Cult of the Eternal Covenant

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Undeath as Salvation: Cult of the Eternal Covenant

Eternal Covenant Summary

The "Cult of the Eternal Covenant" is one of the most widespread and insidious of Maltherion’s undead cults. Operating in secrecy within major cities, remote settlements, and even among influential circles, this cult preaches a doctrine of immortality through undeath, framed as a divine gift to escape the fragility of mortal existence. Their teachings resonate with those who fear death, suffer from illness, or desire power beyond what a mortal lifespan can provide. The cult is structured like a secret society, with cells spread across the world, each led by undead leaders who present themselves as enlightened beings. All members eventually go through a Great Transition process to convert to undeath.

Structure of the Eternal Covenant

High Council (The Enlightened Ones)

The Enlightened Ones are actually all wizards who have gone through the process to transition to lichdom and all that it entailes. Following Maltherion's development of the Great Transition process, they have been persuaded to work together to spread this alternative method of increasing the number of undead that can pass as living.

The Covenant Priests (The Redeemers):

Below the High Council are the Covenant Priests, or Redeemers. These are undead "clergy" who serve as spiritual guides for the cult’s followers. They are priests of Durmstang who have gone through the Great Transformation themselves and now manage the process for others. They are charismatic and well-versed in theology, capable of weaving the cult's message into the beliefs of the local population.

The Undying (The Chosen Ones):

These are the cult’s most dedicated followers who have also undergone the Great Transition into undeath. The Undying hold positions of influence within mortal society—nobles, military officers and other key positions — where they spread the cult’s teachings while maintaining their secret. They act as both the enforcers and recruiters of the cult.

The Living Faithful (The Seekers):

The Seekers are the living members of the Eternal Covenant. Many of them are common folk suffering from illness, poverty, or grief, but some are wealthy elites seeking power or eternal youth. Seekers are taught that undeath is the ultimate salvation and are gradually prepared for the transformation. They are initiated through a series of rituals that bind them to the cult, while those most loyal are eventually given the opportunity to “ascend” and become Undying. They are also sworn into secrecy, since of course "the world is not yet ready for them to reveal their new status".

Thralls (The Forgotten):

The lowest tier consists of the Thralls—those who failed the process of becoming Undying or were unwilling sacrifices because they were going to reveal the cult's secrets. They are bound to the cult as mindless or semi-sentient undead servants, often used as guards or shock troops. They serve as a reminder to other cult members of the potential cost of failure, keeping them loyal and fearful of betraying the cult’s ideals.

KEY NPCS

   Mother Elithra - High Council Lich
   Role: Spiritual leader of the Eternal Covenant, former high priestess of Veritas (God of Truth and Justice) before becoming a lich.
   Motivation: She preaches that even the gods are flawed, bound by the same mortal constraints that plague their followers. She claims that the path to salvation is beyond the gods’ control—undeath is the only way to free oneself from divine limitations.
   Appearance: Appears as an older woman, impeccably dressed, her skin pale but flawless. Only those who truly gaze into her eyes notice the cold emptiness that reveals her undead nature.
   Tactics: She uses her former religious status to lure clergy and pious individuals into the cult, convincing them that even the gods have limits.

   Sir Davros - Undying Commander
   Role: Military leader of the cult, former knight of Pacedon who faked his death to join the Eternal Covenant.
   Motivation: Davros seeks to build a legion of undead warriors who cannot die in battle, promising immortality and eternal service to those who follow him.
   Appearance: Appears as a tall, broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence. His armor shines, but those close to him notice his lack of breath and the cold touch of his skin.
   Tactics: He targets soldiers and mercenaries, offering them eternal life on the battlefield and freedom from fear of death.

   Nera Velmora - Redeemer
   Role: A necromancer posing as a healer within a major city. She secretly transforms the terminally ill into undead servants of the cult.
   Motivation: Nera is obsessed with the concept of mercy, believing that allowing someone to die is the ultimate cruelty when eternal life is possible.
   Appearance: Appears young and beautiful, with a gentle smile, but hides her necrotic magic and the fact that her youthful appearance is maintained through undeath.
   Tactics: She targets the sick and desperate, offering them eternal life and freedom from pain if they join the Covenant.

Persuasive Arguments for Conversion

The Cult of the Eternal Covenant employs a variety of persuasive tactics to convince mortals to embrace undeath. These arguments vary depending on the target’s social status, fears, or desires, but the central message is always the same: undeath is freedom, immortality, and power.

Eternal Youth and Power:

   "Why let the frailties of life define you? Age, illness, death—these are the chains that hold us down. But through undeath, you will remain forever youthful, forever strong. Think of all you can accomplish without the burden of time."
   "Why waste your short life awaiting the inevitable? Join us, and death need not come for you. Live forever, free of sickness, age, and the frailties of the mortal coil. You will retain your mind, your body, and everything that makes you... you."

Freedom from the Gods:

   "The gods have bound us to a cycle of life and death, trapping our souls in an endless loop of suffering. We offer you a way out—a chance to be free from their grasp, to live beyond their rules. The Eternal Covenant is salvation."
   "The gods bind you to a cycle that weakens your potential. In death, you can transcend this. Imagine wielding powers undreamed of, unburdened by your living body. Undeath is not an end but a new beginning—an evolution."
   "Why should your soul be subject to the whims of gods, their judgment determining your fate for eternity? We offer you an alternative—a way to escape their grasp. Join us, and you will never have to fear their punishment."

Escape from Pain and Suffering:

   "Life is suffering. Disease, loss, and fear of the unknown plague us all. But undeath is peace. It is the end of pain, the end of uncertainty. Through the Covenant, you will transcend these mortal woes and find true peace."

A Second Chance at Life:

   "Have you been wronged by fate? Lost loved ones? Failed to achieve your dreams? Undeath offers a second chance—a new life where failure no longer haunts you and death cannot claim you."
   "You will look as you do now, live as you do now, but without fear of death. You will still feel, experience, and think, just as you did in life—only stronger, only better."
   "In death, all are equal. You could be a peasant today and a ruler in undeath. No one will question your place when mortality no longer defines power. The Eternal Covenant is for all who wish to transcend the mortal hierarchy."

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.

Impact on Society

The Cult of the Eternal Covenant is a dangerous threat not just to the Weave, but to the very fabric of society. Their infiltration of political, religious, and social circles allows them to spread their doctrines subtly. As more individuals convert, the line between life and death blurs, creating a world where undeath is viewed not as a curse, but as a desirable state of existence.

The eventual goal of the cult is to build a society where undeath is normalized, leading to a world shaped in Maltherion’s vision: where death no longer holds sway over the living, and the gods’ control over the afterlife is broken.