The Cult of Beasts
Fanatic worshippers of Timmorn, Lord of the Hunt, the Cult of Beasts seeks the venerate their god through the slaughter of the meek and innocent.
Structure
The Cult is a loose association of fanatics, organized into local groups. Each group is led by a Cultist known as the hunt leader for the group. Selection is by combat; the winner becomes the hunt leader for their local sect of the Cult.
The Cult's current supreme leader, known as the huntmaster, is a cruel Lionkin warrior named Thun, who exerts control by force of personality and through fear of his prowess in combat. It is rumored that Thun killed over a dozen hunt leaders to gain control over the Cult.
Public Agenda
The Cult is known to act violently towards others, arranging raids on unwary farmers, shepherds, and others. Murder is a common goal for the Cult, but their targets always seem random.
Divine Origins
The Cult of Beasts is a mystery cult; as such they do not advertise their presence or hold public meetings. Their members likewise keep their association with the Cult a close secret.
Due to the secrecy of the Cult, very little is known about their origins, but it is believed that the Cult of Beasts has existed in some form since the Second Age.
Tenets of Faith
Cult members strictly adhere to Timmorn's tenet that everything and everyone can be classified as either predator or prey. The Cult seeks to cull the weak from the Lands of Legend, leaving only the strong to rule.
Worship
Ceremonies are infrequent, and generally happen at night under a full moon. Worship is physically active, typically starting with a short uttered prayer to Timmorn, then acting in a violent manner, like hunting an animal or raiding a farmstead. Worship culminates in a killing of a weaker "prey" and annointing themselves with the blood of their kill. Eating the raw heart of their kill is also common.
Worshippers that are not beastlings or weres will usually dress themselves and act like predator beasts during periods of worship.
Priesthood
Leaders in the Cult of Beasts are typically beastlings, like Lionkin, Karhu, or Gnolls, or are lycanthropes, like Werewolves or Weretigers. They are called hunt leaders, and they are selected through combat. Any member of the local Cult can challenge for leadership. Hunt leaders exert both spiritual and temporal control of their group, guiding the faithful through holy rituals and commanding their local sect of the Cult in their activities.
Political Influence & Intrigue
The Cult of Beasts is generally outlawed in all civilized nations, and is particularly reviled in Aurulant, where the worship of Timmorn is discouraged (but not outright banned). Even in Veltingard, where shrines to Timmorn can frequently be found, the Cult of Beasts is looked upon with distaste, based on their violent activities.
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