Fear of the Unknown

Corrupters of Barbatos

We’ve looked at many of the powerful beings of hell in our exploration of the lesser deities of Golarion. This week we look at the ruler of the first level of hell. A being who ranks just under Asmodeus but is not himself a devil. He is a powerful divine agent with many names including The Mistletoe Monk and The Wiseman of the Wilds. This week we look and Barbatos, the Archdevil of animals, corruption, and gateways. I present to you three possible sects of The Lord of the First.

As always, let us imagine we are sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules for the game that we will play. In this game, we are to make a follower of Barbatos. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Bearded Lord. What character do you make?

For more information on Barbatos

Barbatos’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Barbatos’s Archives of Nethys Page

The Truth Peddlers

One of Barbatos’ many names is the Iron Hierophant. He is known to trade prophecies with one of the Whore Queens of hell. How he gains these insights is unknown. The Truth Peddlers follow in his footsteps as diviners of the highest order. They operate around Avistan and are well known for the accuracy of their predictions, although few know of their true purpose or master.

The Truth Peddlers are oracles, diviners, and witches with potent divination ability. They work their clients by either purposefully withholding information while suggesting there is something there. Or they will give so much information as to overwhelm a supplicant’s sensibility. They do this because they know that knowledge or lack thereof corrupts, and they watch as those who come to them do whatever it takes to find knowledge denied, or survive dire portents given.

The Grievers

Babratos works the souls of those who take their own lives in hell, tricking them into sacrificing another soul for their own freedom. The Grievers are The Keeper of Lost Children’s mortal agents who work the still living loved ones of the deceased. They make promises of a soul freed to be re-judged by Pharasma and in the process corrupt the soul of the grieving as well as the soul they get the bereaved to taint for them.

The Grievers are the ultimate connivers. Socially adept clerics, inquisitors, bards, and rogues all find a home among these ultimate conmen. Many who joined the sect have loved ones who took their own lives and their corruption is becoming a member.

The Carrion Birds

This sect takes its moniker and imagery from their lord’s dominion over birds that consume the recently dead. Most members use the raven as their symbol as it is Barbatos’ favored animal. These wildmen take delight in showing the civilized how dangerous a life without order can be, bringing the full brunt of the power of nature to bear against cities and towns. When animal attacks in the region are on the rise The Carrion Birds are very likely the cause of the disturbance.

This sect is made up of druids, shaman, hunters, rangers, and witches. They use their connections to the natural world to drive the land itself into a frenzy. Members of the sect are often cultivated since birth. The sect will steal babies and small children, leaving them in the wilds. If they survive, their bestial nature allows them to fit well within the sect.

The Lord of the First faithful are cruel bordering on bestial. Who is your disciple of Barbatos? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Bearded Lord? Where does their devotion to this Archdevil come from? Let me know in the comments.

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