Wendigothe

Wendigothe - The Heavenly Wainwright, The Breaker of Bonds, The Grinning Guide, Prince of the Bountiful Wagon 

Wendigothe is one of the Three Craftsmen of the Pantheon of Padrivano. He is depicted as a traveler, in the garb of a man ever on the road - almost always in the company of his Bountiful Wagon, a huge contraption thundering down the road and bearing the knowledge of all the crafts of man. Wendigothe believes in the empowering of all men, and shares knowledge with the powerless in the hopes of freeing them from their condition. He is a good natured being and well loved, and his first method is always that of peace and dialogue. Only when the oppressors are recalcitrant does he turn to violence and revolt. His speciality is the crafting of unique methods of conveyance - improved logistics and transportation.

The Priesthood of Wendigothe
Wendigothe's clerics are dedicated to the mutual good of all sentient beings, though their focus lies on the oppressed and underprivileged. Typically the clergy focus on how simple knowledge can improve the lives of commoners - improved agricultural techniques, herbal remedies, and basic mechanical principles are commonly taught. But, as is befitting of their god, their greatest offering usually involves the improvement of transportation or logistical systems. In regions where Wendigothe's worship is strongest, it is not uncommon to see even the most churlish of peasants bringing their goods to market in mechanically complex carts on paved and well maintained roads.

Wendigothian's are quite aware that sometimes the greatest ill befalling the peasantry is not their lack of knowledge, but rather the cruelty of their lords or kings. In these circumstances, Wendigothe has laid out a quite clear hierarchy of responses for his priesthood. The first response must always be negotiation. Perhaps the offending leadership can be taught the error of their ways or do not quite understand the misery their policies produce. If pure logic is not sufficient, Wendigothans are not above making pleas of the heart, parading the sick and maimed as examples, or even using trickery or magic to persuade. They will not, however, resort to threats or false promises under any circumstances as these things are rejected as tools of darker gods. If diplomacy will not suffice, the Wendigothians next turn to flight. It is better to abandon all your material possessions (not your friends and loved ones) and start anew in an unclaimed land than to resort to bloodshed. Indeed, Wendigothe teaches his disciples that sometimes beginning from nothing can lead one to new innovations and fresh perspectives. If negotation fails and relocation is not possible then Wendigothe accepts, with a heavy heart, the need for violence.

Aphorisms of Wendigothe
The Freeman's Rhyme

When tax man tolls, when lords oppress,

When husbands strike, with no redress,

All have a right to halt their pain,

Now listen well, the path is plain.

First comes words, the noble 'proach,

Next comes flight in cart or coach,

Only when these paths do fail,

May you turn to fire and flail.