Potential recruits for heretical sect of Zon Kuthon

[roguerouge]

So, I need some ideas for NPCs in Cheliax who would be interested in joining a heretical sect of Zon Kuthon. This heretical sect seeks to redeem him from the fate they feel was imposed upon him and would strive toward reclaiming others from similar fates. (A player's starting this as a rogue/inquisitor; 4th level.)

Who would be interested in converting to this sect? Why?
Why would they prefer this sect to, say, Shelyn?
How would the PC find out about this prospect?
What would they need to know to feel comfortable joining?

This would be in the CG city of Kintargo in Cheliax' northern region. Fairly isolated, but does have an active sea port, so it could include virtually anyone.

[Fuzzy-Wuzzy]

They might consider themselves a church of Dou-Bral rather than Zon-Kuthon.

roguerouge wrote:

Why would they prefer this sect to, say, Shelyn?

Shelyn wants to redeem him by being nice. So, say they're doing it by being not-nice. In particular, they strive to get into his head by torturing themselves and each other. After the torture they indulge in Dou-Bral's portfolio, which was the same as Shelyn's, and tell each other how much nicer this is than torture. Okay, that last part is weak but you get the idea. Getting into Zon-Kuthon's head is key.

roguerouge wrote:

How would the PC find out about this prospect?

Since they don't torture people outside the cult (by supposition), they could be a perfectly legal, semi-public group. They probably wouldn't have parades, but it might be something that someone with a decent Knowledge(local) check would have heard of.

[Set]

It would seem like the best recruiters for such a sect would be people who have suffered and grown stronger in the process, and the best recruits for them to target would be people who are suffering currently, and wish to come out the other side stronger, finding redemption / strengthening / a 'reason' or 'silver lining' behind their current tribulations.

The tenets of the faith might point to something like the caterpillar, which starts out kind of ugly, or at least unimpressive (and crawling on the ground), but turns into something beautiful and majestic (and free to fly), or to how a lump of crude iron has to be beaten and burned to become a steel tool (or weapon), gaining strength and purpose through the 'adversity' it is enduring. The poor or disenfranchised or persecuted would be easiest to convert, by feeding them the notion that the abuse or misfortunes they've suffered have somehow ennobled them and will lead to better things, eventually... (No really! Great things await you, just, later... All these bad things in your life are trials!)

The faith might suggest that Zon-Kuthon himself is going through such a chrysalis phase himself, and will burst free stronger and more glorious and ennobled than he was before, as a result of this suffering he has endured (on behalf of others, such as these followers who haven't given up on him?). Being a heretical faith, and not having a huge body of canon, it could have several conflicting notions, like that Zon-Kuthon has willingly descended into this state to lean more about how to fight an imminent threat from the outer dark, or that he's lost his way and only the faith in his eventual return by this heresy and it's followers will help him find his way back, or whatever.

It's a dangerous faith, in that respect, in that it glamorizes dipping into evil or sadomasochistic behavior to 'strengthen' one's virtue (or just virtue-signal), or sees a potential 'butterfly' in someone who is just plain old wicked and mean.

[roguerouge]

Just to be clear, the PC is starting the cult.

[Set]

roguerouge wrote:

Just to be clear, the PC is starting the cult.

Yeah, my random access brain is just being all random and spewing stuff up. I find it best to stand clear and let it spew. :)

It's an interesting notion, and would certainly be the sort of heresy that would both make sense, and tend to crop up.

[Fuzzy-Wuzzy]

roguerouge wrote:

Just to be clear, the PC is starting the cult.

Ooooh. I thought you meant a new PC was starting at 4th level and would be joining an established cult.

Was the PC previously in the mainstream cult of Zon-Kuthon? If not, what's their religious background? And what's their alignment?

roguerouge wrote:

How would the PC find out about this prospect?

This confuses me now. What prospect? Or is that a typo for NPC, meaning potential recruits?

[roguerouge]

Fuzzy-Wuzzy wrote:

roguerouge wrote:

Just to be clear, the PC is starting the cult.

Ooooh. I thought you meant a new PC was starting at 4th level and would be joining an established cult.

Was the PC previously in the mainstream cult of Zon-Kuthon? If not, what's their religious background? And what's their alignment?

First yearnings towards religion after being an abused teen servant, escaping with jewelry, and living a life of crime. His childhood was in Nidal, where the human underground taught him to read via heretical books of this cult. He's joined the resistance against House Thrune in Kintargo. He just died at the hands of a kyton and was raised. Transformative experience for him.

Neutral, human, Rogue 3/Inquisitor 1.

Fuzzy-Wuzzy wrote:

roguerouge wrote:

How would the PC find out about this prospect?

This confuses me now. What prospect? Or is that a typo for NPC, meaning potential recruits?

Sorry--still fuzzy from the holiday. Prospect would be someone amenable to joining his cult if he succeeds at RP and some skill checks.

[Mark Hoover 330]

I don't understand - what is the heresy? That the deity can be redeemed? That's a belief of the believers - sounds more like he's a closet Sarenite.

True heresy would be the belief that Zon-Kuthon WANTS to be redeemed.

Think of it like Vader. In Return of the Jedi Luke makes several overtures to the Sith Lord that there is still good left in him. This is LUKE'S belief; Vader himself says over and over that it's too late for him. But in the end Vader rises to the occasion and strives to redeem himself; this contradicts EVERYTHING the guy has ever done or said. That's heresy.

So... to answer the OP's questions I'm going to go on the distinction that this heretical sect of Zon-Kuthon believes that the Prince of Pain seeks some form of redemption for eons of malevolence. In fact, the heretical texts suggest that all of the deity's seemingly "evil" acts are part of a carefully crafted plan to perpetuate some greater good.

1. Who would want to join this cult? Anyone that could find some kind of empathy for a being that made some bad choices, suffered, but in the end really wants the best for others. Martyrs, parents, reformed criminals, and those who have reformed themselves from poor life decisions. Also those feel "trapped" in a role that is not their own; right off the bat I think of the "Fetchlings" who are stuck being go-betweens or slaves.

2. Why this sect vs others: the key here is the distinction between "we think Zon-Kuthon can be redeemed" and "Zon-Kuthon wants to be redeemed." The first statement is probably a rallying cry for Sarenites, Shelynites, and possibly even some Abadaran. The heresy though that the deity himself seeks redemption ensures that the cult's followers are his own.

3. How would the PC find out about "this prospect?" the above clarification suggests this means NPCs amenable to the sect. They'd find out by the PCs actions, the distribution of the "heretical texts," or by kindnesses bestowed upon them by the sect itself. If part of the portfolio of the cult is freeing those that feel trapped in a role, like their god is doing, then by freeing Fetchling slaves they earn a reputation and thus garner followers.

4. How do you make recruits feel comfortable joining: first they'd need assurance that their faith in an obvious departure from the cannon faith wouldn't be a death sentence - shows of strength and power by the PC and his subordinates, and not just "we've got Power Attacking barbarians!" Second, providing some kind of service for the faithful - Abadar = banking; Shelyn = love and art; Sarenrae = healing and dancing. I think if this cult gave back to the community to further it's mission, like an underground railroad or even something public like an orphanage or school, this would be helpful.

One final note: if all of this is being created by the PC, wouldn't it just be easier to react to their actions/decisions on the matter? I mean, we could suggest stuff all day long but then if the PC starts this "cult" by slaying several prominent Kuthites in public and proclaims the heresy for all to hear... much of what I've posted at least is a moot point.