Sacred Symbol: A Key, Edged with a Cityscape Ontop
Sacred Animal: Stallion
Colors: Dark Yellow, White and Gold
Sacred Weapon: Glaive
Ab'Dathar was formed not from the Aether of the divinities, but of the collective unconscious of the Children. Made of the the Aether of the Primordial, like all the others, yet born directly of the Will of the Children, Ab'Dathar takes the place as the most revered god by the Children. Ab'Dathar is often depicted as a well groomed and finely dressed man, with hair like beautiful marble and eyes that seem to pierce through the souls of mortals. He is often draped in fine silks and robes lined with precious metals. These images reflect his position as the of wealth and merchants. On many occasions, his visage is that of a stern and ever watchful individual, dressed in robes similar to those of a judge or a city official. Ab'Dathar is seen as the hand that keeps the scales of balance, so statues of the god that depict him in the tradition clothing of judges are meant to capture his status as the god of law and order. Some modern depictions of the god also tend to him wearing a blindfold, carrying scales or gold in one hand and a sword in the other. These liberties often try to capture the uniform idea of fair judgement, and punishment for the greed or lawless acts.
Being born of the Will of the Children, Ab'Dathar's essence was founded on the principles of law, order, and equity for the people. In the divine will of Ab'Dathar, all people, regardless of status, race, or origin, were equal before the law. But his teachings extended beyond mere governance, his very presence imbued the structure of the world itself. To Ab'Dathar, law was not a mere set of rules but the binding force that held reality together. It was a sacred bond between all things that allowed for mutual understanding and respect. The Domain of Law, in Ab'Dathar's view, should be impartial and unyielding, never swayed by the whims of kings or the plea of the desperate. It existed to maintain harmony and ensure that no one could exist in a perpetual state of lawlessness The Domain of Order, as Ab'Dathar understood it, was the manifestation of structure within the world. The mountains stood firm because of order, the stars followed their celestial paths because of order, and societies grew from villages to cities because of order. Without it, wild nature would envelope the Children. In his eyes, chaos was the enemy, not the vibrant life that sprang from it, but the corruption of disorder that threatened the very foundation of reality.
Above all, Ab'Dathar is recognized by scholars as the god for the people. He did not favor the rulers over the ruled or the strong over the weak. He sought to create a society in which all could thrive, each person having a role, a duty, and a place within the greater whole. To Ab'Dathar, the balance of all things came from the equal exchange of rights and responsibilities, of duties and rewards. Those who upheld the law and worked for the common good were protected and supported. Those who sought to disrupt the balance, those who preyed upon the innocent or ignored their duties—would face his judgment. Every being, regardless of power or wealth, is equal under the law. The law applies to all without favor or prejudice. The world must have order for society to flourish. All beings have a duty to their society, their people, and their world. Each action must contribute to the greater good, and every person must play their part in the world’s vast system. Punishment for wrongdoers is necessary, but redemption is always possible. Law is a means to guide, not to destroy. Every wrongdoer has the potential for change. The Children must uphold the law, but it is also their duty to ensure that the law remains just. If a law becomes corrupt, it must be reformed to serve all equally.
Ab'Dathar’s influence was not only seen in the cities but also in the way justice was meted out. Punishment for wrongdoing was always swift and fair, but the god of order also saw the value of redemption. To punish the wicked was as much a part of his design as to regulate the good. A world of only good people would be just as flawed as a world of only criminals, for without the lessons learned through hardship, growth would be impossible. Thus, Ab'Dathar’s justice was tempered by mercy. Even those who strayed from the path of law and order could, with time and proper effort, return to the fold. But those who continually disrupted the balance, who defied the laws without remorse, would be removed from the mortal realm. To this day, many believe that the greatest punishment is not imprisonment, but the removal of one's soul—cast into the void, beyond even the reach of Ab'Dathar’s law.
Ab'Dathar also has control over the Domains of Wealth, Merchants, and Cities, both as a patron and a strict overseer. His doctrine revolves around the principle of balance—the belief that all exchanges in life, whether material or emotional, must be fair and equitable. Ancient texts studied by our scholars emphasize the sanctity of trade, law, and order, and his faithful carry his teachings into both their businesses and governance. At the heart of Ab'Dathar’s teachings lies the notion of equal exchange. What is taken, must be given. A transaction, be it the trade of goods or services, must maintain fairness for both parties involved. In the ancient city of Thal'kora, a city built upon Ab'Dathar’s doctrines, the markets are said to operate on a system where no price can exceed the inherent worth of a good, as judged by guildmasters ordained in his name. Those who attempt to cheat, either through dishonesty or exploiting the poor, are said to incur the wrath of the god of cities, his blessing withdrawn, leaving their dealings cursed and their wealth fleeting.
Ab'Dathar is not merely concerned with the flow of goods but also with the flow of power. A city, he teaches, is as strong as the fairness that governs it. He values laws that protect the weak from the greed of the strong. He insists that rulers, merchants, and commoners alike must act within the bounds of the law, and any leader who abuses their position for personal gain is said to anger the god of cities. Ab'Dathar is often invoked in the founding of cities, where his priests perform rites to ensure that those who govern do so with wisdom and balance. Ab'Dathar’s anger is most severe against those who seek to hoard wealth or exploit others for personal gain without regard for balance. Greedy merchants or tyrants who manipulate markets, people, or laws for selfish reasons find themselves facing ruin—often in ways that mirror the crimes they commit. Ab'Dathar’s punishments are seen as inevitable and poetic in their retribution: a merchant who poisons the market with counterfeit goods may watch as his own fortunes dwindle to dust, while a corrupt ruler might see their city crumble in chaos and lawlessness.
It was Ab'Dathar, born of the Will of the Children, who guided them as they sought freedom from the suffering they so often inflicted upon one another. He offered to the warring tribes the first laws of trade, introducing the concepts of fair exchange and respect for both goods and people. He founded the first cities, places of bustling marketplaces and careful commerce, where each agreement was signed in the presence of sacred scales. This city became the model for future cities, its streets always alive with the hum of balanced transactions. The followers of Ab'Dathar are typically found in bustling cities, markets, and trade guilds. His priests, known as the Silver Scales, are both advisors and judges. They act as mediators in disputes, ensuring that contracts are honored and that justice is meted out according to the god’s laws of exchange. They are often seen conducting public auctions, where every transaction is scrutinized for fairness. Their temples are located in the heart of cities, often surrounded by vast market squares where the faithful gather.
Long before the first stone was laid for what would become the first great city, the lands were torn asunder by endless conflict. Two ancient tribes, the Thar'ax and the Tesh'ari, waged war against one another in a brutal and unrelenting struggle. For generations, their bloodshed filled the earth with sorrow and their hearts with hatred. The Thar'ax, fierce and proud warriors, believed in the strength of the individual and the rule of the sword. The Tesh'ari, though equally proud, were scholars and artisans, believing that knowledge, artistry, and diplomacy held the key to survival. Yet, both were trapped in the endless cycle of violence and distrust, neither able to overcome the other, but both too stubborn to reconcile.
As the years turned into centuries, the world grew weary. The land itself began to wither, caught in the flames of endless war. Nature cried out, and the gods, too, grew disheartened by the ceaseless suffering.
Ab'Dathar, the god of cities and people, the Patron of Order and Law stepped in during this time. Known for his wisdom and the mantle of fairness, Ab'Dathar was both a creator and a judge. He watched from his celestial realm as the tribes battled, his heart heavy with sorrow. But instead of descending in wrath, Ab'Dathar saw an opportunity—an opportunity to forge a new path. He would not destroy the tribes; instead, he would show them the way to build something greater.
One fateful day, the god appeared before both tribes, standing between them like a mountain, silent and imposing. Neither the Thar'ax nor the Tesh'ari dared to strike at him, for they had heard tales of the god of cities—who held power to shape civilizations with a single word. Ab'Dathar spoke then, his voice like the sound of distant thunder, yet calm and resolute.
"Enough," he said. "Your blood has stained the earth for too long. The war you fight is not of my making, but I offer you a path to a future beyond this endless strife. Lay down your arms, for I will build a city where your people will thrive, united under the banner of law, order, and the pursuit of peace."
The Thar'ax were skeptical. They valued strength above all else. "Why should we follow you?" the warlord said. "Strength alone is the way of the world."
The Tesh'ari, too, were wary. "What is this ‘law’ you speak of? Does it not tie us down, limit our freedom?"
Ab'Dathar, with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the soul, answered, "It is not strength alone, nor freedom untethered, that will bring prosperity. It is the balance between the two—where strength is tempered by wisdom, and freedom is protected by fairness. You will learn that the greatest power lies not in the sword, but in the strength of your communities, the fairness of your dealings, and the value of your word."
Reluctantly, the two tribes agreed to meet. Under the guidance of Ab'Dathar, they laid aside their weapons and began the first step toward peace. In the days that followed, the god did not force them to forget their pasts or their cultures. Instead, he inspired them to blend their strengths. The Thar'ax brought their unparalleled skill in construction and defense; the Tesh'ari brought their vast knowledge of art, science, and diplomacy. Together, they built.
The city they constructed was called Arkhak—a name that meant "Haven" in the ancient tongue, a place where all peoples could find refuge and purpose. The city was a marvel of design, with wide roads that connected each district, massive gates to protect the people, and towering spires that held the wisdom of both tribes. At its heart, a great temple stood in honor of Ab'Dathar, the god who had given them the gift of unity and peace. There, the people gathered not only to worship but to share knowledge, trade goods, and resolve disputes fairly.
Under Ab'Dathar's teachings, the people learned the values of order and law. Trade flourished as the tribes—now united as one—developed a system of bartering and currency. The wisdom of the Tesh'ari led to the establishment of schools, where knowledge was passed from generation to generation. The strength of the Thar'ax was channeled into the defense and growth of the city, as they became its protectors and its builders. No longer did they fight for land or power. Instead, they fought to preserve what they had created together.
Ab'Dathar did not remain with them physically, but his presence was felt in every corner of Arkhak. The city grew and prospered, its people living in harmony, their lives shaped by the values the god had imparted to them. For every dispute, there was a judge; for every trade, a fair deal; for every citizen, a place. And so, Arkhak became the first city, a shining example of what could be accomplished when two warring peoples chose peace, order, and the wisdom of fair trade over violence and division.
And though Ab'Dathar withdrew to the heavens, his blessing remained—each city that followed in Arkhak’s footsteps would be shaped by the principles he had laid down: that law, fairness, and unity could build worlds that would last.
Thus, the city of Arkhak stood as both a beacon and a reminder—of what was possible when people, no matter their differences, chose the path of peace. And as long as its people held to the teachings of Ab'Dathar, they would always find prosperity, no matter the trials that lay ahead.
