There exists a darkness at the edge of reality, the opposite of all things that exist. It is named the shadow which lurks at the edge of the light and it is the dark reflection of all that is. In a contradiction of everything logical, it is that which is not. The shadow hungers for the destruction of all things and the return of everything to the perfect, beautiful nothingness it knew at the beginning of creation. It is not 'evil', it is simply anathema to all life.

Skill Proficiencies: Religion

Tool Proficiencies: Forgery kit

Languages: One of your choice

Equipment: A forgery kit, cult robes, A pot of ash, a set of fine clothes and a purse containing 25 gp

While you are a member of the cult, you also have a normal, unassuming identity- though in truth 'unassuming' is probably the wrong word: you are probably either rich or highly influential. The only other way in is to demonstrate such an overabundance of savagery as to seem useful to the cult as one of their flunkies when they need an 'inconvenience' removed. You can select your civilian identity from the Civilian Identity table or roll randomly. Your civilian identity also grants an additional skill proficiency.

Personality Traits (d8)

1	I study every stranger closely to slot them into the hierarchy of power and importance I hold always in my mind.
2	I'm accustomed to being flattered and adored. I don't truly worship the shadow: in a strange way, I worship myself.
3	I'll follow any order given by a figure of authority, conscience entirely numb to the brutal commands of the cult.
4	I am overly friendly with everyone, because you never know when you might need an ally in a tight spot.
5	I don't like being noticed. Lurking at the edge of the crowd, observing things, is where I'm most at home.
6	I believe anyone can be bought: no soul is too principled for bribery as long as the price is right.
7	I respect and value my enemies more than I do my friends, who are all grovelling sycophants who bore me immensely.
8	I really am a fanatical nihilist, devoted to the destruction of existence. All living things are my enemies.

Ideals (d6)

1	Power. I will not lie about my aims. With the power of the shadow, I will rule continents. (Evil)
2	Tradition. The cult brings together the rich, powerful and influential, as things should be. (Lawful)
3	Brutality. The cult lets me do whatever I like, which is mostly bringing pain to my enemies. (Evil)
4	Authority. The laws of society always crumble to anarchy. The cult represents a higher sovereignty (Lawful)
5	Survival. The shadow will devour all that exists, but it will consume me last of all. (Neutral)
6	Annihilation. At the end of everything, the shadow will consume the universe. I glory in that. (Chaotic)

Bonds (d6)

1	I bought my way into the cult with money, but I'm still constantly trying to prove that I'm really worthy.
2	A cult member once helped me when in need, and I've deluded myself into thinking that I've a debt to them all.
3	A friend betrayed the cult and I'm conflicted over whether to hate or admire them, since I suspect they might be right.
4	A rich parent thinks me weak and feckless, but the cult will be my means of proving them wrong and rising even higher.
5	I want to reshape the cult to my own purposes, placing myself at the top of the hierarchy.
6	The shadow whispers to me in my dreams, and I'm sure it has a particular purpose for me to achieve.

Flaws (d6)

1	I have a tendency to assume that others respect me, since my flunkies in the cult make such a show of it.
2	Everyone in the cult is perfectly willing to stab the rest of them in the back, so I'm extremely paranoid.
3	I'm often deliberately secretive, cryptic and obfuscating, even when it's in my interests to share my knowledge.
4	Non-cult members are infinitely inferior and mostly expendable: I'll happily sacrifice them for my own gain.
5	I've developed a taste for bloodshed after years of doing the cult's dirty work. I'm always picking fights.
6	The power of the shadow is like an exhilarating drug, and I've become dependent on feeding my addiction.