[Hoard of the Dragon Queen] Factions #hdqRemix

HAIL TIAMAT

Hoard of the Dragon Queen does something really smart: lays out different factions the PCs can join.

This is really smart for organized play and for home play.

Since these organizations have opposition to the cult baked in already, you've got a steady supply of properly motivated PCs and NPCs should you need them. Say if you TPK.

THE PROBLEM

The problem is that they've not used as effectively as they could be.

For instance, you start by default as caravan guards. 

Why?

WHY?

Why not start as faction members, who are already in the first village (1) waiting for the cult attack (2) on the way to investigate the cult (3) etc.? 

Then you don't have to get into this convoluted maybe-we'll-join-the-least-interesting-faction bit in the start of Episode 4 (see heading "Frustrating Potential").

Furthermore, why not have these factions tie into the character's backgrounds, supplying them at least a bond and an ideal? After all, it would be strange for a character to join a faction whose ideals they didn't (at least pretend to) share. RIGHT? 

ANOTHER PROBLEM

The factions as described on WotC's site are pretty tame and lackluster to me. Very safe and uncontroversial and strangely defensive, as if you're worried that the religious Order of the Gauntlet is going to be too, you know, religious. 

SO HERE'S WHAT I'VE DONE

I've made several changes and added new content for when you're running your #hdqRemix. 

1. Every PC begins as a faction member; choose or roll d6 for it (on 6, DM chooses)
2. Every PC takes a bond with the immediate superior mentioned in the faction description.
1. This can be the only bond or simply add to your existing bond-stable.
2. For each bond, think of something that you want but haven't been able to get from the bond
1. Affection
2. Commitment
3. Repentance
4. Apology
5. Restitution
6. Vengeance
7. Attention
8. Conversion
9. Forgiveness
10. Admission
11. Respect
12. Support (in some venture, plan, or decision)
3. Every PC takes an ideal from the faction's list; roll or choose. Ideals can always change later and probably should as the character develops. 
4. I've added a bond-NPC for each faction that is supposed to be the contact for low level operatives like the PCs. If multiple PCs are in the same faction, they all share the same "commanding officer". 
5. I've added ideals for each faction that show you what the faction is like
6. I've added sample missions for which the faction will reward you; you could hunt cultists and do faction play for an entire campaign. (Hack: if you want to expand and foreground faction play, you could hand out XP for faction missions.)

THE FACTIONS

I've just done these quickly. Feel free to contribute or critique in the comments. I have no Forgotten Realms knowledge at all and am not trying to be faithful to its spirit; this is just me trying to make the info on the WotC website a bit spicier.

ORDER OF THE GAUNTLET (Religious)

Bond

The Hand, Holy Jackal; burned; steel plate for a chin; tidying up; wants ex-friend and apostate Lord Ember of Neverwinter to convert or die; speak slowly, with pauses and lingering looks. 

Ideals

1. Purity. Heretics and apostates must be killed; let not your eye pity them.
2. Impartiality. No exceptions, ever, for anyone.
3. Mercy. The one who repents must be shown mercy as I have been shown mercy. 
4. Idealism. Fiat justicia ruat caelum.
5. Deontology. There is no right and wrong. There is only what the god commands and forbids.
6. Herem. The cult, their families, livestock, and all their household must be slain, and all their goods given to the god. 

Missions

1. Kill an apostate
2. Bring back a faction member who killed someone who deserved mercy
3. Kill a heretic; it is a PC's friend or relative
4. Bring back a cultist for interrogation and sacrifice
5. Bring back ears of bandits 
6. Track down a faction member who kept cult wealth for own use

LORD'S ALLIANCE (Political)

Bond

Officer Gunner Sheol; ears to the neck, eyes sunken and clouded; sleepwalking; wants to be saved; never speak first, never elaborate, never leave their eyes. 

Ideals

1. Order. The forms must be observed in all things. 
2. Duty. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. 
3. Honor. Never dishonor a rightful superior, regardless of the superior's worthiness.
4. Justice. No mercy.
5. Practicality. Idealism is for philosophers and the dead.
6. Hierarchy. The stratified world is beautiful; change leads to chaos.

Missions

1. Assassinate a rabblerousing villager
2. Infiltrate and entrap an antiwar/opposition/rival group
3. Sneak into the enemy camp and assassinate its leader
4. Pose as a buyer of illicit components, confiscate and apprehend dealers
5. Rescue city-state citizens being held captive by rival city
6. Propagandize on behalf of the lord; avoid or intimidate opposing thugs 

EMERALD ENCLAVE (Philosophical)

Bond

The Anthrogogue, Corridor Angelspawn; clothes neat and crisp like a mannequin; skin tattooed with equations; bursting into song; wants to be like the Emeraldian; speak energetically, lapsing into sing-songiness and quotations. 

Ideals

1. Detachment. Desire is the cause of suffering. Desire nothing. Suppress everything.
2. Submission. The Scale knows where the world is unbalanced, and his directives must be executed without regard to personal feeling.
3. Nonviolence. Will only use violence to defend the life of another. 
4. Wealth. Acquire currency. Dispose capriciously. 
5. Ethics. Balance everything. If you see love, balance with hatred. If you see rudeness, balance with politeness.
6. Release. Let it go: your own life, your possessions, your loved ones and friendships. 

Missions

1. Destroy a beautiful an ancient statue that is causing attachment to the world
2. Steal from the rich and cast into the river
3. Calmly set yourself afire and no longer be separate from being as such
4. Kill the Scale's family; this is an order directly from the Scale; he has become too attached
5. A prince and a princess are in love and soon to be married; douse their love to mere appreciation so that they marriage does not occur
6. Convert the richest man in the city

ZHENTARIM (Gangsta)

Bond

Soldier Mystery Ghoststrife; craggy cheekbones; bulky tawny gloves embroidered with names in black thread; arrogant; pitching get rich quick scheme; wants to know the truth about the assassination of sister; speak with great reservation and carefully chosen words, always understated.

Ideals

1. Hedonism. YOLO.
2. Ostentation. The gratuitous display of wealth inspires others to do better. 
3. Respect. No dissing tolerated. If you lose your respect, you lose everything.
4. Revenge. You will be seen as weak and destroyed if you let a slight to you or your people go unpunished.
5. Piety. The secret gods will bless those who carry out their wishes.
6. Equivalence. There is no gift; there is only exchange. Gifts are schemes disguised; never trust the "selfless".

Missions

1. Silence a talker
2. Off a pig
3. Make out with the Antikythera Chalice from the gallery of the Warwick Estate
4. Attend a diplomatic meeting with another faction; secretly kill one of their member who disrespected the Hisser
5. The Subtle One has commanded that all the lights in the house of Carnifex be extinguished 
6. Find out why the Zhent's lover gave her a gift and refused repayment; the Zhent's expects an answer soon and will reward greatly. 

HARPERS (Egalitarian)

Bond

Citizen Simulacrum Blacktomb; brows prehumanly heavy; massive chest; impatient; giving someone a massage; wants to destroy the house of Lord Ember of Neverwinter for microaggressions suffered at his hands; always smile, speak as to children.

Ideals

1. Equality. Everyone in bondage must be liberated immediately, regardless of the cost.
2. Equality. No one must be treated differently. Except those who treat others differently. Not even your family, not even those closest to you. Your loves must become strangers so that all strangers becomes loves. 
3. Equality. Religious bigots must be humiliated and brought into conformity. 
4. Equality. All political systems must enforce equality of economic outcomes. 
5. Equality. All is equal; all is one; make no judgments unless judged.
6. Equality. Animals must be liberated from the inequality of domestication and consumption.

Missions

1. Convert a cultist
2. Capture a cultist for interrogation
3. Start a riot outside despicable politician's fancy villa 
4. Liberate all the slaves owned by the nearest holder
5. Set all the prisoners free from the nearest jail
6. Entrap a firebreathing cleric and blackmail him to stop his hatespeech

[Hoard of the Dragon Queen] NPC Generator #hdqRemix

The thing I don't like about Forgotten Realms names is that they don't go far enough.

If you're going to be campy and over the top, let's just go all the way over. 

So click on the image to generate you some characters with FR names, suitable for Hoard of the Dragon Queen.

HAIL TIAMAT

Last names and about half of the first names courtesy of Seventh Sanctum's Extreme Fantasy Name Generator. Everything else is mine, I think, or stolen from too many places to recall.

Here are some sample characters:

DAGGER SILVERLORD; hunched; exaggerated teeth (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); polite; crafting (sewing, candle making, manuscript copying, metallurgy); wants to be saved.

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CARTER SUNRISE; con save or cough at vanilla perfume, essential part of identity, of course can't change; exaggerated ears (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); perverse; applying lotion to keep the skin youthful and supple; wants to have the respect of someone.

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LANCE SINNERCHANTER; huge bulging eyes; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); religiously ostentatious; playing instrument; wants to be healed.

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LAW BANEGUARD; cheeks like golf balls; exaggerated nose (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); chummy; fighting; wants to be famous.

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ECHO TALON; soft, round face; exaggerated neck (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); generous; tidying up; wants to beat rival.

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VIOLET DOOM; carrot-nosed; exaggerated head (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); creepily smiley; singing/humming; wants to beat rival.

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LORD LORESERAPH; glass/stone eye(s); exaggerated eye(brow)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); weak; playing with facial hair; wants to save someone.

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GENERAL GOLDMAGUS; like a sad pterodactyl; exaggerated finger(nail)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); egotistical; obliviously pondering; wants to have or maintain control.

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FLAME SHEOL; eyebrows like chalkboard erasers; exaggerated legs (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); aggresively insecure; applying lotion to keep the skin youthful and supple; wants to save someone.

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DAGGERS EDENHUNTER; wrapped up with bulging veins; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); generous; tidying up; wants to be saved.

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WEEKS QUAKEGRIFFON; so slight you lose sight; exaggerated head (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); creepily smiley; pacing; wants to be healed.

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PLATINUM ROUGESOUL; so slight you lose sight; exaggerated chin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); sycophantic; playing game; wants to kill someone.

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BOAST NOBLETIGER; limping; exaggerated teeth (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); bossy; stealing; wants to save someone.

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GRAVES GRAVE; coins primary characteristic of attire; exaggerated neck (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); cute; pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion); wants to kill someone.

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SPRAY DREADFINDER; thick teeth, pushing out the lips; exaggerated feet (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); sarcastic; smoking/drinking; wants to gain courage to do what is necessary.

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TRAPS GOLDMOURNER; con save or cough at vanilla perfume, essential part of identity, of course can't change; exaggerated eye(brow)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); thoughtful; obliviously pondering; wants to be forgiven by someone.

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LEVEL FELLGRIEF; six fingers/toes; exaggerated head (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); absentminded; falling asleep; wants to be accepted in a group.

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CAMP FELLGUARD; skin merely film; exaggerated torso (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); belligerent; falling asleep; wants to prove not like someone.

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SCANDALON LAW; eyes crushed to slits by the heft of their lids; exaggerated neck (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); wild; sleepwalking; wants to know the truth.

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RADICAL GRIM; shimmering with oil; exaggerated chin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); creepily smiley; cleaning clothes, under nails, brushing teeth; wants to have or maintain control.

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ROGUE RASCALMOURNER; skin of silvery blue, as all in the family; exaggerated chest (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); hateful; praying; wants to know the truth.

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TEMPLE GODRUBY; legs to the neck; exaggerated head (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); polite; rubbing/patting self uncomfortably; wants to fulfill duty.

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SAGE PURITYHUNTER; mountainous with muscle; exaggerated chest (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); nervous; playing instrument; wants to have or maintain control.

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CORRIDOR ANGELSPAWN; clothes so neat and crisp like a mannequin's; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); bursts into song; pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion); wants to prove like someone.

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GRIFFON DREAMGOD; cheeks like golf balls; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); seductive; jovially hitting people; wants to have reputation restored.

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BOWSTRING DARK; giant; exaggerated finger(nail)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); perverse; studying; wants to be accepted in a group.

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SALEM FELLGUARD; earless; exaggerated nose (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); gassy; fixing hair; wants to put doubts to rest.

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WHEAT ARCANA; skin flaked and peeling; exaggerated neck (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); hateful; pacing; wants to have or maintain control.

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FLORA GUSTMAGUS; so slight you lose sight; exaggerated chin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); too nice; zoning out; wants to be famous.

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COPPER TEMPESTMAGUS; blind; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); impassive; rubbing/patting self uncomfortably; wants to be at peace.

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CHAIN FLORAKILLER; jowly; exaggerated arms (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); cantankerous; sleepwalking; wants to know if someone is false.

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MYSTERY GHOSTSTRIFE; craggy cheekbones; exaggerated hands (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); arrogant; pitching get rich quick scheme; wants to know the truth.

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JAIL VEILKILLER; bent like a bow; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); just wants everyone to be nice; pitching get rich quick scheme; wants to possess someone.

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SIMULACRUM BLACKTOMB; brows prehumanly heavy; exaggerated chest (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); impatient; giving someone a massage; wants to destroy someone.

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JAMB SHADOWRUBY; arms swing like bigfoot when walking, hands flat, rigid, turned backward; exaggerated feet (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); impassive; starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward; wants to have reputation restored.

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DAGGERS DOOM; face rough with acne; exaggerated teeth (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); dumb; crafting (sewing, candle making, manuscript copying, metallurgy); wants to possess a treasure.

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DAGGERS GOLDMOURNER; clothes so neat and crisp like a mannequin's; exaggerated chest (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); cruel; tidying up; wants to know if someone is false.

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SHADOW NOBLESONG; swings arms when walks; exaggerated torso (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); pensive; advancing an obviously incorrect position without relenting; wants to put doubts to rest.

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DAWN RUNELIGHT; skin mottled and spotted; exaggerated neck (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); obnoxious; tidying up; wants to possess someone.

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WITCHER BLIZZARD; pupils like periods; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); impatient; eating; wants to beat rival.

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PURITY SABERGRIFFON; skin like parchment; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); asocial; crafting (sewing, candle making, manuscript copying, metallurgy); wants to visit own pain upon others.

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MORALE NOBLETIGER; chest broad as a table; exaggerated ears (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); spacy; hallucinating; wants to have the love of someone.

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SQUARES GHOSTTEMPEST; hooded or veiled, perfectly opaque; exaggerated feet (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); venal; obliviously pondering; wants to destroy someone.

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HEX VALENTINE; skin like parchment; exaggerated feet (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); thoughtful; exercising; wants to humiliate someone.

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OUBLIETTE KILLERKATANA; missing two and a half fingers; exaggerated ears (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); out of breath; eating; wants to be healed.

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KATANA SABERGRIFFON; limping; exaggerated legs (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); obsequious; exercising; wants to destroy someone.

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CRIMSON JACKAL; missing an arm; exaggerated hands (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); just wants everyone to be nice; pacing; wants to be famous.

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DAGON FLORAKILLER; missing an arm; exaggerated feet (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); witty; giving someone a massage; wants to be free of someone or some system.

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PACK SILVERLORD; whistles constantly; exaggerated finger(nail)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); thoughtful; pacing; wants to be free of someone or some system.

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HEIR EDENHUNTER; missing nose, flap of gold-stitched green fabric to cover; exaggerated torso (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); creepily smiley; lusting; wants to be at peace.

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STORM NAZARETH; twice the usual amount of neck; exaggerated ears (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); aggresively insecure; exercising; wants to know the truth.

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HALBERD MAGESEEKER; bone-white; exaggerated jaw (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); dependent; lusting; wants to know if someone is false.

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HONOR SHADOWRUNE; smells of lavender; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); weak; applying lotion to keep the skin youthful and supple; wants to beat rival.

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VICE BANEGUARD; perfect skin; exaggerated teeth (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); sleepy; playing with facial hair; wants to possess someone.

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SLAYER KNIGHTVICTOR; six fingers/toes; exaggerated chest (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); obsequious; absolutely blowing up about something; wants to have the respect of someone.

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SIN FELLGUARD; mouthing words to unconscious conversation; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); impatient; starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward; wants to do something meaningful before death.

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STAFF SQUALL; won't look you in the eye; exaggerated arms (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); out of breath; jovially hitting people; wants to be forgiven by someone.

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PIKE SILVERLORD; arms swing like bigfoot when walking, hands flat, rigid, turned backward; exaggerated eye(brow)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); officious; giving someone a massage; wants to be free of someone or some system.

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COPPER KILLERKATANA; mostly beard; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); impatient; obliviously pondering; wants to possess someone.

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SHADE BLACKTOMB; looks pregnant, isn't; exaggerated jaw (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); wise; smoking/drinking; wants to kill someone.

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RATION ANGELSPAWN; large assymetrical bones beneath the face; exaggerated head (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); dependent; social climbing; wants to be wealthy.

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SPARKS LAWAXE; lame; exaggerated torso (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); sycophantic; zoning out; wants to gain courage to do what is necessary.

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SHEOL RAGE; coke-bottle shaped; exaggerated head (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); just wants everyone to be nice; playing with facial hair; wants to be accepted in a group.

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POINTS RASCALHOWL; carrot-nosed; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); spacy; playing instrument; wants to be famous.

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MYSTERY VEIL; arms swing like bigfoot when walking, hands flat, rigid, turned backward; exaggerated hands (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); twee; applying lotion to keep the skin youthful and supple; wants to have or maintain control.

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ZEAL DIREBATTLER; muscle-beardy; exaggerated chest (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); big-thinking; giving someone a massage; wants to fulfill duty.

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SURRENDER DIRE; six fingers/toes; exaggerated finger(nail)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); sycophantic; falling asleep; wants to have reputation restored.

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MASTER BANEHUNTER; wrapped up with bulging veins; exaggerated torso (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); chummy; pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion); wants to save someone.

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SALEM RUNEGUARD; glass/stone eye(s); exaggerated finger(nail)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); officious; falling asleep; wants to be accepted in a group.

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SEEKER NOBLEFINDER; lesioned; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); spaces out; pitching get rich quick scheme; wants to visit own pain upon others.

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SEER DEMONSLAYER; four raven-skull rings; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); rude; stealing; wants to know if someone is false.

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PROPHET FLORA; legs to the neck; exaggerated hands (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); outwardly happy, obviously depressed; rubbing/patting self uncomfortably; wants to dominate someone.

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SEA SHEOL; pupils like periods; exaggerated finger(nail)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); smug; advancing an obviously incorrect position without relenting; wants to be wealthy.

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FLINT SILVERLORD; cysted and tumored; exaggerated jaw (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); vain; playing game; wants to possess someone.

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DAYBREAK ROUGE; smiling always, broadly and genuine; exaggerated feet (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); happy-go-lucky; sleepwalking; wants to accomplish a great work.

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OPERA ZEALOT; sing-songy for no reason; exaggerated ears (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); dreamy; scribbling (memoirs, poem, treatise, schematic, landscape); wants to know the truth.

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SQUARES DAWN; jaundiced; exaggerated torso (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); perverse; scribbling (memoirs, poem, treatise, schematic, landscape); wants to humiliate someone.

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TORCHES DEVILBATTLER; jowly; exaggerated hands (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); absentminded; lusting; wants to possess someone.

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VICE CLAWMOURNER; lips sagging and bouncing; exaggerated arms (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); wild; starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward; wants to be famous.

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BASILEIA KNIGHTCHANTER; muscle-beardy; exaggerated eye(brow)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); big-thinking; tidying up; wants to dominate someone.

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BOOTHS GODFIEND; limping; exaggerated nose (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); bursts into song; advancing an obviously incorrect position without relenting; wants to destroy someone.

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SEER DREADSPIRIT; mushroom-nosed; exaggerated arms (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); religiously ostentatious; cleaning clothes, under nails, brushing teeth; wants to dominate someone.

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TSUNAMI KNIGHTCHANTER; con save or cough at vanilla perfume, essential part of identity, of course can't change; exaggerated ears (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); officious; lusting; wants to possess someone.

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PILLAR SOULDRAKE; skeletal; exaggerated chin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); outwardly happy, obviously depressed; studying; wants to fulfill duty.

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HELM CLAW; goitered; exaggerated skin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); dumb; fixing hair; wants to prove not like someone.

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LANCE CLAWMOURNER; bizarre accent; exaggerated arms (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); sarcastic; fixing hair; wants to be at peace.

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STILETTO ROYALRAIN; shimmering with oil; exaggerated legs (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); picky about everything; tidying up; wants to have reputation restored.

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KNIVES SPIRITFLORA; hair fashionably occulding the eyes; exaggerated nose (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); zany; starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward; wants to possess a treasure.

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WAKE ROUGESOUL; rashed; exaggerated nose (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); impatient; falling asleep; wants to be famous.

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WARLOCK JESTER; hair crawling with lice; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); prideful; praying; wants to visit own pain upon others.

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ROUGE ROUGEBANE; smiles too broadly; exaggerated head (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); gassy; exercising; wants to kill someone.

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SEPHIROTH RASCALHOWL; dwarf; exaggerated neck (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); thoughtful; hallucinating; wants to possess someone.

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PIKE DEMONSLAYER; mushroom-nosed; exaggerated ears (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); perverse; pitching get rich quick scheme; wants to beat rival.

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BOWSTRING FELLGUARD; nose like a squid; exaggerated feet (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); zealous; lusting; wants to have the love of someone.

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RUBBLE DREAMGOD; mostly beard; exaggerated finger(nail)s (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); twee; absolutely blowing up about something; wants to know if someone is false.

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RAGNAROK WISESERAPH; large assymetrical bones beneath the face; exaggerated hands (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); spacy; advancing an obviously incorrect position without relenting; wants to destroy someone.

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LOCKE FAUNASIN; rashed; exaggerated hands (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); cantankerous; obliviously pondering; wants to be forgiven by someone.

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CHAR LIGHT; lesioned; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); zealous; lusting; wants to do something meaningful before death.

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FUROR LAWAXE; mute; exaggerated hair (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); arrogant; stealing; wants to know if someone is false.

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SHROUD RUBYLADY; ears to the neck; exaggerated chin (color, size, health, shape, beauty; itself or its clothing); spaces out; starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward; wants to dominate someone.

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[Hoard of the Dragon Queen] XP #hdqRemix

First thing's first: let's fix the XP system.

Hoard of the Dragon Queen is about two things:

ONE:  Killing Cultists

TWO: Taking Their Stuff

That is literally the point. Against the Cult of the Dragon Queen would have been a great name as well.

So let's make the actual incentive structure of the game reflect that.

ONE: no XP for defeating monters EXCEPT CULTISTS

Fighting bullywugs? Sorry, no XP for that. Why are you doing it again? For kicks? Okay.

Fighting cultists? GREAT KILL AWAY. Your life is dope, and you do dope things.

TWO: 1 XP per GP recovered FROM THE CULT and SECURELY DEPOSITED wherever

You slap the half-hobbit bartender and nick the coin from the till? Wonderful. Buy some Alizé.

You recover some money stolen from some podunk town by the cult? Well then my lads and lassies, that's 1 XP per gp safely deposited somewhere:

1. given to someone you think deserves it
2. hidden where no one will find it
3. stored with your faction
4. stored with a bank
5. etc.
6. we're all grownups here, or soon we shall be

THREE (OPTONAL): 10% of next level's XP value for completing faction quests or ad-hoc quests. 

Factions are a thing. If you want them to have more pull on the players, give them XP for doing what the factions want. 

THE REMIX WILL NEVER DIE

(at least until it's done)

Assassination

When undetected, attack with advantage.

If proficient in stealth (or thief/rogue/sneaky class), double proficiency bonus for the attack. 

Both dice hit: you do just what you wanted, no complications. 

One die hits: critical hit. 

Both dice miss: standard hit. 

[Hoard of the Dragon Queen] Cultist Generator #hdqRemix

UPDATED: better formatting, much more content, 100 example cultists below.
*********

Click the image to generate a named, random, fleshed-out cultist of Tiamat for Hoard of the Dragon Queen.

This generator probably gives out too much info or makes the cultists too sympathetic; excise at will.

Cult names from Obscene Serpent Religion, the Bible, Assyria, and Sumer.

The reactions should be interpreted broadly; some are specific, like case-law, meant to be generalized to the particular situation.

Here's sample output:

UATHAS, absentminded and toothless, is eating. Joined to make off with its loot and disappear. Wants to save someone. Cultist notably believes absolutely without wavering. Useful because nows the best time to infiltrate a location. Reaction: goading, wants to fight.
----
SHULHORIS, creepily smiley and jaw protruding like some fish from the deepest dark, is playing instrument. Joined for money to build a keep, ruling the fief according to whims. Wants to be forgiven by someone. Cultist notably makes artfully styled maps of everywhere traveled. Useful because knows the location of a dragon hatchery. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
ABISHAG, flamboyant and six fingers/toes, is starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward. Joined for money to buy a boat and just hit the sea, man. Wants to save someone. Cultist notably racked with chronic pain, barely masked, screams when no one can hear. Useful because knows the location of a cult camp. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
ADONIRAM, country and missing an arm, is exercising. Joined for money to buy a boat and just hit the sea, man. Wants to kill someone. Cultist notably wonderful singing voice. Useful because knows identity of extorted merchant or noble unwillingly funding the cult. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
MELSHAS, quarrelsome and eyebrows like chalkboard erasers, is obliviously pondering. Joined to be feared after fearing much in life. Wants to be forgiven by someone. Cultist notably can read people uncannily (GM asks you what he wants to know, answer honestly). Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: asks you to go / tries to hang out.
----
RAMAN, sycophantic and missing an arm, is playing game. Joined to restore primeval purity. Wants to be healed. Cultist notably oppressed with guilt at inadequacy of service to goddess (+XP if you get confession about why character is weeping). Useful because is incredibly charming (+3 to reaction rolls). Reaction: goading, wants to fight.
----
YOMADAN, critical and won't look you in the eye, is studying. Joined for money to buy a boat and just hit the sea, man. Wants to save someone. Cultist notably cares for invalid relative (sibling, sibling's child, parent, grandparent, cousin, cousin's parent). Useful because can forge beautiful weapons, armor, and jewelry. Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
----
RALISHUUL, quarrelsome and deaf-mute, is exercising. Joined to carry on the family tradition. Wants to put doubts to rest. Cultist notably brilliant (2/3 chance to know anything reasonable; if doesn't know, can find out soon). Useful because knows the location of a sacred site. Reaction: meh.
----
OLISHIA, wild and lame, is zoning out. Joined to see the world wiped clean after finding it does not satisfy particular longings. Wants to be at peace. Cultist notably cares for animals. Useful because speaks a ton of languages. Reaction: coming at you, RIGHT NOW.
----
GURSU, dumb and ink-black, is advancing an obviously incorrect position without relenting. Joined for money to escape hereditary poverty. Wants to be at peace. Cultist notably brilliant (2/3 chance to know anything reasonable; if doesn't know, can find out soon). Useful because has offended a peer and fears for life. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
UR, cruel and eyebrows like chalkboard erasers, is singing/humming. Joined because the cult is blackmailing the family. Wants to possess someone. Cultist notably constantly drunk/high. Useful because knows the location of a dragon hatchery. Reaction: shares secrets with you.
----
AKKAD, rude and stammers, is smoking/drinking. Joined because cult gives respect and commands it. Wants to know the truth. Cultist notably believes absolutely without wavering. Useful because knows the identity of a cult front in the nearest city. Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
SHESHAI, wants to be punished and limping, is pacing. Joined for money to empower family, clan, or race. Wants to have the love of someone. Cultist notably enthralling raconteur (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because knows the location of a sacred site. Reaction: asks you to go / tries to hang out.
----
MELSHAS, zany and nose like a squid, is zoning out. Joined because the cult is blackmailing the family. Wants to fulfill duty. Cultist notably constantly drunk/high. Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
MEPHIBOSHETH, nervous and bone-white, is social climbing. Joined because the race will be pure when its weak are culled. Wants to possess someone. Cultist notably cares for animals. Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: goading, wants to fight.
----
BET, pensive and head half as large as should be, is giving someone a massage. Joined because the goddess will bring universal equality under her rule. Wants to do something meaningful before death. Cultist notably makes artfully styled maps of everywhere traveled. Useful because speaks a ton of languages. Reaction: meh.
----
IRARUM, thinks everything is quaint and hunched, is pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion). Joined to see chaos after being stifled by law. Wants to gain courage to do what is necessary. Cultist notably keeps gorgeous miniature paintings on person. Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----
SHARRUM, falling asleep and ridiculously made up, is playing game. Joined for the thrill of doing something people will remember. Wants to be famous. Cultist notably mercilessly mocks the weakest until limit break. Useful because knows identity of extorted merchant or noble unwillingly funding the cult. Reaction: meh.
----
FEILACI, quarrelsome and giant, is zoning out. Joined for money to pay off debt. Wants to be famous. Cultist notably keeps gorgeous miniature paintings on person. Useful because knows the identity of a cult front in the nearest city. Reaction: shares secrets with you.
----
SHAMURA, country and thick teeth, pushing out the lips, is eating. Joined for money to buy noble title from the nearest city-state. Wants to possess a treasure. Cultist notably can read people uncannily (GM asks you what he wants to know, answer honestly). Useful because knows the location of a sacred site. Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
ZOMAYA, impassive and skeletal, is fixing hair. Joined to be with cult member lover. Wants to be wealthy. Cultist notably remarkable athlete. Useful because is incredibly charming (+3 to reaction rolls). Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
UNZI, sarcastic and exagerrated/absent gender characterstic(s), is pitching get rich quick scheme. Joined because the cult holds hostage a loved one. Wants to beat rival. Cultist notably can read people uncannily (GM asks you what he wants to know, answer honestly). Useful because knows the location of a sacred site. Reaction: goading, wants to fight.
----
ELISHAI, impatient and rashed, is stealing. Joined to be revenged upon the halflings and/or elves. Wants to possess a treasure. Cultist notably can read people uncannily (GM asks you what he wants to know, answer honestly). Useful because knows identity of important sleeper agent (king, mayor, magnate). Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
HAM, absentminded and mushroom-nosed, is advancing an obviously incorrect position without relenting. Joined to see the world put in order after enduring chaos. Wants to be wealthy. Cultist notably coughs up blood constantly, soon to die. Useful because knows identity of important sleeper agent (king, mayor, magnate). Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----
SABAS, spaces out and limping, is playing game. Joined for money to buy the estate of a hereditary rival, then burn it to the ground. Wants to be healed. Cultist notably keeps gorgeous miniature paintings on person. Useful because knows identity of important sleeper agent (king, mayor, magnate). Reaction: meh.
----
LUGAL, just wants everyone to be nice and skin of silvery blue, as all in the family, is giving someone a massage. Joined for money to purchase healing for loved one. Wants to have the love of someone. Cultist notably kind to everyone. Useful because knows identity of extorted merchant or noble unwillingly funding the cult. Reaction: meh.
----
ELISHAI, hateful and earless, is playing with facial hair. Joined for money to build a keep, ruling the fief according to the dictates of a different religion. Wants to be at peace. Cultist notably kind to everyone. Useful because has offended a peer and fears for life. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
RAMSES, egotistical and skin mottled and spotted, is social climbing. Joined for money to buy a big house, a fleet of horses, and a ton of drugs and spend the rest of life blazed up and partying. Wants to visit own pain upon others. Cultist notably makes artfully styled maps of everywhere traveled. Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: dismissive / mocking.
----
SERUG, venal and won't look you in the eye, is advancing an obviously incorrect position without relenting. Joined for money to redeem hereditary lands. Wants to visit own pain upon others. Cultist notably mends things that are broken. Useful because knows the location of a sacred site. Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
----
UR, zany and smells of rotten celery, is studying. Joined for money to build a keep, ruling the fief according to whims. Wants to save someone. Cultist notably can read people uncannily (GM asks you what he wants to know, answer honestly). Useful because knows identity of extorted merchant or noble unwillingly funding the cult. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----

ABISHAG, nervous and eyes crushed to slits by the heft of their lids, is pitching get rich quick scheme. Joined for money to empower family, clan, or race. Wants to be saved. Cultist notably whittles anything. Useful because has a key, password or sign to access secure area. Reaction: shares secrets with you.
----
SHEM, generous and large assymetrical bones beneath the face, is exercising. Joined for money to pay off debt. Wants to do something meaningful before death. Cultist notably preternaturally lucky at games of chance, uses to advantage. Useful because has a key, password or sign to access secure area. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
RIMUSH, thinks everything is quaint and obvious wig of absurd proportion, is stealing. Joined to be with cult member lover. Wants to be accepted in a group. Cultist notably comforts the sick, wounded, dying, and grieving. Useful because looks just like the ruler of the local city-state or keep. Reaction: meh.
----
BARSAL, generous and bent like a bow, is singing/humming. Joined to see chaos after being stifled by law. Wants to be accepted in a group. Cultist notably whittles anything. Useful because has secreted valuables worth 1d20(exploding)x10 gp. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
AKSHAK, too nice and chiseled, is exercising. Joined for money to buy a boat and just hit the sea, man. Wants to possess someone. Cultist notably wonderful singing voice. Useful because has secreted valuables worth 1d20(exploding)x10 gp. Reaction: meh.
----
AWAN, country and thick teeth, pushing out the lips, is pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion). Joined for money to buy a vineyard and retire comfortably. Wants to destroy someone. Cultist notably gives wonderful advice (advantage on any check following character's advice). Useful because has offended a peer and fears for life. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
RAMAN, obnoxious and literally covered in tattoos, is applying lotion to keep the skin youthful and supple. Joined for money to buy a close council seat in the nearest city-state. Wants to be accepted in a group. Cultist notably cares for animals. Useful because has blackmail on higher-up (is heretic, shows mercy, stealing from hoard, double agent). Reaction: meh.
----
BASHAN, spacy and eyes crushed to slits by the heft of their lids, is advancing an obviously incorrect position without relenting. Joined to be loved by someone, anyone. Wants to have the love of someone. Cultist notably constantly drunk/high. Useful because knows the location of a cult camp. Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
----
LASHUN, aggresively insecure and mostly beard, is stealing. Joined to restore primeval purity. Wants to prove like someone. Cultist notably writes to mother. Useful because has secreted valuables worth 1d20(exploding)x10 gp. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
AMUN, polite and rashed, is pacing. Joined because the end of sentience is to maximize the pleasure of the highest being. Wants to have the love of someone. Cultist notably racked with chronic pain, barely masked, screams when no one can hear. Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: asks you to go / tries to hang out.
----
JUSHUR, country and no chin, is exercising. Joined because cult is family. Wants to be free of someone or some system. Cultist notably can read people uncannily (GM asks you what he wants to know, answer honestly). Useful because has offended a peer and fears for life. Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
----
UNZI, vulgar and deaf-mute, is cleaning clothes, under nails, brushing teeth. Joined to be revenged upon the halflings and/or elves. Wants to have the love of someone. Cultist notably life of the party (Wis save vs DC 10 not to hang out). Useful because has secreted valuables worth 1d20(exploding)x10 gp. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
LOT, paranoid and skin merely film, is applying lotion to keep the skin youthful and supple. Joined for money to purchase healing for loved one. Wants to be accepted in a group. Cultist notably comforts the sick, wounded, dying, and grieving. Useful because can forge any hand. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
MARDUK, witty and eyebrows like chalkboard erasers, is fixing hair. Joined for money to buy a generalship in the nearest city-state. Wants to be saved. Cultist notably writes to mother. Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
SERUG, bossy and smells like apples/strawberries/peaches, is lusting. Joined because the goddess will bring universal equality under her rule. Wants to put doubts to rest. Cultist notably wonderful musician, can play any instrument (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because has blackmail on higher-up (is heretic, shows mercy, stealing from hoard, double agent). Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
ARWIUM, arrogant and smells of lavender, is pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion). Joined for money to buy a close council seat in the nearest city-state. Wants to fulfill duty. Cultist notably animals attracted and submissive to. Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: coming at you, RIGHT NOW.
----
ZAFIRA, sarcastic and albino, is tidying up. Joined to carry on the family tradition. Wants to accomplish a great work. Cultist notably keeps gorgeous miniature paintings on person. Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
ENESHA, cruel and mute, is scribbling (memoirs, poem, treatise, schematic, landscape). Joined to be feared after fearing much in life. Wants to gain courage to do what is necessary. Cultist notably brilliant (2/3 chance to know anything reasonable; if doesn't know, can find out soon). Useful because nows the best time to infiltrate a location. Reaction: meh.
----
RIMUSH, zany and glass/stone eye(s), is pacing. Joined for money to pay off debt. Wants to be wealthy. Cultist notably makes artfully styled maps of everywhere traveled. Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----
ARAM, businesslike and goitered, is social climbing. Joined to be revenged upon the clergy of Bahamut for abuse suffered at its hands. Wants to prove not like someone. Cultist notably surrounded with d6 children, own or another's, thoughtful parent/guardian. Useful because has offended a peer and fears for life. Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
NOE, obsequious and painted like the barbarians, is obliviously pondering. Joined to be with cult member lover. Wants to beat rival. Cultist notably cares for animals. Useful because knows the location of a cult camp. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
LASHUN, just wants everyone to be nice and dwarf, is zoning out. Joined for money to pay off debt. Wants to beat rival. Cultist notably wonderful musician, can play any instrument (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because nows the best time to infiltrate a location. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----
SYESHAUR, sarcastic and veins like yarn protruding beneath thick skin, is tidying up. Joined for money to buy a close council seat in the nearest city-state. Wants to dominate someone. Cultist notably comforts the sick, wounded, dying, and grieving. Useful because knows the location of a cult camp. Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
TIRIGAN, dignified and pupils like periods, is rubbing/patting self uncomfortably. Joined to be revenged upon the halflings and/or elves. Wants to accomplish a great work. Cultist notably brilliant (2/3 chance to know anything reasonable; if doesn't know, can find out soon). Useful because can tell the future sometimes, can't help it. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----
SABAS, suave and hair like a coconut, is zoning out. Joined to dominate others in recompense for previous humiliation. Wants to possess someone. Cultist notably can read people uncannily (GM asks you what he wants to know, answer honestly). Useful because has blackmail on higher-up (is heretic, shows mercy, stealing from hoard, double agent). Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
----
MAGIR, asocial and arms to the knees, is playing with facial hair. Joined for money to buy a generalship in the nearest city-state. Wants to know if someone is false. Cultist notably surrounded with d6 children, own or another's, thoughtful parent/guardian. Useful because has offended a peer and fears for life. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----
FEILACI, big-thinking and hair crawling with lice, is fighting. Joined for money to redeem hereditary lands. Wants to be accepted in a group. Cultist notably believes absolutely without wavering. Useful because has offended a peer and fears for life. Reaction: goading, wants to fight.
----
UNZI, rude and arms arachnid in all but number, is giving someone a massage. Joined because the cult is blackmailing the family. Wants to put doubts to rest. Cultist notably cares for animals. Useful because looks just like the ruler of the local city-state or keep. Reaction: shares secrets with you.
----
NARSIPAL, vulgar and hair crawling with lice, is pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion). Joined to restore primeval purity. Wants to possess a treasure. Cultist notably cares for animals. Useful because knows a village soon to be plundered. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
TIZQAR, arrogant and lips sagging and bouncing, is pitching get rich quick scheme. Joined to restore primeval purity. Wants to visit own pain upon others. Cultist notably racked with chronic pain, barely masked, screams when no one can hear. Useful because has blackmail on higher-up (is heretic, shows mercy, stealing from hoard, double agent). Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----

ABISHAG, tells Yo Mama jokes and obvious wig of absurd proportion, is fighting. Joined for money to buy a generalship in the nearest city-state. Wants to possess a treasure. Cultist notably enthralling raconteur (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because knows the identity of a cult front in the nearest city. Reaction: shares secrets with you.
----
MELSHAS, wants to be punished and won't look you in the eye, is pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion). Joined to watch the world burn. Wants to prove not like someone. Cultist notably mends things that are broken. Useful because knows the location of a dragon hatchery. Reaction: meh.
----
SHAMURA, pensive and legs to the neck, is praying. Joined to be revenged upon the halflings and/or elves. Wants to be free of someone or some system. Cultist notably wonderful musician, can play any instrument (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because has blackmail on higher-up (is heretic, shows mercy, stealing from hoard, double agent). Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
YOMADAN, thinks everything is quaint and perfect skin, is giving someone a massage. Joined for money to buy a vineyard and retire comfortably. Wants to be famous. Cultist notably believes absolutely without wavering. Useful because speaks a ton of languages. Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
ZAFIRA, creepily smiley and skin of silvery blue, as all in the family, is playing instrument. Joined for money to pay off debt. Wants to beat rival. Cultist notably comforts the sick, wounded, dying, and grieving. Useful because knows the identity of a cult front in the nearest city. Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
UATHAS, egotistical and eyebrows like chalkboard erasers, is playing with facial hair. Joined for money to construct a proper wizard's tower. Wants to humiliate someone. Cultist notably will play a strategy game with anyone, patiently instructing, excellent sportsmanship. Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
TIRIGAN, bossy and carrot-nosed, is crafting (sewing, candle making, manuscript copying, metallurgy). Joined because the race will be pure when its weak are culled. Wants to be accepted in a group. Cultist notably wonderful musician, can play any instrument (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because is incredibly charming (+3 to reaction rolls). Reaction: dismissive / mocking.
----
SUSUDA, sycophantic and eyes crushed to slits by the heft of their lids, is playing instrument. Joined to be revenged upon the clergy of Bahamut for abuse suffered at its hands. Wants to be famous. Cultist notably chronic nerve pain, winces with every step. Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
BARSAL, out of breath and skin of silvery blue, as all in the family, is cleaning clothes, under nails, brushing teeth. Joined to carry on the family tradition. Wants to know if someone is false. Cultist notably remarkable athlete. Useful because knows the location of a sacred site. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----
SAURA, dependant and moves like a colossus, is pitching get rich quick scheme. Joined for money to construct a proper wizard's tower. Wants to be forgiven by someone. Cultist notably cares for invalid relative (sibling, sibling's child, parent, grandparent, cousin, cousin's parent). Useful because has blackmail on higher-up (is heretic, shows mercy, stealing from hoard, double agent). Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
----
ELISHAI, venal and jaw squared like cartoon superhero, is fighting. Joined for the thrill of doing something people will remember. Wants to beat rival. Cultist notably composes lovely poetry in head. Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: dismissive / mocking.
----
RENZAURASE, perverse and perfect skin, is obliviously pondering. Joined to carry on the family tradition. Wants to prove not like someone. Cultist notably makes artfully styled maps of everywhere traveled. Useful because knows the location of a cult camp. Reaction: coming at you, RIGHT NOW.
----
CAVALISS, smug and tonsured, is fighting. Joined to be revenged upon the halflings and/or elves. Wants to accomplish a great work. Cultist notably comforts the sick, wounded, dying, and grieving. Useful because speaks a ton of languages. Reaction: coming at you, RIGHT NOW.
----
SAUL, vulgar and skin so thin you can trace the veins, is social climbing. Joined for money to build a keep, ruling the fief according to whims. Wants to have the love of someone. Cultist notably constantly drunk/high. Useful because can forge beautiful weapons, armor, and jewelry. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
----
AKKAD, ignores people as long as possible and deaf-mute, is playing with facial hair. Joined for money to pay off debt. Wants to do something meaningful before death. Cultist notably racked with chronic pain, barely masked, screams when no one can hear. Useful because knows a village soon to be plundered. Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
----
AESHAN, venal and skin cracked and weeping pale yellow fluid, is scribbling (memoirs, poem, treatise, schematic, landscape). Joined for money to build a keep, ruling the fief according to whims. Wants to do something meaningful before death. Cultist notably wonderful musician, can play any instrument (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because knows the location of a cult camp. Reaction: asks you to go / tries to hang out.
----
NYRIEL, pensive and mostly ideal, is studying. Joined for money to buy a boat and just hit the sea, man. Wants to save someone. Cultist notably will play a strategy game with anyone, patiently instructing, excellent sportsmanship. Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
APSU, ignores people as long as possible and face rough with acne, is stealing. Joined for money to buy a boat and just hit the sea, man. Wants to be saved. Cultist notably mercilessly mocks the weakest until limit break. Useful because is incredibly charming (+3 to reaction rolls). Reaction: asks you to pitch in on dressing this hog.
----
RENZAURASE, tells Yo Mama jokes and rashed, is pacing. Joined for money to buy a boat and just hit the sea, man. Wants to prove not like someone. Cultist notably can read people uncannily (GM asks you what he wants to know, answer honestly). Useful because is incredibly charming (+3 to reaction rolls). Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
AESHAN, paranoid and thick teeth, pushing out the lips, is pontificating (philosophy, people, racism, religion, shop, fashion). Joined for money to buy the estate of a hereditary rival, then burn it to the ground. Wants to be at peace. Cultist notably preternaturally lucky at games of chance, uses to advantage. Useful because nows the best time to infiltrate a location. Reaction: asks you to go / tries to hang out.
----
TIRIGAN, impassive and chin to the collar, ravine for a cleft, is pacing. Joined to be revenged upon the clergy of Bahamut for abuse suffered at its hands. Wants to possess a treasure. Cultist notably mercilessly mocks the weakest until limit break. Useful because has offended a peer and fears for life. Reaction: coming at you, RIGHT NOW.
----
BET, nervous and skin merely film, is scribbling (memoirs, poem, treatise, schematic, landscape). Joined to carry on the family tradition. Wants to fulfill duty. Cultist notably animals attracted and submissive to. Useful because knows a village soon to be plundered. Reaction: dismissive / mocking.
----
AZULIA, weak and hair half shaved, is praying. Joined for money to buy noble title from the nearest city-state. Wants to possess a treasure. Cultist notably believes absolutely without wavering. Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
----
ADONIRAM, wants to one-up everyone and pear-shaped, is starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward. Joined to see the world wiped clean after finding it does not satisfy particular longings. Wants to possess a treasure. Cultist notably composes lovely poetry in head. Useful because knows identity of important sleeper agent (king, mayor, magnate). Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
FEILACI, flamboyant and lame, is rehearsing dialog, for real life or performance. Joined to make off with its loot and disappear. Wants to humiliate someone. Cultist notably believes absolutely without wavering. Useful because knows the location of a dragon hatchery. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
DUMUZID, cute and hair spongy like moss, is starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward. Joined for money to build a keep, ruling the fief according to the dictates of a different religion. Wants to have reputation restored. Cultist notably animals attracted and submissive to. Useful because can tell the future sometimes, can't help it. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
ZAMUG, paranoid and six fingers/toes, is tidying up. Joined to infiltrate it for an opposing faction. Wants to be accepted in a group. Cultist notably life of the party (Wis save vs DC 10 not to hang out). Useful because speaks a ton of languages. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
----
RENZAURASE, venal and jaundiced, is giving someone a massage. Joined to dominate others in recompense for previous humiliation. Wants to prove not like someone. Cultist notably oppressed with guilt at inadequacy of service to goddess (+XP if you get confession about why character is weeping). Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: shares secrets with you.
----
TERAH, sycophantic and pupils like periods, is praying. Joined to dominate others in recompense for previous humiliation. Wants to humiliate someone. Cultist notably comforts the sick, wounded, dying, and grieving. Useful because knows the location of a cult camp. Reaction: coming at you, RIGHT NOW.
----
SHALMANISAR, vain and smells of lavender, is playing game. Joined because cult is family. Wants to be forgiven by someone. Cultist notably cares for invalid relative (sibling, sibling's child, parent, grandparent, cousin, cousin's parent). Useful because has blackmail on higher-up (is heretic, shows mercy, stealing from hoard, double agent). Reaction: asks you to go / tries to hang out.
----

PUZUR, wants to be punished and scaly, is tidying up. Joined to infiltrate it for an opposing faction. Wants to know if someone is false. Cultist notably wonderful musician, can play any instrument (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because knows the identity of a cult front in the nearest city. Reaction: asks for opinion/advice.
----
RIMUSH, seductive and eyes constantly and unsettlingly dilated, is studying. Joined because the cult holds hostage a loved one. Wants to have the respect of someone. Cultist notably coughs up blood constantly, soon to die. Useful because knows identity of extorted merchant or noble unwillingly funding the cult. Reaction: dismissive / mocking.
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SARDANAPAL, hateful and hair in long tufts, is scribbling (memoirs, poem, treatise, schematic, landscape). Joined for money to buy a close council seat in the nearest city-state. Wants to be at peace. Cultist notably racked with chronic pain, barely masked, screams when no one can hear. Useful because nows the best time to infiltrate a location. Reaction: shares secrets with you.
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NEVIAM, absentminded and jaw protruding like some fish from the deepest dark, is stealing. Joined to watch the world burn. Wants to know if someone is false. Cultist notably enthralling raconteur (+proficiency bonus temp hp for listening in). Useful because looks just like the ruler of the local city-state or keep. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.
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TAPHOR, nervous and no jaw, is starting stories with "remember that time..." followed by something ridiculous and/or awkward. Joined for money to buy a vineyard and retire comfortably. Wants to be wealthy. Cultist notably keeps gorgeous miniature paintings on person. Useful because knows identity of low level sleeper agent. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
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BARSAL, belligerent and puffy, is playing with facial hair. Joined to watch the world burn. Wants to know if someone is false. Cultist notably mends things that are broken. Useful because can forge any hand. Reaction: asks about you as a person, where you've been, what you want.
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ZAFIRA, big-thinking and mostly beard, is smoking/drinking. Joined to be loved by someone, anyone. Wants to possess a treasure. Cultist notably keeps gorgeous miniature paintings on person. Useful because has had a change of heart and wants out. Reaction: thinks you look ridiculous.
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IRARUM, big-thinking and nose like a squid, is rehearsing dialog, for real life or performance. Joined because the race will be pure when its weak are culled. Wants to dominate someone. Cultist notably preternaturally lucky at games of chance, uses to advantage. Useful because nows the best time to infiltrate a location. Reaction: goading, wants to fight.
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NANNIYA, vapid and hooded or veiled, perfectly opaque, is scribbling (memoirs, poem, treatise, schematic, landscape). Joined because the end of sentience is to maximize the pleasure of the highest being. Wants to prove like someone. Cultist notably composes lovely poetry in head. Useful because can forge any hand. Reaction: goading, wants to fight.
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GILGAL, garrulous and puffy, is crafting (sewing, candle making, manuscript copying, metallurgy). Joined for money to buy a boat and just hit the sea, man. Wants to do something meaningful before death. Cultist notably composes lovely poetry in head. Useful because can forge beautiful weapons, armor, and jewelry. Reaction: tells you to go get some coffee.