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Diverse in their beliefs and practices, cults have emerged in every corner of Midgard. However, in a land filled with unstable environments, political conflict, and ancient mystical forces, the Northlands of Midgard is ripe for exploring the dynamics of cults in your campaign.

Exposed to extreme environmental conditions, community isolation, and otherworldly forces, the Northlands provide a breeding ground for devoted followers and eccentric leaders offering an array of storytelling possibilities.

For the follower, there is a straightforward truth about cults. You become part of something bigger than yourself. For the people of the Northlands facing the loneliness and nihilism brought on by uncontrollable forces, a cult can offer purpose and community in a frigid land. As communities that fervently worship an object, person, or concept above all else, cults have the power to transform people’s lives. This makes the people of the Northlands easy targets for any would-be leader.

Certain elements lie at the foundation of any cults. While the specific flavor of each cult may differ, they share a core set of ingredients. Without these elements, a cult would be like any other faction.

• Core Beliefs/Obsessions

• Charismatic/Inspiring Figurehead

• Hopeless/Desperate Group of People

• Recruitment and Preservation Tactics

• Rites/Rituals and Shared Activities

The order in which these elements come together shapes a cult’s unique aspects, regardless of intentions. This means that not all cults are made equal. And not all of them deserve extermination. While fantasy gaming often depicts cults as maniacal doombringers (such as the infamous Cult of Ragnarök in the Northlands), not all cults are centered on apocalyptic themes. Here’s a Northlands cult that you can incorporate into your game, providing a fresh perspective on what “cult activity” looks like in the Northlands.

The Honeyless

In the legendary city of Bjornheim, whispers about the “Honeyless” have intensified, echoing through the streets like a bad omen. This mysterious cult attracts rebellious citizens with the promise of liberation from the constraints imposed by the bees and their honey. Their motto, “Honey has no hold,” resonates deeply with those who feel trapped by Bjornheim’s long-standing relationship with bees.

The followers stage secret rebellions at the request of their leader, The Seer, protesting the traditions they believe have enslaved their lives, creating a dependency that has infested generations. As the atmosphere thickens with clandestine attacks and unexpected propaganda, Bjornheim must navigate an intricate web of misinformation and guerrilla warfare that characterizes this fervent political movement.

Origins

The Honeyless organization was established in the urban centers of Bjornheim, where industrialization began to clash with traditional agrarian lifestyles. The bearfolk deeply value their relationship with bees for honey, wax, and security, and have grown increasingly dependent on these resources.

The Honeyless view this dependence as a form of repression. Asa result, they have developed a philosophy that resonates with those who feel alienated by rapid social changes. Some bearfolk have secretly chosen to stop using honey products, while others have resorted to more extreme public actions to express their frustration. Their name, “The Honeyless,” was adopted by those bearfolk who fear what a truly honey-less existence would mean.

Figurehead

The cult is led by a charismatic and enigmatic figure known only as “The Seer.” He is an elder bearfolk with graying chestnut fur and slow, deliberate speech. The Seer can captivate large audiences with his powerful oration, calling for a return to “simpler times” when the bearfolk were self-sufficient in protecting and providing for themselves. He claims to have transcended the limitations of traditional bearfolk life and promises his followers enlightenment and freedom—without honey—if they abandon the hollow comforts and safety that bees provide.

Most followers share little knowledge of The Seer’s past before he renounced honey. He asserts that he was just another bearfolk, trapped in the system and too poor to afford honey to eat. In his state of deprivation, he claims to have found enlightenment and left his birth name behind.

Activity

In the shadows of the city, the Honeyless cult orchestrates a movement rooted in isolation and rebellion. Followers subtly shun those who adhere to traditional practices, fostering an atmosphere of creeping ideological segregation within their communities. They secretly disseminate anti-bee propaganda through pamphlet drops and graffiti on buildings.

This narrative is reinforced by campaigns of misinformation that portray the bearfolks’ bond with bees as exploitive, suggesting that reliance on honey breeds weakness and dependency—something the bearfolk take pride in rejecting. Staged public demonstrations further amplify their message, as they publicly discard honey-related goods and target honey factories.

Secret forest meetings at The Seer’s hidden camp provide a space for followers to share stories of “liberation” and support one another in abstaining from honey, further strengthening their collective commitment. Nestled deep within a secluded forest, The hidden camp exudes an atmosphere of mystery and camaraderie. It serves as a sanctuary where like-minded bearfolk gather to reaffirm their dedication to shared values. Participants engage in debates and discussions that encourage introspection and personal growth, all while firmly opposing the use of honey. With enough support, their leader believes he can free Bjornheim and reclaim it for all bearfolk. The question remains: how far will he go to achieve this goal?

In Your Game

Players may encounter the Honeyless while investigating disturbances within the city. Caught in the midst of a rebellion, they must decide whether to help or hinder the Honeyless, all while uncovering the deeper implications of their philosophy and possibly discovering something about their characters.

The overarching themes explore the balance between independence and coexistence with nature, highlighting the moral dilemmas surrounding the concept of freedom and the consequences of radical ideologies. As players engage more deeply with the cult, they may uncover hidden truths about The Seer’s origins, the real motives of the Honeyless, and the impact their actions have on the world around them.

THE HONEYLESS

This section outlines the cult uses the faction description block, as described in the Tales of the Valiant Game Master’s Guide.

Tiers: 2
Values: Freedom, justice, discipline
Goals: Free Bjornheim and the bearfolk of honey/bee dependency
Motto: “Honey has no hold.”
Membership: Renounce the use of honey or honey-related items.
Background and Notes: In the legendary city of Bjornheim, whispers about the “Honeyless” cult spread like a bad omen. This group lures rebellious citizens with promises of liberation from honey’s constraints. Led by The Seer, they orchestrate secret protests against practices they see as subjugating, sparking a wave of unrest and misinformation amidst growing political tension in the city.

Adventure Hooks

Here are rumors to help your PCs get stuck in with the Honeyless:

• Supporting the Honeyless might involve sabotage of beekeeping facilities, potentially causing unrest.

• Aiding the bearfolk could mean dismantling the cult’s operations and revealing the truth behind their misinformation and The Seer’s origins.

• Alternatively, players may find common ground, attempting to broker peace and combining elements of both philosophies.

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