The Reveler, God of Wine

A dark and mysterious god of wine, debauchery, madness, pleasure, forbidden knowledge,and prophecy. Worship of The Reveler is extremely controversial in Aelas, as most people would regard him as a demon or evil spirit, if he even exists. Worship of him was more common in ages past. Now it is a shunned faith, reviled even in cities like Rainshadow where its practice is protected by laws of order and tolerance. With respect to the laws of the realm, paladins of the High Pantheon have been taught to stamp out any signs of The Reveler's influence for the sake of all mortal lives.

Artistically, he is depicted as either a satyr or androgynous Human man, dancing, drinking, or offering his cup to those with the courage to sip from it. Temples to the wine god are rare. Most worshippers gather in secret, out in the wilderness to dance, drink, and revel ritualistically until they are closer to the divine and further from sanity. It isn't rare to see his flock more crazed than not. He tempts them as The Reveler seems to delight in answering the prayers of his supplicants, directly and swiftly. Those few who cling to his wine-soaked rites are either true devotees of The Lord of the Vine, or despearate enough to make a pact with a demon for quick results.

Unlike other deities, The Reveler's name is kept secret, revealed only to his most zealous followers. According to myth, to hear the name uttered is to turn forever to madness. For an acolyte of The Reveler, divine madness is the greatest bliss.

PROPHECY

Every religion has its eschatology. The Reveler cult is no exception. Being a god who bestows prophecy, there are many tales yet to occur surrounding the Mad God's mythos. The greatest of his revelations is the ominous Night of the Laughing Moon. It is said that one glorious night a bacchanal of ecstasy and lunacy will drown the world, spilling from a single cup.