The Cult of Prophecy

The Cult of Prophecy is the small, official order of the Ascendant Prophecy. They are dedicated to the study and archival of prophecies of all types, not just those associated with their order. However, they are also primary sources of prophecies, as they try to gaze into the future.
The Cult is kept small, with no more than seven members, and as few as three. Prospective recruits come from all walks of life, but share one quality: a burning desire to glimpse the future. Most are turned away without hesitation, but occasionally, someone truly gifted seeks them out, usually a mage diviner, or cleric of a minor deity. The people are vetted and tested, a process that can often take decades. Those who meet the grueling expectations are then told the great secret of the Cult. Should they accept, they are inducted as members, official priests of Prophecy. If they decline, the secret is wiped from their mind by Prophecy themself, and they are dismissed.
The ascendant Prophecy is reclusive, with even other Ascendants unsure of their mortal form. The secret truth is that mortal avatars of Prophecy rarely live longer than a few years. The greatest gifts of Prophecy require the sacrifice of the mortal avatar to be uttered to mortals. The true purpose of the cult is to curate potential avatars of Prophecy, so that when the power chooses a new vessel for ascension, it is likely to be a member of the Cult. Should the power be reborn in a different avatar, the Cult collects the new Ascendant for sequestration. External avatars are sacrificed quickly.
Each member of the Cult of Prophecy understands that, should they be chosen at the next ascension, they are bound to sacrifice themselves when requested by the majority of the Cult. Part of the initiation into the Cult requires a blood vow powerful enough to bind even a vessel of divine powers. Rebellion against sacrifice is unheard of, as each member of the cult understands the importance of the sacrifice.
Ascendants from outside the cult are rare, as most true prodigies of Prophecy find their way to the cult. However, when the Cult sacrifices several avatars rapidly, the chance of an external choice rises significantly. These Ascendants are usually found and quickly sacrificed. Once the Ascendant is safely a member of the Cult of Prophecy again, the Cult will often slow its activities, allowing it to rebuild itself and reduce the chance of an external Ascendant at the next sacrifice.

Type

Religious, Cult