Bachages

"Indulge in the pleasures of the feast!" - Bachages, God of Food and Drink.
Bachages is a deity belonging to the Imperial Pantheon. He is the God of of Food and Drink. Known for his dual aspects of nourishment and excess, he is both a benefactor and a somewhat cautionary figure. His divine influence is seen in the bounty of harvests, the richness of feasts, and the joy of communal gatherings. However, he can also embody the darker sides of indulgence, such as gluttony and addiction. Worshippers of Bachages include farmers, brewers, chefs, and those seeking abundance or celebrating life's pleasures, but they are always mindful of the god's dual nature.
In the churches and shrines dedicated to Bachages, offerings of food and drink are commonplace, ranging from simple grains and water to lavish feasts and rare vintages. His clergy perform rituals to ensure bountiful harvests and to ward off famine. Despite his generally benevolent image, Bachages' favour can be fickle, turning swiftly to displeasure if his followers fall into decadence without reverence. Tales of villages prospering under his blessing and then suddenly falling into ruin from neglect are widespread. This duality makes Bachages a powerful and unpredictable deity in the Imperial Pantheon, embodying both the life-sustaining and destructive potentials of sustenance.
== Symbology ==
The primary symbols of Bachages are a cornucopia overflowing with fruits and a goblet filled to the brim with wine, both of which represent celebration, abundance, and indulgence. Additionally, a pair of crossed utensils - traditionally a fork and a knife - signifies his dominion over food and dining rituals. His sacred animal, the boar, is often depicted alongside these symbols, denoting both feasting and the wilder aspects of consumption. Altars dedicated to him frequently feature these symbols, crafted from gold and adorned with intricate carvings of feasting scenes.
== Personality ==
Bachages possesses a personality marked by unpredictability. He is benevolent and joyous, delighting in the pleasures of food and drink, and is often depicted as jovial and welcoming. However, his temper can be as volatile as a boiling pot and he quickly becomes displeased if his gifts are misused or taken for granted. This duality makes him both a beloved and feared deity, as he can bestow great bounty or bring about devastating scarcity. His nature serves as a reminder to his followers to approach indulgence with reverence and gratitude.
Bachages maintains a cordial yet wary relationship with the other gods, often acting as a mediator during divine feasts and gatherings with his charm and diplomacy. Many gods appreciate his ability to bring joy and abundance, seeing him as a valuable ally in fostering harmony and celebration among their followers. However, some view his capricious nature with suspicion, wary of the potential chaos his indulgence can bring. Bachages himself respects gods that influence harvest and fertility, recognising their linked domains. But he is less fond of deities associated with austerity and discipline, whom he finds overly restrictive and joyless.
== Bachages' Realm, The Feastlands ==
The divine domain of Bachages, known as the Feastlands, is a vast, ever-changing landscape of bountiful fields, lush orchards, and endless banquet halls. The skies are perpetually tinged with the golden hues of dawn and dusk, creating an atmosphere of eternal festivity. Rivers of fine wine and streams of pure, sparkling water flow through the land, nourishing the abundant crops and groves. The air is filled with the tantalising aromas of roasting meats, baked bread, and ripe fruits. Palatial dining halls, adorned with opulent decorations and laden with the finest foods, are scattered throughout the realm, each one a testament to Bachages' love for celebration.
Mortals visiting The Feastlands will no doubt find the experience both wondrous and overwhelming. They are welcomed with open arms and immediately immersed in an endless feast, where their every desire for food and drink is met with unparalleled abundance. However, the sheer quantity can quickly turn a visit into a test of restraint, as the temptation to overindulge is ever-present. Visitors often find themselves caught between delight and the challenge of maintaining balance, aware that failing to do so might invoke the less forgiving side of Bachages.
== Cult and Worship ==
Imperials hold Bachages in high regard for his ability to provide abundance and joy through food and drink. He is seen as a generous deity who blesses the land with bountiful harvests and the pleasures of communal feasting. However, his worshippers are acutely aware of his fickle nature, knowing that indulgence without reverence can quickly turn his favour to wrath. Farmers, brewers, chefs, and innkeepers are among his most devoted followers, seeking his blessings for prosperous yields and successful businesses. Celebrations, festivals, and communal meals are common forms of worship, with participants offering their finest food and drink to honour him and secure his continued favour.
The Cult of Bachages is the main religious organisation dedicated to his worship. Its members, known as Epicureans, oversee rituals, maintain temples, and ensure that offerings are made regularly. The Cult emphasises the balance between enjoyment and moderation, teaching that while Bachages encourages pleasure and abundance, he also demands respect and gratitude. Rituals often include elaborate feasts where a portion of the food is ceremonially offered to the god before being shared among the community. The Epicureans also engage in charitable acts, distributing food to the needy and organising communal meals, embodying the god's spirit of generosity.