Cultist

It is common knowledge that the wildlands of Rodozem are full of all manner of perils. Less well known, however, are the menaces that dwell under the denizens’ noses. From sprawling, bustling cities to small villages, every settlement could bear the seed of corruption beneath even the most immaculate of veneers. Spread across the wide lands of Rodozem, secret societies and religious cults follow their own unique doctrines, worshiping evil entities, following vile dogma, and practicing forbidden rituals. For example, many such cults are dedicated to spreading Chernobog’s corrupting gospel. Their members irrationally follow the destructive agenda of the Lord of Darkness, even though eventually it will spell their own inevitable ruin. People also flock to charismatic leaders who dare to oppose the gods, criticizing their vision and principles, revealing them as immortal beings with cosmic powers ruled by fickle tempers akin to mortal adolescents. Some factions have forsaken the Starborn in favor of mysterious ancient vestiges, beings described as primordial powers that existed long before the gods were born. Other obscure entities are godly beings whose names lay almost forsaken under the patina of countless summers, yet their spirits still haunt the world. Whatever the type of cult, your character was raised in a secretive environment where their parents, family, and peers practiced unconventional, taboo, and, in most cases, illegal religious activities. Many such groups are religious in nature and are dedicated worshippers of evil gods or entities, which is widely forbidden across Rodozem. They are forced to establish their underground churches in hidden locations and have secret meetings while appearing as a regular member of society to the public eye. Alternatively, the cult could be a secluded commune isolated from society completely, or only interacting for essentials to survive. Importantly, cults don’t always have malevolent agendas. Your character’s cult could be a more esoteric sect of a conventional religion that follows unconventional doctrines or practices obscure and hermetic rituals. But no matter the cult’s purpose, your character grew up in a small, secluded community on the fringes of society or in a secretive league living a double life.

All credit due to Yellow madhouse 

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two among Arcana, Deception, Insight, Persuasion, or Religion

Tool Proficiencies: One type of artisan’s tools

Languages: Choose one among Abyssal, Celestial, Deep Speech, Draconic, Infernal, Primordial, or Sylvan.

Equipment: Three scented ritual candles, a tinderbox, a symbol representing the entity of your cult, a hooded lantern, a flask of oil, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a ritual robe

Suggested Characteristics

Whether your character is an active member of a secret society or a runaway from a fanatical cult, they had a unique upbringing. Their devotion to or defiance against their secretive community is a driving force in their life and played an important role in shaping their personality

d6	Ideal
1	Conviction. I am the mouth and arms of my patron entity (or leader) in this world, and I must continue their work in any way possible.
2	Defiance. I will not stand by the lies and deceit of any cult leaders and I’ll do anything to drag people off that path. (Chaotic)
3	Determination. My faith in my cult and its purpose is so strong that I’ll defy any societal laws that obstruct my actions. (Chaotic or Lawful)
4	Apocalypse. The patron entity or the leader of our sect proclaims that the end of the world is nigh. I wholeheartedly believe them and think that the world deserves it. I would do anything to witness and be a part of the end-times. (Evil)
5	Truth. I have doubts about the beliefs of my religious community. I am willing to sacrifice a lot to uncover hidden knowledge about the mysterious entity that we worship. (Neutral)
6	Destiny. There is no force powerful enough to direct me on a different course than the destiny bestowed to me by the entity we follow or by our leader. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I would go a long way to protect the secret of my cult’s existence.
2	I’m willing to wait as long as it takes to receive the enlightenment that will define my destined path.
3	I owe my life to one of the members of my former cult who helped me escape its fanatical clutches.
4	I admire our cult leader and constantly refer to their actions as an example. I’ll do anything to earn their praise
5	My meaning in life is to maintain and boost my cult’s reach.
6	I perform a common vocation or craft—such as dancing, painting, or athletics—as part of my double life. This activity means a lot to me—it is the only thing that keeps me connected to a more simple and normal lifestyle.

d4	Flaw
1	I am dangerously gullible. It is easy to convince me to believe almost any story or teaching, even the most ridiculous ones. Especially the most ridiculous ones.
2	I am extremely cautious and suspicious of people who don’t belong to my sect. I’m quick to assume the worst of them.
3	I always hide behind a mask and present myself as someone that I’m not. I’m afraid to expose my true identity and self to the world.
4	Blind believers are beyond redemption. I offer them nothing but swift justice and no mercy if they have done gruesome deeds for their leader or patron entity.