Thulgard

Thulgard, The Hearth Guardian, is one of the original gods from the shards of Ix, embodying the essence of protection and safety. He is the deity of home and settlement, a vigilant guardian who watches over the dwellings of mortals. Thulgard is a beacon of comfort and security, a sturdy shield against the dangers of the world. His followers seek to create safe havens, to protect their homes and communities, and to provide refuge for those in need. All members of society pay homage to Thulgard. Non-clergy will usually worship Thulgard and a couple other gods as well.

Thulgard is often depicted as a towering figure, clad in armor made from the elements of the earth. His face is kind yet stern, with eyes that glow like warm hearth fires. He carries a large shield, symbolizing his role as a protector, and a sturdy hammer, representing his dedication to building and fortifying homes.

Thulgard is the parton deity of home and settlement and domains are peace and order. His holy symbol is a shield with a hearth at its center, symbolizing protection and the warmth of home. The shield is often depicted as being made of stone or wood, representing the sturdy materials used to build homes and fortifications. The clergy comes from all levels of society. As long as they're dedicated to protection of the family and home, they can be initiated.

Temples

Temples of Thulgard are sturdy structures, often built from stone and wood, designed to withstand the harshest of elements. They are typically circular, symbolizing the unity and completeness of a community. The entrance is usually a heavy wooden door, carved with symbols of protection. Inside, the temple is warm and inviting, with a large hearth at the center, representing the heart of a home. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting tales of Thulgard's protection and blessings.

Proselytization

Followers of Thulgard, known as Hearth Guardians, proselytize by offering aid and protection to those in need. They build homes for the homeless, fortify settlements against threats, and provide sanctuary for the weary and the oppressed. They believe that by demonstrating Thulgard's principles of protection and safety, they can inspire others to join their faith.

The Hearth Guardians will go to areas of natural disaster to assist in any reconstruction needs. They arrive in caravans of supplies and work materials. Everyone from the top level high priest down to the initiate all perform the work to help clean up and repair people's places of domicile.

Taboos

Neglect of Home and Family

Ignoring the needs of one's home or family is considered a grave offense in the eyes of Thulgard. The home is sacred, and its well-being is a reflection of one's devotion to the Hearth Guardian.

Hoarding Resources

Accumulating resources without sharing them with the community, especially in times of need, is frowned upon. Thulgard teaches that the strength of a community lies in its unity and mutual support.

Abandonment

Leaving one's community or family without just cause is considered a betrayal of Thulgard's principles of protection and unity.

Exploitation

Taking advantage of someone's vulnerability, especially within the sanctity of the home, is strictly forbidden and considered a severe violation of Thulgard's teachings.

Obligations

Community Service

Followers are expected to contribute to the well-being of their community, whether it's through building, repairing, or providing for those in need.

Vigilance

Being alert to potential threats to the home or community and taking steps to mitigate them is considered a sacred duty.

Hospitality

Offering shelter to those in need is highly encouraged, reflecting Thulgard's principles of protection and sanctuary.

Education

Teaching the younger generation about the importance of home, community, and protection is considered a vital duty.

Ceremonial Attire

Robes of the Hearth

Clerics and devout followers often wear robes embroidered with the symbol of Thulgard, usually in earthy tones to symbolize the elements of home and hearth.

Shield of Sanctuary

During ceremonies, a ceremonial shield is often carried, adorned with Thulgard's emblem and inscriptions of blessings for protection.

Hammer of Unity

Used in various ceremonies, this ceremonial hammer symbolizes the act of building and fortifying, embodying Thulgard's role as a builder deity.

Historical Figures

Einar Stoneheart

Einar Stoneheart was a dwarf who lived during the early days of Dort. He was a skilled stonemason, known for his dedication to his craft and his love for his community. One day, a massive earthquake struck his settlement, causing homes to crumble and lives to be lost. In the midst of the chaos, Einar prayed for protection and guidance. He felt a warmth envelop him, a sense of safety and resolve that he had never experienced before. He survived the earthquake and, in the aftermath, led the efforts to rebuild his community. Einar became the first known worshipper of Thulgard, attributing his survival and strength to the Hearth Guardian. His actions and faith inspired others, leading to the establishment of the first temple of Thulgard in his settlement.

Seraphina Hearthward

Seraphina Hearthward was a human cleric who embodied the principles of Thulgard to an extreme degree. She was known for her unwavering dedication to the protection of homes and settlements, often putting herself in danger to ensure the safety of others. Seraphina would travel from settlement to settlement, fortifying defenses, healing the injured, and providing aid to those in need. She was a beacon of hope and security, her actions inspiring many to join the faith of Thulgard. Her influence led to a significant increase in the number of Hearth Guardians, solidifying Thulgard's place as a major deity in Dort.

Thoren Shieldbearer

Thoren Shieldbearer was a notable figure in the faith of Thulgard. He was a renowned warrior, known for his bravery and his unwavering loyalty to his home. Thoren was a devout follower of Thulgard, always carrying a shield bearing the symbol of the Hearth Guardian into battle. He believed that Thulgard protected him and his comrades, and he credited his many victories to the deity's guidance. Thoren's fame and his public devotion to Thulgard brought attention to the faith, attracting many new followers. His tales of protection and victory in the name of Thulgard became a part of the faith's lore, inspiring future generations of Hearth Guardians.

Sects

The Hearth Wardens

The Hearth Wardens are a sect of Thulgard's followers who focus on the protection of homes and families. They believe that the home is the heart of a community and that it must be safeguarded at all costs. Hearth Wardens often serve as guards or defenders in their communities, dedicating their lives to ensuring the safety of their neighbors. They also provide aid to those in need, helping to build or repair homes and offering sanctuary to those without a place to stay. The Hearth Wardens are known for their compassion and their unwavering dedication to their duty.

The Stone Masons of Thulgard

The Stone Masons of Thulgard are a sect that focuses on the building and fortification of settlements. They view Thulgard as a builder deity, a protector who uses his skills to create safe havens for his followers. The Stone Masons are skilled craftsmen, using their abilities to construct sturdy homes, walls, and fortifications in honor of Thulgard. They believe that by building strong and secure structures, they are embodying Thulgard's principles and providing a tangible representation of his protection. The Stone Masons are known for their craftsmanship and their dedication to their work, often inscribing the symbol of Thulgard into their creations as a sign of their faith.

Holy Artifacts

The Hearthstone

This is a large, polished stone said to have been blessed by Thulgard himself. It is believed to bring safety and warmth to any home it is placed in. The Hearthstone is often passed down through generations and is considered a symbol of Thulgard's protection.

Shield of the Hearth Guardian

This is a large shield, crafted from the strongest oak and reinforced with iron. It is said to have been used by Einar Stoneheart during the earthquake that led him to Thulgard. The shield is adorned with the symbol of Thulgard and is considered a symbol of the deity's protective nature.

Hammer of the Stone Mason

This is a heavy hammer, said to have been used by the first Stone Mason of Thulgard. It is believed to bring Thulgard's blessing to any structure it is used to build. The hammer is often used in ceremonies and is considered a symbol of Thulgard's role as a builder deity.

Holy Days

Day of the Hearth

This day is celebrated at the beginning of winter, Ixan the 1st. It is a day to give thanks to Thulgard for the warmth and safety of homes. Families gather around their hearths, share meals, and tell stories of Thulgard's protection.

Day of the Shield

This day is celebrated on the anniversary of the earthquake that led Einar Stoneheart to Thulgard on Thulgust the 9th. It is a day to honor Thulgard's protective nature and to remember those who have sacrificed themselves for the safety of others.

Day of the Hammer

This day is celebrated at the beginning of spring on Brassica the 1st, a time of building and growth. It is a day to honor Thulgard's role as a builder deity and to celebrate the work of the Stone Masons.

Ceremonies

Ceremony of the Hearth

This ceremony is performed when a new home is built. The Hearth Warden blesses the hearth of the home, asking Thulgard to protect the inhabitants and bring warmth and safety to the dwelling.

Ceremony of the Shield

This ceremony is performed when a new guard or defender is appointed in a community. The individual is presented with a shield, symbolizing Thulgard's protection, and is blessed by a cleric of Thulgard.

Ceremony of the Hammer

This ceremony is performed when a new building or fortification is completed. The Stone Masons use the Hammer of the Stone Mason to strike the final blow, symbolizing Thulgard's blessing on the structure. The building is then considered under the protection of Thulgard.

Heresies

The Unyielding Hearth

Description: This heresy takes Thulgard's principle of home protection to an extreme, advocating that one should never leave their home under any circumstances, even in times of dire need or to aid others. Followers believe that Thulgard's protection is strongest within the confines of one's home, and stepping outside would be an affront to the deity.

The Fortress Doctrine

Description: Followers of this heresy believe that the ultimate form of devotion to Thulgard is to turn one's home into an impenetrable fortress, armed to the teeth with traps and weaponry. They argue that a home should be a fortress first and a sanctuary second, often leading to homes that are more dangerous than they are welcoming.

Cults

The Nomadic Shields

Founder: Elara Wanderingeye
Description: Elara claims to have received a vision from Thulgard, instructing her that true safety lies in constant movement. The cult believes that staying in one place makes one vulnerable, and thus, they have taken to a nomadic lifestyle. This contradicts Thulgard's teachings about the sanctity and protection of permanent homes and settlements.

The Keepers of the Hidden Hearth

Founder: Gideon Stoneveil
Description: Gideon Stoneveil argues that Thulgard has a secret teaching: the concept of an "inner hearth," a spiritual home within oneself that is more important than any physical dwelling. Followers of this cult focus on meditative practices and often neglect the safety and well-being of their physical homes, which goes against Thulgard's emphasis on the protection of the home and community.

The Solitary Masons

Founder: Tilda Ironhammer
Description: Tilda Ironhammer claims that Thulgard appeared to her in a dream, revealing that the deity's true desire is for each individual to build and live in isolation, away from the corrupting influences of society. Followers of this cult live as hermits, constructing solitary dwellings in remote locations. This practice contradicts Thulgard's teachings about community unity and mutual support.