Emeron Sullus
Emeron Sullus, a Chelaxian priest of Pharasma from Absalom, moved to the Ravengro region years ago on a pilgrimage to perfect himself. Since coming to Ravengro, he has been horrified by the region's decadence and the decline of humanity. As a test of his faith, he founded a small church in the Vein's central square - surrounded by the many establishments that exploit human vices or false hope.
Since then, the poorest of the poor crowded into his church and listened to Emeron's orations on man's sins. He has perfected the art of rhetoric, and many come to hear his bombastic sermons. His folk songs appeal to the best virtues and values of the common man while exploiting their fears and superstitions. He endlessly preaches a creed of common sense, honesty, and self-sacrifice, encouraging believers to seek Pharasma's forgiveness by repeated self-flagellation. His growing cult is over 150, and he aggressively tries to increase that number. He is visiting Jalek's flophouse looking for the destitute to convert more.
Many business owners and mine managers see Emeron as a threat to their way of life, distracting people from the vices and work while instead trying to exorcise their sins with their masochism. His sermons often preach vice as a sin that requires money, forcing believers to work under horrific conditions to obtain it. Without such vices, such pay is not required; hence, their lives could increase tenfold without the horrible work they must endure. Most people believe that the followers who attend the Church of Pharasma follow Emeron and his charism even more than Pharasma.
Emeron spends most of his time in his chamber, writing sermons and communing with his god during intense self-flagellation. He preaches three sermons a week. Each fills up at least an hour before the High Priest arrives and is a wild affair. Not all believers whip themselves in religious fervour. But enough do that those who abstain are marked as outsiders. Emeron sees newcomers as exciting challenges and tailors his sermons to first-time visitors. He urges them to join his growing community and reclaim Ravengro under the banner of community and strong values.
He is notorious for the following dogma, which he spreads with fervent eyes: "Dark times are coming! Writhing times. You'd best be ready when the clouds are darkening the sky!"
