![[Nathair.png|400]] **Intermediate Deity | Patron of Faerie Dragons and Pseudodragons** **Alignment**: Chaotic Good **Also Known As**: The Prankster, The Winged Serpent **Divine Portfolio**: Mischief and Pranks **Affiliation**: The Seelie Court, Draconic Pantheon **Holy Symbol**: A Smile --- ### **Overview** Nathair Sgiathach, whose name means _Winged Serpent_, is a mischievous draconic being traditionally revered as the god of faerie dragons and pseudodragons. Known for his extraordinary magical abilities, boundless curiosity, and irrepressible love of practical jokes, he is among the most unusual members of the Seelie Court. Although ancient religious traditions recognise him as an intermediate deity, other accounts describe him as an exceptionally powerful faerie dragon whose abilities have led mortals and fey alike to mistake him for a god. Nathair appears as a tiny dragon approximately two feet long, possessing a slender body, a prehensile tail, and delicate wings resembling those of a butterfly. His most recognisable feature is an enormous smile that gives him an almost perpetually amused expression. Despite his diminutive size and harmless appearance, he possesses magical abilities of remarkable potency, making him a valuable ally to the sylvan powers. The older traditions of the Seelie Court identify Nathair as one of the offspring of Io, the great progenitor of dragonkind. Unlike many of his draconic relatives, however, he possesses little interest in the affairs of mighty dragons, their territorial rivalries, or the pursuit of wealth and dominion. His greatest affection is reserved for the smaller creatures of the fey realms, particularly faerie dragons, pseudodragons, sprites, pixies, and grigs. Nathair's personality is as unusual as his appearance. He delights in jokes, illusions, playful deception, and the embarrassment of creatures who take themselves too seriously. His humour is often childish, and he is just as willing to laugh at himself as he is to make others the subject of a prank. He can become pompous when introducing himself, occasionally exaggerating the importance of his name or position, only to undermine his own pretensions moments later. Although generally good-natured, Nathair's constant mischief can exhaust even the patience of other fey. His behaviour has occasionally irritated Titania and Oberon, who recognise his considerable magical strength but regard his persistent pranks as unsuitable for the more serious affairs of their court. Despite his frivolous disposition, Nathair is fiercely protective of the faerie folk. When sylvan creatures are threatened, he willingly employs his supernatural abilities to defend them. He generally prefers to frighten, confuse, or humiliate attackers rather than kill them, although his playful methods should not be mistaken for an inability to fight. Nathair's conduct reflects an unusual combination of childish humour and genuine compassion. He rarely approaches a confrontation with the solemnity expected of a powerful divine being, yet his willingness to protect the vulnerable has earned him considerable affection among the smaller inhabitants of the fey realms. --- ### **Domain and Influence** Nathair's traditional divine portfolio encompasses mischief and pranks, particularly those involving illusions, harmless deception, and playful interference in the affairs of other creatures. His influence is most readily recognised among faerie dragons and pseudodragons, whose curious and mischievous dispositions closely resemble his own. Sprites, pixies, and grigs also acknowledge him, particularly those who delight in trickery and the use of minor magic to confuse larger creatures. Nathair is associated with the Seelie Court, the wandering divine fellowship traditionally governed by Titania and Oberon. The Court has been described as travelling between the Upper Planes, particularly Arborea, the Beastlands, and Ysgard, rather than maintaining a single permanent residence. Within this fellowship, Nathair belongs to the **Outer Circle**. His exclusion from the Inner Circle is not a consequence of weakness or hostility, but reflects the difficulty of accommodating his constant pranks within the more formal activities of the court. Titania and the other sylvan powers nevertheless recognise his extraordinary magical abilities and value his assistance when their followers are endangered. Nathair maintains a particularly close friendship with **Sqeulaiche**, the leprechaun deity of trickery and illusions who serves as the official Court Jester. The two share an enthusiasm for jokes and the humiliation of arrogant or overly serious individuals. Unlike Sqeulaiche, whose position gives him an established ceremonial role within the court, Nathair possesses no comparable responsibility for its entertainment. His pranks arise primarily from curiosity and personal amusement rather than any formal obligation. Nathair's influence also extends to the Material Plane. His manifestations have frequently visited sylvan regions where fey creatures dwell, seeking opportunities to play harmless tricks upon travellers. The island of **Evermeet** is among the places particularly associated with his appearances. The faerie dragons inhabiting the island acknowledge Nathair in their own individual ways, while some mischievous elves offer him prayers alongside the deities of the Seldarine. Although he is closely associated with the fey, Nathair has also been counted among the draconic powers because of his traditional descent from Io. His apparent divinity has become a subject of disagreement among those familiar with the nature of dragons. Certain draconic scholars maintain that his extraordinary abilities arise from a highly developed form of **dragonsight**, through which powerful dragons can perceive and influence the existence of their counterparts across different worlds. Under this interpretation, Nathair is not a true deity, but a faerie dragon whose exceptional magical development has made him appear divine to those unfamiliar with such powers. Regardless of these competing explanations, his magical abilities and influence among the faerie folk remain well established. --- ### **Symbols and Icons** Nathair Sgiathach's recognised holy symbol is **a smile**, reflecting his playful disposition and the importance of laughter within his traditional worship. Unlike the elaborate heraldic emblems associated with many gods, his symbol possesses an extraordinary simplicity. It represents amusement, good humour, and the willingness to find enjoyment in circumstances that others might approach with excessive seriousness. The simplicity of the emblem is particularly appropriate to his character, for Nathair has little interest in the dignity and ceremony commonly associated with powerful divine beings. Representations of Nathair himself commonly depict a diminutive dragon with butterfly-like wings, a prehensile tail, and an exaggerated grin. These depictions emphasise his connection to faerie dragons and the combination of draconic and fey characteristics that distinguish him from more conventional dragon powers. No separate official emblem consisting of a dragon curled into a laughing mask, a jester's cap, or a butterfly with draconic wings has been established in the principal religious accounts concerning Nathair. --- ### **Worship and Tributes** The worship of Nathair Sgiathach is principally maintained by faerie dragons, pseudodragons, and mischievous members of the smaller fey peoples. His followers share an appreciation for practical jokes, illusions, harmless deception, and the pleasure of surprising those who consider themselves too important or serious to be deceived. Unlike faiths that demand elaborate ceremonies or strict observance of religious duties, Nathair's traditional following places considerable value upon humour, curiosity, and spontaneous amusement. A successful prank is most consistent with his nature when it creates embarrassment or confusion without causing lasting injury. His own methods generally favour making opponents appear foolish rather than inflicting unnecessary suffering. Nathair is particularly fond of jokes that expose vanity and excessive pride. He may employ illusions to undermine the dignity of pompous individuals, especially when their self-importance provides an opportunity for harmless ridicule. His followers should not mistake this preference for a prohibition against every form of violence. Nathair is willing to fight when the faerie folk are genuinely endangered, and his magical powers are sufficient to make him a formidable defender. Among the most distinctive offerings associated with Nathair is **apple pie**. He possesses an extraordinary fondness for the dish, particularly when prepared with honey and sultanas. An ordinary apple pie may attract his interest, but one prepared to his preferred recipe is considerably more likely to impress him. Some fey leave ceremonial offerings of apple pie in places where they hope to attract his attention. The practice reflects his approachable personality and his particular affection for simple pleasures. Certain fey also invoke his name when threatened, hoping that the mischievous dragon may be nearby and willing to assist them. Such appeals are not always formal prayers. They may be expressions of hope that Nathair, who is capable of remaining invisible, happens to be close enough to intervene. Among the elves of Faerûn, direct worship of Nathair is relatively uncommon. Nevertheless, some of the more mischievous elves acknowledge him alongside the Seldarine and other sylvan powers. The faerie dragons of Evermeet maintain particularly individual forms of devotion, reflecting both their independent nature and the lack of a universally imposed religious structure. No established holy day or formally prescribed festival is recorded for Nathair's faith. --- ### **Clergy and Temples** Nathair's worship is most strongly associated with faerie dragons, pseudodragons, sprites, pixies, and grigs. His traditional religious following does not possess the extensive hierarchy, formal temples, or elaborate administrative institutions maintained by many of the greater gods. This absence of rigid organisation reflects the independent and playful nature of the creatures who acknowledge him. Older accounts of the sylvan pantheon recognise the existence of shamans among his followers, although they provide little information concerning an organised priesthood. Such religious servants are associated with the traditions of their own communities rather than a central authority governing all worshippers of Nathair. The faerie dragons of Evermeet are particularly independent in their devotion. Each may honour the Winged Serpent according to its own preferences, without requiring the establishment of a permanent temple or conventional religious ceremonies. Among the smaller fey, worship may be expressed through playful acts, the exchange of jokes, or offerings intended to attract Nathair's attention. The absence of a rigid clergy should not be understood as a lack of genuine devotion. Many of his followers recognise him as a protector and powerful ally whose abilities can be employed when their communities face serious threats. Within the Seelie Court, Nathair is acknowledged as a member of the Outer Circle rather than an official religious administrator or courtly priest. His relationship with the other sylvan powers is maintained through personal affection, shared interests, and mutual assistance rather than a formal structure of religious authority. --- ### **Powers and Abilities** Nathair possesses extraordinary supernatural abilities associated with illusion, transformation, enchantment, and the manipulation of perception. Although his small size and playful appearance make him seem harmless, his magical powers have been recognised as exceptionally formidable even among the members of the Seelie Court. **Improved Invisibility** Nathair possesses the ability to remain invisible continuously, even while employing magic or attacking his enemies. This supernatural concealment allows him to observe travellers, approach unsuspecting creatures, and perform elaborate pranks without revealing his location. His invisibility also provides a considerable advantage when defending the faerie folk, allowing him to confuse hostile creatures while remaining difficult to locate. **Euphoric Breath** Nathair can release a cloud of supernatural gas that induces overwhelming feelings of happiness and contentment. Creatures affected by this breath become incapable of undertaking hostile actions, preferring instead to wander aimlessly, admire their surroundings, or occupy themselves with harmless activities. Victims may abandon combat entirely, becoming distracted by flowers or other pleasant objects while their companions attempt to continue fighting. This ability reflects Nathair's preference for preventing violence through absurdity rather than meeting every threat with destructive force. **Illusion and Glamour** Nathair possesses extensive mastery of illusion magic, allowing him to manipulate appearances, sounds, and other sensory experiences. His pranks frequently involve creating supernatural effects that embarrass or confuse their victims. One of his favourite tricks is to make the backside of a large humanoid glow bright red while appearing to produce music. Such illusions are particularly amusing to Nathair when the victim possesses an inflated sense of dignity. His skill in illusion is sufficiently advanced to make him a dangerous opponent, for enemies may struggle to distinguish genuine threats from the magical absurdities he creates. **Transformation of Objects** Nathair can transform inanimate objects into entirely different forms through powerful magic. He particularly enjoys employing this ability against weapons carried by hostile creatures, occasionally turning swords, clubs, and other dangerous implements into harmless toys or stuffed animals. Such transformations deprive his enemies of their weapons while allowing Nathair to avoid the necessity of inflicting serious injuries. His preference for ridiculous transformations is another expression of his belief that humiliation and confusion can be effective alternatives to direct violence. **Magical Protection** Nathair's older divine manifestation possesses exceptional protection against hostile magic and physical attacks. He is described as immune to paralysis, petrification, elemental magic, enchantments, charms, and illusions. Ordinary weapons and weaker magical effects are insufficient to injure this manifestation, making him far more resilient than his diminutive appearance would suggest. These protections were attributed specifically to his divine avatar in older accounts and should not be assumed to describe every manifestation attributed to him. **Sylvan and Divine Magic** Nathair's traditional divine powers encompass several forms of magic associated with the natural world and the fey. His abilities include enchantments, elemental magic, the manipulation of plants and animals, and supernatural influences upon weather. He is also an accomplished illusionist, capable of employing magic that would challenge the understanding of powerful mortal spellcasters. **Nathair's Mischief** A magical tradition associated with Nathair has become known as _Nathair's Mischief_. The spell combines fey and draconic magic to produce an area filled with unpredictable supernatural effects. Those caught within its influence may experience the irresistible fragrance of apple pie, become charmed, or find themselves surrounded by bouquets of flowers that suddenly spray water. Other manifestations cause creatures to laugh uncontrollably or fill the affected space with floating drops of molasses that make movement difficult. The spell reflects the character of Nathair's own magic, combining illusion and distraction with effects that are inconvenient, embarrassing, and occasionally dangerous without relying primarily upon destructive force. **Dragonsight** Some draconic scholars attribute Nathair's most extraordinary abilities to dragonsight, a rare form of perception associated with the connections between dragons existing across different worlds. A dragon possessing highly developed dragonsight may gain awareness of other incarnations of itself and acquire abilities far exceeding those of ordinary members of its species. According to this interpretation, Nathair's apparent divine power is not evidence that he is a god, but the consequence of supernatural abilities developed to an exceptional degree. This explanation differs from the older religious traditions that recognise him as an offspring of Io and an intermediate deity of the Seelie Court. Both interpretations acknowledge that Nathair possesses powers far beyond those normally available to a faerie dragon. --- ### **Treatment of the Chosen and Faithful** Nathair possesses genuine affection for the faerie folk and is willing to intervene when they face danger. His concern extends particularly to faerie dragons, pseudodragons, sprites, pixies, and grigs, whose small size can leave them vulnerable to attacks by larger creatures. When his followers are threatened, Nathair may appear through one of his manifestations and employ magical illusions, enchantments, or other supernatural abilities to drive away their enemies. He generally prefers to avoid killing attackers when humiliation or confusion will achieve the same result. A hostile creature may discover that its weapons have been transformed into toys, that its companions are overcome by uncontrollable happiness, or that the surrounding environment has become filled with illusions that make coordinated attacks impossible. These methods are consistent with Nathair's good-natured disposition, but they should not be mistaken for an unwillingness to employ greater force when necessary. He can fight seriously when the lives of the faerie folk are at stake. Nathair is also capable of directing his pranks toward his own followers. His affection for a creature does not exempt it from becoming the subject of a practical joke, particularly when its behaviour provides a sufficiently amusing opportunity. He is willing to laugh at himself and generally appreciates those who can respond to his humour without becoming excessively offended. No established system of permanent supernatural blessings, divine ranks, or individual marks of favour has been recorded for his followers. His protection is most clearly demonstrated through personal intervention and the use of his considerable magical abilities. --- ### **Myths and Legends** **The Winged Serpent, Child of Io** According to the older traditions of the draconic pantheon, Nathair Sgiathach is one of the offspring of Io, the great progenitor of dragonkind. Despite this ancestry, Nathair possesses little interest in the pursuits associated with many of the greater dragons. He does not seek dominion over lesser creatures, the accumulation of immense treasure hoards, or supremacy among his draconic relatives. Instead, he found companionship among the sylvan powers and the diminutive inhabitants of their woodland realms. His affection for the faerie folk eventually established him as the recognised patron of faerie dragons and pseudodragons. The contrast between his draconic ancestry and his playful personality has made him an unusual figure within both the draconic and sylvan traditions. Some scholars have suggested a connection between Nathair and Hlal, another mischievous draconic power associated with the appearance of a faerie dragon. The precise relationship between these beings has not been established, and their identification as a single entity remains speculative. **The Outer Circle of the Seelie Court** Nathair's membership in the Seelie Court has long been complicated by his inability to restrain his enthusiasm for pranks. Although Titania and Oberon recognise his considerable magical abilities, his behaviour can prove exhausting even to fey who ordinarily appreciate mischief. He is known to interrupt serious affairs with jokes, employ illusions against unsuspecting courtiers, and respond to attempts at discipline with further acts of playful defiance. As a consequence, Nathair traditionally belongs to the Outer Circle of the Seelie Court rather than the Inner Circle. This distinction does not imply that he is regarded as an enemy or an unwelcome presence. The other sylvan powers recognise him as a valuable ally and appreciate his willingness to defend the faerie folk when serious danger arises. His position allows him to remain connected to the Court without assuming the responsibilities or restrictions imposed upon its closest attendants. **The Friendship of Sqeulaiche** Among the members of the Seelie Court, Nathair maintains a particularly close relationship with Sqeulaiche, the leprechaun deity who serves as its official Court Jester. Both possess a fondness for trickery, humour, and the embarrassment of overly serious individuals. Sqeulaiche is renowned for his cleverness and his willingness to mock powerful beings, including Titania herself. Nathair shares this disposition, although his draconic nature and extraordinary magical abilities provide him with different methods of accomplishing his pranks. Their friendship reflects the importance of laughter and playful deception among the smaller fey peoples. Despite their mischievous behaviour, both are capable of genuine concern for the welfare of diminutive sylvan creatures and will oppose those who threaten them. **The Invisible Prankster** Nathair's extraordinary invisibility has made him particularly difficult to detect during his visits to mortal woodlands. He frequently sends manifestations to regions inhabited by sylvan creatures, where he observes travellers and searches for opportunities to amuse himself. His preferred victims are often larger beings whose behaviour strikes him as pompous, humourless, or excessively serious. One of his most recognisable tricks involves causing a creature's backside to glow bright red while apparently producing a musical tune. The illusion is harmless, but the embarrassment it causes can be considerable, particularly when the victim is attempting to maintain dignity before companions or subordinates. Nathair's enjoyment of such pranks has become an important part of his reputation among the fey. Although these tricks can be irritating, they are generally intended to amuse rather than seriously injure their victims. **The Defence of the Faerie Folk** Despite his reputation for frivolity, Nathair possesses a genuine willingness to protect sylvan creatures from violence. When faerie dragons, sprites, or other diminutive fey are threatened, he may abandon his playful observations and intervene directly. His preferred method of defence involves using powerful illusions and enchantments to confuse enemies, transform their weapons, or prevent them from continuing hostile actions. Such interventions can make attackers appear ridiculous while allowing the threatened creatures to escape. Nathair is not incapable of inflicting injury, but generally regards lethal force as unnecessary when an enemy can be driven away through humiliation. His willingness to defend the faerie folk has earned him considerable affection among those who understand that his frivolous appearance conceals a powerful and loyal protector. **The Apple Pie Offering** Nathair possesses an unusually strong affection for apple pie, a preference recognised among those familiar with his personality. He is particularly fond of pies containing honey and sultanas, ingredients whose sweetness he considers especially pleasing. Among some fey, this preference has become the basis of ceremonial offerings intended to attract his attention. A pie prepared according to his tastes may be left in a woodland clearing or another location associated with faerie dragons. The offering does not guarantee that Nathair will appear, but it reflects one of the most recognisable characteristics of the Winged Serpent. The connection between apple pie and his magical traditions has become so well established that the spell known as _Nathair's Mischief_ employs a fragment of pie crust as part of its casting. **The Question of Divinity** For ages, Nathair was recognised among the sylvan powers as an intermediate deity whose authority encompassed mischief and pranks. His traditional place within the Seelie Court and his descent from Io were regarded as evidence of his divine nature. However, later draconic scholarship has offered a different interpretation of his extraordinary abilities. According to this view, Nathair is a powerful faerie dragon whose highly developed dragonsight permits feats that mortals and lesser fey might mistake for divine intervention. Those who favour this explanation regard him as a celebrated figure among faerie dragons rather than a true god. The disagreement has not diminished his reputation among the smaller fey peoples. Whether understood as a divine patron or an exceptionally powerful dragon, Nathair remains renowned for his extraordinary magical abilities, playful disposition, and willingness to defend those who share his affection for mischief. --- ### **Encounters with Nathair's Influence** Encounters with Nathair most commonly occur in sylvan regions where faerie dragons and other diminutive fey maintain their homes. Travellers may become aware of his influence when harmless but inexplicable magical effects begin occurring nearby. Objects may change appearance, unfamiliar music may seem to emerge from unexpected places, or individuals may discover themselves subjected to embarrassing illusions. Such events are not necessarily the direct work of Nathair, for faerie dragons and other fey frequently employ similar forms of magic. However, the nature of the pranks may suggest the involvement of a particularly powerful creature whose abilities exceed those of an ordinary faerie dragon. A direct encounter with Nathair may prove difficult because of his extraordinary invisibility. He can observe travellers without revealing himself, employing illusions or minor transformations to test their reactions. Individuals who respond with humour may find his company more agreeable than those who react with hostility or attempt to punish every act of mischief. Apple pie, particularly when prepared with honey and sultanas, may prove useful when attempting to attract his attention. The smaller fey peoples sometimes invoke his name when threatened, hoping he will hear their appeal and intervene. Should Nathair respond, attackers may find themselves overwhelmed by harmless but disabling magical effects. Weapons may become toys, the surrounding landscape may appear transformed, or hostile creatures may be rendered incapable of fighting by overwhelming happiness. Although his methods are often absurd, their effectiveness should not be underestimated. Nathair's ability to combine illusion, enchantment, and supernatural concealment makes him an exceptionally difficult opponent to confront directly. Those who threaten the faerie folk may therefore discover that the small dragon they regarded as a harmless prankster possesses magical powers sufficient to overcome far larger and more dangerous creatures. --- ### **Conclusion** Nathair Sgiathach is a mischievous draconic being traditionally revered as the patron of faerie dragons, pseudodragons, and other diminutive fey creatures. His playful personality, fondness for practical jokes, and extraordinary magical abilities have made him one of the most unusual figures associated with the Seelie Court. Although older traditions identify him as an intermediate deity and offspring of Io, other accounts describe him as a remarkably powerful faerie dragon whose abilities have been mistaken for godhood. Regardless of these differing interpretations, Nathair remains closely associated with illusion, humour, curiosity, and the protection of the faerie folk. His preference for embarrassing enemies rather than destroying them distinguishes him from many other powerful beings of the multiverse, while his willingness to defend vulnerable creatures demonstrates the compassion beneath his frivolous manner. Among the smaller inhabitants of the fey realms, the Winged Serpent continues to be regarded as a powerful protector whose appearance may be heralded by an inexplicable illusion, a sudden burst of laughter, or the unexpected disappearance of an apple pie.