Cult Leader
Suggested archetype to reinforce cult leader status – Celebrity.
Cult
1. Cult Rating (CR)
The cult has a Cult Rating representing influence and organization.
| Cult Rating | Followers | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3–6 | Small secret circle |
| 2 | 7–15 | Recognized sect |
| 3 | 16–40 | Local cult |
| 4 | 41–100 | Powerful cult |
| 5 | 100+ | Regional religious movement |
Increase Cult Rating by:
• Successful recruitment
• Completing rituals
• Performing miracles
• Public displays of power
• Converting influential NPCs
Decrease by:
• Exposure
• Internal conflict
• Failed rituals
• Losing key leaders
2. Cult Roles
Followers fall into three tiers:
Initiates
Low-level believers.
Benefits:
-
Gather information
-
Spread rumors
-
Provide small offerings (1–5 gp per week total)
Acolytes
Trusted members.
Benefits:
-
Assist rituals
-
Guard the cult
-
Provide downtime labor
Inner Circle
Elite disciples.
Benefits:
-
Lead cells
-
Conduct rituals
-
Replace the leader if necessary
Usually limited to 1–5 members.
3. Recruitment (Downtime Activity)
1 week of effort.
Check: Diplomacy, Deception, Intimidation, or Religion
DC depends on settlement level.
| Result | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Critical Success | 1d4 new followers |
| Success | 1 new follower |
| Failure | No one joins |
| Critical Failure | Suspicion raised |
Modifiers:
- +2 if the cult leader is a Celebrity
- +1 if the cult offers healing, protection, or real benefits
- +1 if recruitment occurs during crises
- -2 if authorities are watching
4. Cult Offerings
Followers contribute small wealth.
Weekly offerings:
| Cult Rating | Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5 gp |
| 2 | 10 gp |
| 3 | 25 gp |
| 4 | 50 gp |
| 5 | 100 gp |
This represents food, donations, stolen goods, etc.
5. Cult Rituals
Rituals increase influence.
Example rituals:
| Ritual | Effect |
|---|---|
| Initiation Rite | Recruit 1 follower automatically |
| Blessing Ceremony | Followers gain morale |
| Sacrificial Rite | Gain temporary power |
| Prophecy | GM provides information |
Mechanically:
Use Occultism, Religion, or Deception checks.
6. Cult Secrecy
Track Suspicion Level (0–5).
Actions that increase suspicion:
• Public rituals
• Sacrifices
• Kidnappings
• Political infiltration
If suspicion reaches 5:
Authorities investigate.
7. Cult Assets
At higher Cult Ratings the cult gains assets.
Examples:
| Rating | Asset |
|---|---|
| 2 | Safehouse |
| 3 | Shrine |
| 4 | Hidden temple |
| 5 | Militant followers |
These function as narrative advantages, not armies.
