Orders & Cults
The world of Rome: The Eternal City is shaped by public Orders who march beneath banners and secret Cults who whisper in the dark. Orders operate openly—military, civic, and political—while Cults (secret societies) trade in mystery, rites, and hidden power. Below are the founding Orders and notable secret Cults you may encounter in the world. Public Orders are visible to all; Cults are hidden and invite roleplay discovery.
Public Orders (Factions)
Imperial Legion
Status: Public Order — Lawful‑Virtue
Overview: The backbone of imperial authority. Disciplined, well‑trained, and bound by duty, the Imperial Legion enforces Rome’s will in conquered lands and keeps the peace within its borders. Legionaries are celebrated as protectors and feared as enforcers.
Membership flavor: Soldiers, veterans, centurions, logisticians, and those sworn to the standards. Favors, legionsmiths, and veteran networks shape careers.
Praetorian Order
Status: Public Order — Lawful‑Hubris
Overview: Once guardians of emperors, the Praetorian Order now walk the line between protector and political actor. They command influence in the capital and collect secrets as readily as coin. Ambition often clouds their honor.
Membership flavor: Elite guards, former legionaries, courtiers, and spymasters with political contacts. Joining may open doors — and make enemies.
Hellenic Resistance
Status: Public Order (Rebel) — Chaotic‑Virtue
Overview: A coalition of Hellenic city‑states and frontier warbands who resist Roman domination. Proud and fierce, they champion local freedoms and ancient customs — often clashing with imperial law.
Membership flavor: Spartan hoplites, Athenian exiles, local militia leaders, and foreign volunteers who value freedom and honor above the emperor’s decree.
Secret Cults (Cabals)
Cults are hidden, invite initiation, and often have agendas that reach beyond mortal laws. Some are benevolent or philosophical; others pursue power at any cost.
Cult of Mithras
Status: Secret Cult — Lawful‑Virtue
Overview: An initiatory brotherhood focused on discipline, loyalty, and cosmic order. Though secretive, the Cult of Mithras often fosters strong bonds of trust among members and can act as a moral force within dark political corridors.
Membership flavor: Underground mithraea, oath rituals, ranks of initiates. Membership brings secrecy, solidarity, and sometimes access to elite networks.
Orphic Mysteries
Status: Secret Cult — Chaotic‑Neutral
Overview: Seekers of hidden knowledge and rites related to death, rebirth, and the soul’s secrets. Orphic initiates pursue esoteric learning and rituals that can grant uncanny insight — not always aligned with civic order.
Membership flavor: Poets, philosophers, seers, and ritualists. Initiation involves cryptic lore, sacred songs, and tests of devotion.
Cult of Hecate
Status: Secret Cult — Chaotic‑Hubris
Overview: Practitioners of crossroads magic, shadow rites, and potent, sometimes ruthless sorcery. The Cult of Hecate wields influence through whispers, favors, and the dark arts — a dangerous ally or a perilous enemy.
Membership flavor: Night‑meeting covens, ritual specialists, and politically ambitious magi. Initiation grants power but often demands costly tasks or sacrifices.
How Orders & Cults interact with alignment
Each group above is given a broad alignment "lean" (Order/Cult and Virtue/Hubris). Orders tend to be public and reward lawful behaviors; Cults are hidden and may test a player's willingness to break rules or embrace forbidden paths.