The uncomfortable truth few mortals dare face is that the gods play no part in existence. If they are real at all, they are distant figures, unmoved by the suffering in the world or the pleas of their faithful. People from all walks and backgrounds have set aside faith, striving to understand the world in which they live and their place in it.
Lack of belief does not make one bad or any more susceptible to corruption than the faithful. But just as followers of the New God or the Old Faith can twist their beliefs toward evil ends, so too can unbelievers become lost in the darkness staining their souls.
Apostates not only reject the gods—they actively work against them. They prey on the devout, burning their temples and shattering their idols. They are forces of entropy, agents of destruction, reveling in the lives they break and the devotion they dismantle. They can be fallen priests or godless warriors, seekers Apostate Story Development d6 Story Development 1 You were a priest or studied to become one, but a crisis of faith steered you from the righteous path to forge a new and darker one. You abandoned your beliefs to find succor in the here and now. 2 You believe the gods are nothing more than manifestations of mortal belief in magic, and you have come to resent their power. 3 You hold beliefs that other members of your religion deem heretical. Although your enemies hound you, certainty drives you on, and you spread the uncomfortable message to all who will listen. 4 You burgled the offices of a high priest and discovered something among the valuables you stole that shook your beliefs to their foundations. 5 You reject the gods and name yourself their enemy. Your blade craves believer’s blood, and nothing will stop you from wetting it. 6 You pledged your soul to the lord of Hell long ago and use the power your master grants to dismantle the religions of lesser gods. of horrible truths, or callous opportunists who exploit the faith of others.
Level 3 Apostate
Attributes. Increase two by 1
Characteristics. Health +4, Power +1, Corruption +1
Languages and Profession. You can speak another language or add a profession to your list of professions.
Magic You discover one tradition or learn one spell.
Enemy of God You make attack rolls with 1 boon against creatures displaying religious symbols on their persons. As well, you make challenge rolls to resist Theurgy spells with 1 boon and creatures attacking you with Theurgy spells make their attack rolls with 1 bane.
Level 6 Apostate
Characteristics. Health +4, Corruption +1
Magic You learn one spell.
Destroy Faith When a target creature within short range that can see and hear you makes an attack roll or a challenge roll, you can use a triggered action to impose 1 bane on the triggering roll. If the target gets a success on the roll, it becomes immune to your use of this talent until it completes a rest.
Level 9 Master Apostate
Characteristics. Health +4, Power +1, Corruption +1
Magic You learn one spell.
Blasphemy You can use an action to expend the casting of one spell you have learned and speak against the gods. Thunder booms, and you and each creature within short range must get a success on a Will challenge roll or become dazed for 1 round and take 1d6 damage per rank of the spell you expended (minimum 0 damage).
Desecrate You can use an action to cause one target nonmagical object of religious significance you can see within short range to take damage equal to its Health.