Shadow Cults

Throughout the ages, various so-called ”shadow faiths” and heretical sects have emerged surrounding the Sacred Flame, some of which embrace an opposing force, alternatively called the Darkness or Shadow. These cults develop their own mysteries and esoteric practices. They sometimes devote themselves to worshiping enigmatic god-like beings such as the Phantom Queen, the Night Serpent, the Lord of the Undead, and powerful entities who inhabit the Shadowlands or the Abyss.
Some of these chthonic entities seek to devour the light and plunge the world into darkness unending. However, not all of these faiths are evil, with practitioners who view shadow and light as part of a necessary balance. Regardless, followers of the Sacred Flame condemn these beliefs, banishing their rites and practices. In the same manner that deep faith and contemplation leads followers of the Sacred Flame to become clerics and paladins, one may also channel the Shadow itself. Clerics are heralds of twilight, trickery, magic, and death, and paladins often invoke dark oaths to vengeful causes or ambitious conquest. Followers of the Shadow Faith may even become warlocks, embracing dark and fiendish patrons.