Orlanth is worshiped in places where there is uncertainty in the air, and a strong leader can guide others through troubled times to seek peace and safety. Orlanth is manifest in the powerful atmospheric storms which range across much of the world, yet through the strength of his character he rules it lightly and justly. Key to his rule is the council of advisors who give him advice and powers, and who help him rule the diverse creatures within his realm.
The Orlanthi know that their god is the king of the universe through the might of his character which had him right the grievances that he had wrought in the Gods War. In the God Time the world appeared stable, but that was an illusion dispelled since the coming of the storm gods. Instead everything changed, and only those who change as well can survive. Orlanth led those survivors, and he brought them through all adversity. He faced the dead who hated him and the living who withstood him. Afterwards the world was born anew by his struggles, and now he is worshiped by those who know his ways.
The Orlanth pantheon is correctly viewed as a tribal organization. Power rests in the leader, but even he has not got all of the powers in his hand and must rely on his companions. There are often squabbles, and there are many historical stories about Orlanthi fighting Orlanthi, even as gods. Yet that is seen as natural and inevitable, and its opposite must be shunned.
The Orlanth pantheon is made up of many diverse individuals from many different origins. This is the mark of the many types of beings who follow this god. The bulk of nature which follows him is from the atmosphere, which he rules as its king, but many other spirits acknowledge his overlordship as they go their own way.
The Orlanthi view the Yelm way of life as being all they dislike. They have an advantage over water which they use as they wish. They are weak before the earth, but are wise to acknowledge that weakness.
This was some early concept art for Orlanth circa when I was working on the Guide to Glorantha.
