Cultist (Secret Society)

Maybe your family already serves the cult's society for generations and you grew up in its traditions, or you've been initiated at some point of your former life. In any way, a mystery or higher calling has been revealed to you, and influenced your way of thinking and perception of the world. If the initiation came at a later date, it might even have shook you to the bones. Many, but not all cults, act in secrecy in fear of persecution by opposing powers or the sheer need of keeping precarious knowledge away from the wrong hands. Not even all members might know the deepest mysteries of a cult but the most worthy, who have proven their loyality and devotion over many years.

Work with your DM to determine the details, so the cult and your background story will fit into the setting of the world and campaign you're playing.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from Deception, Persuasion, Arcana, Religion

Tool Proficiencies: Choose proficiency with Herbalism Kit or Poisoner's Kit.

Equipment: Vestments or a set of common clothes and an emblem of your cult.

Suggested Characteristics

Most cultists see themselves as shepherds, guardians or proud pioneers, having great confidence in the particular set of skills they've trained or were taught serving the cult. They often adopted certain behaviors that are valued by it, or are essential to protect oneself and/or the cult's mysteries, but else come as different as any other people can be.

d8	Personality Trait
1	I always check my surroundings and eavesdrop on the conversations around me if i can.
2	I shroud myself in mysteries and oddities.
3	I'm ruthless when it comes to achieving important goals.
4	I am proud and put a lot of effort (and currency) into my appearance.
5	I have a soft spot for the common people and their simple worries and needs.
6	I'd rather negotiate for peace than fuel a war.
7	I question any other authority than the leaders of my cult.
8	I get moody when i have to go without the pleasantries of civilisation for too long.

d6	Ideal
1	Domination. I'd lie, steal and kill to further the cause of my cult. (Evil)
2	Reformation. I'll prove the old doctrines wrong, the vision of my cult will bring renewal! (Chaotic)
3	Coexistence. I don't condemn your belief, as long as I'm free to to follow mine. (Neutral)
4	Preservation. Without order civilisation would be doomed. (Lawful)
5	Welfare. My talents were given to me so that I could use them to benefit the world. (Good)
6	Transcendence. Delving into the mysteries of my faith will perfect me. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I'll never betray the values i've been taught for wealth or titles.
2	I would protect the survival of my faith and the well-being of its followers with my life.
3	I am a shining light in the darkness of ignorance.
4	I failed my cult once, now I'm trying to make up for it.
5	I've sacrificed everything to the cult, i'm yet waiting to be rewarded.
6	I discovered the cult has a terrible secret. They must never know i know until i find a way to stop them.

d6	Flaw
1	I often lack the devotion that my cult is expecting.
2	Once I've formed an opinion about something or someone, it's almost impossible to change my mind.
3	I sometimes don't even realize it anymore when I'm lying about myself.
4	I claim every success but blame it on something or someone else when things go wrong.
5	I exploit the influence of my cult for personal gain.
6	I suspect treason and plot around every corner.