The Crowns of Sin
Structure
Central Cult vs. Local Cells: The Crowns of Sin function as a loose confederation of cultic cells scattered across the land, each devoted predominantly to one of the three Lesser Aeons. They periodically gather under the Dark Oracle to exchange forbidden knowledge and resources.
Conclave of Crowns: A secretive assembly held irregularly, presided over by the Dark Oracle. Cult leaders from each branch attend, forging pacts or settling power struggles.
Dominance by Ambition: Hierarchies within cells often shift due to betrayals and power-grabs; respect is earned and lost through cunning, violence, or displays of wealth.
Culture
Symbols & Art: Stylized crowns dominate iconography, often merged with sin motifs—daggers, coins, masks, etc. Artwork is frequently macabre or hedonistic.
Merit by Vice: Community “respects” cunning over honesty, strength over fairness, and wealth over empathy. Friendly camaraderie is rare; alliances form from mutual ambition or pragmatic need.
Tangible Fear & Awe: Despite the brutality of this faith, many Crown-Bound individuals remain out of desperation or the thrill of living outside moral constraints.
Public Agenda
Destabilize The Divine Accord: By eroding moral structures, they aim to reduce the Accord’s influence, paving the way for sin-based ascendancy.
Recruit the Disaffected: The order capitalizes on downtrodden or power-hungry folk who feel stifled by mainstream faiths.
Revive Kalenroth’s Legacy (Rumored): Some in The Crowns of Sin whisper of reawakening Kalenroth’s original might, though Malach’s true intentions remain uncertain—whether to reforge the Lord of Sin or mold a new pantheon in mortal form.
Divine Origins
After Kalenroth’s essence was split into three Lesser Aeons—Malleus (Wrath and Murder), Varena (Greed and Avarice), and Drallen (Betrayal and Deception)—a handful of mortal renegades found themselves drawn to these newly birthed forces. Over time, scattered cults developed to worship each aspect of sin.
Malach Soreth’s Revelation (c. 460 AEL): Malach, a former scribe and scholar of The Divine Accord, had a vision claiming the triad of sinful deities could liberate mortals from the Aeons’ moral constraints. By uniting these scattered cults, Malach established a central dogma under the name The Crowns of Sin—alluding to the “crowning” of each sin as a sovereign power in mortal hearts.
Founders
Fragmented Cults: Initially, the worship of Malleus, Varena, and Drallen emerged independently in scattered enclaves of disaffected mortals.
Unifying Figure: Malach Soreth stands as the individual who corralled these enclaves into a singular, if fractious, faith known as The Crowns of Sin. They are credited with compiling the earliest “dark scriptures” from old runic fragments referencing Kalenroth’s splintered domain.
Tenets of Faith
Exalt Sin as Empowerment
Wrath, Avarice, and Treachery are not weaknesses but potent tools to reshape one’s destiny.
Challenge Divine Restraints
The Aeons’ moral edicts are viewed as chains. Breaking them affirms true freedom.
Claim Your Crown
Each mortal is urged to claim a metaphorical crown—embracing whichever sin resonates most. Harnessing these vices leads to greater self-mastery.
Survival of the Cunning and Strong
In this creed, only those bold enough to seize power or outwit the strong are deemed worthy. Mercy is often considered a liability.
Ethics
Might / Cunning is Right: Whether by brute force, scheming, or hoarding wealth, a follower is justified in any means of elevating their own status.
Piety Through Sin: Unlike typical faiths that stress virtue, The Crowns of Sin teach that indulgence in vice is a sacred act—an offering to the gods of wrath, greed, and betrayal.
No Loyalty Without Advantage: Alliances are transactional; once loyalty ceases to yield gains, betrayal is seen as a natural step forward.
Worship
Private Altars: Most worship occurs in hidden chambers or remote shrines. Offerings reflect each sin: blood sacrifices for Malleus, lavish valuables for Varena, blackmail secrets for Drallen.
Night of the Blood Moon: A rumored grand ceremony held when Lumina (the crimson moon) fully eclipses Umbria. Devotees from all sects gather to invoke the triad’s favor through chilling rites.
Sinful Indulgences: Followers celebrate “Feasts of Indulgence,” revels where participants indulge in unbridled desires—violence, avarice, or deception—to honor their chosen patron.
Priesthood
Guides of Vice: Officially called Crown-Bearers, these cultic priests lead rituals dedicated to their chosen sin (Malleus, Varena, or Drallen).
Appointment & Rivalry: Prospective Crown-Bearers gain rank by impressing Malach Soreth or an existing priest with acts that exemplify their deity’s sin (e.g., a spectacular heist for Varena, or a major political betrayal for Drallen).
Vestments & Distinctions: Crown-Bearers typically wear regalia in the color of their chosen sin—crimson for Malleus, gilded finery for Varena, and dark, shifting fabrics for Drallen. Each outfit is marked by an emblem of a twisted crown.
Sects
The Crimson Blade (Malleus)
Focus: Ritual combat, clandestine assassinations, forging fearsome reputations.
Symbol: A sword’s hilt fused with a twisted crown.
The Gilded Maw (Varena)
Focus: Accumulation of wealth, societal corruption, bribes, and greed-fueled bargains.
Symbol: A coiled serpent crowned with gold filigree.
The Veiled Tongue (Drallen)
Focus: Intrigue, subterfuge, blackmail, sowing chaos through careful manipulation.
Symbol: A masked face etched with a crown at the forehead.
“Crown thy sin, and let no chain of virtue hold thee.”
Founding Date
~460 AEL
Type
Religious, Cult
Alternative Names
"The Thrice Crowned Heresy" , "The Court of Blasphemy" , "The Dark Inheritors"
Demonym
Crown-Bearers
Leader
Leader Title
Founders
Divines
Notable Members
