The Cult of Hylla

A certain species of scarab beetle (Tillervedalchi) has absolutely no occult abilities or links, but it has been adopted by occultists due to its unique look. Its exoskeleton is matt black but beneath its amour plates, a plum bioluminescence is emitted. When it takes flight, its exoskeleton folds away and a brilliant purple light is emitted. When many of them take flight at once, like at sunset or something, it is something of a natural phenomenon. Physiologically, its bright colours function as a warning system due to its being poisonous.

6 members in Acrefell

While major religions focus on the ultimate God/higher consciousness, the occult specifically focuses on the more grounded Hylla system. Somehow managed to remain secret, mostly as a result of that 880 year cycle and coincidence with technology level.

The general theme of the occult is mainly dark - plum, crimson, wispy, silk, steel, bone etc. Sacrifices are sometimes made, much more in the past than in the modern era, though seldom rewarded. Each Hylla may or may not have a twist on the occult standard, such as plants or marine life.

During the Oxyx raids, as well as various other Cult of Hylla operations, they need to take utmost caution in order to not give the jig up as they needed to employ notorious and wanted Nodepok members, whose faces are fairly well-known amongst the criminal underworld. Also, several members of the organisation are ex-aristocrats, most notably chairman Simmo Bomilliga, who may be recognised during their pursuits. As such, they often employ spooky masks to hide (Simmo wears a decorated penguin skull). Simmo in particular used to be a high regarded member of the Kohian aristocracy until his sudden withdrawal from civilised society on his Eastedge estate.

The leader of the operation was Simmo Bomilliga and organised a hit on the Oxyx Vault involving their own soldiers and a few Nodepok members (Klara/Sigrid Sprigol). Vision of 10 soldiers dwarfed in the main cathedral, hanging about. Softcore torturing of security personnel and the Attana, wearing blindfolds to prevent identification. Got release code for lockbox. Escaped by boat (lakeside city). Massive witchhunt prevented by blackmailing with original manuscripts of Dallana's notes.

When the next Hylla cycle comes around, he knows nothing due to lack of omniscience and is halfway across the planet. The Cult takes advantage of this and launches the second raid to retake the Eye without interference - this time with heavy vaultcracking machinery. They succeed. The Cult is in a bit of a rut. Security has increased massively since the last raid and benefactors are reluctant to provide manpower and funds after the failure last time. I don't know - a lot of the benefactors are loyal fanatics who support all the projects of the Cult. But anyway, Simmo didn't have much of a choice but to turn to the aid of Cesca Maycoombe and the newly-formed Ualek. She gives help in terms of planning, funding and manpower in exchange for 3 questions of her choosing and an alliance between the organisations. At this point, they begin using Gatling guns (Copperfly Scarabs).

Simmo Bomilliga's Eastedge estate office, I imagine, has a lot of wood and ancient trinkets from Cult archaeological digs, and a glass display case full of those plum glowing scarab beetles. On the estate, as well as admin centres, living quarters and everything else you would need for an off-the-grid commune, there is also the strange curiosity of Hylla's room. In the proper original Bomilliga manor, there is a guest room entirely devoted to Hylla and his/her rest, complete with the most luxury of beds and decor. Hylla is still kind of human so s/he can still appreciate comfort. So Hylla is often found sitting or lying open it, leaving an impression upon the bed. For a similar reason, Hylla also has a central throne in the meeting room in case s/he wants to weigh in on a discussion. A Klaufmon Design also sits in the meeting room, in case everyone needs to hear her/him.

The Bomilliga Estate is self-sustaining and whilst they do worship a god, they're pretty normal and not obsessed - not at all like a creepy village full of Wickerman-style freaks.

Plum silk draped from the ceilings and paintings line the walls of scarab beetles patterned with past symbol generations (photorealistically stylised) and painted busts of revered individuals.

The Hylla global HQ is located on an isolated estate in central Firanzim - with only 40 people living there permanently. Simmo Bomilliga owns it. The goal of the HQ is to worship a god who doesn't care to be worshipped, increase knowledge about the occult and the origin of everything, and to carry out various physical tasks deemed necessary. Sits in a Chinese-looking red forest, granted after Emaoo Bomilliga set up the colony during the War. Fell into disrepair until Simmo joined the cult. Information and commands are sent out to various cells scattered throughout the world. Mostly, they don't do anything but slowly accrue occult knowledge. Ualek naturally knows about their existence and vice versa but they stay out of each other's way. Also, there is an ongoing mission by the Cult to retake the Eye of Dallana from the Oxyx Vault (elders are unaware of their existence).