Abadar

**Abadar** is one of *Pathfinder* deities.

## Description

Abadar, the god of cities, law, merchants, and wealth, also called "The God of Walls and Ditches" in the eastern Dragon Empires, is known to be a patient deity. Maintaining a strong neutral stance in his actions, he sets forth to expand civilization and order among the peoples of Golarion.

## Background

Abadar is a patient, calculating, and far-seeing deity who wishes to bring civilization to the frontiers, order to the wilds, and wealth to all who support the rule of law. His primary desire is to see the purifying spread of civilization, enlightening the dark corners of the world and revealing the clockwork perfection of the cosmos. His nature is not hasty, for the pace of society's reach is slow but relentless. He strikes a careful balance between good and evil, seeing benefits on both sides and refusing to endorse one or the other. His followers believe he is responsible for elevating the various humanoid races from simple tribes to beings capable of creating huge cities. He puts words of diplomacy in the mouths of leaders, guides the pens of those who write laws, and steers coins into the hands of those who practice fair commerce.

The god of cities is stern, but rewards those who work hard and whose actions benefit others as well as themselves, though he is morally ambiguous enough to recognize that not every person can benefit from every decision. He frowns on the misuse of slaves or beasts of burden, considering it a waste of resources and detrimental to the profitability of civilization as a whole; he views using cheap laborers rather than slaves as a better option, as then the workers can use their funds to participate in commerce and rise above their low station through established economic channels. Abadar understands, however, that the world changes in small increments, and that the most advantageous option for society is not always the most workable in the present. He respects cautious thought and rejects impulsiveness, seeing it as a base and destructive whim. He teaches that discipline, keen judgment, and following the law eventually lead to wealth, comfort, and happiness. He does not believe in free handouts, and because of this his temples sell potions and healing spells or scrolls rather than giving them to those in need. Any who protest are directed to the temple of Sarenrae.

Abadar is the master and guardian of the First Vault, a magical trove in his realm where a perfect version of every type of creature and object exists — a perfect sword, a perfect deer, a perfect wheel, and even a perfect law. His mortal artists and artisans attempt to emulate these perfect forms, inspired by Abadar's mentoring. Likewise, his arbiters and judges keep these idealized laws in mind when crafting new laws or ruling on existing ones. It is said that centuries ago Abadar allowed mortals to visit the First Vault in dreams, the better to inspire them. There has been no record of such coveted visions occurring in a long time, however, perhaps because he has not found someone worthy, because he fears his enemies might steal the perfect forms, or because he is carefully pacing the advance of current civilizations to prevent them from growing too quickly and dissolving before they reach their peak.

His primary worshipers are aristocrats, artisans, judges, lawyers, merchants, and politicians, all of whom benefit from established laws and commerce. Those who are poor or who have been wronged also worship him, praying he might help reverse their ill fortune, for most mortals seek wealth and the happiness it brings. He expects his followers to abide by local laws (though not foolish, contradictory, toothless, or purposeless mandates) and to work to promote order and peace. He has no tolerance for gambling or excessive drinking or drug use, as despite the lucrative nature of these industries, such vices inevitably weaken society rather than strengthen it.

Worshipers who lose Abadar's favor might find themselves short on money at a crucial time, tongue-tied in the middle of an important deal, or stymied in their craft or art. When he is pleased, deals are more profitable than expected, projects are completed early, and journeys to or within a city take less time than normal. His intervention in the mortal world is subtle, for he expects worshipers to do their own work; it usually takes the form of hints or opportunities rather than direct gifts.

Abadar is depicted as a handsome man with black hair dressed in fine garments, often with a gold cloak over a golden breastplate and bearing many keys. Humans, dwarves, and gnomes show him with a beard, whereas elves show him beardless and with long braids tied with golden thread. His voice is pleasant and even, his words firm but not harsh.