Habololy Forum

General Category => The 4th Era Of Habololy => Topic started by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 11:44:02 AM

Title: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 11:44:02 AM
It occurs to me that having the cults described at the Counsil meeting isn't appropriate since they have no control over their power level.

So here is a thread for that.
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 11:50:03 AM
Although the power of the cults are not defined as the religions are, religious scholars are still able to generalize what the power level of a cult deity based on research and common sense.

The most powerful cult in Habololy's history was that of Amar, which reached a level to be on par with Habastly and Dedestroyt.  It was so powerful that it lingers six hundred years after Amat's imprisonment, even though its clerics have access to only the weakest of spells.

Beyond that, no cults had ever reached a level of power above a lesser deity...
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 12:21:45 PM
Drunnbar (Lawful Neutral)

After several years of trying to defeat them, the clerics realized that they could not stop Iott's rise and that Nomagrok could only play defense to survive, the religion took another course.

"Go tell it on the mountain, arcane magic will be our end!
Go tell in on the mountain, Lyla is the devil!"
 
Was one of many songs that the evangelists would sing as they traveled the world.  Using the safety of the underdark, the dwarves of Nomagrok and the faithful of Drunnbar spread the word to everyplace they could reach.  The reception they received was different than ever before.  Every nation had those that despised Iott or sought any way to help protect against it.  Dozens of shrines were founded, hundred of cleric ordained.

Converts were ready to be had as well.  Crafters that worshipper Smofarf but were appalled by the seeming acquiescence to Iott.  Opponents of the Counsil that saw Hemator's efforts during this time as weak.  Tinkers that saw Arsenal as too emotionless.  Adherents of Tyrogatore that thought he was too weakened.  Residents of the underdark that feared Iott's eventual intrusion.

This influx of new faithful combined with the growing dislike of magic on a global scale was empowering.  The Counsil had more than it could handle dealing with the cults of Kallark and Sutyr.  For the first time in many centuries, a cult reached new heights of power.  Drunnbar became of greater deity.

Many of the most powerful clerics of Drunnbar were overwhelmed by Iott in the early days of their reign.  The high cleric that over in the wake of those defeats was different from any previous.  Ruthcan 10th Sledgehammer is a recent convert after his family was killed by the Iottians.  An evangelist of the highest order, he manages to retain a practicality born of his low social standing.

Having fought it and nearly winning the Suian of 801, Quartz 6th Sledgehammer may have come out of the event better known than anyone else.  Managing to gain entry thanks to his adherence to the tenants of Han~Sui and winning the tournament of Nomagrok.  Making it to the event despite Iott's efforts to prevent him from arriving on time.  Defeating a line up of opponents that was either arranged to defeat him or the worst luck ever.  Quartz took each opportunity in the arena to speak out against Iott, doing so during his fights as he was not allowed to protest at any other time.  His shield and hammer style was so impressive that it inspired others and put Drunnbar's faith on the map as being weapon masters in their own right.

Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 12:23:34 PM
Vishtoo (Chaotic [neutral] Evil)

In a constant struggle to find relevance outside of his eponymous race and the badlands in which they live, Vishtoo and his faithful did little out of their ordinary during the reign of Iott.  The heavy focus on other cults did allow the faithful a little more breathing room in those years to spread to places they would have, with a handful more shrines opening around the world.

The high cleric is known as Burogni, which translates into common as 'the bad man'.  It is unknown whether this title is taken by each new high cleric or if it has been the same Vishtoo for a long time.

Bezeded S'z't became famous after he and some of his fellow Vishtoo helped defeat Sutyr.  He is the rare faithful member of the cult to not have his name spit when mentioned.

Divine Power - Demi
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 12:32:42 PM
Chaos

While the world was dealing with the Reign of Iott, Chaos should have been enjoying the creation of the thing they the religion was built upon.  But it was not.  For three decades, the deity fought a battle for its existence on Habololy.

A creature of the underdark, one that had not previously been known to the world arrived with one agenda, to overtake Chaos and claim its power.  Much of what transpired is unknown, as the world was looking to other problems.  The lack of organization that goes along with Chaos also meant that there were no records.  The rest of the world saw only the occasional sign of the change.  The biggest of these being the destruction of Lench, which since it happened in Barnstenagor was noticed by few.

By the time of the Counsil meeting in 816, the powers made note that the deity known as Chaos had been replaced by an entity called Re'Alpf.  They made note that this new power was not as strong as Chaos, but seemed more focused and involved.

Re'Alph is Chaotic Evil [neutral]
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 12:42:08 PM
Loomashyn (Chaotic Neutral)

The Lord of Slime, having struck out in an effort to deal a blow to Stasis and the kingdom of Icefia, retreated to its pit in the underdark for a time.

With new enemies arising, and old ones on the rise, the religion regrouped and involved itself little in the affairs of the world above during the Reign of Iott.

The best known faithful are all among the wugs including the sorcerer Bloloflo Baroop, and the high cleric Oloflo.

Power Level - Demi
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 03:02:37 PM
Wandle (Neutral [lawful] Evil)

The mistress of misandry and princess of Gehenna sat back and watched the the world burned.  Her cult did little to involve itself in the struggles the engulfed the Counsil and the nations.  With the defeat of Sutyr, she made a push to increase her power and influence as one of the few powers of fire remaining in the world.

The high cleric is Gnatassa Wentavay, who lives and rules the cult from Amatom.

There are well known followers world wide, but each nation or region has one seductress that is talked about in hushed tones and a person that all males are wary of meeting.

Power Level - Demi
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 03:10:14 PM
Corahakar (Neutral Evil)

The rival of Wandle on the male side had a more eventful time during the Reign of Iott.  While not embroiled directly in the battles with Iott, the underdark teemed with action as refugees seeking to flee Iott's power fled into the depths.  This came with opportunities and dangers.

Numerous knew recruits to the faith were encountered, as were slaves.  But Drunnbar and Alarault also had followers in great number come into the depths and challenge Corahakar and the other powers of the deep.

In the end, it balanced out for the cult, with no power gained or lost.  The high cleric remains the drow Haessell the Mask of House Kaitta.

On the surface, a well known assassin and Ladykiller known as Prikel has vowed to be the one that kills Lyla once and for all.

Power Level - Demi
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 03:24:06 PM
Hemator (Lawful Good)

The cult began the reign of Iott in a challenging time.  Its home of Pacyr was presided over by a ruler that did not want to involve the nation in the struggles of the world for the time being.  The prescient decision, seemingly made with foreknowledge of the coming troubles, would go on to save the lives of many thousands of Pacyrans.  Iott spent far less effort attacking its neighbor than it would have if Pacyr had taken a more active role.

This did not serve the cult of Hemator well.  While other faiths in her sphere of influence went full out into action; Stasis in pursuit of Sutyr and Quan Yin in a quest to end the plagues, Hemator was hindered.  Each of those religions had a nation backing their efforts, while Hemator's homeland was hesitant to any action outside its borders.

The agents of Hemator around the world were active, but they could not match the activity of the other faiths.  On the plateau, Falan and Lansin's faiths outworked Hemator to take control of technological healing.  Despite her greater connection to the planes, Hemator fell behind on Habololy.  In places that were more accepting of planar deities, such as the Great Forest and Icefia, other, lesser cults moved it to take her spot.

By the time of the Counsil meeting in 816, Hemator was considered by most to be again only a Demi power on Habololy.

The best known agent of Hemator, who took part in the ultimate defeat of Sutyr, is the now angelic Solaris.

Daniel Tenfeats, the halfing high cleric of Hemator for decades, retired recently.  Although politely age was the given reason, everyone assumes it was because it was on his watch that Hemator lost so much influence.  The new high cleric is Jillia Toweta, a celestially inspired half-elf from Pacyr.
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: whitesword on February 22, 2021, 04:01:18 PM
Hemator (Lawful Good)

The cult began the reign of Iott in a challenging time.  Its home of Pacyr was presided over by a ruler that did not want to involve the nation in the struggles of the world for the time being.  The prescient decision, seemingly made with foreknowledge of the coming troubles, would go on to save the lives of many thousands of Pacyrans.  Iott spent far less effort attacking its neighbor than it would have if Pacyr had taken a more active role.

This did not serve the cult of Hemator well.  While other faiths in her sphere of influence went full out into action; Stasis in pursuit of Sutyr and Quan Yin in a quest to end the plagues, Hemator was hindered.  Each of those religions had a nation backing their efforts, while Hemator's homeland was hesitant to any action outside its borders.

The agents of Hemator around the world were active, but they could not match the activity of the other faiths.  On the plateau, Falan and Lansin's faiths outworked Hemator to take control of technological healing.  Despite her greater connection to the planes, Hemator fell behind on Habololy.  In places that were more accepting of planar deities, such as the Great Forest and Icefia, other, lesser cults moved it to take her spot.

By the time of the Counsil meeting in 816, Hemator was considered by most to be again only a Demi power on Habololy.

The best known agent of Hemator, who took part in the ultimate defeat of Sutyr, is the now angelic Solaris.

Daniel Tenfeats, the halfing high cleric of Hemator for decades, retired recently.  Although politely age was the given reason, everyone assumes it was because it was on his watch that Hemator lost so much influence.  The new high cleric is Jillia Toweta, a celestially inspired half-elf from Pacyr.

So much for my prediction that Hemator would be getting an upgrade. Demi=ouch.
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Windblade on February 22, 2021, 05:12:50 PM
Although I didn't think Hemator was going to be promoted which is why she wasn't voted up I didn't think there was enough to demote her.  I feel I need to play a worship of hemator in 4th Era to work on bringing her back to her lesser God status.  Who is with me?
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 22, 2021, 05:44:03 PM
Although I didn't think Hemator was going to be promoted which is why she wasn't voted up I didn't think there was enough to demote her.  I feel I need to play a worship of hemator in 4th Era to work on bringing her back to her lesser God status.  Who is with me?

Keep in mind, she doesn't get voted on as a cultist.
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: whitesword on February 22, 2021, 07:24:44 PM
Keep in mind, she doesn't get voted on as a cultist.

Does this mean because there is no affirmative act by the Counsil her status is ambiguous?
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Windblade on February 22, 2021, 07:31:04 PM
Good point.  I meant the vote on meeting that went against her coming back to the counsil, therefore continue as a cult which isn't good for increasing your followers.  I still can't imaging a Habololy without Hemator so I might have to make a character that keeps her face alive.  I think Whitesword would be with me and hopefully Zunder and anyone else that wants to come along for the ride would be welcome.
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Zunder on February 23, 2021, 10:19:06 PM
Summary of Delta


 - Drunnbar elevated to Greater
 - ( does Re'Alfp retain Chaos's Lesser Power?)
 - Hemator demoted from Lesser to Demi
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 24, 2021, 08:13:39 AM
Summary of Delta


 - Drunnbar elevated to Greater
 - ( does Re'Alfp retain Chaos's Lesser Power?)
 - Hemator demoted from Lesser to Demi

It appears Re'Alpf is a Demi.
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Zunder on February 24, 2021, 08:33:59 AM
With the goal of updating the domains google sheet that I still use.

Drunnbar:
- Anti-Magic - not a domain, but rather turn ability replacement
- Earth
- Protection
- Strength
- Craft
- *insert here* - Weapon

Alarault
- Anti-Magic - not a domain, but rather turn ability replacement
- Hatred
- War
- *insert here* - Madness

Vestilion ( isn't on the sheet)
- Undeath
- Fire
- *insert here* - Tyranny

Dourvan
- Protections
- Planning
- *insert here* - War

Celetal
- Knowledge
- Judgement
- Prophecy
- Introspect
- *insert here* - NEW Psionic domain

Tfop
- Luck
- courage
- Liberation
- Craft
- *insert here* - Redemption

Quan Yin
- Community
- Healing
- Beauty
- *insert here* - Creation

Lakius **demotion** - remove one
- Water
- Air
- Weather
- Introspect - remove

Hemator **demotion** - remove one
- Healing
- Redemption
- Community - remove
- Glory

Everventual
- We know it loses Knowledge

Re'Aplf
- Magic?
- Madness?
- Darkness? - replace with Corruption (although I like Darkness too)
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Zunder on February 24, 2021, 08:38:56 AM
Oops


Melodi
Arsenal
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 24, 2021, 09:08:37 AM
Changes added in line, thanks for posting.
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 26, 2021, 09:24:33 AM
Quasi deities will be included in this thread as opposed to the Counsil one because this one is shorter and I didn't want to start one just for them.
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 26, 2021, 09:39:28 AM
Lansin (Lawful [neutral] Good)

All of the pieces for success were there for the quasi deity during the reign of Iott.  Technology was on the rise, and the need for it due to the plagues was great.  His chief opponents, Hemator and for healing, Hemator and Falan were not expanding and in turmoil respectively.  Those that would claim technology, Arsenal and the other quasi deities, focused on the plateaus, while Lansin traveled.

The deity did not run afoul of Iott, which allowed the faithful to live normally.  His faith spread to the Grean Republic, Gnarland, and Nomagrok; in addition to its bases in Pacyr, Hertoplowis and the Great Plateau.  Competition from Quan Yin stalled the advance of the religion, as their ability to evangelize and travel far outweighed Lansin's faith.  Once it was seen how well Lansin was doing, Falan and Hemator took notice and became to take extra efforts to non-violenlty combat his rise.

The high cleric remains Silvio Travaldi, a Nipit in Pacyr, although he in now elderly.  He is widely respected by all the other clerics in both his faith and the others.  His guidance of the faith has been impeccable and he travels during the plagues are remembered at every city and town he visited.  In many places, he is the first person to be called doctor.

Albert Fendown has taken up the mantle as the faith's traveling advocate.  A human who was cured by Silvio during his plague missions, he survived Calamoust.

Quasi Deity
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 26, 2021, 11:09:56 AM
Zeist (Neutral [chaotic] Neutral [evil])

The mad tinker began to rise to new heights during the reign of Iott.  Already one of the most worshipped quasi deities, mainly due to those that looked to his outrageous clickers and connection to the Tinkocracy, his stock climbed higher after the ascension of Arsenal.  Rather than block out Zeist, the new deity elevated all technology.  Zeist's clickers were not logical and not bound by Arsenal's order.  His tinkers were the mad dreamers.  He and his faith did not battle Iott, but sought to bridge the divide.  Although rarely successful, it was a niche.

The fall of Chaos around the world also helped Zeist.  At one time, the quasi deity had expelled all of that cults faith from the Plateau.  With Chaos being driven out elsewhere, Zeist picked up support from some that did not move to the new deity Re'Alpf.

In 793, the faith installed a new high cleric, the former cleric of Falan, Gmax.  The gnome brought a new idea to the faith and with it another path to divine power.  The combination of undeath and clickers was a strange and frightening proposal.  He managed to recruit a few other former clerics of Falan and began to direct the religion slowly towards this slightly different path.

Competition to be a patron of technology heated up as the Counsil meeting approached.  Lansin, Tfop, Falan, Tepfershot, and Arsenal all looked to increased their influence.  In the end, none could lay a strong enough claim for the Counsil to make a move.

Quasi Deity
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 27, 2021, 02:15:03 PM
Korda (Lawful Good [neutral])

One of the weakest religions to be noted as such, the Korda is different from most of the quasi deities.  The closest analogous one would be Pulundogin, in that neither the faithful or anyone else has interacted with the quasi deity.  Korda is known to have lived, and is famed for his exploits in the Suian and Graplore.  He is an honored member of Orcish history and a town is dedicated to him.

During the reign of Iott, in the time when the high cleric of the Oldest Orc was missing, the faith of Korda saw an uptick.  Some few orcs thought feared the worst and sought a different outlet for their devotion.  Elsewhere in the world, in the Destroytian Republic where Korda has a few shrines, people prayed to him as a possible deliverer from Iott, since the Counsil faiths seemed unable to stop Lyla.

Even with those increases, the religion is still small and Korda has still never made an appearance.

The high cleric is an orc in the holy town of Kordam in the Orcish Empire named Lair DofKor.  In the Destroytian army, one of the border captains is a well known half-orcish hekuta master named Feltion Sharpsmith.

Quasi Deity
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 27, 2021, 02:25:36 PM
Tepfershot (Neutral Neutral)

One of the quasi deities vying for dominion of technology, his faith has grown along with the expansion of technology during the reign of Iott.  The patron of firearms and snipers, the wars served him well to increase his following.  The disillusion of the faith of Lightstalker helped him as well.

Although he has a strong core of faithful, he has not been able to expand much beyond his narrow areas.

His high cleric and best known member of the faith is an arrogant half elf from the plateau named Viden Edgerton.  A marksman and sniper of exceeding skill, he is known to search out and challenge clerics of Treetop in an effort to prove that his deity should be above Treetop and that the time of Archery is over.

Power Level - Quasi Deity
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on February 27, 2021, 06:38:19 PM
Zornialat (Neutral Neutral [evil])

Another quasi deity that is rarely seen is the patron of monsters in the underdark.  Once a cult in its own right, there are legends of its existence before the Counsil, before the Spider Queen came to Habololy.  Its place changed little during the reign of Iott and the quasi deity remains relegated to small cults of humanoids and underdark dwellers that worship it.

The only known cleric of note is the traveling underdark cleric and bard Golos.  The humanoid of unknown race is said to be able to tell stories that end with the appearance of whatever monstrous creature the tale was about.

Power Level - Quasi Deity


Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on March 03, 2021, 12:32:59 PM
Baekodacalges (Chaotic Neutral)

The one time hopeful replacement for the Spider Queen did not survive the reign of Iott well.  While Chaos had never had a strong presence in the underdark, Re'Alpf made it his home.  Alarault and Drunnbar's faithful surged into the underdark to escape Iott and the arcane and brought with them a hatred for magic.  The Collector quickly leap frogged Baekodacalges in prominence.

Some believe the quasi deity has already dissipated, while others are expecting it to fade in the coming years.

There are no well known faithful.  The high cleric is an aged doppelganger known as Monmuohir.

Quasi Deity
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on March 03, 2021, 10:15:22 PM
Taivas Valtias (Neutral Good)

Master of the skies and weapon master, the patron of the Avorials picked no side during the reign of Iott.  He would neither side with the tyrants nor the tinkers.  In doing so, his faithful neither gained or lost much during the time.  Lakius loss of status was a help to the deity, but Melodi's arrival as a Counsil power balanced that.

The high cleric is unsurprisingly an Avorial named Jusinaeri Yon, who has been high cleric for several decades and maintains the faith from the high temple in the Crescent Mountains.

Aad is the leader of the faith among the Cloud Giants and is known for his hatred of the religion of Tyrgatore and lizardfolk.

Quasi Deity
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on March 04, 2021, 11:11:15 AM
Spinnar (Chaotic Neutral)

The gambling deity spent the reign of Iott placing long bets an plans to make him a member of the Counsil, but none of them hit.  His place in the world continues to be that of the outsider that no faith takes seriously.  His faithful are interested in wealth and winning, but have little interested in hard work or long term planning.  Nor are they are fanatically dedicated as the Collector's faithful are.  Spinnar's path is blocked by Tfop in one lane, Lavash'Ki in another, and the Collector in a third.

With no clear way to expand his portfolio, the deity remains the patron of gamblers and awaits a lucky break that will allow him a better seat at the table.

The Great Plateau has long been home to his high temple known as Gambler's Hall.  There, the master poker player Vaz is his best known follower, although not high cleric.  The high cleric, strangely, does not live in the high temple, but in the home to Spinnar's 2nd largest following in the southern coastal city of Ermaneo.  His name is Keller.

Quasi Deity
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Asinjin on March 05, 2021, 12:20:12 PM
Ritvali (Neutral [lawful] Neutral)

The newest of the quasi deities, the Grean thief has quickly maneuvered to find his niche.  Appealing to thieves, pirates, treasure hunters, sailors, organized criminals, and air breathing sea dwellers (Gree, Gatori, Vass); he has built a following large enough to sustain him for now.

His faithful, known as Ritvalists, preach taking calculated chances and amassing wealth, knowledge and power for one self, family, and community. They seek to make Ritvali the patron of seafaring missions and swimmers, among other things.

The high cleric is not well known, and there may not be a recognized leader as of yet.  Nor is there yet a high temple.  There are a dozen shrines in ports cities around the world.  The best known follower of the faith is a Grean sailor named Vertili who has for years sailed on different ships just to preach and then more on to another ship.

Quasi Deity
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Zunder on March 05, 2021, 04:42:24 PM
Write me in for a cleric of Ritvali. 
Title: Re: The Cults of the 4th Era
Post by: Windblade on March 05, 2021, 05:22:44 PM
Write me in for a cleric of Ritvali.

That be a fun campaign.