Cult of the Mother

Although spurning the idea of deities, **The Mother** has still managed to accumulate a significant following - one that she happily uses as a tool. The Cult of the Mother is a zealous faction of devout worshipers of the Mother, who, while not a deity, rewards her followers nonetheless.

## History

Formed in Year 16 of the Age of Might after the Mother began to take significant steps into establishing a greater powerbase. Members of **Necrotech Industries** banded together, led by **Isabella Ballard**, to form a proper Cult to the Mother. Lady Ballard has proven herself as a highly charismatic leader to the cultists of the Mother over the years. Although initially a small group, Lady Ballard has preached the Tenets of the Mother to all who would listen, and many individuals who were disillusioned with deities like Urgathoa or Orcus have come to the Cult, and surprisingly, it has attracted a small minority of more evil-oriented followers of Brigh.

Eventually, the Cult grew too big for Darkwall, and expanded to the Necrotech Industry holdings along the coast, north, just outside of the Dragalla Alliance. There, a small town has been forming, calling itself Ravenwatch. Although not much, it is hoped that this town will one day grow into a thriving haven.

## Holdings

* **Ravenwatch**: In its current state, Ravenwatch is not a particularly large town. Owned and operated by Lady Isabella Ballard, and her brother, Lord James Ballard, Ravenwatch is a safehaven for members of Necrotech Industries, and well-fortified to excursions. Once, it was just the site of some warehouses, and some wooden walls for Necrotech, it has grown significantly over many years.

## Membership

Members of the Cult of the Mother are often Necromancers, Technomancers, or Necrotechnomancers in many cases who have either grown to enjoy the Tenets of the Mother, or are disillusioned and distasteful of their former deities, often Urgathoa or Orcus, but there have been reports of more evil-oriented followers of Brigh finding their way into the arms of the Cult.

### Tenets of the Mother

The Cult of the Mother has learned from the Mother herself, although Lady Ballard has taken steps to formulate a proper set of Tenets so that they have something to learn and live by.

* **Embrace Technological Progress:** The followers of The Mother must strive to advance the use of technology in all aspects of life. Seek out innovation, inventiveness, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Embrace the power of machinery, automation, and artificial intelligence to enhance and shape the world. Enhance yourself with technology.
* **Nurture the Undead:** The Mother's love extends to the realm of the undead. Treat Undead with a level of compassion, and care, for the Mindless Dead are tools to be used; and tools can be used for good and evil, equally. Utilize them in ways to benefit your Community, while also wielding them as weapons against your enemies. Intelligent Undead should be accepted as fellow members of society.
* **Cultivate Ambition and Innovation:** The Mother encourages her followers to pursue ambitious goals and push the boundaries of what is possible. Engage in scientific and technological endeavors that challenge conventional wisdom. Foster an environment of creativity, where new ideas are nurtured and celebrated.
* **Balance Life and Death:** Recognize the delicate equilibrium between life and death. Cherish the circle of existence and the natural order of things. While The Mother favors the undead, respect the living as well. Neither should be dominated nor neglected, but rather harmonized in a symbiotic relationship.
* **Embody Empathy and Understanding:** The Mother believes in the power of empathy and understanding to forge connections among all beings. Show compassion to those who suffer, both the living and the undead. Seek to understand their struggles, and work towards alleviating their pain or finding common ground.
* **Guard Individual Freedom:** The Mother respects the autonomy and freedom of each individual. Encourage personal growth, free thought, and the pursuit of personal desires, as long as they do not cause harm to others. Promote an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance, valuing diversity in all its forms.
* **Preserve Knowledge:** Treasure the wisdom of the past, for it provides valuable insights into the present and future. Protect ancient texts, artifacts, and traditions that have shaped the development of technology and understanding of the undead. Seek to unlock the secrets of lost civilizations and share their insights with the world. But not just ancient knowledge, all knowledge - whether it be forbidden, ancient, or present - should be protected. Destruction of Knowledge is the highest crime to the Mother, and will be met with equal violence.
* **Embrace Eternal Life:** As The Mother's followers, accept the possibility of transcending mortality. Seek the means to extend life indefinitely through the merging of technology and the undead. Strive to attain immortality not for selfish reasons, but to continue serving The Mother's vision and ensuring the betterment of all creation.

Ultimately, the Tenets of the Mother encompass both dark, and caring aspects, combining the power of technology, with an affinity for the Undead. Follow these Principles to honor The Mother, and bring about a world where technology, and the Undead, can coexist harmoniously.