Loyalty

The loyalty system is an out game tool to help you determine where your character stands when it comes to the cults ideology. It reflects how each member fits into the broader concept of the cult’s identity and purpose. Loyalty isn’t one specific thing, each character’s commitment stems from a variety of factors, including their own past, the structure, the hierarchy, the teachings, the Path of Perfection, interpersonal relations, the safety the cult provides, the community it fosters, and even the ambiance that gives them a sense of belonging.

Rather than defining characters as followers by their blind allegiance, the loyalty level outlines where a person stands in relation to the core pillars of the cult.

Zealot

Zealots embody the ultimate dedication to the cult, but their loyalty is not purely blind commitment. Their commitment spans across every facet of the cult: they follow the teachings with everything they have, they uphold the Path of Perfection, and they uphold the structure and hierarchy above all else. Their loyalty is rooted in a deep belief that their commitment is the truest path to enlightenment and that the teachings of the Founders are sacred. They often serve as the enforcers of the cult’s rules and teachings, pushing others to follow them as strictly as they do. However, their loyalty can sometimes skew toward authoritarianism, as they view themselves as protectors of the ideal cult structure, which can lead to conflict or distance to those who question or deviate from the Path.

Loyal

Loyalty in this tier is broader and more flexible. Loyal followers are committed to the cult, but their allegiance is often spread across different elements: they value the structure, the sense of safety, and the community the cult provides. Some are drawn to the teachings of the Founders, others to the promises of enlightenment and the Path of Perfection, and still others simply feel a deep connection to the group and its atmosphere. They are not as rigid as Zealots but remain steadfast in their support of the cult’s ideals, trusting in its guidance while also leaving room for personal interpretation. Their loyalty ensures stability within the group, as they are often the core of the cult’s activities and rituals, acting as mediators between the extremes of zealotry and the other cult members.

Follower

Followers are not necessarily committed to all aspects of the cult, but they remain loyal to the aspects that offer them personal comfort or purpose. They may follow the rituals, appreciate the sense of safety, or simply feel connected to the community. Their loyalty is often driven by a need for belonging or stability rather than an unwavering belief in the cult’s teachings or the Path of Perfection. Followers typically do what is asked of them without much reflection, finding solace in routine and the familiarity of the cult’s ambiance. Their loyalty often lies in the comfort they derive from the structure, community, and the safety it offers, rather than in any deeper ideological conviction.

Doubting

Doubters are individuals whose loyalty is fractured. They may have doubts about the teachings or the cult’s path, yet they are not willing to sever ties. Their loyalty is torn between the ideals they’ve been taught and the reality they experience. They may still hold on to parts of the cult’s beliefs, but they also struggle with conflicting thoughts and experiences that challenge their understanding of the Path of Perfection. Their loyalty stems from a desire to resolve these conflicts, but they may feel that they are either not fully equipped to understand the teachings or that the cult’s version of perfection is flawed. Their loyalty is in a state of flux, constantly in tension between maintaining their place within the cult and reconciling their doubts. The conflict between their sense of belonging and their questioning mind keeps them tethered, though unsure of their path forward.

Disloyal

Disloyal members maintain a unique form of loyalty. While they may question or actively oppose aspects of the cult, their connection to the community or the founding principles keeps them inside. Their disloyalty often manifests as rebellion against certain teachings or the structure, but they don’t fully abandon the cult. They may see themselves as more enlightened or more pragmatic, believing that the Path of Perfection is a personal journey that doesn’t have to adhere strictly to the cult’s doctrines. They might still hold on to the safety or camaraderie of the cult while attempting to reshape or redefine its teachings in a way that aligns with their own vision. Their loyalty is thus complex, divided between the desire for reform and their connection to the cult’s core ideas.