Editing Cult of the Eternal Covenant (section)

===Game Mechanics===

New members of the cult will go through a process to transition to undeath, this process is called the [[Great Transition]]

Maltherion’s advances in creating the Undying have resulted in beings that appear nearly indistinguishable from living humans, elves, or other races. However, they come with subtle, but significant pros and cons:

'''Lifelike Appearance:'''

Most cultists who undergo the transition retain their normal appearance. They don't have the rotting flesh or hollow eyes typical of undead. A successful DC 20 Perception or Medicine check is required to detect subtle signs of undeath, such as cold skin or sometimes forgetting to breath.

'''Undeath’s Boon (Minor Downside):'''

While the undead cultists maintain their physical appearance, they still suffer from some of the weaknesses of undeath. They have resistance to necrotic damage but are vulnerable to radiant damage. In addition, they cannot be healed by conventional healing magic (only necromantic healing can restore them).

'''Psychological Shift (Major Downside):'''

Over time, these undead cultists experience a slow erosion of their emotions. While they may appear normal at first, they gradually lose the capacity for true joy, empathy, or compassion. This can be role-played by imposing a Charisma saving throw (DC 15) whenever they engage in deeply emotional activities. Failure results in their responses becoming cold, detached, or calculated.

'''Undying Resilience (Upside):'''
Undead cultists gain advantage on Constitution saving throws against exhaustion, disease, and poison, reflecting their bodies' resistance to decay and frailty. Additionally, they do not age or require food, water, or sleep, though they still must rest to regain spells and other abilities.  They can still eat and drink, but as time goes past they require stronger flavours to enjoy them as much. It takes a lot more to get them drunk.  


'''Necrotic Aura:'''
Though they appear alive, the Undying emit a faint necrotic aura that can be sensed by those attuned to divine or life magic. This makes it difficult to hide their true nature from clerics or paladins.

'''No Healing:'''
Unlike living creatures, the Undying cannot be healed by conventional magic. Healing spells either have no effect or harm them, and they must rely on necromantic rituals or rest to recover from injuries.

'''Soul Tether:'''
The process binds their souls to Maltherion’s Soulforge, making them vulnerable to his control. They retain free will, but disobeying direct orders from the cult or attempting to leave triggers overwhelming pain or even death.

'''Lifeless Eyes:'''
Their eyes lose the sparkle of life, becoming cold and glassy. Though this is subtle, those who spend time with them may sense something off.