Lord Nathaniel The Thunderer

Major God of the Elements

Physical Description:

The portrayal of Lord Nathaniel of the Elements is not as definite as that of Konrad the Avenger, this is largely due to the variety of forces which he controls. Usually he is portrayed as one of the four traditional elements (fire, water, air or earth) but confusion can occur as their are infact minor gods for each of these elements who can also be portrayed in the same manner. Nathaniel is also known to be shown in a human form. Generally speaking Nathaniel in a human form can be shown in two different ways each emphasizing the two natures of the god:
1. As a male figure with robes and a staff (this is showing the peaceful and wise side of the god) - this depiction occurs in areas where the elements act favourably to the local populace
2. As a male figure wearing heavy battle armour and wielding a hammer or an axe (showing the destructive and vengeful side of the god) - this depiction occurs in areas where the elements create significant disturbance to the populace.
Usually the figure will be controlling 2 or more of the elements simmultaneously showing it is in fact Nathanial and not a lesser god.

Teachings:

The teachings of Nathaniel vary from region to region. A god of the forces of the elements Nathanial is often worshipped for different aspects of his powers. An example of this is the residents of Wilkinsvaleshire and the Eslay Islands often emphasise Nathaniel's powers over water (in the first case asking for rain to grow crops and in the second case asking for smooth sailing), in the Southern Highlands Nathaniels power over Earth will be highlighted due to the erratic geographical activity of the region, in the deserts of the GSD and the LSD Nathaniel's power of air will be worshipped above all others because of his control of the deadly sandstorms whilst in the highly industrialized urban centres of the SCS and Porttown fire will be worshipped for the power and innovation that it brings its users.
Nathaniel is also hailed as "The Thunderer" being able to control, thunder showing the potential destructiveness of the elements.

Followers:

The followers of Nathaniel are a varied bunch however the positions of power within the cult of Nathaniel are held by the ancient mage orders. Much of the rich business class in the SCS are followers of Nathaniel, as the elements of fire and water are vital to trade and hence their revenue.

However the most well known of Nathaniel's followers are the elite order of the Battle Mages (one of the few magical orders to survive through the great inquizition at the time of outlaw of magic) who are easily the most powerful followers of Nathaniel with their mastery of all the elements as well as melee combat with the traditional hammer or axe.

Symbol

The most prevailent symbol of Nathaniel is the lightning bolt. However other symbols do occur such as the flame, the stone, the wave, the cloud and the hammer or axe.

Avatar

Rarely does the god Nathaniel select one person to act as his avatar, usually he prefers to control orders of followers. Also because Nathaniel's presence is felt every day in some form or another it is less essential for Nathaniel to hold personal control over an individual. Indeed it has been known to happen but an avatar of Nathaniel is not an always present force like the Avatar of Konrad; the wielder of the sword of Beltar.