Cult Initiate
Whether through your own choice or a twist of fate, you found yourself part of a clandestine and often
misunderstood group of individuals—a cult. This may have been a circle focused on the symbiotic relationship of flesh and nature, a scholastic order obsessed with the cosmos, or followers of a prophecy predicting the apocalypse.
However, your faith or circumstances have since changed, leading you to leave the confines of the cult. You might still be an active member, or you've escaped its influence. Either way, your experiences within the cult and the knowledge you've gained have left a deep impact on your life.
Skill Proficiencies Choose one between Arcana or Religion; and one between Persuasion or Survival
Tool Proficiencies One type of artisan's tools or musical instrument
Languages Choose one between Deep Speech, Infernal and Sylvan, reflecting the cult to which you belonged
Equipment
- A set of common clothes
- A brimmed cloak
- A trinket or symbol representing your cult
- A piece of jewelry worth 10 gp
- A hooded lantern
- Five flasks of oil
- A pouch containing 5 gp.
Features
Cult Secrets
You know the secret signs, phrases, rituals, and traditions of your cult, and can recognize them
anywhere. In addition you can recognize similar signals from other cults. Furthermore, you have advantage on checks made to pass yourself off as a member of similar cults, potentially gaining trust or access to resources.
Suggested Characteristics
Whether you are a current or former member of a cult, your experiences have shaped you. As a follower, you are guided by deep-seated beliefs and rituals, while as a former member, your past continues to haunt you, and you may be driven by a desire for redemption or revenge.
Traits
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|
| 1 | I always keep my thoughts and emotions hidden, a habit from my cult days. |
| 2 | I am curious about other belief systems and constantly compare them to my own. |
| 3 | I feel most comfortable following rituals and routines. |
| 4 | I am always questioning everything and seeking deeper meanings. |
| 5 | I feel lost and disconnected after leaving my cult. |
| 6 | I can be charismatic and persuasive when I need to be. |
| 7 | I distrust authority figures and institutions. |
| 8 | I have a habit of slipping into old cult phrases or mannerisms. |
Ideal
| d6 | Bond |
|---|
| 1 | I left someone I care about behind in the cult and am determined to rescue them. |
| 2 | I am still part of the cult, and I will protect my brothers and sisters at all costs. |
| 3 | Someone I loved was sacrificed for the cult's cause. Their memory haunts me. |
| 4 | I harbor a dangerous secret about the cult that others would kill to uncover |
| 5 | The leader of the cult still holds a dark sway over me, and I struggle against their influence. |
| 6 | I am seeking revenge against those who forced me out of the cult. |
Bond
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|
| 1 | Freedom: I have left the cult and cherish my newfound liberty. I'll never let anyone control my life again. (Any) |
| 2 | Unity: As a current cult member, I believe that our unified purpose is more significant than individual desires. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Knowledge: The cult's teachings are hidden truths that the world deserves to know. (Any) |
| 4 | Purity: As a former cultist, I realize the cult's teachings were wrong. I seek to cleanse myself and the world of its influence. (Good) |
| 5 | Domination: I believe the cult's teachings should be enforced, creating a new world order. (Evil) |
| 6 | Redemption: I have done terrible things in the name of the cult. I must atone for my sins. (Good) |
Flaw
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|
| 1 | I am paranoid and distrustful, always expecting a cultist to appear and enact revenge. |
| 2 | I secretly miss the structure and unity of the cult and sometimes consider returning. |
| 3 | I am easily swayed by charismatic leaders. |
| 4 | The cult's influence has left me with warped moral views that others find shocking or abhorrent. |
| 5 | I will go to any length to destroy the cult, even if it harms innocent bystanders. |
| 6 | I struggle with guilt over the actions I took as part of the cult. |
