D&D: An Adventurer’s Guide To Hlal
Dragons are known for many things: their treasure, their terrifying elemental breath–but did you know that even dragons have a god of humor?
Deities and demigods are as much a part of the game of D&D as dungeons and or dragons are, as evidenced by the fact that even the dragons have demigods among them. Today we’re taking a look at some of the lesser known draconic gods to better gain an understanding of these majestic beasts. And nowhere is understanding nearly as important as it is with a sense of humor.
After all, when you’re a colossal great wyrm, everyone laughs at your jokes regardless, so it’s important to have someone aspirational in mind to keep it real. Enter Hlal, the draconic goddess of humor, inventiveness, and pleasure. Of all the dragon gods, Hlal showed the most affinity for mere mortals, and could just as easily be found studying/teasing them as she could in service of Io (sometimes called Asgorath), the over god of dragon gods.
Hlal was sometimes known as The Jester, the Quicksilver, or the Pursued. And was more commonly known as Aasterinian among the Outer Planes, and would even sometimes adopt a male aspect known as Avachel. Either way Hlal could often be found in many forms, changing her shape to suit her purpose. But when encountered in her draconic forms, she preferred dragons of brass or copper or for more personal dealings, a faerie dragon.
As far as Hlal’s sense of humor? She delights in wordplay and sophisticated humor, which proves that all dragons believe puns to be the highest form of comedy (and to be fair, they’re absolutely right). She had a fondness for stories and songs, collecting them as a lesser dragon might collect treasure.
She was revered by mischevious dragons, and is the dragon god that has the most non-dragon worshippers, though even those tend to be dragonborn or somehow connected to dragons. Hlal had very few temples, but her wayshrines are legion. These simple, hidden places would often serve as shelters and oases for wandering travelers.
Hlal encouraged that most dangerous of traits in her followers: free thought and critical examination, relying on themselves to struggle out from the yoke of oppressive tyrants.
Happy Adventuring!
