Rakdos Rank and Renown

The anarchic nature of the Cult of Rakdos—aside from the absolute rulership of Rakdos himself—makes rank a meaningless concept to the members of the guild. Nevertheless, renown matters: performers who are well known within the guild also tend to be well known outside the guild, which means larger audiences. Renown in the Cult of Rakdos is the difference between being a bit player in someone else's performance and being the ringmaster of your own show.

Extra

Prerequisite: Renown 3 or higher in the Cult of Rakdos

You have proven yourself both useful and talented and have earned a place on stage. It's a small place, and a dangerous one—bit players like you are as likely to suffer injury or death during a Rakdos performance as audience members are. But that's the thrill of live theater!

 

Sideshow Act

Prerequisite: Renown 10 or higher in the Cult of Rakdos

You have gained a reputation both within the Cult of Rakdos and (to some extent) outside it, though you are still a long way from achieving top billing. You might stage performances in back alleys and abandoned warehouses, with a handful of other performers helping to bring your vision to life.

When you go on an adventure, you can call on 1d4 helpers—a mix of cacklers, stage hands, or extras—to help you complete it. Use the stat blocks of cultists and thugs from the Monster Manual for the stage hands and extras, respectively.

Your status also means that you can venture into the depths of Rix Maadi, the lair of Rakdos, to petition for a Rakdos charm (described in Guild CharmsWIP). Rakdos can grant a charm with barely a thought, but your station in the guild doesn't guarantee safe passage to and from the demon's presence.  

Blood Witch (Special Role)

Prerequisite: Renown 10 or higher in the Cult of Rakdos, the Spellcasting or Pact Magic class feature

The aggressive tormentors known as blood witches are the closest thing the Cult of Rakdos has to ranking officials. You can't personally mobilize large numbers of guild members, but individual performers, ogres, giants, and even demons are quick to obey your commands as long as they don't contradict the ethos of the guild or the will of Rakdos himself.

When you become a blood witch, you are assigned to torment a particular enemy of the guild. This enemy can be an individual, a family, an organization, or even an abstract concept. Examples of blood witches include the Judge of the Judges, who targets the Azorius guildmaster; the Tormentor of the Wojek, who confounds Boros military intelligence efforts; and the Disintegrator of Law and Order, who undermines all efforts to uphold law.  

Star Performer

Prerequisite: Renown 25 or higher in the Cult of Rakdos

At last, you have the opportunity to display your genius to the masses. When you perform, you're the star of the show, the climax of a night of revelry. The rest of the guild regards you with admiration and more than a little envy, since crowds pack whatever venues you choose for your shows. Rakdos himself might even come to watch. You can count on the support of your ringmaster, and you can call on the aid of other performers in your troupe—just be careful not to turn your back on the ones who would kill in return for a moment in your spotlight.

You can bring 2d4 Rakdos performers (blade jugglers, fire eaters, or high-wire acrobats) and 1d4 Rakdos lampooners with you when you're going on stage or heading out to riot on the streets.  

Ringmaster

Prerequisite: Renown 50 or higher in the Cult of Rakdos

The show is yours to command. You determine what performers take center stage and when, and you design the exciting and bloody final act of the show—meaning that you decide who lives and who dies. You might adopt an ominous or overwrought title, such as Choreographer of Flame or the Dramaturge. A troupe of 3d10 + 20 Rakdos performers (blade jugglers, fire eaters, or high-wire acrobats) is at your service, and you can call on 2d4 blood witches to aid you with their magic. You're probably also considered a significant public enemy by the Azorius, but they can't arrest you if they can't catch you.