Lavaster (3.5e Deity)

Author: STDoc (talk) Date Created: July 30th, 2016 Status: Work in progress Editing: Clarity edits only please

Rate this article Your rating for this article: Favor Like Neutral Dislike Oppose Submit | Cancel Discuss this article

	Lesser Deity
Symbol:	A sealed contract
Home Plane:	The Counting House (Demiplane)
Alignment:	LN
Portfolio:	Contracts, Agreements, Businesses
Clergy Alignments:	Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral, Lawful Evil
Domains:	Law, Pact, Trickery
Favored Weapon:	+1 Keen Metalline Morphing Dagger.

Lavaster, Lord of the Counting House and Validator of all contracts.

Origin

In the beginning, when Asmodeus pulled his infamous hoodwink over the Goodly Deities (Read the fine print, indeed), it is said that the collective (righteous) anger coalesced into the form of a godling child, who was foretold to become the Lord of the Counting House and Barrister of the Gods.

In truth, it was far less prophetic, far less dramatic. Lavaster was but a man, although one that was favored by the deities of Knowledge for his quick mind and clever tongue. Lavaster was present when Asmodeus presented his contract to the gods, and it was he alone who cast doubt upon the veracity and sincerity of the contract before them. The Elder Gods, however, were notorious for their hubris, and brushed aside the mortal's concerns with the sweep of a quill.

Lavaster swore to them that they would come to regret their decision, and regret it they did. Asmodeus's power began to grow exponentially, while their own was beginning to dwindle. It was then that Lavaster discovered a tiny loophole within the contract. A single misspelled word that changed the meaning of a sentence, which in turn cast doubt on the veracity of an entire section. It was through this minute detail, that the Gods were able to rein in Asmodeus's ambitions, and begin to grow their influence once more, a precarious balance between The Hells and the Heavens, poised on the edge of a razor.

As a reward for his observant mind, the Deities promoted Lavaster to become a Lesser Deity and Lord of the Counting House (A small demiplane nestled on the edge of the Ethereal Plane).

Description

Lavaster is depicted as a short, fat, somewhat balding man of indeterminate age and race. He is always dressed in fashions suitable for merchants or artisans of the area, whether Robes, Tunic and Slacks, or aprons and leathers. It is also said that his accent also changes slightly to match the area he appears in as well.

Dogma

Every merchant works the edges of a contract in his or her favour, and you must strive to come out on top in every agreement that you forge. Loopholes exist in even the strictest of contracts, and it is your duty to find an exploit them in order to grow your influence. In doing so, you please Lavaster, proving your superior intellect and wisdom with every new dealing.

Clergy and Temples

Lavastran clerics tend to be more material-minded than those of other faiths, and are regarded as shrewd merchants and craftsmen. Although Lavaster requires his faithful to remain within the letter of an agreed contract, he actively encourages them to pervert the spirit of those contracts to their benefit. Lavaster himself is Lawful Neutral, but a great many of his clerics have Lawful Evil tendencies, and benefit greatly from becoming multi-classed rogues.

Lavastran Paladins are a rarity, but they are no less shrewd in their business dealings. A key exception however, is that they tend to manipulate contracts not just for personal benefit, but for the good of the common folk as well. Many Levastran Paladins who are not suited for battle (such as the infirm, or the elderly) combat evil by undermining the business ventures of vile creatures and cultures, usually by undercutting their bids for work and manipulating the supply/demand in the area. It is not unheard of however, for Lavastran Paladins to actually conduct business with an Evil creature or group, only to cripple them financially and socially later on.

Lavaster also counts Paladins of Tyranny and Blackguards amongst his faithful, and they are fond of using their powers to further cement their positions in business dealings.

Worshippers of Lavaster who use Planar Ally spells or similar abilities summon Inevitables when using those abilities.

Lavastran temples are not opulent affairs by any means, but they do tend to house large courtyards (In which people are encouraged to sell their wares) as well as private conference rooms that can be rented out by local businessmen. Practicality and functionality are the prime requisites of a Lavastran temple, even the chapel itself is not extravagant by any means. (However, it is always immaculately clean and well maintained).

---

Back to Main Page → 3.5e Homebrew → Deities