Bakhamut, God of Pain
It is said that before Bakhamut, there was no movement. All was still. You see, without pain, no motivation for forward momentum is possible. Pain is a facilitator of change. It is also easily misunderstood, however, and blamed for many of the maladies that exist in mortal existence.
The Anatomique Nociceptica is the oldest primary source for the mythos of Bakhamut, explaining how after the The Great Cataclysm he formed along with the other 6 dieties. Later references to Bakhamut refer to him as a god of death and torture, which, as it turns out, is a much more believable and popular view of pain. Unfortunately, the Cult of Bakhamut has propagated this myth, holding up Bakhamut as the avatar for megalomaniac dictators and psychopaths. Only a few sects are "true believers", worshipping his benevolent nature. Most current worshippers of Bakhamut see him as a god that demands sacrifice, pain, and torture in order to be satiated.
One of the perversions of the original mythos of Bakhamut is the Ritual of Mikzi. Originally, the Ritual of Mikzi was performed by followers of Bakhamut to relieve their aches and pains, most notably back pain. The ritual was quite simple...you would find a shrine of Bakhamut, make a small offering of incense, and simply bow in prostration to the deity for an extended period. In reward for this, the follower would be healed and be able to continue about their day. The perversion of this ritual was in the Cult of Bakhamut's insistence that this ritual reflects the malevolence and cruelty of Bakhamut. They coined the motto "Bow to Me" in order to reflect his perceived authoritarianism. More extreme sects of the cult of Bakhamut add self-infliction of painful wounds to the ritual. Some of these include the insertion of small burning metal wires into their skin and rolling on large painful rocks before bowing to Bakhamut. Some reports have been made that one of the underground sects of the cult of Bakhamut even remove the spines of random victims in order to present them to their god.
Followers of Bakhamut would be able to find a large temple to this deity in most large cities and towns. The acolytes of Bakhamut usually wear long dark hooded robes and can be seen tending to the sick in hospitals and asylums.
The Anatomique Nociceptica is the oldest primary source for the mythos of Bakhamut, explaining how after the The Great Cataclysm he formed along with the other 6 dieties. Later references to Bakhamut refer to him as a god of death and torture, which, as it turns out, is a much more believable and popular view of pain. Unfortunately, the Cult of Bakhamut has propagated this myth, holding up Bakhamut as the avatar for megalomaniac dictators and psychopaths. Only a few sects are "true believers", worshipping his benevolent nature. Most current worshippers of Bakhamut see him as a god that demands sacrifice, pain, and torture in order to be satiated.
One of the perversions of the original mythos of Bakhamut is the Ritual of Mikzi. Originally, the Ritual of Mikzi was performed by followers of Bakhamut to relieve their aches and pains, most notably back pain. The ritual was quite simple...you would find a shrine of Bakhamut, make a small offering of incense, and simply bow in prostration to the deity for an extended period. In reward for this, the follower would be healed and be able to continue about their day. The perversion of this ritual was in the Cult of Bakhamut's insistence that this ritual reflects the malevolence and cruelty of Bakhamut. They coined the motto "Bow to Me" in order to reflect his perceived authoritarianism. More extreme sects of the cult of Bakhamut add self-infliction of painful wounds to the ritual. Some of these include the insertion of small burning metal wires into their skin and rolling on large painful rocks before bowing to Bakhamut. Some reports have been made that one of the underground sects of the cult of Bakhamut even remove the spines of random victims in order to present them to their god.
Followers of Bakhamut would be able to find a large temple to this deity in most large cities and towns. The acolytes of Bakhamut usually wear long dark hooded robes and can be seen tending to the sick in hospitals and asylums.
Divine Domains
Pain, Torture, Danger, Progress
Holy Books & Codes
Anatomique Nociceptica
Divine Symbols & Sigils
A small shard of bone
Tenets of Faith
Pain is necessary for self-preservation and survival. It is a warning sign. One must understand and be enlightened about the nature of pain, lest it control and destroy your life. Pain is powerful because it can make people do terrible things due to their fear of it. However, pain can also lead to progress and improvement, and it in this aspect that Bakhamut finds joy.
Divine Goals & Aspirations
To protect the creatures of Terra and to help them progress to their potential.
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