TEXT: Heroic Backgrounds
  Alex Riggs, Joshua Zaback
  
  Designers
  Alex Riggs, Joshua Zaback
  Credits
  Necromancers of the Northwest, LLC
  8123 236th St SW, Unit 102
  Edmonds, WA, 98026
  www.necromancers-online.com
  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Mas-
  ter’s Guide, Monster Manual, D&D Adventurers League, all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are 
  trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United 
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  press written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
  The Necromancers of the Northwest logo is a trademark of Necromancers of the Northwest.
  Editor
  Rosa Gibbons
  Heroic Backgrounds
  Cults of Faerun
  
  INTRODUCTION
  	
  There	are	many	different	reasons	why	someone	
  might	want	to	play	a	character	with	a	background	in	a	cult.	It	
  can	provide	story	hooks	that	lead	to	interesting	side	quests,	it	
  can	present	moral	quandaries	when	they	are	forced	to	choose	
  between	their	past	faith	and	their	current	mission,	and	it	can	
  simply	serve	to	add	an	air	of	dark	mystery	to	a	character,	to	
  name	just	a	few.	Faerun	is	rich	with	secret	societies,	orders,	
  and	other	cult-like	organizations,	each	of	which	could	easily	
  provide	a	background	on	their	own.	This	book	contains	
  backgrounds	for	three:	the	cult	of	the	dragon,	the	cult	of	
  shared	suffering,	and	the	cult	of	the	howling	peak.
  CULT OF THE DRAGON
  	
  You	belong	to	the	Cult	of	the	Dragon,	an	ancient	
  and	powerful	organization	founded	by	the	great	wizard	
  Sammaster.	Though	the	days	of	glory	are	behind	your	cult,	
  you	still	seek	to	fulfill	your	fallen	founder’s	vision	and	have	
  devoted	your	early	life	to	the	service	of	dragons,	particularly	
  the	mighty	undead	dragons	called	dracoliches.	While	in	the	
  past,	your	cult	chiefly	sought	to	raise	such	great	and	eternal	
  tyrants	to	rule	over	the	entire	world,	today	your	cult	spends	
  its	time	revering	and	serving	dragons	as	spies,	warriors,	or	
  field	operatives.	
  	
  The	Cult	of	the	Dragon	is	organized	into	small	
  cells	which	are	distinct	from	each	other,	each	revering	and	
  working	with	individual	dragons	in	order	to	further	the	goals	
  of	their	draconic	masters.	You	were	or	are	a	member	of	one	
  of	these	cells,	beholden	to	a	cult	leader	known	as	a	Wearer	of	
  Purple	and	ultimately	to	a	mighty	dragon	or	dracolich.	Work	
  with	your	DM	concerning	the	exact	details	of	the	cell	and	
  its	other	members;	typically,	cells	are	only	a	few	members,	
  but	some	may	contain	more,	perhaps	even	recruiting	a	small	
  army.	Though	you	serve	draconic	beings,	you	can	expect	some	
  return	for	your	faithful	service	and	benefit	from	the	support	
  of	a	powerful,	but	secret	organization.
  Skill Proficiencies: Arcana,	History,	Intimidation
  Tool Proficiency: Disguise	kit
  Languages: Draconic
  Equipment: Any	2	trinkets	and	a	belt	pouch	containing	25	
  gp
  FEATURE: DRAGON CULTIST
  	
  You	have	devoted	your	life	to	the	service	of	dragons	
  and	their	chief	cult.	While	the	Cult	of	the	Dragon	is	not	
  particularly	well	received	by	good-aligned	dragons,	it	has	a	
  long	and	storied	history	with	evil	dragons,	and	particularly	
  with	undead	dragons.	This	background	can	help	you	to	better	
  interact	with	dragons	than	other	characters;	while	it	is	no	
  guarantee	that	dragons	will	not	devour	you,	revealing	your	
  membership	in	the	Cult	of	the	Dragon	to	an	evil-aligned	
  dragon	can	help	you	in	persuading	it	to	spare	your	life	and	
  the	lives	of	your	companions,	and	perhaps	to	render	simple	
  aid.	You	add	double	your	proficiency	bonus	on	Persuasion	
  checks	made	with	evil	aligned	dragons.	Additionally,	non-
  hostile	evil-aligned	dragons	can	be	counted	on	to	provide	you	
  (though	not	your	companions)	with	basic	aid	in	the	form	of	
  shelter,	protection	(provided	that	the	threat	is	not	a	challenge	
  to	the	dragon),	and	very	limited	wealth,	including	lending	
  magic	items	to	you.	In	addition,	you	can	count	on	the	aid	of	
  other	cells	of	the	Cult	of	the	Dragon,	including	providing	you	
  and	your	companions	with	shelter,	protection,	and	limited	
  resources	to	aid	you	in	your	goals.	
  SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
  	
  Dragon	cultists	are	usually	defined	by	their	single-
  minded	devotion	to	dragons,	but	are	drawn	to	the	lifestyle	
  because	they	share	similar	values	and	views	of	dragons,	
  particularly	evil	ones,	or	because	they	seek	to	gain	some	
  shared	glory	of	the	more	powerful	creatures.	While	dragon	
  cultists	are	subservient	to	the	very	strong,	they	tend	to	be	
  bullish	and	strong	individuals,	hoping	to	embody	draconic	
  characteristics.
   
   
  d8
  Personality Trait
  1
  I like to collect things that shine and 
  sparkle, regardless of their intrinsic value.
  2
  I follow strong leaders with discipline and 
  devotion, proving my loyalty in everything
  I do.
  3
  I dominate the weak and make them work
  for me.
  4
  I like to boast of my achievements, real or 
  imaginary, to seem more impressive.
  5
  I prefer dark and enclosed spaces, and am 
  more comfortable underground than 
  above ground.
  6
  I have great power and am not afraid to 
  show it.
  7
  I use my anger as a means of coping with 
  the stress of life.
  8
  I protect what’s mine fiercely and with all 
  my heart.
  d6
  Ideal
  1
  Wealth. Through great wealth, we amass 
  great power and influence and can 
  dominate others. (Evil)
  2
  Power. By having power over others, my 
  ambitious can be fulfilled and I will be 
  fulfilled. (Evil)
  3
  Realization of Cult Ambitions. The 
  world shall be ruled over by dragons 
  entirely and eternally. (Any)
  4
  Simplicity. By embracing the simple life 
  of the cult, we can rid ourselves of evil 
  and malice. (Good)
  5
  Obedience. Through worship and 
  service, we shall be rewarded and treated 
  justly. (Lawful)
  6
  Fear. Our power will be great and all will 
  tremble before me. (Evil, Chaotic)
  
  d6
  Bond
  1
  I am seeking an object or relic to advance 
  the cause of my draconic masters.
  2
  I am guarding a treasure sacred to the 
  cult.
  3
  I have been given a task by a mighty 
  dragon, dracolich, or Wearer of Purple 
  which must be accomplished at all costs.
  4
  I am biding my time and blending in until 
  my master’s plans are revealed.
  5
  I have infiltrated society to learn of the 
  any plots and plans which might threaten 
  my master’s goals.
  6
  I am seeking the knowledge and power to 
  raise a mighty dracolich to rule over all of 
  Abeir‐Toril.
  d6
  Flaw
  1
  I am easily dominated and controlled by 
  the strong.
  2
  I am crippled with greed, unable to part 
  with my treasures even if doing so would 
  improve my circumstances.
  3
  I have earned the ire of a leader of the 
  Cult of the Dragon, either a dragon or a 
  Wearer of Purple, who threatens my life.
  4
  I am relentlessly pursued by the forces of 
  good for crimes I have committed in 
  service to my draconic masters.
  5
  I am obsessed with anything draconic and 
  will always go out of my way to indulge 
  my obsession.
  6
  I am prone to fits of rage that prevent me 
  from operating in regular society.
  CULT OF SHARED SUFFERING
  	
  You	belong	to	an	ancient	and	mostly	disbanded	
  heretical	cult,	devoted	to	what	you	believe	to	be	a	truer	
  interpretation	of	the	teachings	of	Ilmater,	god	of	suffering	
  and	loss.	You	live	your	life	to	embrace	his	teachings	and	
  to	share	in	his	glorious	sacrifices.	For	the	most	part,	you	
  embrace	the	traditional	dogma	of	the	Church	of	Ilmater,	
  which	long	ago	spurned	your	sect,	relegating	you	to	the	
  ranks	of	a	hated	cult.	Your	strict	interpretations	of	Ilmater’s	
  faith	date	back	to	the	end	of	the	time	of	troubles,	when	gods	
  walked	the	earth,	and	emphasizes	that	mortals	must	live	
  Ilmater’s	sacrifice	to	do	honor	to	him.	You	believe	in	shared	
  suffering,	and	while	your	cult	has	been	criticized	for	inflicting	
  suffering	on	others,	your	cult	never	does	unto	another	what	
  it	would	not	do	unto	itself.	Your	cult	practices	mortification	
  of	the	flesh,	and	routine	self-flagellation	is	part	of	your	daily	
  life.	Members	of	your	cult	have	been	known	to	kidnap	and	
  torment	the	wealthy	and	comfortable	so	that	they	may	know	
  the	suffering	of	the	meek,	start	fires	and	destroy	crops	that	
  man	might	never	grow	complacent,	and	you	may	even	have	
  committed	acts	of	barbarity	yourself,	so	that	the	world	may	
  better	know	Ilmater.	
  	
  Your	cult	has	chiefly	been	defined	by	conflicts	with	
  the	more	established	Church	of	Ilmater,	but	has	also	had	its	
  fair	share	of	clashes	with	noblemen	and	worldly	authorities	
  across	the	realms,	causing	your	numbers	to	dwindle	at	the	
  hands	of	the	unrighteous.	Still,	true	believers	view	these	
  events	as	yet	another	test	of	their	faith,	and	embrace	the	
  suffering	wrought	against	them.	Though	many	have	accused	
  the	Cult	of	Shared	Suffering	of	evil	and	wrongdoing,	claiming	
  that	they	are	supported	by	vile	and	evil	gods	like	Loviatar	
  and	Beshaba,	your	members	are	not	actually	evil,	merely	
  misunderstood.	Suffering	is	a	way	of	life	and	transcendence	
  for	you	and	yours,	and	you	merely	seek	to	spread	the	message	
  of	Ilmater	in	the	larger	world.
  	
  Consult	with	your	DM	about	the	cult’s	relationship	
  with	the	region’s	local	Church	of	Ilmater,	noble	families,	and	
  similar	details	to	better	establish	your	identify	in	the	cult.
  Skill Proficiency: Intimidation,	Persuasion,	Religion
  Tool Proficiency: Any	2	artisans	tool	kits
  Language:	One	of	your	choice
  Starting Gear:	A	holy	symbol,	a	prayer	book	or	prayer	wheel,	
  vestments,	and	a	belt	pouch	containing	20	gp
  FEATURE: FAITH OF THE PEOPLE
  	
  While	local	government	and	the	so-called	“true”	
  Church	of	Ilmater	spurn	your	faith	and	persecute	you	
  whenever	they	have	the	chance,	your	cult’s	teachings	and	
  methods,	though	extreme,	have	brought	them	great	favor	
  with	common	people,	especially	those	discontent	with	the	
  excess	of	the	wealthy.	Through	a	healthy	mix	of	fear	and	
  shared	faith,	most	common	folks	will	lend	you	whatever	aid	
  and	shelter	you	request;	though	you	are	expected	as	a	cult	
  member	to	do	without,	you	can	usually	collect	tithes	for	
  the	cause.	Because	of	your	fearsome	reputation,	you	have	
  advantage	on	Intimidation	checks	made	against	peasants	
  and	other	commoners,	subject	to	the	DM’s	discretion.	You	
  can	also	count	on	others	faithful	to	your	cause	to	render	you	
  whatever	aid	you	wish,	so	long	as	it	is	not	used	to	make	your	
  life	or	the	life	of	anyone	else	easier.	This	usually	includes	
  help	in	risky	prospects	to	spread	suffering,	in	which	both	
  cultists	and	their	targets	have	a	chance	to	share	equally	in	the	
  suffering.	
  
  SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
  	
  Members	of	the	Cult	of	Shared	Suffering	are	defined	
  by	deep	faith	and	unshakable	conviction,	reveling	in	the	
  glory	of	mighty	Ilmater.	Deeply	religious	individuals,	they	
  also	follow	a	strict	dogma	and	philosophy	with	a	tight	focus.	
  Though	often	ill-received,	these	cultists	thrive	on	adversity	
  and	indeed	revel	in	it,	drawing	strength	from	suffering	and	
  joy	from	inflicting	it	on	others.
  worrying over small problems.
  d8
  Personality Trait
  1
  I never ask anyone to do something I 
  wouldn’t gladly do myself and am likely to 
  ask others to join in endeavors, rather 
  than ask for favors.
  2
  I never accept help from others, even 
  when things are going poorly for me.
  3
  I refuse gifts and insist on repaying any 
  kindness in turn.
  4
  I enjoy watching people get hurt, 
  especially when I am the one doing the 
  hurting.
  5
  I don’t believe in hoarding wealth, giving 
  the majority of my wealth to those in 
  greater need.
  6
  I think very little of other people, 
  believing them to be unworthy of the love 
  of mighty Ilmater.
  7
  I spend most of my time in religious or 
  philosophical contemplation and quote 
  frequently from scripture during regular 
  conversation.
  8
  I view every minor inconvenience as a 
  great sacrifice, taking undue pride in 
  overcoming small obstacles and often 
  worrying over small problems.
  d6
  Ideal
  1
  Purity. Through suffering, people can 
  obtain a deep purity and true sense of 
  purpose. (Good)
  2
  Retribution. All people will be made to 
  feel my pain and suffering, that they 
  might understand my sacrifice. (Evil, 
  Lawful)
  3
  Equality. We must all share equally in 
  Ilmater’s suffering. (Lawful)
  4
  Cult Dogma. All mankind must suffer to 
  honor Ilmater’s sacrifice and bring about 
  our collective salvation. (Any)
  5
  Pain. Embrace suffering to feel the rush, 
  and inflict the joy of torment on others 
  that they might come to know the 
  pleasures of pain. (Chaotic)
  6
  Demonstration. Through adherence to 
  the dogma, I shall become known to 
  Ilmater and prove my faith. (Lawful)
  d6
  Bond
  1
  I am spreading suffering that we might all 
  share in Ilmater’s sacrifice.
  2
  I have failed in the teachings of my faith 
  and now seek to redeem myself through a 
  life of adversity and sacrifice.
  3
  I am looking to convert others to the 
  worship of Ilmater and help them 
  understand the true path of their faith.
  4
  I am looking to retrieve a holy relic of 
  Ilmater and return it to the hands of the 
  true faithful.
  5
  I have received a holy vision claiming to 
  be from Ilmater, instructing me to 
  perform some task or service in his name.
  6
  I have discovered an ancient text or verse 
  that has the potential to change 
  everything.
  
  d6
  Flaw
  1
  I have been permanently injured or 
  disfigured by my faith and it makes it 
  difficult to live everyday life.
  2
  I have been accused of crimes by the local 
  government, who seek to arrest me and 
  throw me in prison, or worse.
  3
  I have become an enemy of the 
  established Church of Ilmater and they 
  seek to put a stop to my endeavors.
  4
  I have attracted the attention of those 
  who are enemies of my faith.
  5
  I fear growing comfortable, and so seek 
  out danger for myself and others that I 
  might not grow complacent in my faith.
  6
  I have made a vow to give up my material 
  wealth to the Cult of Shared Suffering.
  CULT OF THE HOWLING PEAK
  	
  You	are	a	truly	unique	individual,	having	descended	
  from	an	ancient	and	powerful	empire.	The	blood	of	Netheril	
  flows	in	your	veins,	and	you	have	been	inducted	into	a	secret	
  society	of	your	kin,	who	have	taken	upon	themselves	the	task	
  of	guarding	the	secrets	of	the	ancient	empire	of	wizards	that	
  once	dominated	Faerûn.	Though	your	numbers	are	few	and	
  you	face	lingering	stigma,	brought	on	by	other	cults	devoted	
  to	Netheril,	you	endlessly	seek	to	protect	and	preserve	
  Netheril’s	secrets	in	order	to	keep	your	ancient	history	alive,	
  while	keeping	the	god-like	power	of	ancient	mages	from	the	
  hands	of	those	who	would	do	evil	with	it.	Your	burden	is	
  heavy	and	you	receive	little	support	from	your	fellows,	often	
  being	forced	to	operate	on	your	own	to	keep	the	world	safe	
  from	your	blood	legacy.	
  	
  The	Cult	of	the	Howling	Peak	is	made	up	of	humans	
  descended	from	the	citizens	of	Netheril,	and	has	taken	up	
  the	task	of	keeping	secret	the	magics	of	that	ancient	empire	
  in	order	to	prevent	cataclysms.	You	will	likely	benefit	from	
  having	some	knowledge	of	the	civilization	of	Netheril,	
  and	should	consult	with	your	DM	about	exactly	what	your	
  character	knows.	Because	of	the	nature	of	the	cult,	you	
  might	be	a	relatively	new	member,	having	been	only	recently	
  discovered	by	other	Netheril	descendants	and	indoctrinated	
  into	their	ways.	Chiefly	driven	to	keep	dangerous	things	from	
  the	public,	the	Cult	of	the	Howling	Peak	largely	operates	
  in	the	desert	hills	that	once	marked	the	great	empire,	but	
  occasionally	sends	its	members	into	the	world	to	recover	
  artifacts	and	information	pertaining	to	their	cause.
  Skill Proficiency: Athletics,	History,	Investigation
  Languages: Two	of	your	choice
  Equipment: A	scroll	case	stuffed	with	research	notes,	a	cold	
  weather	outfit,	a	set	of	common	clothes,	a	tent,	and	a	belt	
  pouch	containing	10	gp
  FEATURE: LEGACY OF NETHERIL
  	
  Your	bloodline	can	be	traced	to	the	great	wizard	
  empire	of	Netheril,	and	you	are	but	one	of	a	handful	of	pure-
  blooded	descendants	inducted	into	the	Cult	of	the	Howling	
  Peak,	which	seeks	to	preserve	and	protect	Netheril’s	legacy.	
  You	are	well	versed	in	the	history	of	that	empire	and	claim	a	
  deep	bond	with	it.	You	have	advantage	on	all	History	checks	
  pertaining	to	subjects	related	to	Netheril.	Additionally,	
  because	of	close	ethnic	ties,	you	can	count	on	most	other	
  direct	descendents	of	Netheril	to	offer	you	basic	aid,	such	
  as	shelter	and	mundane	supplies,	and	to	provide	you	with	
  information	regarding	pieces	of	Netheril	lore.	Because	of	the	
  close	bond	within	your	cult,	you	can	draw	upon	the	skills	and	
  resources	of	your	fellow	cultists	to	aid	you	in	virtually	any	
  task,	so	long	as	it	does	not	distract	from	their	goals.	
  SUGGESTED CHARACTERISTICS
  	
  Cultists	of	the	Howling	Peak	have	a	strong	
  connection	to	the	past	and	a	strong	sense	of	responsibility.	
  Thus,	they	seek	to	preserve	history	and	culture	while	limiting	
  the	world’s	access	to	dangerous	magic.	You	seek	out	relics	and	
  information	which	could	be	particularly	dangerous	in	order	
   
   
  in 
   work with the cult.
  d8
  Personality Trait
  1
  I am constantly referencing events that 
  happened at least 500 years ago, and take 
  great joy in explaining what I’m talking 
  about.
  2
  I assume that everyone is well versed in 
  ancient history and obscure lore, rarely 
  explaining complicated concepts.
  3
  I have written a groundbreaking work on 
  the history of Netheril and frequently 
  bring it up in conversation.
  4
  I have a strong connection to my ethnic 
  roots and treat people who can prove 
  Netheril blood better than other people.
  5
  I have visited at least two Netheril ruins in
  my youth, and the experience changed me
  for the better.
  6
  My involvement in the Cult of the 
  Howling Peak is a great source of pride 
  for me and I frequently reference my 
  contacts within the cult.
  7
  I have an unhealthy interest in arcane 
  objects and lore.
  8
  I have a great aversion to magic of all 
  forms, stemming from things I have seen 
  in my work with the cult.
  my
  
   
  d6
  Ideal
  1
  Beauty: The works of the ancients are 
  things of great wonder and potential and I 
  believ the beauty of their creations must 
  be preserved. (Good)
  2
  Safety. The world is not yet ready for the 
  things that still lie in ruins and vaults and 
  must be protected. (Lawful)
  3
  Dogma. The works of Netheril must be 
  found and secured so that they don’t do 
  any more damage. (Any)
  4
  Recovery. The works of my people 
  deserve to be found and retrieved from 
  the ruins where they languish. (Any)
  5
  Power. Only a true son of Netheril 
  deserves the power that comes from our 
  ancestors, and it must be wielded by us 
  alone. (Evil, Lawful)
  6
  Understanding. Through seeking out the
  treasures of the ancients and 
  understanding the past, I can understand 
  myself. (Good)
  d6
  Bond
  1
  I am searching for an object from Netheril 
  that must be found before it is too late.
  2
  I have lost an object of historical 
  significance that must be recovered at all 
  costs.
  3
  I have been given a key to an ancient ruin 
  and been told to keep it safe.
  4
  I am searching for others to join the cause 
  of the Cult of the Howling Peak and keep 
  the world safe from harm.
  5
  I have seen the damage done by Netheril 
  artifacts firsthand and am determined 
  never to see it again.
  6
  I have a specific piece of knowledge that I 
  must never share, though there are some 
  trying to learn it.
   
  d6
  Flaw
  1
  I know a secret that many would kill me 
  to prevent me from revealing it.
  2
  I have an artifact which is desperately 
  wanted by nefarious Netheril cultists.
  3
  I have been mistaken for another Netheril 
  cultist who is wanted by local authorities.
  4
  I have an obsession with all things past 
  and refuse to embrace new ideas.
  5
  I have a crippling phobia of magic that 
  prevents me from willingly receiving 
  beneficial spell effects, except in the direst
  circumstances.
  6
  I am so absentminded in my focus that I 
  rarely pick up things I have dropped.
  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten 
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  work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast 
  and/or other authors. Such material is used with permission 
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  Guild. All other original material in this work is copyright © 2016 
  Necromancers of the Northwest and published under the Com-
  munity Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.
  
  Backgrounds for Cultist Characters
   
  There are many different reasons why someone might want to play a character with a 
  background in a cult. It can provide story hooks that lead to interesting side quests, it can present 
  moral quandaries when they are forced to choose between their past faith and their current mission, 
  and it can simply serve to add an air of dark mystery to a character, to name just a few. Faerun is 
  rich with secret societies, orders, and other cult-like organizations, each of which could easily 
  provide a background on their own. 
   
  This book provides three new backgrounds for player characters, each based on a cult or secret 
  society from the Faerun campaign setting. Included are backgrounds for the cult of the dragon, the 
  cult of shared suffering, and the cult of the howling peak.
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Dungeons & Dragons [multi]/5th Edition (5e)/Forgotten Realms/Heroic Backgrounds Cults of Faerun (Sanitized).pdf