Treth and Ybris

This article describes a legend, which may or may not be literally true within the fiction of the setting. Such legends are often considered by scholars to be allegories, or at least to have been subject to exaggeration over time. That said, it's very normal for characters to believe these things, so read on, but know what it is and is not. This is not "word of god."

Treth was a mortal man known throughout the world for his ability to negotiate and mediate between even the bitterest rivals. After securing peace between the warring nations of Ao and Al-Uqh, his abilities became the stuff of legend.

This caught the attention of the trickster god Ybris who thought to take Treth down a peg, so he invited him to come visit him, with all the other gods in attendance. Once he was there, he asked Treth what he would trade him for his divine station. Treth took a moment to consider, and then offered "nothing." The other gods laughed and waited to see what Ybris would do to Treth, but he was caught off guard and curious.

Treth went on: "Your power is of no use to you. It robs you of your ability to take risks, for your actions to have real consequences. As a mortal, you would be like me: renown for your ability to succeed with your words and your wit, but in divinity, you can see everyone's cards. You've grown bored of it, and you'd be better off without it. Therefore, I will offer you exactly what it's worth to you: nothing."

To the other gods' shock, Ybris smiled and wept, for Treth's words were true, and he accepted the deal. Thus, Treth became the god of Trade, and Ybris became a mortal man, and after many years of traveling the world, bedding maidens and princes, tricking kings out of their fortunes, and running from the law, he died a legend, and was more famous in death than when he had been a god.

The Dholish/Hengian hero Kinsmir is claimed by them to have been the inspiration for the story of Ybris, and another hero, Tordir, is venerated within the domain of trade. Within the Divine Construction, Ybris and Treth are combined as the aspect of Artifice, representing all that is manmade.