Moon Cult

Mythology & Lore

A wizard long ago foresaw Valmats coming doomsday. They saw the moon falling from the sky, landing into an unknown location, turning dark as it's sinners turn into corrupted shadows. He saw that the only salvation was to worship the goddess of the moon Selûne. Told to start a religion to save the people for their sins, and so they did. The wizard disappeared, lost to history, but the cult continues.

Divine Origins

The cult leader had a vision, the goddess of the moon, Prophesied that the moon was to come down and cast judgment on those who have sinned. Out of fear, the leader started with their family, trying to save them from damnation; some followed others pushed them away. They then tried to convert their friends with more of succession, who then convinced their friends and family. Soon after, a place of worship was built, and the cult was expanding across two continents.

Cosmological Views

Let all on whom Selune’s light falls be welcome if they desire. As the silver moon waxes and wanes, so too does life. Trust in Selune’s radiance, and know that all love alive under her light shall know her blessing. Turn to the moon, and she will be your true guide. Promote acceptance and tolerance. See all other beings as equals. Aid fellow Selunites as if they were your dearest friends.

Tenets of Faith

1.Have no other gods
2. Give back to the community
3.Reacquire artifacts of the moon
4. Treat other equally
5. Show others the moon's light
6.Protect yourself and others from unholy forces 6a. Do not associate with the clergy 6b. Trust your elders 6c. Resist false prophets

Ethics

Sins

Spreading misinformation of the goddess and exposing themselves when they shouldn't. Cooperating with the false clergy is against the goddess and is considered a sin and a betrayal. Summoning demons is prohibited; we must spread positivity and save those from the judgment. Misuse the magic items that are found or given is a sin.

Pious Act

Gathering magic items and giving back to the church. Enlighting people and saving them from judgment. Sacrifice the heretics to the goddess to appease her, no act of sin will go unpunished. If a fellow worshiper sin they must be punished to redeem themselves. The more donations the better you stand with the church.

Priesthood

Awoken

"Regarded and revered by the followers of the order, These leaders are the most elite of all members. Most are responsible for leading militarized efforts and controls the cult's money."
Can only be one at any time. If one is not appointed, the next effort of the cult must be devoted to finding a new Awoken. Can exile people on the spot. Executive powers in dire situations or as he sees fit. Must be over 100 years old. Must have demonstrated significant feats in service to the cult.

Enlightened

"The Council will decide your fate. These individuals counter the powers of the Awoken."
There can be and only must be seven at a given time. No command can be given to the people otherwise. Can veto the Awoken with enough votes. Individually they can launch investigations into any matter within the cult.

Elders

"Usually of old age, these highly intelligent individuals research and perfect the many secrets of the order. They are responsible for setting general directives for magisters to try and achieve."
Creatures who have proven to be highly intelligent and are no longer adequately suited to the role of magister due to age are granted the rank of Elder. Elders may also choose to grant the rank of Elder to an individual with a majority vote. There can be any number of elders at any given time. During times of ascension, these individuals select the next members of the Enlightened. Keepers of ancient and forbidden knowledge. Set general objectives for magisters. Spend most of their time studying.

Magisters

"Commanders of the orders mages, these people lead groups of zealots responsible for acquiring Moon Cult artifacts."
Command Acolytes and all forces they are put in charge of. Must be very knowledgeable and gifted in magic. They can command as much as their superiors give them; however they usually command 20-30 Acolytes at a time.

Acolyte

"Young and dedicated members of the cult, these individuals chase down any goal set before them."
Artifacts hunters. They are arranged in teams of 2-10+ depending on the importance of a mission. Must be adept mages and able to fight. As long as they do not tarnish the name of the order, the Acolytes are given agency when it comes to Completing most missions. Train magically gifted peons. Ranks come in order of seniority from "New Moon" to "Full Moon."

Moon Guard

"Experienced non-magical fighters who rely on cunning, strength, and traditional warfare to complete their duties."
Retain the same duties and structure as Acolytes. Non-magical fighters gifted or trained in the art of combat. Equivalent to Acolytes in rank. Safeguard Acolytes and teach non-magic peons. Ranks come in order of seniority from "New Moon" to "Full Moon." Partnered with Acolytes of similar rank on a 1:1 ratio. As long as they do not tarnish the name of the order, the Moon Guards are given agency when it comes to Completing most missions.

Peon

"Foot soldiers and men at arms ready to fight for the Moon."
Basic foot soldiers who fight with faith. Take orders from Acolytes and Magisters. Trainees who accompany higher-ups on missions to learn on the field. Peons are given the test of ascendance once every six months, those who pass become either a Moon Guard or an Acolyte. Failure is tolerated, but the taker must wait another six months before another opportunity. Usually, four Peons are assigned to either a Moon Guard or an Acolyte depending on magical ability for training and teaching.

Worshiper

"The lowest ranking individuals who are needed to enhance the order's influence."
Worshipers are usually asked to tithe 5% of their income. Must wait a year before being allowed to become a Peon.

Type

Religious, Cult