Dorrod the Golden, Bringer of Prosperity
| Favored Race | Human, Aelin |
|---|---|
| Element(s) | earth, spirit |
| Home(s) | The Golden Shore, A Gold-Dust Beach |
| Alignment | neutral good |
| Symbol | a band of spirit and gold |
| Portfolio | work, prosperity, commerce, trade |
| Worshippers | craftsmen, traders and tradesmen, merchants, commoners |
History in Avendar
It is said in times of old that Dorrod was created by Jolinn, a piece of craftwork imbued with life. Others say the Golden came into being as an extention of Jolinn's wish for all beings to prosper. In all the stories, it is accepted that Dorrod was brought into existence by, or with the aid of, Jolinn.
Dorrod's power waxed and waned with the fortunes of the cities that venerated him. In times of prosperity his following thrived, though in times of war and destruction- the Wars of Night and Fire most severely, the Bringer of Prosperity saw his portfolios weaken. Despite this, the Golden has not been laid dormant, and will not, for as long as mortalkind creates and trades.
Goals and Methods
Dorrod would see all mortalkind prosper, though he dislikes the selfishly greedy. Dorrod favors those who work for the sake of security and comfort which can be extended to all around them, inspiring their efforts and exerting his influence upon dealings and transactions. In particular he involves himself in the affairs of human and aelin societies, as these have great potential for shared security and prosperity, yet without guidance tend to put wealth and power into the hands of a greedy few.
Organizations and Followings
Due to the communal nature of commerce, and the benevolent nature of Dorrod, the deity's followers have formed many bands.
The Order of the Golden Sword
"You now have the protection of Dorrod. Your goods will see their way safely to Earendam."
This brotherhood and sisterhood of dedicants to Dorrod seek to use their abilities to bring about the will of their God. Wishing to prosper and spread prosperity through diligent work, they often serve as mercenaries and guards for reputable merchants, shopkeepers, or other employers. Many of the pilots of Avendar are members of the Order, and are the most highly sought-after by captains of mercantile vessels. They are reknown for their dependability and trustworthiness. They often pit themselves against groups of bandits, Raiders, and others who would gain wealth dishonestly.
The Dorrodai
"He's charging those refugees coin they do not have for those rations. Let us amend this."
The Dorrodai is a secret association of craftsmen, peddlers, traders, merchants, and shop owners. Though some among them may not be completely altruistic, they all hope to gain Dorrod's favor and blessing. Through secret signs and passwords they recognize each other and assist each other with the goal of building wealth and prosperity in their communities. In the past, craft and merchant guilds which have declared themselves openly as Dorrodai have been accused of giving each other preferential and unfair business, which is why the association is formed only of individuals and kept secret.
The Kelstine Circle
"The weight of that gold chain seems to burden your neck overmuch, brother. Let us relieve you of it; I know someone who might have use of it."
One of the more controversial practices of the monks is known as the "Sword Tax". Each Evenday, if not otherwise engaged in the work of the Circle, monks go to a road or crossroads (usually outside the jurisdiction of cities and their soldiers) and levy the Sword Tax on well-off passersby. They have been known to use force to "help" those who are overly attached to their coins see the vanity of greed. The proceeds of the Sword Tax are donated to the Temple of Dorrod (which in turn generally funds the charitable work of Temples of Alajial).
The Kelstine Circle is monastic order founded by Kelst Redyn during the heyday of the Republic. The monks of the Circle are atypical followers of the Golden Lord, forsaking personal wealth and living ascetic, spartan lives. They seek spiritual enlightenment through the spreading of wealth, and do so by "liberating" wealth from the greedy and evil, and giving it freely to the needy and oppressed. Kelstine Monks come from all walks of life, but are often reformed rogues, or those who learn the arts of the rogue for goodly purpose.
Individual Followers
Followers of Dorrod view wealth as something that requires personal work and responsibility to achieve and manage. Thus, few of evil intent tend to serve the Golden Lord. While the disciples of Dorrod handle large amounts of wealth and often distribute it evenly and fairly, they are rarely so strict as to make their trappings and surroundings quite so ascetic (the Kelstine Circle being a notable exception to this). A follower of Dorrod is quite usually surrounded by things of beauty, taste, and quality, bordering on a degree of opulence.
Relationships
Essentially the offspring and an extension of Jolinn, made to enable the security and wellbeing of life in its highest mortal form, Dorrod is most closely aligned with Jolinn. He is also often associated with Alajial as well. Dorrod is despised but largely ignored by Arkhural and other deities of darkness and evil--yet they see his influence as something that benefits them indirectly, in the same sense that leeches appreciate a host.