Cult of Asmodeus
The Cult of Asmodeus includes relatively few followers and only a handful of large temples. The majority of the cult remains secretive, operating within the shadows and out of view of the wide population. Unlike the Church of Bane, the Cult of Asmodeus does not enjoy widespread popularity or acceptance; indeed, many towns and cities maintain laws and bans against any worship dedicated to the Overlord of Hell.
Despite its small size and lack of acceptance, the Cult of Asmodeus is far from weak or ineffectual. Indeed, the cult’s membership includes some of the most powerful, wealthy, and famous nobles, clerics, warriors, and politicians alive. In public, these individuals live ordinary, mundane lives, often viewed as pillars of the community. In secret, however, these same people worship Asmodeus, offer sacrifices to their god, and commit heinous crimes against nonbelievers.
The Cult of Asmodeus, and all worship dedicated to the Prince of Nessus, is unusual amongst all the faiths of Faerun. In most religions, the worshippers never expect – and never receive – any tangible benefit (i.e., wealth, power, fame) for their worship. Within the cult, however, those who obey the will of Asmodeus and follow his demands are invariably blessed in many ways. As a result, the Cult of Asmodeus never lacks for followers or adherents, but different cells of the cult strive to keep their congregations small, focused, and secret. In short, the cult remains quite selective in whom they accept and whom they do not – the cult prefers members with something to bring to the table.
Despite its small size and lack of acceptance, the Cult of Asmodeus is far from weak or ineffectual. Indeed, the cult’s membership includes some of the most powerful, wealthy, and famous nobles, clerics, warriors, and politicians alive. In public, these individuals live ordinary, mundane lives, often viewed as pillars of the community. In secret, however, these same people worship Asmodeus, offer sacrifices to their god, and commit heinous crimes against nonbelievers.
The Cult of Asmodeus, and all worship dedicated to the Prince of Nessus, is unusual amongst all the faiths of Faerun. In most religions, the worshippers never expect – and never receive – any tangible benefit (i.e., wealth, power, fame) for their worship. Within the cult, however, those who obey the will of Asmodeus and follow his demands are invariably blessed in many ways. As a result, the Cult of Asmodeus never lacks for followers or adherents, but different cells of the cult strive to keep their congregations small, focused, and secret. In short, the cult remains quite selective in whom they accept and whom they do not – the cult prefers members with something to bring to the table.
Tenets of Faith
The worshippers of Asmodeus are, in some ways, very hedonistic in their beliefs. The Cult of Asmodeus teaches the value and importance of taking care of yourself, looking out for your own needs, and enjoying what you deserve. Underneath these values, however, lurks a darker message.
Youth and innocence demand corruption. That which is young and innocent must be corrupted. Take advantage of these things, and use them to your advantage. Corrupting the innocent teaches them a valuable lesson and, ultimately, serves them better than protecting them.
Ambition and greed are natural. Every mortal creature experiences ambition, greed, and jealousy. For whatever reason, the gods placed these values within their creations. As a result, you should not feel guilt for experiencing these feelings. Indeed, you should revel in them. Ambition and greed work to your advantage.
Exploit every weakness. The Cult of Asmodeus strives to uncover secrets and weaknesses of important leaders within the community. Asmodeus teaches that you should learn everyone’s weaknesses so that you may better exploit them for your gain. The best strategy is to hold this advantage over your victim, keeping them under your thumb for later use. This is the primary way the Cult of Asmodeus grows and expands – they strike at people’s vulnerabilities and use blackmail to pull them into the cult’s clutches.
Destroy that which cannot be corrupted. If someone or something cannot be controlled, corrupted, or manipulated, you must eliminate it. Any such person cannot be trusted, and ultimately represents a threat to the entire community. Anything that is beyond reproach does not have mortal interests first and foremost.
Youth and innocence demand corruption. That which is young and innocent must be corrupted. Take advantage of these things, and use them to your advantage. Corrupting the innocent teaches them a valuable lesson and, ultimately, serves them better than protecting them.
Ambition and greed are natural. Every mortal creature experiences ambition, greed, and jealousy. For whatever reason, the gods placed these values within their creations. As a result, you should not feel guilt for experiencing these feelings. Indeed, you should revel in them. Ambition and greed work to your advantage.
Exploit every weakness. The Cult of Asmodeus strives to uncover secrets and weaknesses of important leaders within the community. Asmodeus teaches that you should learn everyone’s weaknesses so that you may better exploit them for your gain. The best strategy is to hold this advantage over your victim, keeping them under your thumb for later use. This is the primary way the Cult of Asmodeus grows and expands – they strike at people’s vulnerabilities and use blackmail to pull them into the cult’s clutches.
Destroy that which cannot be corrupted. If someone or something cannot be controlled, corrupted, or manipulated, you must eliminate it. Any such person cannot be trusted, and ultimately represents a threat to the entire community. Anything that is beyond reproach does not have mortal interests first and foremost.
Type
Religious, Cult
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
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