Cult of the Black Sun

Cults are small religious groups that do not have a large number of followers or work from the shadows. Some do not worship a deity but instead a powerful being or prophecy. While members of a religion can usually channel the divine power of their god, becoming cleric or paladins, most cultists can not, instead relying on their fervor or boons from their master.
There are some out there who do not believe a calamity befell Astara, but instead interpret it as a genesis. They believe that their mighty god Helios bathed the world in his heavenly fire to smite the unworthy, and we few who have survived are his chosen ones deemed worthy to live. They believe Helios will return to render justice once again, and we must be ready. Therefore, anyone who deviates from this belief is deemed a heretic and burned alive as a sacrifice to Helios or put through trials in his name. Followers of the Black Sun can be identified carrying or wearing symbols resembling a black sun, some even adorning it as a tattoo, usually on the center of their chest, out of sight.

The cult of the Black Sun were fascinated by the destructive power of fire in all its manifestations. They saw fire, and especially the sun, as the physical embodiment of their god Helios. They aspired to use the power of fire to eradicate the "corruption" of any who opposed their agenda, namely those they deemed "heretics". In the Black Sun cultists' doctrine, it says: "the world and all its peoples were wicked and malformed, and the only hope was to purify everything, reducing all to smoking cinders". The cult's primary objective is to continue perpetuating Helios' divine justice.

The Black Sun recruited from among those drawn to destruction for its own sake. This philosophy was very popular among creatures of elemental fire and even non-intelligent fire monsters served the fire cultists. While seeking new members, the cult would sometimes masquerade as other refugees of guild merchants, to lure vulnerable people into their midst. With promise of safety and shelter, many join the cult inadvertently. Before they realize its too late, and they're trapped in a dogmatic system where their lives are in danger should they falter or leave.

The cult works from the shadows and it is not known by many, but its members are spread throughout kingdoms and cities, manipulating events to fall into their favor. The existence of the cult is no secret, and paladins and clerics of Astara sometimes seek to exterminate the cult wherever it skulks.

Public Agenda

They believe that their mighty god Helios bathed the world in his heavenly fire to smite the unworthy, and we few who have survived are his chosen ones deemed worthy to live. They believe Helios will return to render justice once again, and we must be ready. Therefore, anyone who deviates from this belief is deemed a heretic and burned alive as a sacrifice to Helios or put through trials in his name.

"Praise the Sun"

Founding Date

102 3E

Type

Religious, Cult

Government System

Theocracy

Related Traditions

• Black Sun Paganism