At last I have succeeded in connecting myself again, so here is a small piece I was preparing last week.
IMG there is a myriad of different arkati sects. Most of them conform to one of the aspects of Arkat, although some of them include more than one.
However when one of this sects interact with others of the same aspect, violence is as likely as collaboration. No constant links exist outside temporary alliances between sects.
The Arkat Kult Alliance is different, because it is the only important society who approaches the problem of recreating Arkat in an unified way. The base is formed by followers of the different cults that were present in Arkat's empire (the Old Alliance). This cults are common in nowadays Ralios, and the society is widespread enough and inoffensive enough to avoid prosecution. The higher echelons in the society are identified with the different stages in Arkat's life, up to the Arkat Emperors' that rule the society.
Apart from this highly organized society, and one of the most influential, other societies are more small groups around a charismatic individual, who has some access to some secrets or misteries, usually by experience in several societies, and comparing their doctrines.
The secret societies are concentrated in the urban farmer caste, specially guildmembers (with guilds working almost as secret societies themselves) and knights, sometimes as fraternity groups among the troops.
So, for example, in Estal you can find members of the Kult Alliance in the Green Lady's cult, in Humakt's, Orlanth's, Felstra's and most Saints.
There are also some Loons, concentrated in the Carrier's Guild and the Butcher's.
Chaos Monks and boristi, as always, are present in small groups in the underside of the city.
And besides the "official" cults, almost a quarter of the city follows one (or several) aspect of Arkat in secret. Some of this are by family (and you can find surprising cases, as a healer follower of Arkat the Knight), some by trade, some by quarter. Urban violence is usually low, but some sects are dangerous, specially in public celebrations.
Being a member is a way of life, necessary to get that job, or the right person to ask for a service. They usurp many of the functions of the state religions. Lords let this situation be as long as the sects are not a menace to the established power.
So are you ready to step into a world of veiled questions, secret handshakes and hidden symbols?
Jose
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