Wenser (When-sir)
The Ancient Artisan
For more information on all deities, see: Deities
Wenser, the Ancient Artisan, is the hand that shapes halfling civilization, a master craftsman whose words are the foundation of every honest forge and bustling marketplace. Gruff yet wise, he is both a mentor and a taskmaster, challenging his followers to push beyond mere skill and embrace the artistry of creation itself. To Wenser, every trade is a sacred pact, every crafted work a testament to the labor of many. Those who cheat, exploit, or devalue craftsmanship earn his scorn, while those who forge with integrity and deal with fairness earn his favor. Among halflings, he is the patient yet fussy Grandfather Leath, whose lessons in trade and craftsmanship have shaped generations.
Physical Description
Halfling art illustrates Wenser as a stately, elderly halfling with a long, well-groomed beard and a thoughtful expression framed by gold-and-silver spectacles. He is clad in finely tailored robes with a finely wrought cane sword in his weathered hands, a symbol of practicality concealed within artistry. The scent of sawdust, ink, and warm metal is said to linger in the air around him, a constant reminder of the industry he champions. When he speaks, his voice carries the weight of countless deals struck and masterpieces forged, equal parts wisdom, gruffness, and the occasional grumbling about how "they just don’t make things like they used to."
Divine Realm
In the bustling heart of Reimse, the thriving mercantile capital of Iomelan, stands the Grand Guildhall of Wenser—a workshop-temple where halfling craftsmanship and commerce thrive. Here, deals are made, masterworks are forged, and the wisdom of artisans is preserved. The Guildhall is an architectural marvel, built not to impress with grandeur but to showcase pure, functional mastery. The air hums with the sound of hammers, negotiations, and the scent of wood and ink. Brass gears turn overhead, running pulley systems that transport materials, while every surface bears the marks of skilled hands—carved beams, polished counters, and mosaics honoring legendary craftsmen. Those who enter the Grand Guildhall seeking Wenser’s favor will find no sermons, only work to be done. Here, apprentices hone their skills, masters share their knowledge, and traders ensure that no labor goes unrewarded. It is a place where honest effort is sacred, deals are binding, and no scammer leaves unscathed—for in the house of Wenser, only those who uphold the integrity of craft and commerce will find success. At the heart of the domain lies Wenser’s Ledger, an enchanted tome said to contain the names of every artisan, trader, and merchant who has ever worked an honest deal in his name. Those who add their names to its pages gain the god’s quiet guidance in their endeavors—subtle nudges toward fair bargains, flashes of insight in their craft, and an innate sense of when someone is trying to cheat them. The Ledger, like the Guildhall, reflects Wenser’s ultimate lesson: all creation is the work of many hands.
Tenets of Faith
- Every creation, small or grand, must serve a meaningful purpose.
- Trust is the foundation of civilization. Treat contracts, bargains, and promises as sacred.
- Strengthen the bonds of your community and ensure your work outlasts you.
Worshipers
Wenser treats his followers much like a wise but fussy grandfather—gruff yet affectionate, always challenging them to push their limits while keeping a watchful eye on their progress. He holds a friendly rivalry with his faithful, daring them to craft something greater than he ever could, though he insists that true mastery comes not from a single pair of hands, but from the combined efforts of many. He upholds the values of honest work, fair trade, and mutual respect. No scams, no deceit—only craftsmanship and commerce built on integrity. A good deal should leave both parties satisfied, just as a well-made creation should serve both its maker and its user. To Wenser, every creation is the sum of countless hands—the miner who extracts the ore, the smith who refines it, the merchant who delivers it, and the artisan who shapes it into something remarkable. He urges his worshipers to see beyond their own role and recognize the greater web of effort that makes their craft possible. While he may grumble and nitpick over imperfections, his critiques are never cruel—merely the expectations of an old master who knows his pupils can do better. His greatest joy is in seeing his followers collaborate, combining their talents to build something greater than any one of them could achieve alone. He does not seek grandeur for grandeur’s sake, but rather the simple, honest goal of improving the lives of those around them. Whether it's a sturdy bridge, a bustling marketplace, or a beautifully carved heirloom, every creation should serve a purpose and stand as a testament to those who brought it to life. His followers, in turn, take pride in their work and in upholding the ideals he embodies. They form guilds and cooperatives, ensuring fair wages and ethical trade, fostering strong communities through craftsmanship and commerce. To follow Wenser is to be part of something greater—a tradition of creation, trade, and shared prosperity that will last for generations to come.
Paladins of Wenser
Wenser's paladins, often called Glintmarshals in halfling communities, are dedicated to Wenser’s ideals of fair trade, honest craftsmanship, and communal prosperity. More than warriors, they are guardians of integrity in commerce, champions of artisans, and enforcers of ethical trade. Often found protecting trade routes, settling disputes between merchants, or rooting out corruption in guilds, they see business as sacred and prosperity as a shared endeavor. Glintmarshals are, as one might expect, particularly revered among halflings, who see them as protectors of their trading caravans and guild halls. However, their influence extends beyond halfling communities, with merchants, artisans, and even entire trade leagues calling upon them to mediate disputes, guard shipments, or bring justice to those who exploit others. These guardians of craftsmanship swear the following oaths:- Honor the Craft: Every trade, whether forging steel or baking bread, deserves respect. I will treat all craftsmen with respect, regardless of my station or their own.
- Fair Scales, Fair Deals: Wealth should be earned through skill and effort, not trickery. I will endeavor to ensure that every dealing is one where all involved prosper.
- Guard the Roads, Guard the People: Merchants and artisans are the lifeblood of civilization. I will protect them, their goods, and their trade routes.
- No Coin Stained with Exploitation: Predatory business, unfair wages, and fraud are affronts to Wenser. I must root out these injustices wheresoever I find them.
Holy Books & Codes
A Treatise on Integrity
A Treatise on Integrity is less a holy scripture and more a pragmatic guide to business, craftsmanship, and ethical trade, penned (according to legend) by Wenser himself. It is a treatise on honest commerce, fair dealing, and the philosophy of creation, serving as both a manual for aspiring merchants and artisans, and a moral compass for those who seek success without sacrificing integrity. The book is structured like a collection of essays, anecdotes, and practical advice, often written in a conversational tone that mirrors Wenser’s gruff but wise personality. It is filled with proverbs, cautionary tales, and challenges designed to push the reader toward self-improvement. The Treatise is a staple among halfling guilds, trade schools, and merchant families, often passed down through generations as both a business guide and a family heirloom.Contacts & Relations
Anelle
Anelle holds a deep fondness for Wenser, viewing him with the warmth one might have for a stubborn but well-meaning elder. She admires his dedication to craftsmanship and community-building through shared effort. In her eyes, every creation he inspires is a testament to the bonds that tie communities together. While she values his commitment to tradition, she finds his rigid views a bit limiting. Anelle believes in compromise and adaptability, often encouraging him to listen more and judge less. Yet, beneath it all, there is mutual respect—Wenser’s belief in fairness and honest labor aligns with Anelle’s vision of a just and equitable society.Wenser holds Anelle in high regard, though her boundless patience and open-hearted nature sometimes leave him puzzled. As someone who believes in clear agreements and decisive action, he often finds her willingness to listen to every side—even the dishonest or the cruel—both admirable and infuriating. "A deal’s a deal," he might grumble, "but not everyone at the table came to bargain in good faith." Still, he knows that without her guidance, disputes would escalate, grudges would linger, and even the most prosperous markets would crumble under mistrust. Though he views diplomacy as tedious, Wenser respects her ability to find compromise and occasionally seeks her counsel, though he’d insist it was only to hear “how the other lot thinks.” In return, Wenser offers Anelle a quiet sort of support, ensuring her envoys are granted fair passage through guild territories and helping to build the bridges—both literal and symbolic—that bring peace to communities.
Kaskin
Wenser regards Kaskin with a mix of exasperation and begrudging fondness, much like an old craftsman watching a reckless apprentice. To him, Kaskin's carefree approach to life is frustratingly irresponsible—all daring leaps and wild schemes with little thought for the consequences. Wenser believes that true accomplishments are the result of careful planning and disciplined effort, not just spontaneous bursts of courage. Despite his grumbling, Wenser cannot fully deny the charm of Kaskin’s stories or the infectious laughter he brings. There’s a small part of him—one he’d never openly admit—that admires Kaskin’s ability to throw caution to the wind. After all, even the most masterful creations often require a touch of daring and risk. He believes that adventurers who follow Kaskin’s path would do well to learn the importance of preparation—and perhaps have a sturdy set of tools on hand. Still, Wenser offers Kaskin's followers a seat, a meal, and a lecture when they stumble into town with battered pride and outrageous stories. Though their methods differ, both gods care deeply for their followers. Wenser may never understand Kaskin’s recklessness, but he respects the boldness it sparks—as long as Kaskin’s antics don’t leave too much of a mess behind. Kaskin, on the other hand, finds Wenser endlessly amusing—though he'd never admit it to the artisan’s face. While he respects Wenser’s dedication, he teases him for being too set in his ways. To Kaskin, Wenser’s obsession with planning feels like a cage that stifles the spark of spontaneity that makes life worth living. “What’s the point of knowing how to build a perfect wagon,” Kaskin might jest, “if you never let it roll somewhere unexpected?” Despite the teasing, Kaskin admires Wenser’s work and the communities he builds. He knows the beauty of a well-made blade or the comfort of a sturdy bridge, and he wouldn’t hesitate to praise the old craftsman’s skill. But he also believes that Wenser’s greatest creations are the communities he nurtures—the bustling markets, the laughing guildhalls, the towns built stone by stone through shared effort. While Kaskin doesn’t share Wenser’s patience, he recognizes the joy in collaboration. Of course, Kaskin can’t resist goading Wenser when given the chance. He delights in challenging the old codger’s views, daring his followers to test their limits and push the boundaries of what’s “practical.” Where Wenser might see reckless risk, Kaskin sees the thrill of possibility. And while Wenser may scoff at Kaskin’s antics, Kaskin is quick to remind him that even the most brilliant invention once began as an idea too bold to be sensible. In the end, Kaskin knows that Wenser’s steadfastness is part of what makes him who he is—just as Kaskin’s wild spirit is what makes him, well, Kaskin. They may clash like hammer and anvil, but from that friction comes a respect that neither of them would ever admit outright.Moira
Wenser holds a profound love and admiration for his wife, Moira, though his gruff demeanor often makes it hard to tell. While he may fuss over the imperfections of a crafted piece, he has nothing but respect for the unwavering care Moira pours into her work—be it tending the land, healing the sick, or nurturing their family. To Wenser, Moira is the foundation upon which everything lasting is built. Her quiet strength and practicality balance his meticulous nature, and though he might grumble when she insists on pausing for a shared meal or a moment of rest, he secretly cherishes these simple comforts. While Wenser crafts with steel and stone, Moira shapes lives and communities—a truth he acknowledges with both pride and awe. Even in their disagreements, he trusts her judgment without question, knowing her kindness is as enduring as any of his finest creations.Norret
Wenser regards Norret with a mix of amusement, exasperation, and reluctant respect—like one might feel toward an unruly pet that refuses to be tamed. The old artisan has little patience for Norret’s carefree roaming and impulsive antics, seeing the jackalope’s constant wanderings as a waste of time that could be spent building something lasting. Yet even Wenser cannot deny the strange charm Norret carries. The jackalope’s endless adventures and uncanny knack for slipping away from trouble have earned him no shortage of stories that circulate through guild halls and markets. While Wenser may roll his eyes at the fantastical embellishments—a rabbit outsmarting seasoned hunters, evading monsters, or even leaping from one world to the next—he knows there’s always a sliver of truth beneath the tales. And though Wenser scoffs at Norret’s lack of discipline, he secretly respects the jackalope’s aid of the defenseless. He may not agree with Norret’s unpredictable nature, but he cannot fault the creature for protecting the lost and weary. In a begrudging sort of way, Wenser understands that even the wildest wanderer has his place. Still, the Ancient Artisan would never admit such sentiments aloud. Instead, he contents himself with the occasional grumble when Norret’s name is brought up—all while knowing full well that the mischievous hare will always find a way to outrun his disapproval.Divine Traits
General Information
Alternative Name(s)
The Ancient Artisan
Grandfather Leath
Grandpa Leath
Halfling God of Commerce
Halfling God of Craftsmanship
Halfling God of Trade
Husband of Moira
The Only Honest Businessman
Alignment
LN
Follower Alignment(s)
LG, LN, NG, N
Tier of Divinity
Lesser Gods
Pantheon(s)
Halfling Gods
Area(s) of Concern
Artisans, civilization, commerce, crafting, guilds, trade
Favored Weapon(s)
Cane sword
Sacred Animal(s)
Raccoon
Sacred Color(s)
Gold, silver
Symbol
Gold and silver coins, fashioned into spectacles
Worshipers
Artificers, artisans, craftsmen, government officials, halflings, merchants, traders
Worshipers' Adjective(s)
Leathin
Divine Realm
The Grand Guildhall of Wenser, Réimse - Iomlán
Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Domain(s)
Forge, Order
Pathfinder 1e
Domain(s)
Artifice, Community, Law, Protection, Travel
Subdomain(s)
Cooperation, Defense, Education (Community), Fortifications, Industry, Legislation (Law), Trade
Pathfinder 2e
Domain(s)
Cities, Creation, Protection, Wealth
Alternative Domain(s)
Truth
Divine Ability
Dexterity or Wisdom
Divine Font
Heal
Sanctification
Must choose holy
Divine Skill
Crafting
Cleric Spells
1st: Appearance of Wealth
4th: Creation
7th: Planar Palace
Children
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