The Silvered Scream

The Silvered Scream are an underground movement gaining strength on @Anthal. They preach that that @Merka, the Divine of Coin and Greed, will return and bathe the believers in molten silver, transporting them to @Keram. They employ torture methods often using molten metals. The Silvered Scream believes that the number of believers are set, and so only try to convert new members to their cause when a existing member dies. This happens fairly often, as most local government will arrest and execute member dressed in the traditional mask and robes. Both of which give the impression of melting silver, flowing in strange waves and almost dripping. The dead are placed in small pools of molten silver- for this reason, Silvered Scream cultists often base themselves around areas with tappable geothermal energy, to heat these pools. It is considered an honor to stick a finger or hand in a vat of silver, and to live through the excruciating pain. All main cult leaders are missing an entire arm, although it is considered acceptable to replace a missing limb with an @Eido-Steel replacement, covered in filigree. Most cult leadership is in @Serkal, a small town in @Kosa that has local leadership made up entirely of Silvered Scream cultists.

Structure

The Silvered Scream has a system based around acts of devotion. It is considered the greatest honor to throw yourself into the silver and let it claim you- anyone in the cult is free to do so at any time- but current leadership must give an arm to the silver. Treason is punishable by death, as is worshiping a god other than @Merka. This death is administered through placing droplets of silver all over the sinner, and burning many holes through them. This is not considered a dishonorable death, but rather redemption.

Culture

As the Silvered Scream are a cult movement, they have no definitive culture.

Public Agenda

Ultimately, the Silvered Scream want to summon @Merka anew, although they have no idea how. This is a point of conflict between cult leaders, and mid-level officials are growing restless. Surely, after decades of progress, they must be close...

Assets

Several thousand cultists and the financial backing of a small town and the surrounding lands, in an area of about ten square miles. Cult members are starting to move toward this area and hope to start a settlement centered around @Merka. The town itself has a keep and an extensive cavern system from the @

History

Although @Merka is traditionally worshipped by merchants and guildsmen, one named @Farn was disaffected and wanted something different. After nearly twenty years as a metallurgist and smith, Farn filled his forge with silver from his melted-down life savings and gathered townsfolk near it. A handsome and charismatic man, Farn coaxed several of them to see the beauty in the swirling, viscous pool of metal. Silvered Scream leadership is based in this town now.

Territories

The Silvered Scream control Saan and the surrounding areas under it's jurisdiction. Saan itself is in Kosa and, on the surface, obeys all laws that Kosa levies on towns, villages and cities.

Military

Two to three thousand cultists are combat-ready in @Saan at any given time, with hundreds more scattered around Kosa. Many are former blacksmiths and are at least partially skilled in the wielding of weapons.

Religion

Of course, the Silvered Scream worship @Merka. Any other religion is punishable by death.

Infrastructure

The Silvered Scream have in place a successful recruiting system, should a member die, and a stables in @Saan with horses known to be very fast. Word spreads quickly around different outposts. @Saan has all that you would expect from a small town, but it's rapidly developing into a much larger town- or even a city- as more cultists flock there. This is starting to attract the attention of officials higher up in @Kosa's theocracy.

"Silver through our veins, faith in our hearts.

Founding Date

1098

Type

Religious, Cult

Capital

Saan

Alternative Names

Silvers, Screamers

Leader

Ara, High Prophet of Merka

Leader Title

Rank

Head of Government

Ara, High Prophet of @Merka

Controlled Territories

• Saan