Cult of the Deep
A mysterious cult founded on an ancient atoll with a sinkhole in the center.
Origins
When the Fey age began and all the spell focus' exploded a pirate ship captained by an unnamed sorcerer suffered critical damage. The survivors washed up on an Atoll with a strange underwater storm in the center. A strange voice started haunting their dreams, driving some mad. One Goblin wandered into the Lagoon before coming out with a cloak draped over him, declaring salvation was upon them. To establish the power of the cult this goblin pursued the majority of the crew to sacrifice a captured merchant's daughter to Kselip, the 'god' he found within the storm.reciutment and growth
In order to recruit more followers and also practice their beliefs without destroying themselves. The cult built two-man short ranged ships that went out when ships were close. The point was to damage the ship beyond saving and see who survived. Those that made it to the atoll alive and healthy enough were given a choice, give themselves to Kselip or be given to Kselip. This gave rise to a powerful, mad priestess who, to prove her devotion, gave herself to Kselip by swimming into the storm. She showed up a week later, able to shift between merfolk and her original Tiefling, becoming a bride of Kselip.Beliefs
- The sea provides - this is one of the major tenants of the cult. They believe by providing for the 'god' Kselip, that he will in turn ensure their survival.
- Might is right, hunt or be hunted - A belief that primarily came from the fact the entire early cult was pirates, this led to a hierarchy based on who was most powerful.
- What is dead cannot die - The insane belief that by surviving the sea to come to the island they are now protected from death.
Rituals
- Mark of the storm - This is the ritual hunt where cultists go out to sea and sink nearby ships to see who survives.
- Sacrifice the weak of mind - Those who either show up on the island too weak to be of use or refuse Kselip are dragged to an altar on a platform over the lagoon where they have their entrails cut out before being thrown to the storm below.
- Communion - Those who are called go through a ritual cleansing where they surrender all possessions and bathe in blood before they walk into the lagoon and the storm. Not everyone comes back.
Comments