Post by Stix on Apr 7, 2008 5:47:52 GMT -5
Here's a quick first glance at who's who. First, an important figure:
Each cultist goes by a one-name alias and wears a hood, a mask, and heavy, concealing robes to protect his/her identity during rites and celebrations. The cult was originally led by three thralls, but one dropped out of communication just outside a month ago. Naturally, foul play is suspected.
Hilathic would've had to support one of the three Thralls to join the cult in the first place. Any thoughts on which one at first glance? Also, he'll need an alias. My thought is that Hilathic's role in ritual has been to select and lure in a number of the sacrificial victims, or to perform a song to accompany the ritual dance, or to entertain before the meal -- but if you've got another idea, toss it out there.
Betrayal is a holy act among the cult -- getting caught or leaving a victim alive to tell the tale, though, is a sin. While the Thralls are beyond reproach, any of the other members is fair game, though it's anybody's guess how dangerous they may be.
- Noshteroth of the Umber Scales -- Tiefling high priest of the Temple of the Abyss. Not directly affiliated with the cult, but an important presence to know about. Someone almost assuredly leaks information about the Tai Harith to him, and the cult would surely be mobilized in defense of the temple were there a threat to it.
Each cultist goes by a one-name alias and wears a hood, a mask, and heavy, concealing robes to protect his/her identity during rites and celebrations. The cult was originally led by three thralls, but one dropped out of communication just outside a month ago. Naturally, foul play is suspected.
- Varen -- Thrall of Graz'zt. Of the two remaining thralls, the one with the most powerful supporters. Favors submerging Wraith in horror and forcing her to betray herself. Hatched the plan to strip her of her home and her son on the same night. Is in possession of the Mantle of Horns, and refuses to give its power to anyone who does not worship Graz'zt.
- Polos -- Thrall of Graz'zt. Less popular due to his slower approach; would prefer to be ingratiating members to her and eventually presenting the Mantle of Horns as a means of doing good, but which requires terrible sacrifice -- encouraging acts of evil by tempting her to create positive change. Believes Varen's approach will destroy her, not encourage her to Graz'zt's service.
- Lepiat -- [Missing, presumed deceased] Thrall of Graz'zt. Discovered another candidate who could wear the Mantle of Horns, and was searching for more such (female tieflings of appropriate and sufficiently potent tanar'ri lineage). Wanted to expand the cult's interests beyond only Wraith.
- Qabru -- Varen supporter. A ritual dancer who weaves delicately underneath a suspended sacrificial victim, slicing the poor sod open with a glass scalpel and bathing in the blood. Never speaks; seldom communicates at all beyond a nod. Smells strongly of ash, a quality not uncommon in many tieflings.
- Jo'or -- Polos supporter. The surgeon who removes sacrificial victims' organs and performs a crude taxidermy by stuffing the body with straw, very practiced at his art. Speaks in a hoarse whisper. Very tall, smells foul.
- Fidrath -- Varen supporter. The cook who prepares the sacrificial feast. Air is noticeably warmer around him, a quality found in some fire genasi and tieflings. Made the arrangements to seize Wraith's home; if not himself a member of the Fated, he must have some deep-seated connections. Rumored to have taken Wraith's virginity.
- Kuasettsa -- Former Lepiat supporter. Speaks in a sibilant, hissing voice. Does not openly support anyone since Lepiat's disappearance (yet).
- Domori -- Varen supporter. A lean swordsman who openly wears his blade and Doomguard insignia even during ritual.
- Melpom -- Polos supporter. The newest member of the cult, who has finished initiation but has not yet been given a role in ritual services.
Hilathic would've had to support one of the three Thralls to join the cult in the first place. Any thoughts on which one at first glance? Also, he'll need an alias. My thought is that Hilathic's role in ritual has been to select and lure in a number of the sacrificial victims, or to perform a song to accompany the ritual dance, or to entertain before the meal -- but if you've got another idea, toss it out there.
Betrayal is a holy act among the cult -- getting caught or leaving a victim alive to tell the tale, though, is a sin. While the Thralls are beyond reproach, any of the other members is fair game, though it's anybody's guess how dangerous they may be.
