Your Nation's Cults of Scharrath (Politics and Embassy)

[Scharrath]

Scharrath is a Demon World lying "near" the barriers between the material universe and another dimension of largely fluid and extremely potent fluctuating energies that is complete anathema to material existence. The acquisition of power there can be found in absorbing the relatively stable energies of the material universe; this is most easily accomplished by transfer through sacrifice and active worship. To this end, the most powerful of its denizens, known as Demon Lords, actively promote cults dedicated to their worship. In return, the cultists are given aid, in the form of otherwise unobtainable knowledge at first, and then other, more disturbing, "gifts". While this interaction is ultimately destructive to the cultists as increasing amounts of Scharrathi energies bleed into the material universe through them, and more of their own energies are consumed by Scharrath, in the short term such arrangements can grant them almost whatever they think they want in some way or another, and can be quite tempting. Moreover, the use of these "gifts" is extremely addictive, and once tasted is almost assured create unwavering devotion in the worshiper. Moreover, the demon cults are extremely deceptive and corrupting in nature, often masquerading as native religions or even non-religious schools of thought. Through these means, wittingly or or not, the cults of Scharrath have developed followings in virtually every world and nation of the material universe.

The struggle for power on Scharrath has temporarily ebbed and the current Heirarchy of power among the various Demon Lords stands thusly:
1. Ragheb the Explorer, Lord of Decadence, Avarice, and Unnatural Lust, Demon Emperor of Scharrath

2. Daighast the Wanderer, Demon Lord of Madness, Visions, and Unrest

3. Khuttehm the Deceiver, Demon Lord of Deception, Conspiracy, and Forbidden Knowledge

4. Zilokh the Lurker, Demon Lord of Secrets, Shadows, and Jealousy

5. Dharbul the Thousand Bladed One, Demon Lord of War, Martial Power, and Murder

6. Baldakh the Enslaver, Demon Lord of Slavery, Ambition, and Manipulation

7. Jumen the Devourer, Demon Lord of Unnatural Hunger, Gluttony, and Brutality

8. Nascrab the Million Eyed One, Demon Lord of Vermin, Pestilence, and Discontent

9. Y'asdonum the Plague Bringer, Demon Lord of Despair, Disease, and Unnatural Life

This thread is for posting about the various cults of Scharrath in your nation. Every 6 months or so, it will be reviewed and the balance of power on Scharrath adjusted accordingly.

The first step is to review the various cults listed below, decide which have either the most followers (intentionally or not) or the most power and/or influence within your nation and, in vote for the top 3 in the poll above. (The polls will not be closing and, if situations change in your Nation, you can change your votes at any time. The second step would be to fill out the form detailing the cults in your nation provided at the end of this post. Note that, while this isn't required, it is the closest thing to an Embassy that it is possible to establish with Scharrath. Therefore, if you wish to establish an "embassy" with the demons of Scharrath, you will need to detail your cults in this thread to some extent.

Following are the various cults currently encouraged by the Demon Lords of Scharrath.

Baldakh the Enslaver, Demon Lord of Slavery, Ambition, and Manipulation
Typical Cultists: Slave Owners and Devoted Slaves, Certain BDSM Communities, Would-be Politicians and Entrepreneurs, Media and Propaganda Elite
Common Cult Names: Order of the Chain, Brotherhood of the Guiding Hand, Cult of the Flayed Lord
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Jesus Christ and Satan

Daighast the Wanderer, Demon Lord of Madness, Visions, and Unrest
Typical Cultists: Lunatics and Madmen, Psychiatrists and Psychoanalysts, Artists and Visionaries, Anarchists and Revolutionaries
Common Cult Names: Temple of Dreams, The People's Right, Cult of the Howling One
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Hastur and Cthulhu

Dharbul the Thousand Bladed One, Demon Lord of War, Martial Power, and Murder
Typical Cultists: Generals and Soldiers, Right-wing "Chickenhawks" and Violent Zealots, Murderers and Psychopaths, Arms Manufacturers and Dealers
Common Cult Names: The Center for Strategic Advancement, Dogs of War, Cult of the Bloody Hand
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Allah and Kali

Jumen the Devourer, Demon Lord of Unnatural Hunger, Gluttony, and Brutality
Typical Cultists: Gluttons and the Starving, Cannibals and "Adventure" Eaters, Thugs and Gangsters, Gladiators and Violent Athletes
Common Cult Names: The Epicurean Order, Fight Club, Cult of the Devourer
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Agni and Moloch

Khuttehm the Deceiver, Demon Lord of Deception, Conspiracy, and Forbidden Knowledge
Typical Cultists: Career Politicians and Compulsive Liars, Members of Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theorists, Magicians and Occult Dabblers, Researchers and Librarians
Common Cult Names: The Church of Hidden Wisdom, The Illuminati, Cult of the Great Inversion
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Mephistopheles and Yahweh

Nascrab the Million Eyed One, Demon Lord of Vermin, Pestilence, and Discontent
Typical Cultists: Anthropomorphic Rodents and Bugs, The Terminally Ill and Medical Researchers, Rabble Rousers and the Oppressed, The Homeless and Poor
Common Cult Names: The Order of the Million Eyes, The Survivors Group, Cult of the Vermin Lord
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Ba'al and The Horned Rat

Ragheb the Explorer, Demon Lord of Decadence, Avarice, and Unnatural Lust
Typical Cultists: The Wealthy and Decadent, Bankers and Merchants, Rapists and Child Molesters, Certain BDSM Communities and the Sexually Perverse
Common Cult Names: The Order of the Gash, The Hellfire Club, Cult of Desire
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Cupid and Mammon

Scharrath as a whole, with the Demon Lords acting as individual aspects of it or as parts of a Pantheon
Typical Cultists: Ambassadors and Diplomats, "New Age" Communities, Globalists and International Businesspeople, "Mixed" Occult Organizations
Common Cult Names: The Temple of Universal Truth, The World Trade Organization, Cult of The Eye
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Gaia and "Universal Being"

Y'asdonum the Plague Bringer, Demon Lord of Despair, Disease, and Unnatural Life
Typical Cultists: The Depressed and Despondent, Biological Weapons Manufacturers and Researchers, Doctors and The Chronically Ill, Transhumanists and the Undead
Common Cult Names: The Church of Eternal Life, The Life Extension Institute, Cult of Eternal Death
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Nurgal and Baron Samedi

Zilokh the Lurker, Demon Lord of Secrets, Shadows, and Jealousy
Typical Cultists: Those in Intelligence Communities and Security Work, Goths and Nocturnal People, Jilted Lovers and Failures, Recluses and "Small Town" Types
Common Cult Names: The Order of the Threshold, The Others, Cult of Shadows
Deities Often Mistakenly Worshipped as: Loki and Nyarlothotep

As promised above, here is a form for detailing your cults of Scharrath. If you have multiple cults of note, simply use the form multiple times in the same post. Any pics you wish to add are always welcome but should conform to NS forum rules and be placed under a spoiler button.

Code: Select all

[b]Cult Information:[/b]
- Full Name of Nation:
- Full Name of Cult:
- Demon Lord(s) Cult is Dedicated to:
- Local Deity or Ideal Cult Mistakenly Believes it is Espousing (if any):
- Head of Cult:
- Size of Cult:
- Relative Influence and/or Power of Cult:
- Location of Cult within Nation:
- Headquarters or Primary Center of Cult Activity (if any):
- Official Status of Cult:
- Real Status of Cult:
- Brief History of Cult (optional):
- Current Goals of Cult:
- Other Notes on Cult (if any):

Known Cults of Scharrath

33rd Khaskan Light Militia (The Sons of War) - Holy Marsh - Dedicated to Dharbul
The Brotherhood of the Bloodied Blade - Doom Legions - Dedicated to Dharbul
The Ekurru of the Leviathan - Kurnugia - Dedicated to Y'asdonum
The Followers of the Star - The Khajiit people of Elsweyr - Dedicated to Daighast
The Great Experience - Holy Marsh - Dedicated to Ragheb
Institute for the Repeal of the TurtleShroomian Prohibition - TURTLESHROOM II - Dedicated to Jumen
The Kingdom of Yellow - The Greater Siriusian Domain - Dedicated to Daighast
Ministry of Social Welfare - Liberated Free Nations - Dedicated to Daighast and Dharbul
Neo-Rabbinic Christianity - The New Christian Lands - Dedicated to Ragheb and Khuttehm
Neo-Rabbinic Judaism - Tzion and Jerusalem - Dedicated to Khuttehm
Ṣillānītalmīdu - Haja-Mishu - Dedicated to Khuttehm, Y'asdonum, and Zilokh
The Temple of -CENSORED-, The Three -CENSORED- in One - Tentacle Island - Dedicated to Baldakh, Daighast, and Ragheb
Temple of Dharbul - United Territories and States - Dedicated to Dharbul

[Scharrath]

Conspiracy theorists have been flooding social media with reams of "proof" of recent activities by the supposed "Illuminati".

Meanwhile, demons loyal to Khuttehm the Deciever are increasingly common throughout Scharrath.

[Scharrath]

"Cold Cases" are on the rise in several nations.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, tensions rise as more demons are created or flock to one of the Demon Lords.

[Scharrath]

Anarchists and Protestors have begun clashing with Security Forces around the mansions and offices of the elite the world over.

Meanwhile on Scharrath, the demons of Daighast the Wanderer and Ragheb the Explorer have begun to clash over their lord's claim to the Eye of Scharrath.

[Novyy Balans]

====CONFIDENTIAL====

Recent studies by the [REDACTED] indicate a possible connection betwEen the the spiders of [REDACTED] and $4343(*$7certain demonic entities known to exists in [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, REDACTED].

It is of unknown credibility at this time, but Project Lead [REDACTED] had drawn several connections between the spiders and three beings before [REDACTED. I regret taking this job... Thankfully nobody reads this and it all just goes into the paperbricks]. These three beings are [REDACTED FOR PUBLIC DECENCY], known as the "Wanderer". His realm includes revolution, which may have attracted [REDACTED] to the [ETERNAL GLORY AND ENDLESS REVOLUTION OF THE SBALANSIROVANYY]. The others aspects, mostly of insanity and creativity, fit well with the spider's tendencyththtto build [REDACTED] and cause insanity in people by [DOUBLE REDACTED].

The other two are more tenuuuuuy234567t#$5ous connections, being connected mroe to some other3e stuff. I dunno. I'm getting a headache. I'l lie down for a bit then return later.

AddendumL:

[REDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTEDREDACTED]

Note: Incineration recommended. Using this as building material would be a liability to the Sbalansirovanyy. Don't tempt them.

Oh, and we totally read this. ~ HQ

[Scharrath]

Psychiatric Doctors are incredibly excited to try out a swath of questionable "cures" as a recent rash of psychotic outbursts from inpatients has resulted in loosened treatment standards.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, the skies have torn asunder over the Howling Plain, skeletal towers stretching down toward the grounds like great clawed hands.

[Democratic East-Asia]

Our only recommendations as of now are to study these anomalies and hopefully learn something from them.

Then to nuke the sight from orbit.

[Scharrath]

Preachers and rage daily about the corruption of the world.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, skirmishes are taking place in all corners between the demons of Daighast the Wanderer and those of most of the other Demon Lords, except for those of Y'asdonum the Plague Bringer, who has withdrawn to the Gardens of Woe for some, as yet unknown, but likely malign, purpose.

[Scharrath]

Intelligence organisations around the world have begun acting with an increasing amount of impunity despite all civil attempts at oversight.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, massive tendrils of darkness have begun to sweep through the roiling skies.

[Scharrath]

Whispers speak of new and secretive groups gathering in the dark places of the world.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, the demons of Zilokh have begun seizing lesser demons of Daighast for unknown, but likely sinister purposes.

[Scharrath]

Scientists working for a popular make-up/bioweapons corporation have locked themselves in their lab without warning. Corporate heads say that there is nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, as tensions rise among the various factions, whispers are beginning to spread about the seeming absence of Y'asdonum the Plague Bringer and what it could portend.

[Scharrath]

Librarians are once more becoming the subject of stereotypes, and not the good kind...

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, demons of Kuttehm have begun spreading his word far and wide.

[Skarr]

“A daemon is no creature of mere flesh; its desires are not as mundane as those of men. Hunger, territory, wealth, these things mean nothing to them save that their supplicants can be manipulated by them. But pride, ambition, arrogance, and worship, these things are everything to them. When you look upon these creatures you are seeing the wills, nightmares, fancies, and sins of everything that lives, lived, and ever will live made manifest and given sentience. The choirs of Scharrath are particularly interesting entities. When properly bound with spell and venic noose, one can see the influences and emotions they feed off. Some would claim that they actually a different breed but… that is a matter of perspective.”
-Abasin Kar, Sorcerer of the Thousand Sons

The Maw of Darkness is home to a vast number of daemon worlds, each warped by the powers of Chaos in their own unique way. The region of space is a nexus where the evershifting tides of the warp intermingle with realspace until it creates and unique mix between the two. It is no doubt not the only home of such worlds in the universe as many could attest.

The Cults of Scharrath may exist in the Maw and experience rebirth and extinction alongside many other Chaos faiths. Rarely however is it ever apparent or reasoned that the entities such cults call upon are in fact different, wholly separated, entities entirely from the Chaos Gods. Whether a gore soaked Blood Father calls upon the blessings of Kharnath, Gorgeth, or Dharbul, or if he’s particularly daring, all of them, is rarely an issue of faith save between particularly fanatical worshipers. The powers of the god-sea are known go by many names and any faith specifically dedicated to the pantheon of Scharrath will find itself in competitions with numerous others to the point that it may find itself meshing with many other beliefs.

[Scharrath]

Conspiracy theorists are in a tizzy after a spate of seemingly identical, and equally corrupt, politicians are elected to key offices around the world.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, demons of Kuttehm continue their seemingly unstoppable proliferation.

[Holy Marsh]

The Grand Theocracy is well aware of the actions of such Cults. Having engaged in a two-thousand year long religious war and being a state with complete and total information control, as well as a populace well and full indoctrinated in the Church's teachings, no cult can claim more than a few dozen members at maximum success across the nearly twenty-three billion Marshites in the Theocracy. The Inquisition has added their names to the list of banned religions and the casualty rate amongst believers in these cults is near one-hundred percent. The public has no real knowledge of these cults. The Church has dealt with daemonic forces before and will do so again and again for billions of years and unto eternity afterwards. It sees these cults and their false masters as no different from the Cult of the Vile Lard, and the so-called 'God' they slaughtered by extinguishing belief in it.

[Higher Japan]

REDACTED

[Scharrath]

Bloody skirmishes between street gangs with differing philosophies are becoming commonplace even in broad daylight and nobody seems to want to do anything about it.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, demons of Ragheb and Zilokh have suddenly risen up against those of Kuttehm and, inevitably, each other.

[Scharrath]

Teens claiming to be studying with their friends have secretly been sneaking out to S&M clubs instead.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, demons loyal to Ragheb have suddenly erupted en masse seemingly everywhere.

[Higher Japan]

REDACTED

[Scharrath]

Protests for equality fall on deaf ears as the wealthiest of the wealthy celebrate record profits stock jumps recorded from the top 10 corporations.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, demons loyal to Ragheb are cavorting in reckless abandon seemingly everywhere.

[Sabfaubachi Pleasure Cults]

From our analysis, it is safe to say that the diety you refer to as 'Ragheb' is simply a foreign interpretation of our lord and saviour Sabfaubach. So to answer your question, 100% of our population worship our lord Sabfaubach, or as your people say 'Ragheb'.

[Scharrath]

The internet has been innundated with meme wars.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, as Ragheb consolidates his power, other demons battle to consolidate their place in the quickly forming hierarchy.

[Tentacle Island]

This report on the existence of censored on Tentacle Island has been Censored.

[Scharrath]

Missing children cases around the world have skyrocketed.

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, as Ragheb continues to consolidate his power, the other demons jockey for position in the quickly forming hierarchy.

[Scharrath]

Missing children have been returning to their families. Incidentally, murder rates are on the rise in suburban homes...

Meanwhile, on Scharrath, a disturbing alliance of sorts seems to have formed between the demons of Daighast and Zilokh.