Cultist of Haruspicy

*Trigger Warning: This background involves the character being forced to commit ritual sacrifice by convincing others to perform self harm or suicide* You have spent your life in the service (willing or otherwise) of the unknowable beings which dwell in the Beyond, the place between the stars and the planes. You act as an intermediary between the realm beyond existence, and the mortal world. You perform sacred rites and offerings of  sacrifice and martyrdom in order to direct resources to their best use. You are not necessarily a cleric—performing the sacred ritual of Haruspicy is not the same thing as channeling divine power.

Determine why you are a member of the cult. Were you a lesser functionary in a temple, raised from childhood to assist the priests in the sacred rites? Or were you a involuntary recruit, branded with the ever-hungering Wound? Perhaps you were the leader of a small cult outside of any established temple structure, or even a Tool whom escaped their inevitable Martyrdom. 

Skill Proficiencies: Deception, Persuasion

Tool Proficiencies: Painter's Supplies

Languages: Draconic or Abyssal  ;  One of your choice

Equipment: A [Tooltip Not Found] (a gift to you when you entered the priesthood), a blasphemous prayer book of predictionsl, a ceremonial dagger, vestments, a set of tattered clothes, and a pouch containing 15 gp.

Suggested Characteristics

Cultists are shaped by their experiences of prophecy and sacrifice. Their study of the future and beliefs of how that power should be used shape their behaviour and mannerisms. Their flaws might be some hidden hypocrisy or heretical idea, or an ideal or bond taken to an extreme.

d8	Personality Trait
1	It is of utmost importance to follow the old path; to leave the old offerings and discover and perform the old rites.
2	I can find common ground between anyone, empathizing with them to manipulate them to my own ends.
3	I see omens in every event and action. They all signal impending doom.
4	Nothing can shake my optimistic attitude. I smile perhaps a little too much.
5	I must consult the prophecies before taking decisive action in almost every situation.
6	I’ve enjoyed fine food, drink, and high society among the cult’s elite. Rough living grates on me.
7	No matter how I try to clean them, my hands are always stained with blood- literally.
8	I keep my hands clean- I could be elbow deep in blood, but pull them out, and they are clean as if freshly bathed.

d6	Ideal
1	Tradition. The ancient traditions of sacrifice must be preserved and upheld, the consequences otherwise are dire. (Lawful)
2	Loyalty. My chosen companions are my new family. I will protect them. (Good)
3	Secrets. What I have found is important, and it must be preserved and expanded on. (Neutral)
4	Power. Those who came before were weak. I will be stronger than them. (Chaotic)
5	Independence. I will never be trapped again! (Chaotic)
6	Pleasure. The wonders I will show you in your entrails. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I am the only one with the knowledge to stop a looming catastrophe.
2	I will free others from their suffering, and good will come of it.
3	I must find the truth beyond the veil.
4	Everything I do is for the greater good.
5	I must break myself free of this heretical curse.
6	I seek to preserve a sacred text of prophecy that my enemies consider heretical and seek to destroy.

d6	Flaw
1	Knowledge is more important than sanity.
2	Instead of scaring me, the eldritch arouses my interest. The more dangerous the better.
3	I must show others this path, together we are stronger.
4	I am perhaps too flexible in my thinking.
5	Events must occur as I have seen them come to pass.
6	Once I pick a goal, I become obsessed with it to the detriment of everything else in my life.