Idol Cults

Idol Cults are various bodies of worshipers that revere idols of ancient historical figures from the time of the Gaulmar Empire. Their practices revolve around ritual offerings and prayer to physical monuments of imperial celebrities, such as statues, monuments, and murals, in hopes of channeling the characteristics of a particular icon. Such idols may be dedicated to Gaulmar rulers, mages, generals, fighters, athletes, scholars, or otherwise; certain notable slaves that gained notoriety under the empire may also have received monuments and became the center of an idol cult.

These cults are based almost exclusively in the ruins of Earthrym where the old culture of the empire lingers the most, and emerged during the late Third Era when the memory of slavery and warmongering had begun to fade from public consciousness. Conflict surrounding the cults and their nature is a regular occurrence in Earthrym cultures, with many condemning the glorification of the Gaulmar and their brutal, slave-driving empire.

Cult of Zaul
One of the oldest surviving idol cults, due in part to being one of the most secretive, is the cult of Zaul, First Emperor of the Gaulmar Empire. Unlike many other idol cults, the cult of Zaul originated within the Empire itself, founded by a cabal of Gaulmar centuries into the Empire's life after becoming disillusioned with their last several ruling emperors and perceived incompetence.

The cult of Zaul's non-Gaulmar members survived the collapse of the empire in secret, hiding among the other races while the Gaulmar themselves were exiled. The cult survived in hiding for many generations, as public practice would undoubtedly attract scorn from those who had just overthrown the empire. They would remain a diminished version of themselves, but slow growth would eventually lead to a resurgence in the Third Era, and even influence the existence of other idol cults.

Cult of Champions
In the great arena of Kaulisum various statues to famed Gaulmar athletes still stand, depicting them victorious in the act of their multitude of sports. Natives to Kaulisum have left the statues alone, and many citizens look to them as a source of inspiration. Many locals and visitors offered gifts at the feet of the statues in respect or reverence, and this tradition has become thoroughly ingrained in Kaulisum culture. The proper Cult of Champions was established by administrators of the Kaulisian Games who used the old idols as rallying points to garner funding and support for their events.

Cult of Khara-Don
Khara-Don, the ancient magistrate of imperial Earthrym and pioneer of Gaulmar runic magic, retained a sizable cult through the third era consisting primarily of mages studying Gaulmar techniques and spells.