Doug Pitman

Portrait of Pitman painted in 341BF by an unknown PIT acolyte

Doug Pitman is a prophet and founder of PIT worship, as well as the current Deacon of the Heralds of THE PIT. Having lived an impossibly long life, Pitman has slowly guided the progress and understanding of the enigmatic PIT. Pitman is a man of many skills, including his entrancing speech skills and natural gravitas, but also enjoys many hobbies such as wine collecting and gambling. Considered by many to be one of the most well-known figures in Lakkos, Pitman is a fairly private man and isn't often seen in public, especially during the day.

## Early Life

Doug Pitman was born in the refugee colony of the UCR in the year 1524BF to a local prostitute. Pitman never knew his real father, and his mother spent most of her days at the bottom of a bottle of Escharian whiskey. With his home life in shambles, Pitman needed to provide for himself from a very early age. Doug was too young to work at any reputable shop or business, so the only thing available was trench digging. The UCR was mining out massive mineshafts in order to acquire more ore to use in trade and they didn't have very high standards when it came to their workers. Some historians claim that as much as 30% of the workers in these UCR mining pits were actually underage. Work was difficult and dangerous, but soon Pitman came to find a sort of meditative catharsis in his menial labor.

Two days before Pitman's 18th birthday, his mother was found dead in their flat. Doug would spend his the next week trying to arrange for a proper burial, but could not afford the outrageous prices of the funeral home. Pitman was forced to have his mother cremated as it was the only option within his budget. Pitman's spirits were soured from this experience and he consigned himself to the short, miserable life of mining that lay ahead of him.

## THE PIT and the Heralds

The year 1499BF saw the single greatest event of Pitman's life: his first experience with the voices of THE PIT. At first, Pitman believed he was simply dehydrated and suffering from one of the myriad respiratory illnesses common among the miners. However, the voices told him things that were going to occur before they happened and imparted upon him knowledge of events that had transpired millennia ago. Doug was a kind-hearted man and had no interest in hoarding these prophecies for himself, so he started giving sermons during his lunch breaks to any miners who would listen.

At first the miners treated him as a novelty; something to entertain them and make them forget about their dreadful jobs and miserable lives. Pitman didn't mind that they didn't take him seriously, for he was certain in his faith. Sure enough, miners started seeing Pitman's predictions coming true and began to actually listen to the message he was proselytizing. Soon Pitman had a small cadre of faithful who respected him and what he was preaching. After four years of constant sermons, Pitman had most of the miners infatuated with his teaching of THE PIT. Pitman decided to create a group to allow for better organization of this new religion.

The UCR was wary of this new cult, but decided that its nonviolent nature meant it was all but harmless and allowed it to continue growing. As months turned to years and years turned to decades, many figured Pitman would eventually name a successor to his position as Deacon of the Heralds, however he had no intention of stepping down. As Pitman's 100th birthday came and went, he seemed to be in just as good of health as he was when he first founded in the Heralds 71 years ago. Though Pitman became more reclusive and was rarely seen not wearing his dark purple and black robes, he seemed to be entirely unaffected by the passage of time. Though those who didn't worship THE PIT were very concerned about Pitman's immortality, his followers came to see Pitman as a sort of demigod and Pitman's birthday became a religious holiday referred to as Dougmas by the faithful.

## The Exodus

The worrying events surrounding the eviction of the citizens of UCR from their homes caused Pitman to have a crisis of faith. His beloved PIT was in the UCR and the thought of being forced to leave it was unbearable for all PIT worshippers. Pitman spent much of this period of turmoil at the bottom of THE PIT locked in extreme meditation. Finally, like a pickaxe striking a vein of gold ore, the truth of this event was uncovered by Pitman: THE PIT existed within the hearts of men and was not a physical place. Wherever the winds would take the UCR people, a new PIT could be made and all would be right with the world.

With newfound zeal, Pitman quickly wrote a sermon to give his followers confidence as they prepared to journey to their new home, the faraway island of Lakkos. Deacon Pitman mobilized the entirety of the Heralds manpower to assist with loading goods for The Exodus. During the dangerous two and a half month trek, the Heralds were indispensable in helping any and all who needed assistance, including the two dozen or so disabled UCR citizens forced to make the grueling trip. Upon landing on Lakkos, the Heralds' opinion levels were at an all time high and Doug Pitman was presented with a medal for his heroic efforts.

## Establishment on Lakkos

Pitman spent his first weeks on Lakkos searching for a site for the new PIT. Once a suitable location was found, the Deacon allowed the Heralds to oversee the digging work while he began going on diplomatic trips to Leviathan and Not Venice on behalf of the fledgling Lakkosian kingdom. Pitman also began meeting and befriending many rich and powerful figures in Karkaros and Tortuga in order to secure funding for a building project. Pitman felt as though THE PIT needed something to adorn it, and THE PIT Spire would end up being this project. Securing the services of a famed architect, Pitman paid for the work out of his own pocket and with help from his newfound contacts.

Pitman also started giving weekly sermons by THE PIT memorial tree in the Courtyard district. Pitman also highlighted the similarities of all people, whether they worshipped THE PIT or not, and he consistently preached for peace and tolerance. The Lakkosian King also was kept at arms length by Pitman to avoid conflicts of church and state and he never let his stance on politics be known to the general public. Even during the controversial Lakkosian Bush War, the good Deacon refused to speak either in favor of or against the violent conflict.

Following the political uncertainty following the assassination attempt on First Consul Zwęglony, Pitman has become concerned over the political instability and fears it may lead to atrocities in the future. In light of these developments, the Deacon has begun meeting with other public leaders to try and restore confidence in the Lakkosian government.