The Hearth Keeper
Names- Merric Glimmerhart.
Patronage- Home and health, parties, the arts, and story telling. especially revered by bards and halfings.
Symbol- a hearth ablaze with dancing flames, circled by a goblet, quill, and theater mask
Description- A sprightly halfling who exudes an aura of warmth and mirth, with twinkling eyes that seem to hold a thousand tales. His snowy beard cascades down his portly frame, adorned with colorful ribbons and trinkets
History-
Quest for Stories and Adventure:
- Leaving his halfling village as tradition dictated upon coming of age, Merric embarked on a journey that would shape his destiny. Armed with an insatiable thirst for tales and experiences, he wandered through vibrant landscapes, from bustling cities to serene countrysides, collecting stories, absorbing cultures, and honing his craft.
- Merric's innate talent for storytelling was undeniable. With a melodious voice and a charismatic presence, he became a celebrated bard, captivating audiences with his enthralling narratives. His own journey unfolded as a grand epic, replete with encounters with legendary creatures, daring escapades, and heartwarming friendships.
- Among Merric's most illustrious tales were Sol's rise to prominence, a saga of courage and unity that inspired generations, and the riveting account of the witch Tasha's downfall, a tale of cunning and resilience. These stories, masterfully crafted and passionately narrated, became cultural touchstones, echoing across taverns, courtyards, and firesides.
- One of Merric's most celebrated stories was "The Ballad of the Starlit Masquerade." Set amidst a fantastical masquerade ball, the story wove together themes of love, mystery, and destiny. It enchanted listeners with its intricate plot twists, enchanting imagery, and timeless message of hope.
- After years of traversing realms and shaping history with his words, Merric returned to his halfling village. With a heart full of experiences and a soul brimming with stories, he regaled his fellow villagers with the tales he had gathered. Merric's storytelling became a cherished tradition, connecting generations and fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
- Merric's reputation as a bard and storyteller had long transcended the boundaries of mortal life. The gods themselves marveled at his ability to weave the threads of reality into compelling narratives. Recognizing his unique role in shaping the very essence of culture and community, the divine realm opened its gates to Merric, offering him the chance to ascend to godhood.
- Embracing his newfound divine status, Merric Glimmerhart shed his mortal form and emerged as a deity, taking on the mantle of the Patron of Home, Parties, the Arts, and Storytelling. His divine essence radiated an aura of celebration, inspiring merriment and camaraderie. His presence infused gatherings with laughter, dance, and inspiration, while his stories continued to kindle the flames of imagination in the hearts of mortals.
Relic of Merric Glimmerhart: The Fireside Muse
"A well-told tale warms more than the flame. It knits souls together, and makes even sorrow sing."
Wondrous Item (Instrument or Spellcasting Focus), Rare (requires attunement by a Bard or Sorcerer)
(May take the form of a lute, flute, panpipes, or even a traveling storyteller’s cane, depending on the wielder.)
Initial Form (Level 5–8)
- +1 magical instrument or arcane focus.
- Flicker of Joy – When you inspire an ally with Bardic Inspiration, they gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier + proficiency bonus.
- Warmth of the Hearth (1/long rest) – You may cast Leomund’s Tiny Hut without using a spell slot or components. The inside is always warm, well-lit, and filled with faint music and delicious smells, comforting all who rest within.
- Tales from the Road – When you perform for a crowd, you may cast Calm Emotions once per long rest. Creatures affected remember the tale that soothed them, even if they forget the details.
Awakened Form (Level 15–20)
(Upon awakening, the Muse radiates golden light in the shape of twinkling motes—like fireflies during a festival night. It becomes covered in etched verses from Merric’s most famous tales.)
- +3 magical instrument or focus. Your Bardic Inspiration die increases by one size (e.g., d10 → d12).
- Euphoria's Embrace – When a creature uses your Bardic Inspiration, it may immediately end one of the following conditions on itself: frightened, charmed, or paralyzed.
- Ballad of the Masquerade (2 charges/day) – You may cast Major Image as an action, weaving illusions that dance and shift to match your storytelling. Illusions from this use cannot be dispelled by minor effects and last for up to 10 minutes.
- Hearthlight Chorus – You may cast Mass Cure Wounds once per long rest. All healed creatures feel as if they’ve just heard their favorite story from childhood and are immune to fear until the end of their next turn.
- The Muse Remembers (1/long rest) – If you fall unconscious, you may instead remain standing and lucid for 1 additional turn. During this turn, you may use your bonus action and action as normal, after which you fall unconscious as normal.
Awakening Trigger:
The relic awakens when its wielder tells a story, sings a song, or comforts others in a moment of shared vulnerability—particularly when there is no audience to applaud. Whether lifting spirits of grieving villagers, calming children during a siege, or inspiring allies before a hopeless battle, the Muse ignites when joy and humanity are sparked in dark times.
