Wednesday, October 6, 2021

GLoGtober 5: Cultist (Hypogeum)

 

A Folk cultist approaches the Flame with trepidation

The faiths of folk are predictably simplistic, and perhaps monotheistic, revering a force of nature above others, often enshrining a representation of such attended by a priest or cult. The Flame, the Moss, the Dark, and the Maze are all common faiths. Each village is dominated by one, and Folk of different faiths tend to pretend other faiths don't exist. A devotee of the Dark and a devotee of the Flame, if they were to talk and broach the subject, seem almost not to notice that the other is talking about a completely different force. Even discussions of aspects of the force get parsed into their native faith. Its really kinda weird.

Darklings have a more complex faith, seemingly based on the same thing. They actually recognize other faiths and have theologies encompassing them. Again, they generally view one force as supreme, and other forces as either subservient or malign. While this is generally true, Darklings of some places revere all these forces, while Darklings of other places shun all of them. As well, Darklings are more prone to personification and a more personal religion, as well as more structure.

The signifiers of a devotee are usually distinctive. Often a garish hat or patterned "robes"; sometimes facepaint or a mask. You can tell when a cult is about when you see lots of folk with the same thing on, which is different from those around them. Folk devotees don't seem to have much fervor, beyond reciting some catchphrases (for fun?). Darklings are more secretive and devout. A folk cult is basically just a fun club. A Darkling cult is a serious investment in philosophy.

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