Paphyr, the Bargainer

Paphyr

Paphyr was one of the latter major gods to be given form, brought into Embris as the god of diligence, sacrifice, perseverance, and labor.  His large oxen-like shape and his excitable disposition raised spirits among the mortals who struggled to find their way in the new world, and he was considered a good friend by all who were graced by his cheery company. This all changed after he went on a journey, displeased with his shape and how difficult it made aiding others of smaller stature. This journey changed him, and his jolly and pleasurable disposition was lost. He provided the aid that he was created to, but now it would come at a price. 

Paphyr is known among mortal kind as the god of trades or deals, always seeking something in return for what he offers. His followers are often shrouded in mystery and offer power or things to others in exchange for something in return. While he has no major church some cults and minor followings have sprung up to Paphyr.

Fable

”There once was a young man, imbued with magical powers, who practiced every day - alone in the forest. He went around the village helping others with their chores, secretly using his magic. People were grateful for his help, and gave him gifts and money in return.

The boy liked getting things, so he trained more. He thought that if he helped with bigger tasks, he would get bigger rewards.

The village grew wary and cautious of the boy, as he could do things that would take three men to do. He lit fireplaces seemingly from his fingertip, and fixed tools with his bare hands. The boy kept doing things for people, even if they did not ask for his help, and he would always turn and demand his reward.

In fear of the witchery that the boy was performing, the village cast him out. He was shunned by the people for his deceit and greed.

The boy became engulfed with rage; 

‘How dare they do this to me-’, he said, ’after all I had done for them. I will show them; I will have my reward!’

He cast terrible spells on the villagers, claiming their belongings, one by one. Once he had the whole village, he realized that he was not yet satisfied. The greed inside him churned, as he trained his magic to take more and more.

As he approached the nearby city walls, he cried out to the tower:

‘I am here to take your city, and I have the magic to do so!’

The city gates opened, and a robed man approached. He shouted:

‘I am here to challenge you! You shall not overcome my magic, and you will not have our city!’

Before the boy could cast a single spell, the old man had swiftly waved his staff. A surge of air caught the boy off guard, and thrusted him far from the city gates. The old man scoffed, and returned to the city.

The boy stood up and snarled:

‘I will have that city, but I need more power- I will do whatever it takes!’

A voice came from behind him, and said:

‘Are you truly willing? I can give you the power you seek.’

The boy turned and saw a tall and slender figure, clad in dark and sleek robes. The figure reached out to the boy, holding a parchment in his hand. He spoke again:

‘Sign my contract, and I can give you what you desire at a price.’

The boy reached out and eagerly took the parchment.

‘There is no price I could not repay once I have magic like that; I would be able to take and have anything I want!’

When the boy signed the contract, he felt the magic rush through and around him. As the magic surged from within him, he began to feel odd - almost hollow. He turned to the robed figure, who seemed to grow in front of him, before he realized it was himself who was shrinking! He looked down, seeing his body being sucked into a silver jar on the ground. Before the boy could let out even a yell, he was gone. The robed figure bent over and put a lid on the jar, and picked it up.

‘Your wish has been granted. You are now a powerful warlock, with a fitting phylactery.’

‘-And that my dear, is why you should not make decisions based on greed. You’ll become hasty and make mistakes,' the mother says to her son, finishing her bedtime story. ‘You promise to be good and honest, son?’ She asks as she tucks the blankets in.

The son looks back at her with wide eyes and nods his head.  The mother turned her head to blow out a candle on the bedside table, and stood up. ‘Good boy’."