Emmeton Galardaria (The Shared Hope)Source Divine Mysteries pg. 139The
halfling Emmeton Galardaria was once a common thief. Missing a hand from birth and abandoned as a child, the young Emmeton pledged to take from others everything they took for granted. He gained a reputation as a notorious highwayman, targeting merchants, nobles, and anyone who had become complacent with the gifts life had bestowed upon them. He often gave what he stole to others, earning fame among the less fortunate. As the legends of Emmeton’s deeds continued to grow, the halfling began to take on a fraction of deific power. Some believe that Emmeton even stole the smallest of divine sparks from a god.
Soon though, Emmeton Galardaria’s followers took to pillaging back roads and highways across every major trade route, without any consideration about who they hurt. Emmeton was so focused on his own balancing of the scales that he failed to notice their indiscriminate targeting of innocent travelers, which quickly drew the ire of
Desna. While the Song of the Spheres tried to gracefully inform Emmeton of his faithful’s actions, the halfling lashed out in anger and Desna was forced to strike back. The exact details of this fight have been lost to time, but the stories say that Emmeton’s mortally wounded body was discovered by the residents of a small village that had been one of the first recipients of the halfling’s charity. Though these folk had also recently suffered due to the increase in banditry, they came together to nurse Emmeton back to health.
At first confused by the villagers’ compassion in the face of what his followers had done, Emmeton realized that such empathy was the true way to change the world. Emmeton renounced his former violent ways and set to work fixing the parts of the village damaged by the thieves. He then took to traveling to similarly affected villages to put things right and educate the townsfolk on how to better protect themselves. Meanwhile, he also divested himself of his former adherents and even began to find and personally put an end to their stealing. In doing all this, Emmeton Galardaria ascended to true godhood, becoming the deity of cooperation, family, and defense.
Emmeton teaches that when communities work together, they can accomplish more. Worshippers of the Shared Hope often travel around the countryside— sometimes hiding their affiliation—performing similar acts of kindness and service that their god once did. Many forsake conventional weaponry, though they are never unarmed in their journeys, as they have learned to use simple cooking utensils (such as frying pans) and building tools (such as saws) to defend themselves.
Many who live with crippling injuries or who are born with disadvantageous traits have found inspiration in Emmeton’s story, and he is supportive of those seeking aid or guidance in living with unique impairments. Emmeton’s life and legend has never been defined by his perceived disability. Injured veterans turned away from service have especially found a renewed understanding of their capabilities through him.
Category Other GodsEdicts never betray those you have bonded with, repay favors when you can, stand strong with others
Anathema betray a friend or ally, endanger the life of a companion for personal gain, steal from those in need
Areas of Concern community defense, familial bonds, found family, repayment
Religious Symbol shield with a house painted on it
Sacred Animal pony
Sacred Color(s) gold, forest green, black
Devotee Benefits
Divine Attribute Dexterity or Intelligence
Divine Font healDivine Sanctification must choose holy
Divine Skill SocietyFavored Weapon frying panDomains cities,
duty,
family,
protectionAlternate Domains travel,
wealth