Balthazar, Spirit of Blood

Balthazar is a Superior Spirit of pure malevolence, with a thirst for blood that can never be quenched. His dark, muscular form is always covered in a film of red as if he is constantly sweating blood. His glowing red eyes seem to pierce the soul, and his sharp, pointed teeth are a constant reminder of his nature as a predator.   Despite his fearsome appearance, Balthazar is highly intelligent and manipulative, able to twist the thoughts and desires of others to his own ends. He is also incredibly powerful, able to control and manipulate blood to suit his needs. Whether it be causing wounds to bleed uncontrollably, or turning someone's own blood against them, Balthazar is a force to be reckoned with.   Despite his power, Balthazar is not content to simply rule over his own domain. He constantly seeks to expand his influence and will stop at nothing to do so. He has a devoted cult of followers who worship him and offer him sacrifices in exchange for his favor, but Balthazar is known to betray and abandon those who no longer serve his purposes.  

Appearance

Balthazar is a tall, muscular figure with dark skin and long, flowing black hair. His eyes are bright red and seem to glow with an inner fire. His teeth are sharp and pointed, and his smile is cold and cruel.   Balthazar is always covered in blood, which seems to seep from his pores and flow over his body like a red mist. His clothes, if he wears any, are also stained with blood. He carries himself with an air of confidence and power, and his every move exudes danger and menace.  

Personality

Balthazar is cruel and sadistic, taking pleasure in causing suffering and death. He is also highly manipulative, able to twist people's thoughts and desires to his own ends. He is highly intelligent and strategic, always thinking several steps ahead and planning for every eventuality.   Despite his malevolent nature, Balthazar is also extremely cunning and intelligent, able to outmaneuver his opponents with ease. He is patient and calculating, never acting impulsively or making rash decisions.  

History

Balthazar was once a powerful and feared Superior Spirit, with a thirst for blood that could never be quenched. In ancient times, he was worshipped by a small cult of followers who offered him human sacrifices in exchange for his favor.   However, over the centuries, Balthazar's influence began to wane as more people turned away from the worship of malevolent deities. His cult of followers dwindled, and he was all but forgotten by the wider world.   Despite this, Balthazar never forgot his desire for power and control. He began to infiltrate other societies and organizations, using his powers of manipulation to bend them to his will. He became a shadowy figure, pulling the strings from behind the scenes and orchestrating events to suit his own purposes.   Now, Balthazar is a feared and reviled figure, with a reputation for cruelty and malevolence that precedes him. But to those who dare to confront him, he is a formidable and terrifying enemy.  

Traditions & Practices

There are ten commandments that the priests of Balthazar must adhere to:  

• Always offer sacrifices to Balthazar, whether they be humanoid or otherwise. These offerings must be made with a pure heart and a willingness to serve him.
• Spread the word of Balthazar to all who will listen, and convert as many people as possible to his worship.
• Obey the orders of Balthazar's chosen leaders without question.
• Always be on the lookout for opportunities to increase Balthazar's power and influence.
• Protect the secrets of Balthazar and his cult at all costs.
• Defend the honor of Balthazar and his cult against all detractors.
• Serve Balthazar with all of your heart and soul, and put his needs above your own.
• Perform the rituals of Balthazar with the utmost care and attention to detail.
• Seek out knowledge and power that will benefit Balthazar and his cult.
• Remember that Balthazar is a spirit of blood and sacrifice, and be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice if called upon to do so.

Ritual of Balthazar

The ritual of Balthazar is a dark and twisted affair, involving the offering of sacrifices to appease the spirit and seek his favor. It is typically performed in a secret, underground chamber, adorned with candles and adorned with symbols of Balthazar's power.   The ritual begins with the priests of Balthazar chanting dark incantations and invoking the spirit's name. As they do so, they prepare a variety of offerings, including food, drink, and blood. These offerings are placed on an altar at the center of the chamber, and the priests begin to circle around it, chanting and praying to Balthazar.   As the chanting reaches a fever pitch, the priests begin to slice open their own skin, offering their own blood as a sacrifice to the spirit. The blood is collected in a basin and mixed with the other offerings, creating a thick, red sludge.   Finally, when the offering is complete, the priests fall to their knees and plead with Balthazar to accept their offering and grant them his favor. If he is pleased with the offering, it is said that he will send a sign, such as a bolt of lightning or a vision of his face. If he is not pleased, the priests may be struck down by his wrath.   Overall, the ritual of Balthazar is a brutal and terrifying affair, one that is not for the faint of heart. Only the most devoted and fanatical of his priests are willing to participate in it.  

Offerings

Acceptable offerings to Balthazar vary depending on the desires and needs of the spirit at the time. However, there are some offerings that are commonly made to him:  

• Blood: Balthazar is a spirit of blood, and as such, offerings of blood are highly prized. This can include the blood of animals, such as cows or chickens, or the blood of humans, either willingly given or taken by force.
• Food and drink: Balthazar is also said to enjoy offerings of food and drink, particularly those that are rich and indulgent. This can include fine wines, exotic spices, and other luxurious items.
• Treasure: Balthazar is said to have a love of wealth and treasure, and will often accept offerings of gold, silver, and other precious items.
• Magical objects: Balthazar is also said to be interested in magical objects, such as cursed artifacts or ancient relics. These offerings are rare and highly coveted, as they are believed to grant special favor to the spirit.

Shrines & Priests

The shrines of Balthazar are dark and foreboding places, hidden away from the eyes of the general public and only accessible to his devoted followers. These shrines are typically located underground, in hidden chambers or secret tunnels.   Inside the shrines, there are altars of Balthazar, adorned with symbols of his power and adorned with offerings of blood and treasure. There are also statues and icons of the spirit , which are worshipped by his followers.   The priests of Balthazar are a fanatical and devoted group, dedicated to the worship of their spirit and the expansion of his power. These priests are typically chosen from among the ranks of Balthazar's followers and are believed to have been specially chosen by the spirit himself.   The priests of Balthazar are responsible for performing the rituals and sacrifices to the spirit, and for spreading his word to the wider world. They are also responsible for guarding the secrets of the cult and protecting its members from outsiders.   The priests of Balthazar are a dark and foreboding group, with an appearance that reflects their devotion to their spirit. They are typically dressed in crimson robes, adorned with symbols of Balthazar's power. These robes are often stained with blood, both their own and that of sacrifices.   The priests of Balthazar also often wear masks or hoods to obscure their faces, adding to their mysterious and intimidating appearance. These masks are typically adorned with sharp teeth or horns, further emphasizing the connection to their spirit.   In terms of physical appearance, the priests of Balthazar are a varied group, coming from all walks of life. Some are tall and muscular, while others are short and slender. Some have pale skin, while others have dark or olive complexions. However, what they all have in common is fanaticism and dedication to their spirit which is written plainly on their faces.