Cult of Bentus
High God of Pleasure
Background:
Bentus is both revered and reviled throughout Peloria as the God of Pleasure in all
its forms. He brings solace to the poor and troubled, and misery for those charged with
keeping order. He is often worshipped jointly with Adayan, the Goddess of Pleasure, who
some claim to be an aspect of Uleria. Bentus is sometimes called the "Twice Born"
because he was torn asunder by jealous gods when a child. When his blood fell
upon the ground young Bentus was resurrected by his grandmother, ReDalaMa - the primal Earth Mother. Bentus has since had a
connection with women, fruits of the Earth, and life itself.
Pelandan myth
credits Bentus, if grudgingly, for twice bringing life back to its cities and temples.
Bentus was first worshipped in Pelanda, but his cult has since spread
throughout Peloria - if very thinly. The frenzied and sometimes fatal nature of the cult
has caused it to be suppressed many times, but it always seems to spring back from hidden
seeds. His only known temple in the Western Reaches lies within the city of
Minstinus. Bentus
also receives worship as one of the High Gods, and sits upon the Jernotian Ring.
Skills:
Physical - <intoxicant> Tolerance, Brewing, Dance, Play Instrument.
Mental - Knowledge of Intoxicants, Mythology of Bentus, Understand Opposite
Sex.
Affinities:
Ecstasy (Ecstatic Transformation, Enhance Pleasure, Extend
Sensation)
Earth (Seduction, Bless Fruit, Endurance)
Madness (Disorient, Dispel Inhibition, Curse of Dependency)
Secret: Reborn of Earth - Bentus teaches his devotees how to
return from the Underworld through his connection with Earth. If a deceased worshipper's
fermented blood is
poured upon sacred ground, he will rise again from it the following spring.
Other Side: Bentus dwells in his House of Boundless Joy,
where worshippers engage in endless debauchery. Exits to the Golden, Storm, and Darkness
ages are to be found here. Bentus also resides upon Mt Jernotius with the other High Gods.
Disadvantages: This cult is held in general disfavor by rulers
and law enforcement officials throughout Peloria, and provides little support to its
worshipers when they run afoul of the law. The recent participation of Moonson Argentus in
the rites of Bentus has done little to change this situation.
Subcults:
Adayan - The Goddess of Pleasure,
usually paired with Bentus.
Subcult for females
Aspects as Bentus
Jofum - The Glutton, son of Bentus, who loved alcohol and good food.
Consume
Conviviality
Iredana - Herald of Bentus, bringer of mead, music, and song.
Blessings of Honey
Music
Seludeum - The Martyred Prince, who founded the Temple of Bentus in
Minstinus.
Evangelize
Resist Order
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