Obad-hai, "The Shalm," is an archaic deity of nature and wildlands, one of the most ancient known having been worshipped by the Flan prior to the arrival of invading Aerdi.

Obad-hai can appear in human form as a lean, weathered man of indeterminate but considerable age. He is usually clad in brown or russet, carrying a horn-wood staff (known as the Shalmstaff), looking as if he were a pilgrim, hermit, or merely a rustic. At other times he will appear as a dwarf, gnome, halfling or other sylvan creature.

The Shalm loves nature and wilderness. He is a patron of druids and a friend to those who dwell in harmony with their natural surroundings. Characters or creatures who despoil or wantonly harm either animal or vegetable life are his foes. Because of Obad-hai's particular Neutrality, and his favoritism toward certain creatures, notably satyrs and centaurs, a rivalry and antipathy exists between this deity and Ehlonna of the Forests. Thus, the majority of Obad-hai's followers are male, and those of Ehlonna are female.

Clerics who follow Obad-hai are usually druids. A few others are of the normal sort, although they wander as pilgrims in most cases. Such clerics wear russet garments and carry staves. 

CLERIC ABILITIES

At third level they may substitute one first-level druid spell for a cleric spell, at sixth level one second-level druid spell for a like level cleric spell, and at ninth level, the same is true of third-level spells. Thus, at ninth level, a cleric of The Shalm can have one each of first, second, and third level druid spells in place of like levels of cleric spells. 

At twelfth level, such clerics gain the ability to take the form of any small woodland animal or bird. 

They may use druidical as well as clerical weapons. Druidical clerics likewise get cleric spells/weapons.

Access to these abilities requires a cleric spend 5% more experience points per level for advancement and this must be selected during character creation.

Churches or chapels of Obad-hai are always in rustic settings and made of rough timber. Services are brief and not particularly ritualized. Living flowers, earth, water, and fire are typical service adornments.