Hubert Hearthseeker

Hearthseeker manifests as a portly halfling with a jovial and inviting demeanor. He has a kind face adorned with smile lines, and his eyes gleam with a keen and playful sparkle. His attire suggests that of a traveler, well-worn yet comfortable, always carrying a satchel filled with freshly baked goods.

Background

Before the dawn of recorded history, when the lands were fragmented and the peoples divided, Hearthseeker existed as a beacon of unity and compassion within the celestial realm. His essence was intertwined with the concepts of home, hospitality, and the communal joy of shared meals. Yet, it wasn't until he chose to manifest among the mortals that his influence truly began to shape the world.

Choosing the form of a halfling for his earthly vessel, Hearthseeker walked the Shattered Kingdoms with a mission to knit the scattered communities closer, one hearth at a time. The halflings, with their innate sense of kinship and delight in the simple pleasures of life, drew Hearthseeker’s divine presence like moths to a flame. In these humble communities, he found the embodiment of his ideals: homes that were never too small to share, tables that could always fit one more, and hearts as open and warm as their hearths.

It was among the halflings that Hearthseeker’s teachings first took root, transforming not just the individuals but the very fabric of their society. Through his wanderings from village to village, Hearthseeker championed the virtues of hospitality, encouraging the halflings to extend their benevolence beyond their kin and kind. He introduced rites of welcome that transcended mere tradition, becoming sacred acts that honored the divine in every guest. The halflings, in their turn, embraced Hearthseeker’s teachings with fervor, their communities blossoming into havens of warmth and fellowship, even in the darkest times.

But the exchange was not one-sided. As much as Hearthseeker imparted to the halflings, so too did he learn from them. He discovered the boundless joy in the simplicity of a shared meal, the depth of stories told by the fireside, and the unparalleled delight of halfling culinary artistry—especially their breads and cakes, which no celestial feast could rival. These experiences enriched Hearthseeker’s divine essence, deepening his connection to the concepts of home and hospitality and expanding his portfolio to celebrate the culinary bonds that unite people.

The legend of Hearthseeker and the halflings spread across the Shattered Kingdoms, carrying with it the seeds of community and kindness.

Today, Hearthseeker is revered not just by halflings but by all who seek the warmth of fellowship and the joy of a shared table. His followers continue to wander, as he once did, spreading his message and embodying his virtues. And though he now resides once more in the celestial realms, Hearthseeker's spirit remains ever-present at every hearth and heart that welcomes it, a divine guardian of all who journey and all who open their doors to the world.

Dogma

Hearthseeker teaches the importance of hospitality, the warmth of a shared meal, and the value of stories to connect individuals. He champions the idea that a home's warmth extends beyond its hearth, welcoming travelers and fostering community bonds. His followers are encouraged to explore the world, spreading kindness, sharing meals, and gathering tales of their travels to share around the fire.

Followers

Hearthseeker's followers include halflings, bakers, innkeepers, travelers, and storytellers. Communities often seek his blessing for safe travel, bountiful harvests for ingredients, and the protection of homes from both mundane and magical threats.

Enemies

Hearthseeker's enemies are those who sow discord and isolation, who thrive on the miseries of the road and the coldness of estrangement. Foremost among them are those that embody greed, theft, and the desolation of the soul. These foes view Hearthseeker’s teachings of generosity, community, and the sacredness of hospitality as anathema to their own dominions of selfishness and despair. His adversaries include ruthless bandit lords who raid the vulnerable paths, heartless nobles who shut their gates to the needy, and shadowy cults that practice exclusion and hoard their blessings. In every tale where Hearthseeker's influence brings a family or village together, there lurks a malevolent force seeking to unravel the threads of unity and kindness he weaves.

Tenets

• Offer Warmth to All Who Seek Shelter: Just as a hearth provides warmth to those chilled by the world, followers of Hearthseeker are encouraged to offer comfort and sanctuary to anyone in need, regardless of their origins or circumstances. This tenet emphasizes the importance of kindness and hospitality, ensuring that no one is left in the cold, both figuratively and literally.
• Share in the Bounty of the Table: Hearthseeker’s disciples believe in the power of shared meals to foster community and friendship. This tenet dictates that one should always be willing to share what food they have, especially breads and cakes, as a symbol of fellowship and abundance. The act of eating together is sacred, breaking down barriers and sowing seeds of understanding and camaraderie.
• Embrace the Journey, Cherish the Stories: Recognizing life as a grand adventure filled with countless tales, this principle encourages followers to seek out new experiences and stories, whether through their own travels or the tales of others. Hearthseeker champions the notion that every journey, no matter how small, is an opportunity for growth and new connections. Followers are urged to collect and share these stories as a way to preserve and disseminate wisdom and joy.
• Build Hearth and Home Wherever You Roam: Understanding that the concept of home extends beyond physical structures, this tenet inspires Hearthseeker’s adherents to create a sense of belonging and community wherever they find themselves. They strive to make others feel at home, regardless of the setting, believing that the essence of home lies in warmth, acceptance, and the bonds formed between individuals. Followers are encouraged to act as beacons of Hearthseeker's warmth, bringing light and comfort to even the darkest and most unlikely places.