Cult of Ecstasy

The Cult of Ecstasy is a secretive and enigmatic organization within the Lust universe, known for its hedonistic pursuits, mystical practices, and deep understanding of the human psyche. It is a group that seeks to explore the limits of pleasure, consciousness, and reality, often blurring the lines between the mundane and the extraordinary. The Cult is both feared and revered, with its members often viewed as dangerous hedonists or enlightened mystics. 
The group comprises a group of men and women who are fascinated by Lusst'ghaa, and through it seek transcendence into a state of happiness beyond humanity.
The group was formed by Doreen Austerlitz to help Benedict Yelverton. They were assist in his search for a Seeing, for the child of a Seeing was needed as a ritual sacrifice to open the gates to Lusst'ghaa. The group was originally made of up some of Doreen's fellow academics (with whom she had shared the knowledge of Lusst'ghaa), but soon drew in powerful figures of business and politics. Doreen stopped unnecessary growth, making the group more elite, and it took the name Cult of Ecstasy on August 26, 1928.
The Cult was focused on transcendence, but in the meantime took to ever more elaborate orgies to honour Lusst'ghaa. This drove away Benedict Yelverton, who came to look down on the cult.
==Origins & Development ==
The Cult of Ecstasy traces its origins to ancient times, where early practitioners sought to transcend the physical world through intense sensory experiences. They believed that by pushing the boundaries of pleasure and pain, they could achieve a higher state of consciousness, often referred to as "Ecstatic Awakening." Over centuries, these practices evolved and were refined, eventually forming a cohesive belief system that combined mysticism, alchemy, and esoteric rituals.
The Cult is extremely fond of masks for its members, and each one is unique. This is a recurring theme in all of the Cult's appearances. Masks of revered members are kept after their deaths, and can be re-used on special occassions.
Another tradition is that of adopting a new name when joining. For example, after joining the Cult, Barry Simmons became known as Christopher. It is unknown when this tradition started (Doreen Austerlitz herself seemed to use her own name, for example), but it was in use in the 21st century. As such, some members registries make note of the person's "Cult Name" with their birth name in brackets. In 2021, this tradition was not so rigorously enforced, something that Sabinian lamented.
==Beliefs and Practices ==
At the heart of the Cult of Ecstasy is the belief that pleasure is a gateway to higher consciousness. Members of the Cult, often called "Ecstatics," engage in various practices designed to expand their sensory experiences and achieve altered states of mind. These practices include:
*Ritualistic Orgies: These are not mere indulgences but are considered sacred rites that allow participants to connect with divine energies and each other on a spiritual level.
*Psychedelic Alchemy: The Cult is known for its use of specially crafted elixirs and substances that enhance perception and alter reality. These concoctions are believed to be key in unlocking hidden truths of the universe.
*Tantric Meditation: A form of deep, meditative practice that involves focusing on sexual energy to achieve spiritual enlightenment. This practice is often done in pairs or groups and is considered one of the most powerful tools in the Cult's arsenal.
*Pain as Pleasure: The Cult teaches that pain and pleasure are two sides of the same coin. By embracing pain, Ecstatics believe they can transcend their physical limitations and achieve a higher state of being.
==Activities ==
===Lust for Darkness===
The Cult gathers at Yelverton Manor for a grand ceremony on June 21, 2018. Willard Yelverton uses the child of himself and Amanda Moon and successfuly opens the way to Lusst'ghaa (fulfilling the dream of Doreen Austerlitz). However, the Changed kill several of the cultists who cross over, leading the others to have second thoughts. Angered by their betrayal, Willard kills several of the Cult of Ecstasy before his own demise. Yelverton Manor is then burned down by Amanda and Jonathan Moon, leading to more losses among the Cult.
===Lust from Beyond: Prologue===
After the events of Lust For Darkness, the Cult reforms in a new mansion. Newspaper clippings indicate that the bodies of 13 cult members were recovered from Yelverton Manor, and the masks of 12 of them are on display in memorium.
The Cult at this time seems to be in conflict with rival group the Scarlet Lodge, with the Cult holding a member of the Lodge prisoner.
===Lust from Beyond===
Mabel recounts to Victor the destruction of Yelverton Manor, and how the surviving members of the Cult were led by Sabinian to his Mansion. She also reveals that not all of those members of the Cult that crossed over to Lusst'ghaa were killed. A number survived, though they were driven insane by prolonged time in the Land of Eternal Ecstasy. These derranged members of the Cult were eventually led to Bleakmoor by Charles Austerlitz, and became the Scarlet Lodge.
==Lovecraftian Influences in the Cult of Ecstasy==
* Cosmic Nihilism: At the core of Lovecraft's work is the concept of cosmic nihilism—the belief that the universe is vast, indifferent, and often hostile to human existence. Lust From Beyond goes all in with its lore to portray a solid cosmic horror story rooted in sex. In Lusst’ghaa, this comes in the form of alien sexual imagery
*Communion with Eldritch Entities: The Cult's rituals are designed not just to explore the depths of human pleasure but also to make contact with ancient, otherworldly beings reminiscent of Lovecraft's Great Old Ones. Ecstatics seek to draw power from these beings, believing that by merging their consciousness with the eldritch, they can attain godlike abilities. However, such communion is fraught with danger, as it often leads to madness or corruption.
*Forbidden Knowledge: The Cult of Ecstasy places great value on such knowledge, particularly texts that detail the nature of the eldritch beings they worship. These texts, often written in forgotten languages or encoded in esoteric symbols, contain the secrets of reality and the pathways to higher planes of existence. 
*Rituals of the Outer Realms: The rituals practiced by the Cult of Ecstasy are often accompanied by intense sensory experiences, pushing participants to the brink of sanity. The goal is to transcend the physical world and enter the realms of the Old Ones, where time and space are meaningless, and the true nature of existence is revealed. The results of these rituals are unpredictable, often leading to horrific consequences for those involved.
*The Madness of Ecstasy: Similarly, the Cult of Ecstasy teaches that true enlightenment comes with the risk of losing one's sanity. As Ecstatics delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe and their own minds, they often encounter visions of incomprehensible horrors, driving them to the edge of madness. This is seen as both a trial and a rite of passage, as only those who can withstand the horrors of the cosmos can hope to achieve true ecstasy.
*The Transformation of the Flesh: The Cult of Ecstasy embraces this concept, viewing the body as a malleable vessel that can be reshaped by eldritch energies. Through their rituals, Ecstatics may undergo bizarre and terrifying transformations, becoming something more—or less—than human. 
*The Cult’s Hidden Agendas: Much like the secretive cults in Lovecraft's stories, the Cult of Ecstasy operates with hidden motives. While they publicly promote the pursuit of pleasure and enlightenment, their true goal is to awaken the eldritch entities that lie dormant within the fabric of reality.
Category:Cults
Category:Organisations Originating From Mythos-Inspired Works
Category:Organisations