Cult of the Eternal Covenant

Undeath as Salvation: Cult of the Eternal Covenant

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. Structure of the Eternal Covenant

High Council (The Enlightened Ones):

   At the top of the cult is the High Council, composed of powerful undead beings—mostly liches, revenants, and vampires—directly loyal to Maltherion. These individuals are often former high-ranking mages, priests, or nobles who have embraced undeath. They oversee the cult’s long-term goals, coordinate with other agents of Maltherion, and work to expand the influence of the Eternal Covenant. They rarely appear in public, preferring to work through intermediaries.

The Covenant Priests (The Redeemers):

   Below the High Council are the Covenant Priests, or Redeemers. These are undead clergy (often necromancers or death knights) who serve as spiritual guides for the cult’s followers. They maintain the guise of living priests but are in fact undead, hiding their true nature from most initiates until they are deemed ready to “ascend.” Redeemers lead secret rituals, perform conversions, and indoctrinate new members. 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 undergone the transformation into undeath. They often appear human, thanks to Maltherion’s advances in creating undead that mimic life perfectly, with only subtle hints of their true nature. The Undying hold positions of influence within mortal society—nobles, military officers, or religious leaders—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.

Thralls (The Forgotten):

   The lowest tier consists of the Thralls—those who failed the process of becoming Undying or were unwilling sacrifices. 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

   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."

   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."

   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."

What the Undead Look Like in Game Terms

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 downsides:

   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.