Kauppias

Intermediate Deity

At A Glance
Alias: The Merchant, Goldgrasper, Bargain-Hunter Symbol:            A golden coin with a scimitar etched upon it Home Plane:        The Axis Alignment:         Neutral Portfolio:         Merchants, trade, travel, fortune Worshippers:       Businessmen, merchants, traders Cleric Alignments: CN, LN, N, NG, NE Domains:           Knowledge, Luck, Travel Favored Weapon:    Scimitar

History
Kauppias was born of the thoughts and dreams of avarice and treasure within the ancient dragons of the First Age. Given form by Evighet, he was a relatively minor deity, and far more grasping and greedy than he is today. During the rise of humanoids, he grew in power as well, and in the Third Age his power has truly expanded. Though still not a rival for the major gods, the Empire regards Kauppias as a major deity, and his worship is quite frequent among the merchant classes within the various member kingdoms. He often manifests his avatar as a human native of whatever kingdom he is in, searching out deals and living for the haggling and joy of bargaining that he personifies.

Dogma
Kauppias' followers believe in the fairness of business and the acquisition of wealth. It is a loose collection, with some favoring risky investment schemes, while others prefer concrete plans and goals. Other followers can be more honest than others can, but they all believe in promoting trade and commerce; just some of the commerce might be a bit 'shadier' than you might expect. His worshippers all work to tie nations and people closer through trade, and often work against wars and the like, since those are typically bad for business.

Clergy and Temples
Kauppias' temples are often mistaken for banks. Indeed, his temples can often be found in the merchant quarter of whatever town they are in, blessing the commerce taking place. His priests travel far and wide, seeking the best deals for their wares, whatever they might be, and it is a rare priest of his that doesn't excel at some form of craft or profession. Often they are skilled appraisers, and many learn additional languages, the better to ply their goods. If there is no temple to Kauppias (a rare thing in large cities, but common in the smaller ones), he will often have a small shrine in the merchant plaza of the town, where all can come and leave donations and offerings in exchange for his blessings on business dealings.

Diety Specific Items
Merchant's Friend

Merchant followers of Kauppias prize these rings for their ability to prevent cheating and theft, and allow the merchant to see when he's being swindled. The ring is crafted of gold, with a circular symbol of The Merchant's faith at the center. It grants the merchant wearing the ring a +5 circumstance bonus to both Diplomacy and Sense Motive while the ring is worn, and allows the wearer to use the spell Arcane Lock at will and Zone of Truth 1/day. Market Price: 14,100 gp