Flesh Sacrificed in Wrath
The Cult of Malignant Blood dates to times immemorial, when the Archdemon of Wrath Aeshma first made his presence known on Cerebor. What drives a person to service of such a being of undiluted hatred and destruction is a mystery that likely passes all understanding. Some come with selfish motives, only to be consumed by Aeshma's influence and lose all sense of self. Others have next to no choice in the matter, born into the cult to serve diabolic purposes. Whatever the case, the cult has proven time and time again that no quarter should be afforded to their members.
The cult seeks to bring the reign of Aeshma into the material world, believing that the ritual sacrifice of people and animals bear the gifts of suffering, pain, and despair required to bring their dark lord forth. They do not merely inflict this woe onto the outside world, but to themselves. Those who wish to ascend the ranks of the cult will ritualistically torture themselves with flaying and even complete amputation of body parts. When it is believed that no further suffering or pain can be squeezed from a cultist, they chose to die via self-immolation in a public display to those outside the cult, a final act of spiritual violation towards the innocent lives they seek to ruin. Once they are no more than ashen bone, it is believed their tortured souls are fed to Aeshma, readying him to leave The Abyss and reign on Cerebor.
The cult has been hunted by those who serve light, justice, and hope across every corner of Cerebor, its power waxing and waning as the ages pass. Currently their greatest foe is the Order of the Golden Blade, who launched a devastating attack on their stronghold in Edon in 4027 7E. Though their leadership was severely cut down, with the various cells and chapters in disarray for many years, there are reports that the cult's activity is stirring in the lands of Ithron Arnad once more...
"Through the agony of flesh shall Lord Aeshma rise!"
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