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REPORT: THE CULT OF VOLKRUSS
Compiled by: Agent [REDACTED]
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REPORT: THE CULT OF VOLKRUSS
Compiled by: Agent [REDACTED]
INTRODUCTION:
This document will detail what we know about the pervasive "Cult" that has managed to worm its tendrils into every aspect of society. While its existence has been suspected for some time, we now have concrete evidence that the corruption taking hold in the Directory's upper ranks is anything but ordinary. What we have uncovered is a threat both ancient, and almost too extraordinary to believe - yet our research is conclusive, and what you are about to read is true.
This report would not be possible without the efforts of countless agents and personnel.
To those that gave their lives, we dedicate this to your memory.
On the honor of Terra Sentinel, we will see to it that your sacrifice was not in vain.
To those that gave their lives, we dedicate this to your memory.
On the honor of Terra Sentinel, we will see to it that your sacrifice was not in vain.
OVERVIEW:
The organization known informally as the "Cult of Volkruss" has many names and faces, differing by region and the culture in which it takes root. Bizzarre cults are no new occurrence in the history of humankind, but the Cult differs from these, in that its deity is very much real. It is made up of countless smaller organizations, referred to as "Congregations", and while the details of their practices vary, all include some manner of human sacrifice, the summoning of otherworldly entities, and the dabbling in of outlawed alchemic rituals and practices deemed unsafe by the Directory Alchemic Society.
The Cult's influence is not limited simply to these smaller organizations - criminal activity, including human trafficking, intimidation, and even gang warfare - have been found to have ties leading back to the Cult. It is believed that important figures in the Directory are involved with it as well, even as their exact identities are concealed, and that much of the above criminal activity is carried out with their express consent.
Activities engaged in range from simple recruitment, to active harassment and militant violence. Kidnapping is commonplace, but more often the cult is simply able to steer those it wishes to acquire into their clutches through its considerable resources. The ways in which this pervasive influence has damaged our society are innumerable.
No matter the size or function of the Congregation, they contribute to the Cult's true goal: The resurrection of the dark God Shiva Volkruss…
And with it... the end of the world.
Uprooting this dangerous element of Directory Society is a top priority for Terra Sentinel, and we must prepare ourselves to battle with a foe that is ancient, eldritch, and utterly without scruples, for the good of all mankind.
BELIEFS:
The Cult of Volkruss's various faces all have a unifying theme: Rebirth through destruction. They view death as merely the beginning of a new cycle of constant reincarnation, and that the only way to free themselves from this eternal repetition is through summoning the dark God Volkruss, who will reduce all of existence to nothingness, allowing for the universe to experience a "true" rebirth, free of sin.
ORGANIZATION:
The exact numbers of cultists and believes are unknown, but they possibly number in the millions. Because the Cult often operates under the cover of various pseudonyms and otherwise legitimate front organizations (such as charities, new-age religion movements, etc.), uncovering its true nature is extraordinarily difficult - as is separating the masterminds from those simply being manipulated in the scheme. The leadership of the Cult is similarly murky, and only limited information is available on the ringleaders, whose identities are closely guarded secrets. It resembles, by some unverified accounts, a religious organization, with Bishops and Arch Bishops leading various congregations, but specifics are frustratingly scarce.
Identifying top-ranking members of the Cult should be a high priority for any TS Agents, who should expect to receive special training on the subject starting in [REDACTED].
GOALS:
The Cult wishes to revive the Dark God Volkruss, ushering in the end of the world, and with it, a final, utopian rebirth. They believe that the current world is tainted beyond all saving - that our "Original Sin" has damned mankind to eternally repeat his mistakes, much like Sisyphus. Repentance does nothing, as the other Gods are uncaring, and only seek to enjoy torturing their Earthbound subjects. Through Volkruss, the Cult preaches, one may find true rebirth and release for all of mankind.
SHIVA VOLKRUSS:
The central figure in the Cult's mythos. Volkruss, at is commonly known, has many titles "The Great Destroyer", "The End of All Things", "The Final Calamity", and depictions resembling it can be traced back to [REDACTED], indicating that it has been around for millennia. It is commonly depicted as a vast, horned being, with sweeping scythe-like claws, and serpentine limbs. During times when the Cult's power waxes, it has even been able to summon partial avatars of it's God, a still of which can be seen in Incident Report [REDACTED]. It is a sentient, malevolent entity that desires only destruction, and whose influence coils tight around the heart of the Directory, like a foul parasite.
Volkruss is far from a benevolent God. It is death and destruction incarnate. Oddly, even its devotees acknowledge this - it trades power and influence for the souls and service of mortals, as well as boons both physical and mental - many who have turned to Volkruss sought cures for untreatable illness, fame, fortune, and sometimes even love. Supposedly, Volkruss is even able to restore the dead, but this ability is [REDACTED]. Once sworn to Volkruss, the being eternally holds sway over their lives - and when those lives end, it is said their souls become nourishment for Volkruss itself. In this sense, it is extremely difficult to persuade followers to abandon the cult, as the benefits of their association are often considerable, though some apostates, some of whom provided valuable resources for this report, do exist. In a sense, Volkruss is planting "seeds" in its followers, allowing them to grow strong so that its eventual harvest is all the more succulent, thus explaining this behavior.
It was sealed long ago in an event shrouded in mystery - not even the Cult knows the true details of what occurred, but this does not prevent them from feverishly seeking to uncover it. What is known for sure is that Volkruss is imprisoned outside our world, in a "pocket dimension" of sorts that is sustained by the energy the Cult provides. It is prevented from entering our dimension by a series of complex seals, the breaking of which occupies the majority of the Cult's resources. The procurement of ancient grimoires that detail the exact process of unfettering their God is of tantamount importance to the Cult, and it has exerted considerable effort in seeking out these tomes, scrolls - any kind of material that serves their purpose, they will pursue relentlessly.
Needless to say, preventing this occurrence is a top priority for field agents. Any kind of material discovered that may be linked to the cult, or exihibits Class B and above Prana Enhancement is to be immediately quarantined, and an alert issued to any and all local field offices.
No matter what, it cannot be allowed to fall into the Cult's hands.