity who impartially takes on the mantle of defender, and sometimes, enforcer.
Heimdall is the supreme leader of Ysgard, even though he is a Lawful deity with his might of the Warriors who fight there, as might is Right in Asgard.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Clergy, Temples and Worshippers
The Wardens of Heimdall are not a traditional church, but rather a powerful fellowship comprised of clerics, paladins, fighters, guards, and any who dedicate themselves to the ideals of protection and vigilance. Bound by their unwavering devotion to Heimdall, the Watchful One, they stand as a stalwart shield for those who cannot defend themselves. Their calling attracts a diverse group. Seasoned fighters of all stripes find camaraderie within the Wardens, alongside nobles and officials who prioritize a strong defense. The Wardens share their expertise and the tenets of Heimdall freely, forging guardians and defenders not just in the Prime Material Plane, but across the entirety of Theras. The Clergy is very much anti-Undeads and are expert undead-hunters, opposing the ideology She'erosi clergy - sometimes evolving into armed skirmishes. The Church is mostly known for its vigil against any threats, even allying itself with the church of Lune during Wild Hunts.Temples
Unlike grand houses of worship, Heimdall's presence manifests in fortified structures known as Vigilant Halls. These structures seamlessly integrate into a community's defenses, often incorporating watchtowers that pierce the sky, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding lands. Arrow slits replace traditional windows, providing a line of fire for defenders, while sturdy doors can be swiftly barred against intruders. Far from being unwelcome fortresses, these Vigilant Halls are embraced by communities. They serve as vital bastions of protection. Visitors to these halls undergo a rigorous examination by the resident clergy. These examinations echo the legendary perception of their god, Heimdall. Those bearing news relevant to the community's defense are ushered into dedicated "war rooms". These chambers, pulsating with an air of focused purpose, are adorned with detailed maps and meticulously crafted defensive plans. Here, vital information is exchanged, strategies are honed, and the unwavering watch is maintained, ensuring the safety of all who reside within the community's walls.Hierarchy
The Wardens of Heimdall, while adhering to a strong sense of order, eschew a rigid military hierarchy in favor of a structure that reflects their core values. Here's how their organization functions:The All-Seeing Watcher
t the pinnacle stands the single highest authority figure, known as the All-Seeing Watcher. This revered individual embodies Heimdall's unparalleled vigilance, acting as a strategic advisor and spiritual leader for the Wardens across the land. The All-Seeing Watcher is not a permanent position, but rather a title bestowed upon the Warden who demonstrates exceptional wisdom, strategic prowess, and unwavering dedication to the tenets of Heimdall. The selection process is shrouded in secrecy, rumored to involve trials of perception and tests of unwavering resolve.The Watchful Council
Supporting the All-Seeing Eye is the Watchful Council. Composed of a select group of experienced Wardens, known as the Greycloaks, the Council acts as a strategic advisory body. These Wreycloaks, chosen for their exceptional leadership skills and battlefield acumen, oversee regional operations and ensure the Wardens' vigilance remains unwavering across the various communities they serve.Wardens
The backbone of the Wardens are the individual members, simply known as Wardens. These dedicated individuals, comprising clerics, paladins, fighters, guards, and others who share Heimdall's ideals, serve as the guardians on the ground. They train rigorously, honing their martial skills and perception to embody the watchful spirit of their patron deity. Within the wardens in a region, they operate usually as an army of their corresponsive cultures.Protectors
Within each community served by the Wardens, there are individuals known as Protectors. These are volunteers, often commoners who have received basic training from the Wardens. They serve as the community's first line of defense, keeping watch, reporting threats, and assisting the Wardens when danger arises.Rituals
Unlike some faiths, the Wardens do not adhere to strict prayer times. Individual priests find solace and seek guidance from Heimdall in the quiet moments of dawn or the stillness of dusk, offering prayers for clarity and unwavering vigilance shortly after waking or before sleep descends. The Wardens pray for their spells either in the morning or at night, soon after waking or shortly before bed. However, the wardens find these rituals the most important:The Warden's Oath
This is the holiest of all rituals, marking the moment a Postulant formally joins the ranks of the Wardens. Through this solemn ceremony, they pledge their unwavering dedication to the ideals of Heimdall, forever binding themselves to the path of vigilant protection.Blessing of the Watchful
The ritual signifies the dedication of an item to Heimdall's service. Weapons, armor, and even watchtowers can undergo this ceremony, imbuing them with a sense of purpose and bolstering their defensive capabilities.The Path of Atonement
The Purification ritual welcomes back those who have strayed from their vows. Whether they have left the Wardens' service or faltered in their duties, this ceremony offers a chance for redemption and a renewed commitment to Heimdall's tenets.The Night of Unslumbering Vigil
The Holy Vigil is a pivotal moment for a Warden priest ascending in rank. This solemn night-long ceremony tests their endurance, focus, and unwavering dedication, mirroring the ever-watchful gaze of Heimdall himself.Excommunication
The Rite of Excommunication remains a weighty decision, reserved for those who have demonstrably betrayed the Wardens' ideals or committed heinous acts. This ritual severs all ties with the organization, stripping the individual of their blessings and the protection of Heimdall.
Priestly Vestments
The Wardens of Heimdall are a symbol of unwavering defense. Gleaming, often enchanted plate mail and open-faced, plumed helmets make them guardians of the day and night. Flowing cloaks, grey for subtlety or red for command, proudly display Heimdall's watchful eye. Adaptable, they don pauldrons and helms even in unsuitable settings, their attire a blend of practicality and piety. Wardens are warriors clad in faith, their very presence a promise of unwavering vigilance.Tenets of Faith
Unwavering Duty
Wardens of Heimdall are paragons of discipline and obedience. They carry out orders with unwavering precision, trusting the wisdom of their superiors who uphold the Church's established laws and doctrines. These laws, however, are not blind pronouncements. High-ranking Wardens interpret them with experience and discernment, ensuring their continued relevance.Justice Through Vigilance
Heimdall's law emphasizes deterrence and accountability. For instance, attempted murder results in the loss of a hand, a constant reminder of the offense. The Wardens believe in incapacitating threats, not resorting to necromancy, the control of the undead, which they find abhorrent.Sharpened by Vigilance
New recruits are instilled with an unwavering sense of duty and vigilance. They learn to never betray trust, extending that principle to combat. They rely on their skills, equipment, and comrades to strategize and execute successful defense and offense. Extensive training, meticulous weapon-crafting, and strategically placed caches ensure they are always prepared.Authority with Responsibility
While steadfast in their role as guardians, Wardens are taught humility. They avoid wielding their rank to exert undue control. They are vigilant against corruption within their own ranks, adhering to the Law of Service, which strictly forbids accepting bribes.Strength in Resolve
Wardens prioritize duty and perseverance above pleasantries. Their focus on vigilance and unwavering commitment can sometimes come across as rigidity or a lack of compassion. However, their unwavering resolve and dedication to the safety of others lie at the core of their actions.Physical Description
Identifying Characteristics
When Heimdall strides into view, awe and trepidation grip even the most seasoned warriors. His colossal form, easily reaching between 14 and 20 feet (4.3 to 6.1 meters) in height, dwarfs all but the mightiest giants. He is a walking bastion of defense, clad in plate armor that gleams with an otherworldly sheen, impervious to even the most brutal assault. Yet, it's the enigma beneath the armor that truly commands attention.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Heimdall was an anicent deity that arrived during the Era of Bridges - Somewhat, challenging every deity on its way to Arcadia, there he managed to fight Imon. It is unknown how the two reconciled or who overcame who. However, out of the two of them, Heimdall left his journey to Arcadia and went to Ysgard in order to facilitate order in the chaos oriented plane which is ruled by a rigid law of might.
A very old deity from Menedynn's time, however, he went back on the pantheon and fought it after their carnage of the Ursevnin, Heimdall is the eternal sentry and is always seen wearing a full suit of armor that represents the weight of his heavy responsibility. Yet Heimdall always gets the job at hand done without complaint. The people of the North widely admire these qualities in what they seeas a humble and reassuring god.
Heimdall is particularly fond of children, and often forgives their minor transgressions.
The Gods War
Heimdall was ever the guardians of the realm and right hand of Ervenius in keeping the Divine's Gate intact. Whenever a power or multiple powers try to break the gate, Heimdall calls forth the full powers of the Divine Gate, what seems to be a fraction Ervenius in days past and banishes the interlopers back... It is said that great many Elder Evils found their death in battle with Heimdall, for those didn't backoff and with madness thought they could match the power of Heimdall, infused with the power of the Divine's Gate.Special Servants
Since the The Elemental and Genies Wars, Heimdall took to his heart the use of Sentinel Guardians, often becoming his messengers of peace or war.Social
Contacts & Relations
Heimdall has his enmity his real opposition for deities whose plots threaten the people and stability of Theras, especially Bane, Khaziba, Masech, and Nyx. He is also especially at odds with the uncontrolled violence and careless destruction of the deities Gruumsh, Muvir, Menas, and Talos.
The only god who can have been considered a full ally of the Watcher is She'eros. Strongly held ideological differences caused a great rivalry verging on hatred between the clergy of the two gods, but the deities themselves remained close.
Titles:
The Supreme Warlord of Ysgard.God of Guardians;
The Great Guard;
The Watcher;
The Vigilant One;
The Vigilant;
The Unyielding Watcher;
Divine Classification
Religions
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Realm
Children
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Related Myths
| LG | NG | CG |
| LN | N | CN |
| LE | NE | CE |
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