This is a cult I did up for an online game I was in. It is set in the world of Xoth, but it should translate to other settings well. note, the patu and the ixcheltu are in Monster Island.
MYTHOS AND HISTORY
Those of the Shadowed Claw are the elite warriors from certain tribes within the Azimban jungles. At various times they have been thought of as the king's protectors and the soldiers of the people, as they are more accessible to common folk than the priests of the southern avian god Jul-Juggah.
NATURE
The brotherhood is often called upon to battle the Ikuna cannibals to the east, acting as an early warning and special forces, living for weeks at a time isolated from the Azimban army and civilization. Because of this, they learn a great deal of self sufficiency and bushcraft. Woe to the band of cannibals who come hunting near a team of the brotherhood - they are not known to leave survivors. Instead, they leave the bodies on grotesque display as a warning for those who come near.
ORGANIZATION
In times of peace, the brotherhood eschews most formal organization, although the ranks of those higher up are respected. During these times, they refer to themselves as "spots". In times of war, however, they form into smaller squads of four claws and a Fangs leader. These, in turn, are formed into sets of four, known as a Fang, with an Overseer-ranked Eyes. The leader is known as the Great Cat, though there has not been one in many years.
MEMBERSHIP
By definition, almost anyone can join the Brotherhood at the Common level, as many in Azimba are called upon to defend their homeland. However, once a warrior learns the use of the sacred ixcheltu and gains skill enough, they may join the Brotherhood more formally.
RESTRICTIONS
Azimbans are the only ones who normally join the cult, though more for lack of knowledge. No other particular restrictions exist until the Fangs rank, where an Oath to the cult must be taken.
CULT SKILLS
Athletics, Brawn, Combat Style (Jaguar Brother - Spear, Shield, Club , Ixcheltu, Knife/Dagger; Trait - Assassination), Endurance, Perception, Stealth, Survival
Jaguar Brothers by tradition use a patu as their club, though others can be used shamefully. Often, the patu will be worn around the neck as a large pendant, with a leather thong doubling as a wrist strap in combat. These are frequently carved or decorated, telling the story of the warrior's exploits.
They will also coil their ixcheltu (known as the Fangs of the Brotherhood to those outside of the cult, and the Fangs or the Fangs of the Beast Lord to those inside) around their necks loosely as well, giving the impression of a festive and decorative necklace. Some even lace flowers or weave beads into them, but this is merely a ruse. In the southern jungles, those who wear it in this fashion with a patu with their exploits depicted are given great respect, and often wide berth, because it is known they are accomplished warriors.
MAGIC
At the lower levels, they appear as a martial brotherhood, they practice no magic of their own. They hone their skills in the jungle, fighting Ikuna and the other enemies of the Azimba. Most do not make it past this rank, either being maimed or killed in battle, or settling down and starting a family, forsaking the martial life required to achieve higher ranks. Those that do often depart on a journey to explore the depths of their dedication and the nature of man and beast.
It is rumored that the upper members of this brotherhood are gifted by the spirit of the jaguar in some fashion, with stories of great swiftness and other enhancements to natural abilities dominate. No doubt the priests of Jul-Juggah would not like this challenge to their power, but have never been able to prove anything, and the Brotherhood has done little to dispel the rumors.
Indeed, the rumors are true, though few know it. Once you have reached the Fangs level, a prospective Fangs goes on a spirit journey by imbibing a concoction of herbs in drink. This separates the soul from the body, where he then must prove his worth to a jaguar spirit. This is often telling tales of his exploits or physical challenges. The patu, inscribed with the stories, comes on this spirit journey. It provides the weapon in a sort of spirit combat, showing how the Brother is worthy of the gifts of the Jaguar Spirit. It provides proof that the tales are correct - falsehood upon the patu will shatter it, and the Brother will be left defenseless against the spirit.
GIFTS
Once they reach the Fangs level and complete their soul journey - an arduous quest through the spirit world facilitated by special herbs and plants native to their homeland. On this journey, they learn the true nature of the brotherhood as followers of Nwanga Zhaal, Lord of Beasts, and acquire a fetch. Until the Fangs has proven himself, the fetch acts merely as a guide and teacher. The fetch has Sagacity in the cult skills, however, and will train the Brother (requiring sacrifice of any prey animal over SIZ 6, including humans). The fetch also serves as eyes for Nwanga Zhaal, overseeing his warriors and their actions and ensuring they do not "act as prey"
Once the brother proves he is worthy of the Eyes rank, he undertakes a ritual hunt for large game or a human of some prestige. Via ritual sacrifice, he is bathed in the blood of the kill and is purified to the point where the fetch can bestow an ability on the cultist. What this is is individual to each member, but it is a true sign that they are blessed by Nwanga Zhaal. Typical abilities include Endow Frenzy, Endow Leaper, Endow Night Sight, Endow Intimidate, or the spirit ability Comprehension (cats).
If the member reaches the point where he becomes the Great Cat, he must show himself to be the ultimate predator, and only man-flesh will be an acceptable sacrifice. Once he has hunted his prey, defeating it in single combat (though ambushing is certainly allowed by Nwanga Zhaal), his fetch can offer forth the ability to transform him into a Panthotaur. Each use of this ability requires spending a magic point, the consumption of the heart of a prey animal personally hunted, and a roll against their Oath to Nwanga Zhaal.
ALLIES AND ENEMIES
The Ikuna cannibals to the east have an undying hatred for the Jaguar Brothers, and the feeling is mutual. Their war has been raging for as long as anyone knows.
The brotherhood's relationship with the priests of Jul-Juggah has been at times quite warm, and at other times strained nearly to civil war. Certain theological differences exacerbate this, but the current king has thus far kept things in check. Some of this is supported by the Brotherhood themselves, as they don't wish to reveal their animistic tendencies, and there has not been a Great Cat in many years.
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