Editing LeviathanTempest:ChapterFive (section)

==== The View From the Pew – Playing Cultists ====

This setting turns the usual assumptions of Leviathan upside down. Instead of playing as Leviathans, the players take the role of Beloved and cultists serving at the alter of a powerful Leviathan. A Cultists game could go in many directions, and is perhaps best thought of as a flavour that can be applied to one of the previous campaign types. Some will remain unchanged, a game of mystery archaeology works just as well if the players can't turn into giant sea monsters and an action packed game merely needs an appropriate choice of enemies; instead of rival Leviathan's the players will fight against mortals, rival Tribal cults, or even the cults of other supernatural creatures. Other styles will be turned on their heads, opening up new thematic possibilities. A game of Fin and Fanaticism looks vastly different from the perspective of the disposable pawns. 

When playing cultists it is important that every player is on the same page about the Cult, as in many ways it will define their characters. The Leviathan is equally important, does it try to be moral or is it casual in it's monstrosity. Will it be an important NPC, giving orders and dispensing rewards and punishments, or will it be a more distant figure with the cult on a long leash. One far-out possibility is to have the players worshipping a Deep One; who's mad conflicting orders gives the players lots of room for “interpretation”. The players could even be cynical manipulators, manipulating a mad god through worship for their own gains. 

While the players are Beloved, it is not necessary that they are powerless. It is quite possible that players are Hybrids or Lahmasu, alternatively they may have access to Rituals, perhaps against their god's will. If their god is not usually present, the ability to summon it deserves special consideration. It might be something the cult can do frequently when they need guidance, it could be the cult's long term goal, or it could be the cult's ace in the hole. A ritual they are loath to perform but occasionally mention whenever someone starts making aggressive motions.  

Playing cultists is a great way to explore the themes of a Leviathan, for all the intimacy in the relationship between a Leviathan and their cult there is a great temptation for a Leviathan to depersonalise one's Beloved. The Wake divorces the tribe from the act of creating a cult, and their Beloved's obsession and obedience makes it easy to ignore their wants and needs. Playing as the Beloved will give the players a perspective of just what a Leviathan is doing to it's cultists.