H11 Shrine of Yondalla

A Sanctuary Beyond the Walls of Verbobonc

A Halfling Sanctuary on the High Road

Just beyond Verbobonc’s East (High) Gate, along the High Road, stands a small but beloved halfling holy site: the Shrine of Yondalla, Protector and Provider of the halfling folk. To most travelers it is a curious roadside monument; to halflings, it is a beacon of safety, fertility, and good fortune, and the last place many stop to pray before venturing into the wider world.

Use this location when you want a quiet, heartwarming stop beyond the walls, a place to meet halfling NPCs, or a gentle contrast to the harsher cult temples and grim shrines of the campaign.

Approaching the Shrine

The Shrine of the Protector & Provider

The shrine is dedicated to Yondalla, greater goddess of the halflings and matron of protection, fertility, and community.

• The central altar bears her shield-and-cornucopia motif, symbolizing both defense and plenty.
• The surrounding stones are carved with patterns of grain, vines, and little shields, representing her aspects as Provider (abundance and growth) and Protector (warding against harm and ill fortune).
• Rumor insists the stones predate Verbobonc itself, a pilgrim marker for halfling caravans long before the city grew up around the river.

Despite Verbobonc’s relatively small halfling population, the shrine remains a crucial spiritual way-point:

• Halflings heading east toward their kin or west into human lands stop to ask Yondalla’s blessing on their travels.
• Human and gnome farmers sometimes leave token offerings—a small loaf, a handful of seed, a sprig of herbs—hoping for Yondalla’s kindly eye on their homes as well.

You can grant small, flavorful boons such as:

• Advantage on a single save vs. fear or Travel/Navigation check,
• Or a one-time reroll on a failed Encounter roll on the road (Yondalla “nudges” danger aside).

Vinny Brumblestick, Caretaker of the Stones

The shrine’s heart is not just carved rock—it’s Vinny Brumblestick, a very old halfling widow who tends it with unfailing cheer.

• Vinny is not an ordained priestess, but locals insist she has a special bond with Yondalla, the sort of quiet grace that explains her long and joyful life.
• She sweeps the stones, replaces wilted garlands, and keeps a small basket of fresh rolls and apples for weary travelers “who look like they forgot to pack proper food again.”
• On Safeday, the halfling weekly holy day, she will sometimes hum simple hymns of Yondalla as she works, inviting any halflings present to join in a short, informal blessing.

Vinny is an excellent NPC for:

• Warm roleplay, small quests, and information about local halfling families, caravans, and gossip.
• Introducing the party to more formal Yondallan clergy or the Wayward Wardens if needed.

Yondalla’s Faith & the Wayward Wardens

From the perspective of Verbobonc’s halflings, this shrine is a tiny outpost of Yondalla’s Green Fields—a bit of halfling homeland planted by the roadside.

• Yondalla’s teachings emphasize helping others, protecting community, and honoring the dead without needless bloodshed.
• Her clergy, often called Guardians in Saffron, wear yellow-green cloaks and serve as both spiritual leaders and practical protectors in halfling communities.

Among them are the Wayward Wardens:

• A wandering order of Yondallan priests who travel from settlement to settlement, aiding scattered halfling communities in need.
• They sometimes visit the shrine, leaving news, blessings, and occasionally a small warding charm under the altar stone before moving on.

Rumors whispered by Vinny (and perfect for hooks):

• A Wayward Warden passed through recently, speaking of raided halfling caravans near the Gnarley edge.
• Another left word that refugee halflings from the Wild Coast may soon arrive in the Verbobonc area, seeking Yondalla’s shelter.

Using the Shrine of Yondalla in Your Campaign

You can use H11 as:

• A Gentle Rest Stop: A safe, low-combat location where the party can rest, share food with Vinny, and hear rumors about nearby roads and halfling concerns.
• Protection & Omen Site: Before a dangerous journey, the party might seek Yondalla’s blessing—perhaps Vinny asks them to perform a small kindness in return.
• Halfling Politics & Culture Node: PCs with halfling ties can meet Wayward Wardens, learn about Safeday traditions, or be drawn into defending scattered halfling communities in the viscounty.

Notable People

Vinny Brumblestick: A venerable halfling widow known for her unwavering care of the shrine. Despite not being a priestess, Vinny is believed to share a special bond with Yondalla, contributing to her long and joyful life.

Shrine's Significance

• Yondalla's Blessing: Sought by travelers heading into halfling territories, the shrine offers blessings of protection and prosperity.
• Cultural Importance: Though rarely visited due to the city's small halfling population, it remains a crucial spiritual site for Yondalla's followers.

Yondalla's Aspects

• The Provider: Fertility and abundance are under her dominion, offering growth and prosperity to her followers.
• The Protector: Utilizing her powers, Yondalla shields her worshippers from evil, often through illusions and divine intervention.

The Wayward Wardens

• Purpose: A unique order of Yondallan priests, these individuals aid halfling communities across the lands, embodying the goddess's protective and nurturing nature.
• Organization: Characterized by their nomadic lifestyle, the Wayward Wardens are driven by wanderlust, always moving to where they are needed most.

The Shrine's Environment

• Surroundings: The shrine is nestled in a tranquil setting outside the city, symbolizing Yondalla's connection to the natural world.
• Accessibility: While it stands outside the bustling life of Verbobonc, the shrine is a place of quiet reflection and solace for those who seek it.

Conclusion

The Shrine of Yondalla and its caretaker, Vinny Brumblestick, offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of faith and tradition that exists just beyond the walls of Verbobonc. Serving both as a spiritual sanctuary and a cultural heritage site, the shrine embodies the virtues of Yondalla—protection, fertility, and community—while standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of the halfling people and their goddess.