The Cults of the 4th Era

[Asinjin]

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.

[Asinjin]

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...

[Asinjin]

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.

[Asinjin]

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

[Asinjin]

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]

[Asinjin]

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

[Asinjin]

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

[Asinjin]

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

[Asinjin]

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.

[whitesword]

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.

[Windblade]

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?

[Asinjin]

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.

[whitesword]

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?

[Windblade]

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.

[Zunder]

Summary of Delta


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