[ Eladrin ] [ Aestetica | Paragons | Court of Stars ]
Hembad
The Wise Grandfather (planar tulani eladrin empyreal lord [he/him] / CG)
Portfolio: Connections, matchmaking, synergy
Realm: Arborea / Arvandor / Château des Âmes Sœurs
Every eladrin’s favourite grandfather, Hembad may be as old as dust, but he’s still got his wits about him. He’s a tulani paragon with an uncanny knack for spotting connections, and seeing the threads that tie folks’ fates together. He knows that when a cutter finds the right match, their soul can finally sing. Hembad embodies the concept of the soulmate, and that boost cutters get when they form a friendship that makes them better together than they were alone. He’s all about the invisible bonds—between friends, lovers, families, and even rivals. Chant goes old Hembad can spot a spark between two bashers before they’ve even swapped names.
It’s not all about romance though, mind. Hembad is also the patron of partnerships, alliances, and found families. If you’ve ever felt your heart flutter as it nudges you towards a new acquaintance, or at a party where everyone just clicks, or a council where old enemies suddenly see eye to eye, Hembad’s probably lurking in the background, grinning into his beard. He teaches that when the right folk come together, they become something greater than the sum of their parts.
I’m as old as my tongue and a little bit older than my teeth
—Hembad
Picture a kindly old elven gent, his skin like sun-warmed bronze and his hair a wild mane of silver shot through with gold. His eyes twinkle with mischief, and he’s bedecked with tiny charms—each one a token of gratitude from cutters in a union he’s blessed. He wears flowing robes of gold and silver, and carries a spiked chain (it might be a weapon, but he’d rather use it to link hands than break heads). Around his neck hang rings bound by a ribbon—his holy symbol, and a reminder that every bond is a choice.
Hembad is the ultimate doting grandfather—warm, patient, and encouraging. He loves a good yarn, with plenty of laughs, and a warm and fuzzy ending. He’s got a knack for seeing the best in everyone, and delights in bringing unlikely folk together. But don’t mistake his gentleness for softness: he’ll give you a stern word if he feels you’re sabotaging your own happiness—and he’s not above furtive meddling if he thinks it’ll help you in the long run.
For Hembad, goodness is found in unity—when folk come together, support each other, and create something beautiful. He teaches that the right partnership can heal old wounds, spark new hope, or even change the course of history. The greatest evil, in his eyes, is isolation—whether forced or self-imposed. He urges his followers to reach out, build bridges, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed introduction.
In eladrin high society, Hembad is one cutter who keeps the Court of Stars running smoothly. He’s the quiet fixer behind the scenes, arranging alliances, patching up feuds, and making sure every voice is heard. He’s held in regard by matchmakers, diplomats, counsellors, and anyone who’s ever had to play peacemaker at a family gathering. While some empyreal lords chase glory or freedom, Hembad finds his joy in harmony and teamwork.
His temples are often found at crossroads, in community halls, and anywhere folk gather to celebrate unions—be they romantic, platonic, or professional. His followeers—who are called the Grandchildren—are renowned for their wisdom, patience, and knack for solving disputes with a smile and a story.
Château des Âmes Sœurs
Hembad’s realm is a sprawling, sun-dappled chateau in Arvandor, filled with flowering vines, bubbling fountains, and a table always set for a feast. Paths wind around the grounds of the Château des Âmes Sœurs (the Chateau of Soulmates) in every direction, and it seems that every turn brings a cutter to a new gathering, a reunion, or a celebration. Chant goes that if you wander here long enough, you’ll find the one soul you most need to connect with—be it a lost love, a future friend, or even yourself.
Source: Chronicle of the Righteous [PF1e] p54; Jon Winter-Holt