Cults of the Demons and Devils of the D&D Blood War in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes

The Nerdarchists continue their excavation into the world of demons and devils with part two of the D&D Blood War in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes. This time we’re talking about demons. I have long found demons and devils themselves to be a bit boring as villains themselves, but the idea of a mortal cult that worships a demon, now that is something that ignites my interest. When you really think, it can be a complicated concept. A group of mortals that are so devout in their beliefs, they are willing to sacrifice themselves, or at the very least risk themselves, in service to an extraplanar being. Getting into the psychology and trying to parse it all out is a lot of fun and with the great tables in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes, the creativity flows so easily. Using these tables, let’s start a cult together… for you next adventure arc, that is.

Demonic cultists as seen in the fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes. [Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast]

Demons and devils — a cult following

All right, to follow along, I’m on page 34 in the Tome of Foes. First table, I threw out a 4, second table a 3, third table a 2, and fourth table a 4. Let’s see what we’re working with!

Cult Goals

“Recovery of an artifact or magic item that could prove useful in the Blood War.”

Cult Resources

“The cult controls the local officers of the law.”

Cult Organization

“False Front. The cult puts on an elaborate deception to appear as a harmless civic group.”

Cult Hardship

“Murder and betrayal leads to a constant turnover in cult leadership.”

With this, let’s say that our cult is searching for an ancient and arcane sword rumored to be in a ruin lost in the wilderness outside of the town, to tip the scales of Blood War in their favor. The cult has infiltrated and taken over the town guard, using their influence to lobby for regulations on weapons within the town proper. All weapons are confiscated upon entry, but are returned to the owner when they leave. This not-unusual practice allows them to use the guise of keeping the peace to have their scribes inspect every weapon from returning adventurers, looking for their desired relic. But due to the constant shift changes and their watch spread thin, there is a general distrust as they believe the one loyal member that presents the weapon will be rewarded. This paranoia leads to the occasional “accident” and need for more guards to be conscripted.

This is just one idea with some quick rolls out of the book. Have you rolled up any random cults devoted to demons and devils of the D&D multiverse yet? There is so much in the Tome of Foes, I know I’ll have inspiration for quite awhile.I hope this helps you on an upcoming adventure and I’ll see you on the next article. Stay nerdy!

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