The Cult of Avernus
The Cult of Avernus is a very secretive organization that is relied upon to guard a cave located on the shore of the Straight of Corycus. Members of the Cult believe it is an entrance to the underworld, to which the souls of the dead return, and from which some souls (but not all) are reborn into the land of the living. More commonly, it is believed to be connected, via a system of tunnels that extend westward under the Straight of Corycus, to The Lost Lands.
Structure
The structure and leadership of the Cult of Avernus are thought to be depend upon a combination of seniority and acclamation, but this is mostly based upon rumor. There is no scholarly documentation to support this. The secretive nature of the organization has served to prevent us from having knowledge of their roles and titles.
Culture
Avernii, or Cavemen, as called by some, appear to be a mostly patriarchal group. They essentially live underground, in a network of caves on the shore of the Straight of Corycus. No one I have interviewed has seen a female Avernii, but they are rumored to exist. At any rate, the dark, oversized robes and masks they wear conceal their figures and faces to the point that one cannot really tell. But it is believed that they replace their dead members from within their own number.
Public Agenda
The mandate of the Cult of Avernus is handed down from the ruling family of The Southlands, entrusting the Cult with the protection of a cavernous entrance believed by them to connect to the Underworld.
Assets
The Cult has no recorded assets. Instead, they rely upon the wealth of House Hyggion and other wealthy Southlander patrons.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The very nature of the Avernii as a cult brings them into direct conflict with the monarchically-proclaimed religion of the land, The Divine Duality. Interestingly, the governing house of the Southlands, the Hyggions, not only professes belief in The Divine Duality, but are active supporters of the official religion. Nevertheless, they hand down the orders and financial support for the Cult of Avernus.
In death we begin,
and to death we return.
by KELLEPICS on pixabay, edited by jayseaboom
Founding Date
Unknown
Type
Religious, Cult
Alternative Names
Cavemen
Demonym
The Avernii
Deities
Location
Comments