Astaroth

In the post Lost-Light world of Hora Lucerna, Astaroth, a demon of immense power, is known for offering forbidden knowledge and dark magic. As a formidable Arcana, Astaroth represents the allure of forbidden wisdom and the dangers of dark magic. His influence is profound, affecting the Arcana, the Possessed, and the mortal realm by corrupting the minds and souls of those who seek his gifts.

Astaroth as an Arcana

Domain and Abilities

• Domain: Forbidden knowledge, dark magic, corruption, and the occult.
• Powers: Astaroth grants his followers access to forbidden knowledge and powerful dark magic. However, his gifts come at the cost of slowly corrupting the mind and soul of the pact-maker, leading them towards madness and moral decay.

Gifts and Pacts

• Forbidden Knowledge: Followers gain access to esoteric and forbidden knowledge, uncovering secrets that were meant to be hidden.
• Dark Magic: Astaroth’s followers are granted the ability to perform powerful dark magic, including necromancy, curses, and summoning.
• Corruption of Mind and Soul: His gifts include the gradual corruption of the follower’s mind and soul, causing them to become increasingly unstable and morally depraved.

Influence on the Possessed

Partially Possessed by Astaroth

• Seekers of the Forbidden: Partially possessed individuals who channel Astaroth’s forbidden knowledge. They gain insights into hidden truths and secrets, but their minds are gradually consumed by the weight of what they learn, leading to paranoia and obsession.
• Dark Magicians: Those who gain the ability to perform dark magic. They wield powerful spells and curses, but the use of such magic slowly corrupts their souls, driving them towards moral decay and madness.

Fully Possessed by Astaroth

• Necromancers: Fully possessed followers who act as Astaroth’s agents of dark magic. They are powerful sorcerers who command the dead and wield devastating spells, but they are completely corrupted, having lost all semblance of their former selves.
• Lords/Ladies of the Occult: Elite followers who have fully embraced Astaroth’s gifts, becoming his most trusted and powerful servants. They have near-absolute control over forbidden knowledge and dark magic, often leading cults and secret societies dedicated to Astaroth.

Astaroth’s Role in the World

Bearer of Forbidden Knowledge Astaroth’s presence in Hora Lucerna is a constant source of temptation for those seeking forbidden knowledge and power. His followers perform dark rituals and delve into the occult, seeking to harness his power and uncover secrets that were meant to remain hidden. Astaroth represents the allure of forbidden wisdom and the dangers that come with it.

Catalyst for Corruption Astaroth acts as a catalyst for corruption and moral decay in the post-Godfall world. His influence leads to the formation of dark cults and secret societies that seek to undermine established order through the use of forbidden knowledge and dark magic. He seeks to create a world where the pursuit of power and knowledge leads to inevitable corruption.

Opposition and Influence Astaroth stands in opposition to those who seek to maintain moral integrity and order. His followers often clash with factions that value purity and righteousness, using their dark powers and forbidden knowledge to manipulate and corrupt their enemies.

Astaroth’s Impact

Cultural Influence Astaroth’s legend and influence permeate the culture of Hora Lucerna. Stories of his forbidden knowledge and dark magic are told with both fear and fascination. Many are drawn to his promise of ultimate power and hidden truths, despite the risks of corruption and madness. He represents the ultimate challenge to those who seek to maintain their moral integrity while pursuing knowledge.

Strategic Alliances Astaroth forms strategic alliances with other Arcana and powerful entities to further his goals. These alliances are often based on mutual interests in forbidden knowledge and dark magic but are also marked by an underlying sense of distrust and treachery. Despite this, they significantly impact the power dynamics in the world.