Aurum, God Of Trade And Commerce Character in Domen Aria | World Anvil
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Aurum, God Of Trade And Commerce

"In the marketplaces of the world, Aurum's presence is felt, guiding the hand of the merchant and the fate of the trade."
— Mallea Goldwhisper, Prophetess of Aurum
    Aurum, the God of Trade and Commerce, is revered for his blessings of wealth and prosperity upon his followers. Although worshipped and prayed to by many races, he is usually considered a dwarven deity.  He is associated with symbols such as the golden scales and the coin, representing fairness in trade and the exchange of goods. Followers of Aurum believe in honest dealings and fair trade practices, seeking his favor through adherence to his teachings. Legends and tales speak of his influence in shaping the economic landscape of the world, guiding traders and merchants towards success and prosperity. Despite his benevolence, Aurum is also believed to be a deity who punishes dishonesty and greed, ensuring that his followers uphold the values of integrity and fairness in their business dealings.   

REALM

Aurum, the God of Trade and Commerce, resides in a realm known as the Golden Exchange, a plane of existence that exists parallel to the mortal world of Domen Aria. The Golden Exchange is a realm of endless marketplaces, grand bazaars, and bustling trade cities, where goods from across the cosmos are bought and sold.   The realm is said to be a reflection of Aurum's divine influence, with golden streets, towering spires of wealth, and merchants of every race and creed conducting business. It is a place of great wealth and opportunity, but also of competition and challenge, as traders vie for the best deals and the most valuable treasures.   Only the most skilled and cunning traders are able to navigate the complexities of the Golden Exchange and earn the favor of Aurum. Those who prove themselves worthy may be granted boons of wealth and prosperity, while those who fail may find themselves bankrupt and destitute.   The Golden Exchange is a place of great mystery and intrigue, with secrets and treasures hidden within its depths. It is said that the realm holds the key to untold riches and power for those bold enough to seek them out, but also holds dangers and pitfalls for the unwary.

Divine Domains

As the God of Trade and Commerce, Aurum holds sway over a variety of divine domains that influence the economic and commercial aspects of dwarven society.   Major Domains:   Trade: Aurum's primary domain is trade, encompassing all aspects of buying, selling, and exchanging goods and services. He oversees the flow of goods between regions, ensuring fair and equitable trade practices among his followers.   Commerce: Commerce includes the broader economic activities of the dwarven people, such as manufacturing, banking, and investing. Aurum guides his followers in these endeavors, encouraging them to seek out profitable opportunities and manage their resources wisely.   Wealth: Aurum is also associated with wealth and prosperity, blessing his followers with abundance and fortune. He teaches the importance of responsible wealth management and generosity, ensuring that his blessings are shared among the community.   Minor Domains:   Negotiation: Aurum influences the art of negotiation, guiding his followers in the skills of persuasion and compromise. He teaches them to seek mutually beneficial agreements and to resolve conflicts peacefully.   Contracts: Contracts and agreements fall under Aurum's purview, as he oversees the creation and enforcement of legal agreements among his followers. He ensures that contracts are fair and binding, upholding the principles of honesty and integrity.   Travel and Communication: To a mush smaller extent, Aurum aids his followers in matters of travel and communication, facilitating the exchange of goods and information between distant regions. He ensures safe passage for traders and messengers, allowing commerce to flourish across vast distances.

Holy Books & Codes

The Book of Prosperity: Written by the sage Brondor Truegold, this ancient tome is considered one of the foundational texts of the Aurumic faith. It contains teachings on fair trade, honest dealings, and the pursuit of prosperity through hard work and diligence. The book also includes stories and parables that illustrate these principles in action, providing guidance for merchants and traders seeking Aurum's favor.   It is said that those who study the Book of Prosperity and follow its teachings diligently are blessed with a keen understanding of trade and commerce. They are able to negotiate favorable deals, identify profitable opportunities, and navigate the complexities of the market with ease.     The Codex of Contracts: Compiled by the scholar Halna Brighthome, the codex is a collection of legal agreements and business contracts that have been blessed by Aurum. It serves as a guide for merchants and traders in drafting fair and equitable contracts, ensuring that all agreements are made in accordance with Aurum's teachings on honesty and transparency.   Owners of the Codex of Contracts are believed to have a special talent for drafting fair and binding agreements. Their contracts are said to be blessed by Aurum, ensuring that they are honored and upheld by all parties involved.     The Scrolls of Commerce: Written by the prophetess Mallea Goldwhisper, the scrolls contain prophecies and visions regarding the future of commerce and economics. They are believed to have been inspired by Aurum himself, and are consulted by traders and merchants seeking insight into market trends and economic opportunities.   Those who study the Scrolls of Trade are said to gain insight into future market trends and economic developments. They are able to anticipate changes in the market and make informed decisions that lead to greater prosperity.     The Code of Conduct: Authored by the dwarven king Tolarr Longbeard, the code is a set of ethical guidelines for Aurum's followers. It outlines the principles of honesty, fairness, and respect that all traders and merchants should uphold in their dealings, serving as a moral compass for those seeking to honor Aurum through their actions.   Followers who adhere to the principles outlined in the Code of Conduct are believed to be protected by Aurum from dishonest dealings and unfair practices. They are said to enjoy success and prosperity in their business ventures, as long as they remain true to Aurum's teachings.     These holy books and codes are considered sacred by followers of Aurum, and are studied and revered for their wisdom and guidance in matters of trade and commerce. They serve to reinforce the values and principles of the Aurumic faith, ensuring that his teachings continue to guide his followers in their pursuit of prosperity and success.

Tenets of Faith

The followers of Aurum, adhere to a set of tenets that guide their beliefs and actions in matters of faith and commerce. These tenets reflect Aurum's teachings on fair trade, honesty, and the pursuit of prosperity through industriousness.    Honesty in Dealings: Followers of Aurum are expected to be honest and transparent in their business dealings, ensuring that all transactions are conducted with integrity and fairness.   Fair Trade Practices: Aurum's followers are encouraged to engage in fair and equitable trade practices, seeking mutually beneficial agreements that benefit all parties involved.   Respect for Contracts: Contracts and agreements are sacred to the followers of Aurum, who believe in upholding the terms of their agreements with honor and integrity.   Hard Work and Diligence: Aurum teaches that prosperity is achieved through hard work and diligence, and his followers are expected to be industrious and resourceful in their pursuits.   Wisdom in Business: Followers of Aurum are encouraged to seek out opportunities for growth and expansion, using their wisdom and insight to make sound business decisions.   Generosity and Sharing: While wealth is important, followers of Aurum are also encouraged to be generous and share their blessings with others, especially those in need.   Community and Fellowship: Aurum's followers believe in the importance of community and fellowship, supporting one another in their business endeavors and helping each other succeed.   Adherence to Law and Order: Followers of Aurum respect the laws and regulations governing trade and commerce, believing that adherence to legal principles is essential for a prosperous society.   Innovation and Creativity: Aurum encourages his followers to be innovative and creative in their business ventures, seeking new ways to improve their products and services.   Gratitude and Thankfulness: Finally, followers of Aurum are encouraged to be thankful for their blessings and to show gratitude towards Aurum for his guidance and protection.

Holidays

Followers of Aurum, celebrate several holidays and festivals throughout the year, focusing on themes of prosperity, community, and trade. These holidays are often marked by feasts, ceremonies, and rituals that honor Aurum and seek his blessings for the year ahead. These holidays and festivals play an important role in the lives of Aurum's followers, providing opportunities to celebrate their faith, strengthen community bonds, and seek the god's blessings for prosperity and success. Some of the major holidays celebrated by Aurum's followers include:    Market Day: Market Day is a weekly holiday celebrated in many dwarven settlements, where markets are held and goods are bought and sold. Followers of Aurum gather to trade, socialize, and seek the god's blessings for successful transactions.   The Festival of Gold: The Festival of Gold is a major annual celebration held in honor of Aurum, during which followers offer prayers and sacrifices to the god in exchange for prosperity in the coming year. The festival is marked by feasting, music, and dancing, with merchants displaying their wares in hopes of attracting buyers.   The Day of Contracts: The Day of Contracts is a solemn holiday dedicated to the signing and sealing of business agreements. Followers of Aurum gather to witness the signing of important contracts, seeking the god's blessing for successful outcomes.   The Feast of Plenty: The Feast of Plenty is a harvest festival celebrated in agricultural communities, where followers of Aurum give thanks for the bounty of the land and seek the god's blessings for a prosperous harvest in the coming year. The festival is marked by feasting, games, and offerings of food and drink.   The Day of Generosity: The Day of Generosity is a holiday dedicated to acts of charity and giving. Followers of Aurum are encouraged to donate to those in need, sharing their wealth and prosperity with others in the spirit of community and fellowship.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Known Goals:   Promote Prosperity: Aurum seeks to promote prosperity among his followers and the dwarven people as a whole. He aims to create a thriving economy where trade flourishes and wealth is shared among all.   Ensure Fair Trade: Aurum is dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable trade practices among his followers. He seeks to eradicate corruption and dishonesty in business dealings, promoting transparency and integrity in all transactions.   Foster Community: Aurum believes in the importance of community and fellowship among his followers. He aims to foster a sense of unity and cooperation, where dwarves support one another in their business endeavors and share in each other's successes.   Protect Dwarven Interests: As a deity of the dwarven people, Aurum is dedicated to protecting their interests and ensuring their prosperity. He seeks to safeguard dwarven lands and resources, defending them against external threats.   Secret Goals:   Expand His Influence: While Aurum is revered among the dwarven people, he secretly desires to expand his influence beyond their borders. He seeks to gain worshippers among other races and cultures, increasing his divine power and reach.    Maintain Balance: Aurum believes in the importance of maintaining balance in the world, especially in matters of trade and commerce. He secretly works to prevent economic disparities and upheavals, ensuring that prosperity is shared fairly among all.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Aurum's avatar may appear differently to different people depending on his mood and circumstances, however he is often shown as a robust and sturdy figure, reflecting the resilience and endurance of the dwarven people. He is typically portrayed as a stout and muscular being, with a thick beard and hair that convey wisdom and age. His golden eyes are often sharp and penetrating, symbolizing his keen insight and understanding of trade and commerce.   Aurum is usually wearing richly adorned garments made of fine fabrics and adorned with intricate designs, reflecting his status as a deity associated with wealth and prosperity. He often carries a set of scales, symbolizing his role in balancing the scales of trade and ensuring fairness in business dealings.   Despite his imposing stature, Aurum has a warm and welcoming expression, embodying the dwarven values of hospitality and camaraderie. His presence is said to inspire confidence and trust in his followers, encouraging them to seek his guidance in their business endeavors.

Mental characteristics

Morality & Philosophy

Aurum's morality and philosophy revolve around the principles of fair trade, honesty, and the pursuit of prosperity through industriousness and cleverness.   Fair Trade: Aurum values fair and equitable trade practices, where all parties involved benefit from the exchange. He encourages his followers to be honest and transparent in their dealings, ensuring that both buyers and sellers are satisfied with the outcome.   Honesty: Honesty is paramount in Aurum's teachings. He believes that honesty builds trust among traders and leads to long lasting business relationships. Deception and deceit are frowned upon, as they can harm both individuals and the reputation of the dwarven trading community as a whole.   Prosperity through Industriousness: Aurum teaches that prosperity is achieved through hard work, dedication, and a keen understanding of the market. He encourages his followers to constantly seek out new opportunities for growth and expansion, believing that success comes to those who are diligent and resourceful.   Cleverness and Ingenuity: Aurum values cleverness and ingenuity in his followers, often challenging them to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems. He believes that intelligence and quick thinking are essential traits for successful traders, allowing them to outmaneuver their competitors and seize profitable opportunities.   Overall, Aurum's morality and philosophy emphasize the importance of ethical conduct, hard work, and innovation in the pursuit of prosperity. His followers strive to embody these principles in their daily lives, both in business and in their interactions with others.

Pantheon:

Aurum is most closely affiliated with the dwarven pantheon known as the Clan of Five. These deities consist of Piatra, Mother Of Stone, Vakman, God Of Crafters And Craftsmanship, Aurum, God of Trade and Commerce, Munitio Arx, God of Fortifications, Strongholds and Castles, and Brygget, Goddess Of Brewing.
Divine Classification
God
Alignment
Lawful Good
Circumstances of Birth
Heeding the prayers for fair trade and honest dealings, Aurum was born from the Divine Essence shortly after civilizations developed in Domen Aria.
Birthplace
The Divine Essence
Children
Current Residence
The realm of the Golden Exchange
Gender
Male
Eyes
Deep black pupils surrounded by a golden iris with a keen, calculating gaze.
Hair
Long silver and gold colored hair with a long braided grey beard.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Pale Golden
Quotes & Catchphrases
"I'll make you a deal."   "How about a trade?"

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The divine symbols and sigils of Aurum, are rich in meaning and symbolism, reflecting his influence over economic matters and the art of the deal. These symbols are often used in religious iconography and artwork dedicated to Aurum, serving as reminders of his teachings and blessings upon his followers. They are seen as symbols of good fortune and prosperity, and are often displayed in temples and shrines dedicated to the God of Trade and Commerce. Some of the key symbols associated with Aurum include:   The Golden Scales: The golden scales are perhaps the most iconic symbol of Aurum. They represent balance and fairness in trade, symbolizing Aurum's role in ensuring that all transactions are conducted with integrity and equity.   The Coin: The coin is another common symbol of Aurum, representing wealth, prosperity, and the exchange of goods and services. It symbolizes Aurum's blessings of abundance and fortune upon his followers.   The Merchant's Pack: The merchant's pack, often depicted as a bundle of goods or a knapsack, symbolizes the journey of the trader and the importance of travel and commerce in Aurum's teachings. It represents the tools and supplies needed for successful trade.   The Handshake: The handshake is a symbol of trust and agreement, often used to represent the making of a deal or contract. It symbolizes Aurum's emphasis on honesty and integrity in business dealings.  

Religious Artifacts:

The Scales of Prosperity: One of the most famous artifacts created in the name of Aurum is a set of golden scales that are said to have been crafted by the dwarven smith Durkin Fulcrum. These scales are believed to possess the ability to accurately weigh the value of any object, ensuring fair and equitable trade. They are also said to bring luck and prosperity to those who possess them, making them highly sought after by merchants and traders.   The Hammer of Bargains: This magical hammer was forged by the legendary dwarven smith Brogar Ironfist. It is said to have the power to seal deals and contracts with a single strike, ensuring that all agreements made with its wielder are binding and unbreakable. The Hammer of Bargains is often used by merchants and traders to finalize important transactions.   The Coin of Fortune: A magical coin that is said to bring wealth and good fortune to its owner. The coin was created by the wizard Dalric the Enchanter and is said to be imbued with Aurum's blessings. It is often used by merchants and traders as a charm to ensure success in their business dealings.   The Crown of Trade: This magnificent crown was created by the dwarven king Mercan Silverbeard. It is said to confer upon its wearer the wisdom and authority of Aurum himself, making them a master of trade and commerce. The Crown of Trade is often worn by rulers and leaders who seek to bring justice and arbitrate any financial disputes brought before them.  

Churches and Followers of Aurum:

The Golden Guild: The Golden Guild is a prominent organization of traders, merchants, and craftsmen who worship Aurum and follow his teachings. They are dedicated to promoting fair trade practices and economic prosperity among the dwarven people.   The Temple of Commerce: The Temple of Commerce is a religious institution dedicated to the worship of Aurum. It serves as a center for trade and economic activities, as well as a place of worship and prayer for his followers.   The Marshals of the Golden Scales: The Marshals of the Golden Scales is a military order dedicated to upholding Aurum's principles of honesty, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of life. They act as guardians of trade routes, protectors of merchants, and enforcers of contracts.  

Cults and Organizations Opposed to Aurum:

The Cult of Accrual: The Cult of Accrual is a secretive organization that opposes Aurum and his teachings. They believe that wealth and prosperity should be obtained through any means necessary, including theft, deception, and violence.   The Brotherhood of the Black Coin: The Brotherhood of the Black Coin is a criminal organization that thrives on illegal trade and black market activities. They see Aurum and his followers as obstacles to their illicit activities and seek to undermine their influence.   The Order of the Hammering Fist: The Order of the Hammering Fist is a militant organization that opposes Aurum's teachings of trade and commerce. They believe in the supremacy of military might and seek to conquer and subjugate others through force rather than negotiation.    
"Let the scales of Aurum weigh your actions, and may your dealings be just and fair."
— The Codex of Contracts
 

Rumors:

The Merchant's Bargain: It is said that Aurum sometimes appears to mortals in disguise, offering them a bargain that seems too good to be true. Those who accept his offer are said to be granted great wealth and success, but at a price that is not immediately apparent. Some believe that Aurum tests mortals in this way to see if they are truly worthy of his blessings.   The Merchant's Lost Treasury: There are rumors of a lost treasury hidden deep within the mountains, filled with untold riches and treasures. It is said that this treasury was created by Aurum himself, and that only those who possess a pure heart and a keen mind can find it. Adventurers often seek out this lost treasury, hoping to claim its riches for themselves.   The Merchant's Curse: Some believe that Aurum is a jealous god who punishes those who betray his trust or act against his teachings. It is said that those who engage in dishonest dealings or seek to cheat others in trade are cursed by Aurum, their fortunes reversed and their businesses ruined.   The Merchant's Beacon: It is said that Aurum sometimes sends signs and omens to his followers, guiding them towards success and prosperity. These signs can take many forms, from a sudden gust of wind to a mysterious coin found on the ground. Followers of Aurum often look for these signs as a way to seek his favor.   The Merchant's Gamble: There are tales of daring traders who make a pact with Aurum, gambling their fortunes for a chance at even greater wealth. These traders are said to risk everything in the hope of gaining Aurum's favor, but the stakes are high and the consequences dire for those who lose the bet.    
"To trade is to worship Aurum, for in the exchange of goods lies the essence of divine commerce."
— The Book of Prosperity


Cover image: by by me with Dall-E

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