The Cult Of Bastellen - Printable version

Name: The Cult of Bastellen
Religion Type: Monotheistic Cult
Size: 7 Followers (currently)
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Beliefs

While not particularly influenced by belief they believe that by serving Bastellen their own desires will be fulfilled in exchange for their soul and undying devotion. The belief is paramount to their loyalty as it requires it for them to be truly loyal.

Ever since the purge of their religion in the early eras of Arethil they have had a singular goal, to locate and bring together the lost armor pieces of Bastellen. The suit of armor that the physical form of Bastellen himself wore whenever he set foot in the prime material plane in the days of old.
This armor has special abilities granted to the wearers at a cost, but together his followers believe that it will resurrect their god once again!

Structure

The Keepers of The Void: The head of the religion. They have forfeit their soul, free will, and humanity to be a bridge between the earthly realm and The Void. There are usually three, and are chosen by Bastellen from his most devoted priestesses. They bear a mark in void speak for bridge on the back of their neck, and have no whites in their eyes as they turn black and their iris's turn bright blue or blood red.

The Void Forger: The tool of Bastellen they can create and imbue objects with void essence and empower them to channel the void. They are blessed by Bastellen and are chosen from those among his followers who are most in-tune with aura and empathy magic. Even if they are not trained in such arts they are chosen purely for their potential and ability and will be trained later by The Void Keepers.

High Priestess: The voice and fulfiller of Bastellen's will they feed the souls of the void and their masters earthly presence with sacrifice and oversee the maintenance and general up keep of his shrines and artifacts. While The Void Forger can imbue and create artifacts. The High Priestess maintains the energy of those artifacts through sacrifice and blood blessings. The purest and kindest of the priestesses are chosen by Bastellen based on their and willingness to serve the others of the cult. They carry a black book which not only bears the entirety of Bastellen's teachings, but is also their link to the void where they draw energy and channel it for their abilities.

Priestess: Those under the High Priestess who follow her orders and learn by her teachings. Chosen by the high priestess for their willingness to serve others and the dedication they have to their master and the willingness to work and spread the peace of his will. Acting as missionaries spreading their occult beliefs.

Head Dreadweaver: The Head Dreadweaver is the leader of the Dreadweaver's and are chosen for their ferocity, loyalty, and lack of moral principle. They keep the other Dreadweavers in line, and are often chosen yearly after a ritual of combat where any who believe they are more suited to the role may challenge the Head and by whether death or yield the winner will either take their place or retain their title.

Dreadweaver: They are the body guards, assassins, and general muscle. Chosen by The Head Dreadweaver or called by Bastellen himself. They are drifters, killers, prisoners, slaves, mercenaries, and cut throats. Sworn to protect all of those in the cult in exchange for powers of the void, and powerful artifacts that exchange blood for combat effectiveness. They carry out contracts approved by The Void Keeper council for gold and favors. They are taken care of, fed, and healed by the priestesses and in return usually have fierce loyalty to the shrines they are assigned to protect.

Background

His followers have a chilling aura that will unsettle any in their midst for reason they cant fully fathom and it quickly passes whether they simply get used to it being around the follower or the follower passes by. Whispers can also often be heard in their presence.

Lore

[Excerpt from A History of Religions in Arethil. Chapter 65. Author: Professor Maxi Tyler.]
"The Cult in question had a much larger presence in days of old. The shrines became known as dens where deals of death were made, Souls sold, possessions cursed, sodomy practiced, excess and human sacrifice abounded.
Soon other holy organizations rose up and purged the cult wiping it from history in a blaze of blood and fire all over the continent.
Now only trace written records remain, all "known" volumes gathered and collectively burned to wipe away all memory of their debauched worship and lifestyle. Now there are only second hand accounts with barely any descriptions and hazy half truths. Though many believe the remains of Bastellen still lurks in forgotten shrines making deals as he does. Sightings of those baring his mark and carrying his black books have begun to crop up, but the details of who they are and what they represent are questionable. At best these sightings are more regarded as rumors and legends among informed circles. I will need more information if I'm ever to find the truth of the matter..."

References

The Cult Of Bastellen Printable version