Rules Index | GM Screen | Player's Guide


Pathfinder #217: Death Sails a Wine-Dark Sea / Cult Statistics

Fervor (Cults)

Source Pathfinder #217: Death Sails a Wine-Dark Sea pg. 64
Fervor measures the cult’s devotion, separated into five ascending ranks: apathetic, observant, inspired, reverent, and fanatical. Fervor affects the flat check DC to control the cult, the cult’s productivity, and the types of events the cult experiences at the beginning of each phase.

Fervor Points (FP): A cult’s Fervor is determined by the cult’s Size and the number of Fervor Points it has; larger cults require more Fervor Points to change their Fervor rank. Events and Activities can adjust the Fervor Point total and cult’s Size, which can change the Fervor rank at the end of the cult phase.

To calculate the cult’s Fervor rank, divide its Fervor Point total by its Size modifier (rounded down) and reference the table below.

Cult Fervor

Fervor FP/Size ModifierCheck DCEvent Modifier
Fanatical10++1+2
Reverent8-9+0+1
Inspired5-7+0+0
Observant3-4+0-1
Apathetic0-2+1-2
Fanatical: In this dangerously high level of Fervor, adherents begin seeing themselves as instruments of the hero-gods’ will, sometimes taking extreme actions in the name of the cult even if not instructed to do so.

Reverent: The adherents are committed to the cult wholeheartedly. While not self-destructive, followers are much more willing to take major risks in the cult’s name.

Inspired: Adherents are dedicated and enthusiastic, willing to take small risks to benefit the pantheon.

Observant: Intrigued, adherents eagerly want to learn more from the pantheon. They accept inconveniences (but not serious risks) as they explore the faith and determine if it’s a worthy path to enlightenment or power.

Apathetic: Though a few adherents might believe fervently in the cause, most adherents are disenchanted with the cult or are distracted by other opportunities. The pantheon’s directives are more likely to discourage an adherent than inspire them.