Obad-Hai

Obad-Hai the Shalm Lesser God. Symbol: Oak leaf and acorn. Alignment: N Worshippers: Druids, foresters, hunters, rangers, forest dwellers. Weapon: staff Domains: Nature, Wildlands, Freedom, Hunting, Wild creatures

Obad-Hai is an ancient deity of nature, perhaps the eldest next to Tharizdun. He was worshipped long before the arrival of the Aerdi in the Flannaess, and is still held in high esteem in rustic areas throughout the Flanaess. The goddess Ehlonna has usurped his role in the central regions, a deed that has not gone unnoticed by his worshippers. The priests and druids of the Shalm take a very dim view of any who abuse the remaining wildlands and forests of the Flanaess, and as a result often find themselves aligned against invading forces (in particular, humanoids and barbarians). However, if the armies do not despoil the area, they will most often leave both sides to their fate.

The priesthood of Obad-Hai and his druids do not see eye-to-eye on many issues. The druids tend to stay fixed in one area, while the priests roam about, spreading the word of the Shalm to outsiders. The priesthood views the druidical worshippers as unwilling to adapt, while the druids see the priesthood as unmindful of their proper role as guides to their community. The druids are by far the more common of the two.