Abadar

Abadar (pronounced AH-bah-dar), the god of cities, law, merchants, and wealth, 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.

Dogma

Abadar and his followers wish to bring the light of civilization to the wilderness, to help educate all in the benefits of law and properly regulated commerce. He expects his followers to obey all meaningful laws, but not those which are ridiculous, unenforceable, or self-contradictory. He is also a great proponent of peace, as war inevitably leads to the degradation of trade and the stifling of prosperity for the general public. He advocates cautious, careful consideration in all matters, and frowns on impulsiveness, believing that it leads to the encouragement of primitive needs. Abadar discourages dependence on government or any religious institution, believing that wealth and happiness should be achievable by anyone with keen judgement, discipline, and a healthy respect for all sensible, just laws.

History

During the Age of Creation, Abadar was among the original gods who battled the Rough Beast who sought to destroy Golarion. According to the Windsong Testaments, after Gorum and Torag forged the shell of the Dead Vault, Abadar provided the perfect key and lock for Rovagug's prison, a key so cunningly made that only Asmodeus could turn it.
Abadar is credited with guiding the advancement of humanoid races towards the point where they could establish civilized societies of their own.

Home

Abadar's divine realm is Aktun, the central and largest district in the city of Axis, and ensures that the district is friendly to mortal architects, who can safely travel there to seek inspiration. He does not claim the entire city, but his aeons-long association with Axis and his role as god of cities have turned him into the closest thing to the Eternal City's ruler. Abadar has long served as the guardian and protector of the First Vault, his personal palace and a repository said to be crafted by his own hand that contains perfect versions of everything ever created or seen by civilized peoples Appearance
A depiction of Abadar. Abadar is often described as a clean, refined and cultured Taldan human, with dark hair and wearing a golden breastplate. Dressed in an embroidered cloak and fine clothes, Abadar is often depicted possessing a number of keys. Humans, dwarves and gnomes depict Abadar with a beard, whereas elves show him beardless, with braids tied in gold thread. In a common myth, Abadar assumes the form of a two-headed (to represent his balanced viewpoint) eagle for a single day each year and grants favor to those faithful that recognize him as he soars overhead.

Relationships

Abadar strives to maintain agreeable relationships with the other deities, recognizing their influence is conducive to the further advancement of civilized life. In particular, he cultivates alliances with Iomedae, Irori, Shelyn, Asmodeus, Brigh, Shizuru, Torag, and Erastil, though differences in opinion often result in conflicts between Abadar and Old Deadeye. Gozreh often opposes Abadar's actions, though the Judge of the Gods only recognizes Rovagug and Lamashtu as true enemies. Abadar is sometimes seen as a paternal authority figure, especially to others possessing origins in Taldor. Because he is the patron god of merchants, Abadar is often associated with the philosophy known as the Prophecies of Kalistrade. The god Aroden respected Abadar and consulted Abadar's The Manual of City-Building to aid in his establishment of the country of Taldor and of the city-state of Absalom. Abadar once opened channels to the archdevil Mephistopheles to cement an alliance based on the archdevil's interest in contracts but these negotiations failed.
In the Age of Legend, Abadar's faithful often followed those of Elion, establishing trade posts and settlements in habitable places discovered by Elion's worshippers. Since Elion's followers often disapproved of the Abadarans' harsh methods of colonisation, the relationship was sometimes strained, .
The Master of the First Vault does not actively oppose all evil gods, reserving his special enmity for those who seek to tear down civilization. These include Besmara, Lamashtu, Norgorber, and of course, Rovagug, whom he has opposed since the Age of Creation.

Providence

The faithful of Abadar believe that sudden windfalls of financial good fortune are signs of the god's approval, while increases in expenses that lead to poverty are proof of his anger

Divine Domains

Earth, Law, Nobility, Protection, Travel

Holy Books & Codes

With the clergy of Abadar often serving their communities as clerks, a given temple is likely to have extensive records within its vaults. Among these many documents, the following texts have primary importance among the god of cities' faithful.
The Order of Numbers Usually bearing elaborate decoration, writing, and binding, this book serves as the core text of the Church of Abadar.
The Manual of City-Building Often stored prominently in a place of honor, this text contains advice on the topic of founding and running a community.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Golden key

Divine Classification

Deity

Honorary & Occupational Titles

God of Walls and Ditches The Gold-Fisted Judge of the Gods Master of the First Vault God of the First Vault Wealthy Father Two-Headed Eagle