The Cult of the Serpent: The Great Betrayal

The Elders warned us, as they warned those before us. Of course, we laughed. How could we not when that prophesy has been said longer than most of us can remember? But seeing them today? Gods, I felt it. The Serpent follows them, bringing judgment for our disbelief.

— Rakçan

The Cult of the Serpent is ancient, following the teachings of the Snake-god Arasama; a daemon wreathed in mystery. Several cults have flourished in its unholy name, each marked by a key similarity. The cultists worship death and willingly throw themselves into the flames to achieve more in the next world. Those who rise among the ranks of this organization are devoid of humanity, for they see that which lurks beyond life, waiting to devour them.

Structure

No matter who or what controls the cult, it never truly changes. When the Serpent was last seen upon the lands, the cult was governed by a class of priests. They were intellectuals, scholars, and astrologers who wielded magic against their foes. They recruited from among the young, taking children from their families to show them greater possibilities—in this life or the next.

Rigorous testing kept all the young recruits busy. Along the Rodkan River, many could be found writing in the sands and attempting to control the elements themselves. The priests taught them, monitoring their progress intently.

Those who impressed the priests would often become trained as spies and advisors in foreign courts. Everyone else, no matter how skilled, would be encouraged to do better in the next life. Only by being immersed in the twilight between life and death would they uncover true wisdom. Only in death could they truly live. For every three deemed worthy to serve the cult, another thirty would feed the Serpent.

The cult had finally reached its peak when the Orcs took over. Renaming themselves as the Cult of Rebirth, the cult no longer feared to show their true nature. The lands had grown desensitized to their actions. Mothers willingly brought their children despite knowing what would befall them.

Under a new guise, the Serpent remains docile. Despite the Orcs believing that they are serving other gods, gods of their own who care for them, it is to that profane beast that they offer themselves. There is no reincarnation, no better life beyond the veil of death. The only truth that awaits is the gaping maw of the Serpent.

Worship

The Serpent remains beyond mortal understanding and all worship. It feeds on death but also takes nourishment in despair. When one of its own realizes the truth, the final moments of horror felt by the cultist are like honey to the beast. Revealing that their devotion was for naught, the Serpent devours the soul. Duplicitous and callous, the Serpent willingly takes the guise of other gods. Astrology, tarots, and the many differing ways of 'gaining knowledge' of the Serpent's ways are smoke and mirrors, used only to hide its true nature a moment longer.

Sects

This cult has hidden within the lands for thousands of years, a plague upon civilization and barbarians alike. Children leave their homes, seeking something too good to be true. Kings have made pilgrimages to appear before the entwined thrones of the Serpent's high priests. Powers untold are offered to fools in exchange for seemingly meaningless promises and rituals. Yet, as a snake sheds its skin to grow, so does the cult. A new cult arises from the ashes and the corpses of its former members. From its apparent death, the cult is reborn without them realizing it.

Gaze into eternity

Type

Religious, Cult