You are or were once part of a secretive and often fanatical order devoted to a higher power. Whether it was a god, a demon, an eldritch entity, or a mysterious philosophy, you dedicated your life to their cause. Perhaps you were a fervent believer who carried out dark rituals, a scholar who uncovered forbidden knowledge, or a servant forced into loyalty. Some cults worship beings that promise salvation, while others crave destruction, power, or transformation. Common cults include those to powerful beings such as
Grugar or
Krivun, both of which often cause problems for those around them.
Whatever your past, you have since left the cult—whether by choice, by exile, or by its destruction. Maybe you seek redemption, or perhaps you still hear the whispers of your old masters calling you back. You know the ways of the secretive and the fanatical, and you understand how to navigate the dangerous world of hidden sects. But the question remains: do you still believe?
Secrets of the Initiated
You have an intimate understanding of secret societies, their symbols, and their methods. You can often recognize cult signs, hidden messages, and coded prayers in places where others would see nothing. Additionally, you know how to find underground contacts who deal in forbidden knowledge, religious relics, or occult texts—though dealing with them is always risky.
Suggested Characteristics
Cultists are defined by their past devotion, whether they were true believers, unwilling recruits, or ambitious seekers of power. Some struggle with guilt and seek to make amends, while others still cling to the truths they once knew. Many have difficulty adjusting to life outside of the cult, always wary that their former brethren may come looking for them.
Personality Traits
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|
| 1 | I still whisper old prayers and mantras, even when I try not to. |
| 2 | I see signs and omens in everything, even when there are none. |
| 3 | I am fascinated by forbidden knowledge, even when I know I shouldn’t be. |
| 4 | I am slow to trust anyone—betrayal is second nature to me. |
| 5 | I still wear symbols of my old faith, whether in shame or secret devotion. |
| 6 | I am always listening for whispers—some say it’s paranoia, but I know better. |
| 7 | I keep meticulous records of secrets, always seeking more. |
| 8 | I see myself as a survivor, willing to do what others won’t. |
Ideals
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|
| 1 | Redemption. I must make up for what I have done. (Good) |
| 2 | Truth. The world must know what I have seen. (Neutral) |
| 3 | Power. The knowledge I gained should not go to waste. (Evil) |
| 4 | Secrecy. Some things are not meant to be known by the unworthy. (Lawful) |
| 5 | Chaos. The old ways must be torn down, so something new can rise. (Chaotic) |
| 6 | Fate. What is meant to be will come to pass, no matter what. (Any) |
Bonds
| d6 | Bond |
|---|
| 1 | I escaped the cult, but I fear they will come for me. |
| 2 | A loved one is still trapped in the cult, and I must save them. |
| 3 | I stole something from my old order, and now I must protect it. |
| 4 | I still seek my old master’s approval, even if I tell myself otherwise. |
| 5 | A dark prophecy haunts me—I know too much to ignore it. |
| 6 | I swore an oath to destroy my former cult, no matter the cost. |
Flaws
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|
| 1 | I still believe, deep down, and I fear I will return. |
| 2 | I struggle to trust anyone who doesn’t share my old beliefs. |
| 3 | I have trouble distinguishing between reality and old cult teachings. |
| 4 | I am fascinated by dark knowledge, even when it puts me in danger. |
| 5 | I sometimes dream of my old masters, and I wake up whispering their words. |
| 6 | I am always waiting for betrayal—it is all I have ever known. |
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