Velnius

Velnius

The Lord of the Sky, Bringer of Storms, Master of Winds

“The sky is ever-changing, and so is fate. Trust not in certainty, but in the winds that carry you forward.”

Overview

Velnius is the Oeridian god of the Sky, Weather, and the Seasons. As the eldest of the **Velaeri**, he is both the leader and the most unpredictable of the family of agricultural deities. His domain encompasses all aspects of the heavens—from the gentle breezes of spring to the raging tempests of winter. While generally benevolent, his temper is as wild as the storms he commands, and his favor can shift as suddenly as the winds.

Sailors, farmers, and travelers all offer prayers to Velnius, seeking his blessings for favorable weather and protection from storms. He is a deity both respected and feared, for he controls the skies above all, and none can escape his reach.

“Velnius is the first breath of spring, the last sigh of autumn, and the howl of winter’s wrath. He is the sky itself, and we are but travelers beneath his gaze.”

Appearance

Velnius is often depicted as a towering, broad-shouldered man with **storm-gray eyes and a sky-blue cloak that billows even when there is no wind**. His **long silver hair** flows like clouds, shifting in color from dark storm-gray to the soft golden hues of a summer evening. He carries a **great staff shaped from living lightning**, crackling with power, which he uses to summon storms or disperse them at will.

In calmer depictions, he is shown with **a laurel wreath of wind-swept leaves**, seated upon a throne of clouds, gazing down upon the world with watchful, ever-changing moods.

Relationships and Worshipers

As the eldest of the Velaeri, Velnius holds a place of authority among his siblings, though his rule is more advisory than commanding. He is **revered among farmers**, who seek his favor for gentle rains and clear skies, as well as **sailors**, who pray for safe passage across the seas. However, his fickle nature makes him a difficult god to appease—what pleases him one day may enrage him the next.

Clerics of Velnius tend to be **wandering priests**, studying the weather and offering guidance to those who depend on it. Many wear **sky-blue robes**, with **symbols of the four winds** embroidered in silver. They are often called upon to **predict storms, bless crops, or calm raging tempests through prayer and ritual**.

“Some gods shape the land, some govern the seas, but Velnius watches over all from above. He is the wind at our backs and the storm on the horizon. He does not rule us, but he reminds us that nature bows to no one.”

Temples and Holy Places

Temples to Velnius are usually built in **high places**, open to the wind and sky. Mountain peaks, tall cliffs, and seaside bluffs often serve as his shrines. The **largest temple dedicated to Velnius** is said to sit atop a storm-wracked peak, where lightning strikes the altar in tribute.

Many of his followers prefer **simple stone circles** or **open-air altars**, where the winds can move freely. Rituals involve **chanting into the wind, setting aloft sky-lanterns, or casting offerings into the storm**.

Symbols and Worship

Holy Symbol: A swirling wind spiral, often depicted in silver or gold. Favored Weapon: A quarterstaff, representing his staff of storms. Domains: Air, Tempest, Nature Sacred Animals: Hawks, eagles, and lightning serpents Sacred Colors: Sky-blue, silver, and storm-gray

Worshipers of Velnius follow the natural rhythms of the sky, observing **seasonal festivals** to honor the changes in the weather. On days of great storms, offerings are made to **appease his wrath**, while on **clear nights**, prayers are given in gratitude for his mercy.

Legends and Myths

One of the most famous tales of Velnius speaks of a time when **the Oeridians faced an endless drought**, and their prayers went unanswered. The people feared that Velnius had turned away from them. But in truth, the god had been **trapped within his own storms**, his power scattered by a trickster spirit that sought to claim dominion over the skies.

It was only when a mortal **sky-priest climbed the tallest mountain, braving the wrath of the winds**, that Velnius was freed. In gratitude, he unleashed the **greatest rainstorm in history**, saving the Oeridians from ruin. To this day, **climbing high places to pray to Velnius** is considered a sacred act.

Final Thoughts

Velnius is a god of **power, unpredictability, and ever-changing fate**. He can be **merciful or merciless**, bringing life-giving rain or catastrophic storms. His worshipers respect him not out of blind devotion, but out of a deep understanding that **to live beneath the sky is to accept the whims of the winds**.