Bes

BES The Musical Dwarf, Protector of Children 

Pantheon

 * Stygian Pantheon

Regions of Worship

 * Stygia

Divine Relationships

 * Set (father)

Representation
Bes is a dwarf with a large head, a beard and his tongue is often is shown sticking out. He has a flat nose, bushy eyebrows and hair, huge protruding ears, short bowed legs and he wears a crown of feathers.

Gender representation: male

Symbolism

 * Harp
 * Sword
 * Crown of Feathers

Spheres of Power

 * Newborn children
 * Protection against Curses/Powers
 * Music
 * Dance
 * Homes

Rituals & Beliefs
He is the son of Set and his black shadow, the god of music and dance, preferring to play the harp. He is also a warrior-god and wields a thick short sword. Women often expose their genitals to his statues when they requests favours from him or during festivals dedicated to him. He protects newborn children and brings happiness to a home.

Festival of Bes
Tolerated with slight amusement by the Priests of Set. The Festival of Bes is put on by people instead of priests, as Bes has no proper temple. On this day there is no corvee (tax) and all the work is put aside for the day. People parade down the streets wearing ugly, giant masks depicting Bes while people dance naked to music, played by many musicians in various parts of the city. The aim of the entire festival is to ward off any evil spirits that may threaten childbirth for the year.

Implementation IC & In-Game
None as he has no temples of his own.

More Information

 * Return to the Road of Kings (Conan RPG Book)
 * Faith and Fervour (Conan RPG Book)
 * Stygia - The Serpent of the South (Conan RPG Book)