Cults of G.. - Index of - Free

Divine Cults
12
DIVINE CULTS
Provided here are dozens of cults worshipped
throughout Glorantha. These range from the most
powerful and widespread like Orlanth and Lodril
to esoteric cults worshipped only by the eccentric. Also
provided are the mainstay cults of Chaos and evil.
Cult Format
Name: The illustrious God Learner scholars have
standardised many religions, taking the most prevalent
name to describe the god or gods in the cult’s original
homeland. Experiments in transferring worshippers from
one cult to another or even switching one god for another
have been performed with no ill effect. Variations in
spelling and pronunciation still exist from land to land
and specific religious practices can differ wildly. Unique,
localised cults still exist in many lands but they may be
formed using the sample cults as examples.
Description: This describes the deity’s place in the
cosmos and provides details on the bare bones of the
god’s most important myths. One of the most important
traits of a deity is the domain of worship – such as a
love god, a war goddess or ruling deity – it is from these
qualities that all divine power derives. Also noted are any
unique or unusual powers the god wields or overarching
powers such as Orlanth’s Kingship of the Gods or the
Divine Twinship of Caldara and Aurelion.
The next section discusses the cult, its practices and its
historical position in the world including any political
power the cult wields or authority it held in the past. If the
cult has any famous heroes or leaders they and their deeds
are noted as well. Also detailed are what the god expects
of his worshippers – sacrifices, duties, sacred weapons
as well as any cult likes and dislikes. The god’s typical
iconography, sacred statuary and religious symbols are
also detailed. Noted are typical temple size and the cult’s
prevalence in society. Any particular places of power or
sacred pilgrimage are among the most important temples.
Last is the divine spell available from the god’s temples.
This, along with the Worship (God) spell, are the only
divine spells typically available at temples.
Runes: The mystic runes that are intimately associated
with the god. These runes encompass the god’s nature
and are important for determining his place in Glorantha.
As such; they also help to determine what kinds of magic
the cult can access. Since runestones are crystallised
drops of divine blood, it is often useful to know which
god is the source of that rune.
Type: What sort of god is he? This includes their domain
of worship – such as a love god, a war goddess, or
ruling deity. Many Gloranthan deities do not fit into neat
categories however, such as the scholastic Lankor Mhy
and Buserian.
Pantheon: As noted earlier, several large pantheons exist
in Glorantha as well as numerous minor ones. Some
deities such as Chalana Arroy exist in several pantheons
possibly under a variety of names. In these cases, they
are listed in the order of prominence and importance
(within that pantheon). For example, Babeester Gor’s
cult exists among the Earth, Storm and Elf pantheons
but her worshippers are most common among the Earth
pantheon.
Worshippers: These make up the god’s main source of
believers, be they warriors, courtesans, nobles or lepers.
Worshipper’s Duties: Typical tasks and behaviours the
deity expects of his followers.
Communal Worshipper
(Lay Member) Membership
The first step in joining a cult is to become a lay member.
These are usually known as communal worshippers. This
casual level of worship confers few benefits but has little
cost. Characters can belong to numerous cults as a lay
member, so long as they are not diametrically opposed.
The vast majority of members of a cult are lay members,
casual worshippers who follow the basic doctrine of the
cult and attend regular ceremonies.
Requirements: The standard requirements are that
candidates have at least a basic understanding of the
beliefs of the cult and make a small donation of between
1 and 10 silvers.