Church of the Open Forests
Originating from lore of the Flan peoples as the god of summer, Obad-Hai rules over nature, woodlands, hunting, and beasts. An ancient god, he favors those who live and thrive in the wild, such as rangers, druids, hunters, and trappers. Called simply "the Shalm" by peasants, he expects his followers to live in harmony with nature in all it's variety. He teaches that the wilderness can be ugly, dangerous, or even terrible, but each of these is an aspect of nature and should be respected just like the beautiful, peaceful, or wonderful aspects are.
Obad-Hai has an well-known and intense rivarly with Ehlonna--the goddess of woodlands, forests, flora, fauna, and fertility. Her focus on the beauty and wonder of the wilderness offends Obad-Hai who sees all aspects of the untamed lands as important. Conversely, Obad-Hai bitterly hates Karaan, the god of savage lust and wanton destruction, because of his focus purely on the savageness of nature.
Mythology & Lore
Obad-Hai and the Summer Tree:
According to the ancient traditions of the Old Faith, Obad-Hai is reborn every spring, hatching in the form of a young boy from the fruit of a sapling that grows from his own grave. By summer Obad-Hai takes the form of a strong young man, the Stag King, leading the Wild Hunt against those who would defile Nature. By autumn he has grown into the weathered old man of his standard depictions. When winter begins he is slain by Nerull, who hangs his corpse on the Summer Tree. After seven days, Pelor cuts him down and buries him in the earth, where Beory’s tears cause a new sapling to grow, which drops the fruit that hatches into the young Obad-Hai once again in the spring.
Tenets of Faith
Prayers in honor of the Shalm often begin with references to birth and growth and end with references to death and dying. Services involve the consecration of earth, fire, living flowers, and water. Rites in Obad-Hai’s name are seasonal, often triggered by events such as the year’s first birdsong or snowfall.
Worship
Worshipers of Obad-Hai work to protect the wilderness from dangers such as unnatural corruption or cataclysms, or from deforestation by woodcutters.
Priesthood
The priesthood of Obad-Hai have no heirarcy or organization. All members are treated as equals, but they often live as hemits keeping to themselves in the wilderness and rarely getting involved with society.
