BAD-HAI

(THE SHALM) 

Lesser god, N - Nature, Wildlands, Freedom, Hunting, Wild Beasts 

Obad-hai, "The Shalm," is an archaic deity of nature and wildlands, one of the most ancient known, having been worshipped by the Flan prior to the arrival of invading Aerdi. 

Obad-hai can appear in human form as a lean, weathered man of indeterminate but considerable age. He usually is clad in brown or russet, carrying a hornwood staff, looking as if he were a pilgrim, hermit, or merely a rustic. At other times he will appear as a dwarf, gnome, or halfling. The Shalm also is able to take the form and characteristics of any of the following creatures. He can assume any form instantaneously. 
 

Centaur	Badger	Giant Otter
Leprechaun	Brown Bear	Giant Owl
Pixie	Boar	Giant Pike
Satyr	Giant Eagle	Giant Porcupine
Sprite	Giant Goat	Giant Stag
Treant	Giant Lynx	Wolf

 

It is not uncommon for the Shalm to roam about in the guise of any of these woodland creatures. 

Obad-hai's weapon is the Shalmstaff. When it is discarded by Obad-hai it instantaneously flies to the nearest hornwood tree, where it remains until summoned by Obad-hai. This staff also allows its bearer to walk tirelessly without food or water for as long as desired. Animals will never harm the bearer. Vegetation will part to allow easy passage. 

The Shalm loves nature and wilderness. He is a patron of druids and a friend to those who dwell in harmony with their natural surroundings. Because of Obad-hai's particular neutrality, a rivalry and antipathy exists between this deity and Ehlonna of the forests. Thus, the majority of the Shalm's followers are male, those of Ehlonna, female. 

Clerics who follow Obad-hai usually are druids. A few others are of the normal sort, although they wander as pilgrims in most cases. Such clerics wear russet garments and carry staves. 

Churches or chapels of Obad-hai are always in rustic settings and made of rough timber. Services are brief and not particularly ritualized. Living flowers, earth, fire are typical service adornments.