Obad-Hai
Title(s)
The Shalm, The Old Faith, Lord of the Wild, Keeper of the Seasons
Alignment
Neutral
Symbol
An oak leaf and acorn, symbolizing growth, nature, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. This symbol is commonly worn by his followers as a pendant or used in druidic rituals to represent the connection to the natural world.
Domains
Nature, Life, Tempest, Animal
Followers and Clergy
Obad-Hai’s followers include druids, rangers, hunters, and those who live closely with nature. His clergy, often referred to as the Keepers of the Old Faith, believe in maintaining the balance between civilization and the untamed wild. They act as guardians of the wilderness, mediators between animals and people, and stewards of the land. Clerics and druids of Obad-Hai tend to wear natural colors like green, brown, or tan, blending into the forests and fields they protect. The hierarchy within the faith is based on experience and wisdom rather than formal ranks, with elder druids often taking on mentorship roles. His followers frequently travel between settlements, offering blessings, advice on natural matters, or aid during seasonal transitions.
Worship Practices
Worship of Obad-Hai is closely tied to the changing seasons, with rituals performed to honor the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Followers celebrate the arrival of each season with festivals that involve dancing, feasting, and offering thanks for nature’s gifts. Rituals often include planting trees, releasing animals into the wild, or crafting objects from natural materials such as wood, bone, or stone. Spring is seen as a time of renewal, summer as a time of abundance, autumn as a time of harvest, and winter as a time of rest. Followers may perform rites to bless crops, ensure good hunting, or protect animals during the harsh winter months. Ceremonies often take place in groves, near ancient trees, or at natural springs.
Character and Doctrine
Obad-Hai embodies the ancient power of nature and the cyclical changes of the seasons. His doctrine emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural world and respecting its inherent balance. Followers are taught that nature is neither good nor evil, but an ever-changing force that must be respected and maintained. Obad-Hai teaches that all life is part of a great cycle, and his followers seek to ensure that the balance between growth and decay is upheld. The Shalm also holds that civilization must not overreach its bounds, and that the wild places of the world should be preserved and protected. His followers believe in accepting the harshness of nature as well as its beauty, seeing both as essential parts of existence.
Manifestations and Interventions
Obad-Hai often manifests as a weathered old man with long hair and a beard made of leaves and moss, dressed in simple clothing made from natural materials. He carries the Shalmstaff, a magical wooden staff that aids him in traveling through nature and represents his connection to the wild. He is also known to appear as various animals, particularly those associated with the seasons, such as a stag in spring, a bear in summer, a wolf in autumn, or an owl in winter. His interventions are typically subtle, such as the sudden growth of protective plants, an increase in animal activity, or the calming of a raging storm. He may also send signs in the form of animal behavior or changes in weather to guide his followers.
Divine Relationships and Stories
Obad-Hai is one of the most ancient gods and is often depicted as a rival to the goddess Ehlonna, as they represent different aspects of nature. While Obad-Hai emphasizes the untamed and cyclical nature of the wilderness, Ehlonna focuses on nurturing and protecting it. There is a recurring myth that Nerull, the god of death, slays Obad-Hai every winter, symbolizing the dormancy of nature, only for Obad-Hai to be reborn in the spring. The Shalm maintains a neutral stance with most other deities, seeing them as part of the natural balance. His followers often tell stories of Obad-Hai wandering the world, guiding lost travelers, or challenging those who would exploit the land.
Sacred Items and Symbols
Obad-Hai’s sacred items include the Shalmstaff, which is believed to be a branch from the first tree of creation, and other objects crafted from natural materials like oak, birch, or pine. Acorns, animal bones, and stones with natural markings are often used in his rituals. His followers may carry wooden charms or wear jewelry made from natural materials to symbolize their connection to the Shalm. Objects such as hunting bows, wooden instruments, and handmade tools are considered sacred if used in harmony with nature.
Temples and Shrines
Temples dedicated to Obad-Hai are often open-air groves or sacred natural sites such as ancient forests, glades, or mountaintops. These places serve as centers for worship, druidic rituals, and the celebration of seasonal festivals. Shrines to Obad-Hai may be found throughout the wilderness, marked by cairns of stones, wooden carvings, or clusters of sacred plants like oak or mistletoe. In settlements, shrines are often simple affairs consisting of a single tree or a small garden tended by his followers. These places of worship blend seamlessly into their surroundings, emphasizing Obad-Hai's connection to nature and the need to preserve it.
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