ARITO – The Bear Goddess

Status:  2nd Generation Elder God

Level:  7000

Avatar:  Carint

(Known to the Bearmen as Belatucadrous (pronounced Bella-Too-Kad-Rus), the brilliant in war)

Arito arrived upon the shores of the land at a date long previous to humans and instructed the Bearfolk – who were then in a savage and unsettled state – in all arts of life, culture and war. It is further related of her that she was an albino, having totally white fur and piercing pink eyes.

Having taught the natives the usage of civilised society, or at least advanced barbarism, she then promised that one-day she would return to rule them as of old. Leaving them alone, she retreated once again to roam the forests of the world and it was here that she was set upon by Rackarok, the largest of the serpents ever to sliver on the earth.

After fighting for many hours it is said that she finally put her left back paw on Rackorak’s lower jaw and standing tall, a full 30’, she tore his mouth asunder. Wounded, her left paw ripped off, she limped away. For many days she struggled aimlessly through the forest before collapsing exhausted and near death at the foot of Yggdrasil, the world tree.

As she lay wounded and poisoned, beginning the journey down the river of death she was discovered by Visvakarma, a strange hermit of renown amongst the elves but of neither elvish or human bloodline, he tended Arito. He purified her of the poisons and set an iron claw upon her severed wrist. So grateful was she that she granted him the power of eternal youth, by plucking one of the enchanted apples from Yggdrasil.

She then left for the heavens and Bifrost (the home of the Gods). She bid Tanarsa, the Star Queen, to place an effigy of herself in the heavens, so that her followers would be reminded of her presence and her promise that one-day she would return. This shape of stars is known simply to her followers as ‘The Bear’.

SYMBOL

Arito’s symbol is that of a stylised claw

WORSHIP

Arito is of great bodily strength and a silent disposition, which is characteristic of her followers. Her attitude of fighting and war requires the utmost seriousness of concentration if a foe is to be bettered, and so her followers tolerate no stupidity, especially whilst fighting.

It is commonly believed among her followers that at the time when her Bearfolk most need her, she will return unto them from the heavens, leading those who have earned honour in her eyes into battle once again, ruling them as in the days of old.

TEMPLES

Arito’s temples are very practical, there is very little finery, and everything both inside and out is solidly built.

HOLY DAYS

Arito has no holy days

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

The cult has a neutral outlook preferring to keep themselves to themselves. They however, despise followers of snake or lizard deities.

CULT REQUIREMENTS

Any who possess great bodily strength and a serious disposition may join the Cult of Arito.

STRICTURES

• Never betray your kin or a true friend/ally.
• Never allow the names of fallen kin/friends/allies be taken in vain. The besmircher must be challenged to combat.
• Where possible snakes/lizards should be slain.
• Never tolerate the existence of any Lizard / Snake cult.

There is a further unwritten stricture, that of seriousness, which all devoted followers respect especially on Holy Ground or in combat.