calling cults well

Mister Witch

Monsters The Wild Beyond the Witchlight

company of their eldest son, Urmius Umbrage—a brooding shadar-kai ne’er do-well with a cruel sense of humor. Naeryx and Urmius were close in age and got along well in all respects. Years later

, without informing the rest of his family, Urmius bought a run-down carnival and persuaded Naeryx to help him operate it. Naeryx and Urmius—now calling themselves Mister Witch and Mister Light

Cloud Giant of Evil Air

Monsters Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

magical might make them well suited to leadership positions in the cults of Elemental Evil. A cult with a cloud giant at its head can be a formidable force of corruption and destruction in the world

Star Spawn Mangler

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

, sticking to shadows and hiding in spots that seem too shallow or well-lit to conceal anything. They appear smaller than their true size, thanks to their hunched posture and emaciated frames. Cultists

Disciples of certain Elder Evils can bestow supernatural gifts on those who serve that cult, including star spawn. The following powers are unique to specific cults; typically a creature has only one

Star Spawn Grue

Monsters Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse

Aura of Shrieks. Creatures within 20 feet of the grue that aren’t Aberrations have disadvantage on saving throws, as well as on attack rolls against creatures other than a star spawn

that cult, including star spawn. The following powers are unique to specific cults; typically a creature has only one. Cult of Atropus, the World Born Dead Gaze of Corruption (Recharge 6

Cultist of Bane

monsters

cultists use their forceful personalities to counsel well-intentioned rulers, turning benign organizations into dictatorships and twisting leaders into tyrants. They tattoo Bane’s symbol on

. Each of the Dead Three has inspired wicked cults that follow their paths of tyranny, murder, and necromancy. More than any other gods, the Dead Three directly influence Faerûn—and

Yuan-ti Malison (Type 3) Legacy

Monsters Monster Manual (2014)

time, the serpent gods heard those prayers, their sibilant voices responding from the darkness as they told the yuan-ti what they must do. The yuan-ti religion grew more fanatical in its devotion. Cults

their humanity to become like the serpent gods in form, as well as in thought and emotion. Serpent Kings of Fallen Empires. The yuan-ti view their physical transformation as a transcendent moment for

Half-Orc Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

The warchief Mhurren roused himself from his sleeping-furs and his women and pulled a short hauberk of heavy steel rings over his thick, well-muscled torso. He usually rose before most of his

-orcs hear the whispers of Gruumsh in their dreams, calling them to unleash the rage that simmers within them. Others feel Gruumsh’s exultation when they join in melee combat — and either

Dragonborn Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

wrestle down a dire bear himself. His familiar well-worn armor was gone, replaced by violet-tinted scale armor with bright silvery tracings. There was a blazon on his arm as well, the mark of some

calling in life. Proud Dragon Kin Dragonborn look very much like dragons standing erect in humanoid form, though they lack wings or a tail. The first dragonborn had scales of vibrant hues matching the

Wand of Orcus Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

spells using 2 fewer charges (minimum of 0). Call Undead. While you are holding the wand, you can use an action to conjure skeleton;skeletons and zombie;zombies, calling forth as many of them as you

imprisoned the hero’s soul and keeps it hidden and well guarded. Bathing the wand in positive energy causes it to crack and explode, but unless the above conditions are met, the wand instantly reforms on Orcus’s layer of the Abyss.

Rakdos Cultist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

Characteristics Members of demonic cults aren’t generally known as the kindest or most mentally stable individuals, so you’re likely to have something in your nature that distinguishes you from the

find more ways to express my art through pain — my own as well as others’. (Chaotic) 4 Freedom. No one tells me what to do. (Chaotic) 5 Equality. I want to see Ravnica

Dwarf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

and hardy, dwarves are known as skilled warriors, miners, and workers of stone and metal. Though they stand well under 5 feet tall, dwarves are so broad and compact that they can weigh as much as a

command or inspiration of a deity, a direct calling or simply a desire to bring glory to one of the dwarf gods. Clan and ancestry are also important motivators. A dwarf might seek to restore a clan

Genasi Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

into the mortal world. They adapt well to the mingled elements of the Material Plane, and they sometimes visit—whether of their own volition or compelled by magic. Some genies can adopt mortal

of savage humanoids and weird cults in untamed lands. Others gain positions of great influence, especially where elemental beings are revered. A few genasi leave the Material Plane to find refuge in

Elder Elementals

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes

. Only casters of superlative skill have even the faintest chance of calling forth one of these monsters, and the spellcaster is often destroyed by the effort. Thus, only the most unhinged and nihilistic

members of Elemental Evil cults attempt such a summoning, in the hope of hastening the world toward some cataclysmic end. Elemental Nature. An elder elemental doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Cult Campaign Themes

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

Cult Campaign Themes Cults of the Dragon Below make versatile villains in a campaign. They can be introduced as a threat early on, in the form of low-level cultists and small, disorganized cells. As

the campaign moves through the tiers of play, stronger aberrations and fiends become viable antagonists, as well as more powerful cult leaders who serve the daelkyr, the Lords of Dust, or other dark

Rooting Out Evil

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

people of the Dessarin Valley. While the characters are busy smashing one temple, the other three cults can do great harm in the area. Between expeditions to Tyar-Besil, the characters would be well

Rooting Out Evil The characters might want to assault the four elemental temples as quickly as possible, but they also need to deal with the cults’ continuing efforts to corrupt and terrorize the

Elemental Cults

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

Elemental Cults Elemental Evil perverts the natural elements, limiting them to aspects of destruction. This force wants to gain the power to tear down everything — morals, social structures

corruption that grows stronger over time as the natural order decays. Secret cults spring up, institutions are debased, and the fundamental laws governing the seasons begin to weaken. As Elemental Evil

Aarakocra Legacy

Species Elemental Evil Player's Companion

. The eldest acts as leader with the support of a shaman. AARAKOCRA IN THE FORGOTTEN REALMS Never well established in Faerûn, aarakocra have only four major colonies: in the Star Mounts

on that plane might leave their colonies to lend aid to other humanoids committed to fighting earth cults and thwarting their efforts. Aarakocra Names As with much of their speech, aarakocra names

Haunted Keeps

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

castles are haunted by ghosts and prowling monsters. Sensible valley dwellers avoid them. In recent years, four elemental cults have taken over the keeps. The cultists are careful to keep the curious

) and places where characters confront the Elemental Evil cults directly. Feathergale Spire Home to the flamboyant Feathergale Society, this tall stone tower stands on a height commanding splendid views

Eberron

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

four cults. Have the cults lean harder on the leadership of the communities scattered across the region, threatening, blackmailing, and corrupting them so they do the cults’ bidding. Eberron is also

key locations missing. Just finding the Haunted Keeps should feel like an accomplishment. The players (and maybe the characters as well) can gain a sense of accomplishment if they have a more-or-less complete map of the region by the time the adventure draws to a close.

Undercroft

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

her. She says, “Those I allowed to went away disappointed. Well, disappointed once the terror wore off, I imagine.” The cults are led by self-styled prophets and are using the Haunted Keeps as their

adventurers any lore you wish. She knows only the basics of what the elemental cults are planning, but she’d like to know more. She’s willing to trade information to get it. The exchange of information can

Orc Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

hatred of the civilized races of the world and their need to satisfy the demands of their deities, the orcs know that if they fight well and bring glory to their tribe, Gruumsh will call them home to

, injury, or age) often join these cults instead of facing daily humiliation, exile, or death. Serving as the bridge between the two parts of the tribe are the priestesses of Luthic, the orc goddess who

Occult Symbols

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual

Occult Symbols Cults often identify with symbols that exemplify their beliefs. Such symbols might mark objects important to the cult, as well as the dress and bodies of cultists themselves. These

Westwood

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

adventurers have common enemies: the elemental cults. Although characters will be hard-pressed to win the barbarians’ trust, they can pry useful information out of them. The Elk hunters know the Sumber

Hills well and can provide simple, landmark-based directions to two cult strongholds: Rivergard Keep and Scarlet Moon Hall (though they don’t know the names of these locations).

Greyhawk Conflicts

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide

Greyhawk Conflicts Although Greyhawk lends itself well to any D&D adventure you might want to run, the default setting features conflicts with three major villainous groups: chromatic dragons

, Elemental Evil cults, and Iuz and his followers. You can replace one or more of these conflicts with ones of your devising or with ones from the “Flavors of Fantasy” section earlier in this chapter. If you

A Corporate Prospectus

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

and his inheritance for a life on the stage — at least until well-paid heroics came calling. Jim and Omin’s unlikely partnership began when Jim was the only surviving candidate in the running for a

stage to the well-being of his employees. It’s definitely not third. But it’s up there somewhere. Jim Darkmagic III comes from a long line of renowned wizards, but he turned his back on his family

Elf Queen's Palace

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Scions of Elemental Evil

a cult recruiter. This book revealed the names of the cults and their leaders, as well as the existence of their plot. Look at this page torn from the book and see what I mean.” Queen Yolande hands

nods in appreciation. She continues: “What I am about to tell you requires the utmost discretion,” the queen says. “My spies have uncovered evidence of several new cults based in the Temple of

Dragonborn

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

he could wrestle down a dire bear himself. His familiar well-worn armor was gone, replaced by violet-tinted scale armor with bright silvery tracings. There was a blazon on his arm as well, the mark of

. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life.

Yartar

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

Harpers and Zhentarim are well established in the city, but her path only crosses with theirs when the wellbeing of Yartarrans is at stake. The elemental cults have begun abducting Yartarrans who won’t

Temple of Black Earth

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

Tyar-Besil’s main entrance, a well-fortified gate complex with barracks, guardrooms, armories, and stables. Enemies that managed to fight their way down the Ancient Stair from the surface above were

produced by the nearby elemental node. Unlike the members of the other three cults, the Black Earth cultists have easy access to the surface. This quarter of the temple complex lies almost directly

Talona

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

goddess, and many are the prayers that beg her for protection from illness and poison. Various rituals to placate her involve the use of three drops of blood or three tears — to be dropped into a well that

prayers, Talona has almost no temples and few cults dedicated to her. A cult or a shrine to her might arise in an area after it suffers from pestilence, when some of those who survived decide to revere her or even become priests.

Rundreth Manor

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse

mysterious and terrifying figure known far and wide as “the Dark Lady.” Locals warn everyone to stay well away from the ruins. The truth of the tale is that the “Dark Lady” is a female adult black shadow

. Reason to Visit. A side trek in chapter 6 takes place at Rundreth Manor, and the characters have a chance to confront the Dark Lady and perhaps find common cause against the cults.

Eccentricity

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

is not necessarily a drawback, though; an eccentricity of this sort is usually harmless and could provide a source of amusement or serve as a calling card of sorts. If your character has an

eccentricity, is it a physical tic or a mental one? Are you well known in some circles because of it? Do you fight to overcome it, or do you embrace this minor claim to fame of yours? Eccentricities d6

Tyr

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

contempt others who can’t live by it — it wouldn’t be an honorable calling if everyone could muster the strength of will to follow it. Many orders of knighthood are devoted to Tyr, including the

Knights of Holy Judgment and the Knights of the Merciful Sword. Such knights — as well as judges and priests, clerics, and paladins who worship Tyr — sometimes wear thin strips of diaphanous cloth over their eyes to remind others of the blindness of justice.

Independent Adventurers

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

Independent Adventurers Though a ranger might make a living as a hunter, a guide, or a tracker, a ranger’s true calling is to defend the outskirts of civilization from the ravages of monsters that

band of orcs attacks, a ranger might be the first — and possibly the last — line of defense. This fierce independence makes rangers well suited to adventuring, since they are accustomed to life far

Dragonborn

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

he could wrestle down a dire bear himself. His familiar well-worn armor was gone, replaced by violet-tinted scale armor with bright silvery tracings. There was a blazon on his arm as well, the mark of

. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life.

D&D Beyond

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