The high priests of the Cult of Graz'zt are known as the Chosen. Only females can ascend to that rank within the cult. The rituals they are required to perform are usually violent and involves themes of darkness, depravity and betrayal. The path of a Chosen starts only when they succeed into the rank. They are expected to build the skills and expertise that will help them in their roles as they progress in the world.
Graz'zt grants his Chosen special abilities as they evolve towards his spheres of influence.
You have spent your life in the service of a temple to your father, Graz'zt, the Dark Prince of pleasures, debauchery, decadence and self-indulgence. You act as an intermediary between the realm of your father and the mortal world, performing sacred rites and offering sacrifices in order to conduct worshipers into the presence of the shadow King.
- Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Religion
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A holy symbol (a gift to you when you entered the cult), a prayer book or prayer wheel, 5 sticks of incense, vestments, a set of common clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp.
As a Chosen, you command the respect of those who share your faith, and you can perform the religious ceremonies of your father. You and your adventuring companions can expect to receive free healing and other cares at a temple, shrine, or other "established" presence of your faith, though you must provide any material components needed for spells.
Those who share your religion will support you (but only you) at a modest lifestyle.
Those whom you have converted into followers of Graz'zt shares a special connection with you: They will either succumb to Graz'zt's influence and be your pet or prove to be a more helpful ally in bringing your father to this realm. Followers of the latter calibre might give you access to areas, facilities or means you would otherwise never have had on your own.
You might also have ties to a specific temple dedicated to Graz'zt, and you have a residence there. While near your temple, you can call upon the other Chosen for assistance, provided the assistance you ask for is not hazardous and you remain in good standing with your temple.
Baptism by Sadism
The Chosen foregoes learning one language and dedicates herself to a grueling training regimen in Sadism as a sign of her unwavering devotion and alignment with the Dark Prince's desires and she chose the whip as her primary instrument of power. During her training, she learns to wield the whip not just as a weapon but as a tool of manipulation, a symbol of control, and a conduit for the allure of Graz'zt himself. In her hands, the whip symbolizes not only physical prowess but is also an extension of her deepest desires and a means to bind others to her will.
During her harsh training, the Chosen gains proficiency with whips.
Suggested Characteristics
Chosen are shaped by their experience in temples or other religious communities or the living world itself. Their study of the history and tenets of their faith and their relationships to temples, shrines, or hierarchies and unique perspective as a follower of Graz'zt, affects their mannerisms and ideals. While some would say their flaws might be them following a heretical idea, they do not see a flaw and relish in taking their ideal or bond to the extreme in the service of The Dark Prince.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I idolize a particular hero of my faith, and constantly refer to that person’s deeds and example. |
| 2 | I can find common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with them and always working toward peace. |
| 3 | I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen. |
| 4 | Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude. |
| 5 | I quote (or misquote) sacred texts and proverbs in almost every situation. |
| 6 | I am tolerant (or intolerant) of other faiths and respect (or condemn) the worship of other gods. |
| 7 | I’ve enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society among my temple’s elite. Rough living grates on me. |
| 8 | I’ve spent so long in the temple that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tradition. The ancient traditions of worship and sacrifice must be preserved and upheld. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Charity. I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good) |
| 3 | Change. We must help bring about the changes the gods are constantly working in the world. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Power. I hope to one day rise to the top of my faith’s religious hierarchy. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Faith. I trust that my deity will guide my actions. I have faith that if I work hard, things will go well. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Aspiration. I seek to prove myself worthy of my god’s favor by matching my actions against his or her teachings. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I would die to recover an ancient relic of my faith that was lost long ago. |
| 2 | I will someday get revenge on the corrupt temple hierarchy who branded me a heretic. |
| 3 | I owe my life to the priest who took me in when my parents died. |
| 4 | Everything I do is for the common people. |
| 5 | I will do anything to protect the temple where I served. |
| 6 | I seek to preserve a sacred text that my enemies consider heretical and seek to destroy. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I judge others harshly, and myself even more severely. |
| 2 | I put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple’s hierarchy. |
| 3 | My piety sometimes leads me to blindly trust those that profess faith in my god. |
| 4 | I am inflexible in my thinking. |
| 5 | I am suspicious of strangers and expect the worst of them. |
| 6 | Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life. |
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