Benikio

 

Description

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Believe in the hunt, respect its purpose, and do not take beyond what is necessary. Animals form the bedrock of nature's balance and the cycle of life. If the need arises to take an animal's life, every part of the slain creature should be utilized, with nothing wasted. There exist beings that are a grotesque perversion of nature; those altered by malevolent means. They must be vigilantly observed, and if they strive to propagate evil, they must be slain.   These are the teachings of Benikio. Once a mighty guardian who stood alongside the goddess Damyomhikir, Benikio now exists as an influential spirit residing within awakened animals and druids capable of shapeshifting. His spirit, or voice, is said to guide and communicate. Signs of his presence are often found in the actions of animals leading individuals out of harm's way or providing comfort in times of distress.   A tomb known as Tenebrus'mah in the ancient homeland of Zan'deil stands in honor of Benikio and his longtime companion Damyomhikir, serving as a place of respect for the deities. It symbolizes a lasting commitment to their teachings, thereby offering a place of worship for those who seek to follow their path. Despite his physical death in battle with the god of chaos, Rodgort, Benikio's spiritual influence continues.  

Modern Depiction

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Benikio's representation varies significantly, with some depicting the god as a colossal beast, or many animals combined to form a larger creature. Shrines are often decorated with a variety of carved animal figurines in honor of their god. In a painting said to have been by Damyomhikir herself called "The Feeding of the Wolf," Benikio is portrayed as a forest full of small critters tearing at a pack of wolves. Despite these varied interpretations, the god is always associated with and shown as animals.  

Tenets of Benikio

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	Every individual soul matters, and everything has a soul.
	Expression through artwork, carving and chiseling is considered a reverent act as it alters a being.
	Respect the nature of the hunt and take only what is necessary.
	Every part of a slain creature should be utilized, with nothing wasted.
	Honoring and caring for a beast is nurturing the land and maintaining life's balance.
	Shapeshifters, especially those altered by malevolent means, must be vigilantly observed.

 

Benikio Worshiping Adventurers

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Those with an affinity for nature and its creatures may find themselves drawn to worship Benikio. By doing so, many hope to one day communicate directly with the god, perhaps even accompanying it on a hunt. All animals are attuned to Benikio's spirit, serving as its physical extensions in a world the deity can no longer touch.   Shapeshifters and lycanthropes are often the target of Benikio's worshipers. Given their inherent nature, these individuals often fall into deceitful ways, bringing them into direct conflict with hunters. Consequently, Benikio has garnered a somewhat unfavorable reputation among non-druidic shapeshifters, seen as a deity patronized by witch hunters and charlatans.   Adventurers who have chosen to follow Benikio are often elvenari druids, rangers, or any who feel a connection with animals and the natural world. They seek to honor and protect nature, respecting the balance of life, and utilizing every resource with mindful conservation. In return, they hope to gain the deity's wisdom and guidance.