RPG Cult

General definition: An organized group with its own beliefs, doctrines and practices, generally with a central leader, closed structure and exclusive vision of the truth. Difference with established religions: They tend to be more recent, have a more rigid hierarchy, absolute loyalty, and greater separation from the social environment. Main Purposes: Search for meaning, salvation, enlightenment, community or spiritual/ethical change.

Rules and regulations Internal code, rules of conduct, obligations, schedules, duties and prohibitions. Levels of commitment: from attending meetings to dedicating full time or contributing resources.

Most cults operate under a pyramidal and extremely centralized structure.

The Leader Common name: Founder, Supreme Leader, Master, Spiritual Guide, Prophet, Enlightened One, Father/Mother, Spokesperson for Truth, etc. Who it is: The person who created the group or received the original "revelation." It is usually a single person. The group exists for and because of that person. Functions: He possesses the exclusive and absolute truth; no one else can interpret it. Decide all the rules, teachings, objectives, and changes. He is considered someone special: chosen, with powers, contact with the divine, or infallible wisdom. Controls resources, spaces, and the direction of the group. His word is law; it is not to be discussed or doubted.

Inner circle (Board of Directors) Common names: Close disciples, Counselors, Apostles, Guardians, Directors, etc. Who they are: Highly trusted people, the first to join, or the most loyal and long-standing members. Few members (usually between 3 and 10). Functions: They advise the leader and carry out his orders to the letter. They manage the group: money, premises, activities, documents. They teach and transmit what the leader says; they are the only ones who know the deepest or most secret teachings. They ensure that the rules are followed and that no one deviates from them. If the leader is absent, they take command or choose the successor.

Coordinators (Link) Common names: Teachers, Guides, Coordinators, Managers, Group Leaders, Instructors, etc. Who they are: Members with experience, proven loyalty, and solid knowledge. They can number between 10 and 50 people, depending on the size of the organization. Functions: They are the bridge between management and the rest of the members. They lead small groups, local meetings, or workshops. They teach the basics of the doctrine, resolve doubts, and guide the process of others. They report to the council or leader how the members are doing and if there are any problems. They organize activities, events, or community work.

Consecrated members (Active core) Common names: Full Members, Brothers/Sisters, Consecrated, Initiates, etc. Who they are: People who have been here for a while, accept the entire message, and follow the rules without question. It's the most solid group. Functions: They participate in all mandatory meetings, rituals, and activities. They actively collaborate: they help with tasks, spread the message, and support other members. They contribute resources, time or work depending on what is requested. They already know the complete teachings and have their own group identity. They are considered part of the "family".

New members / Apprentices / Candidates (In training) Common names: Applicants, Newcomers, Apprentices, Visitors, Beginners, etc. Who they are: Those who have just arrived or have been there for a short time. They are in a probationary or learning period. Functions: They only receive the basic and pleasant teachings; they are not told everything yet. They observe, listen, and participate little by little. They are well cared for so that they feel comfortable and stay. They must demonstrate interest, loyalty, and a change in behavior to level up. They have no say, no vote, and no access to internal decisions or information.

Key rules of this hierarchy Progressive advancement: You advance in level based on time, loyalty, performance, and how much you contribute to the group. Never based on ability or personal merit. Information by levels: The higher you are, the more you know. What's said at the top isn't shared below. Absolute obedience: Each level must blindly obey the level above it. Doubt is seen as a mistake or a fault. Concentrated power: All real power is at the top two levels; the rest are executors or followers.

Sense of belonging: “we are family”, “we are the chosen ones”, “we understand each other”. Personal identity: way of dressing, symbols, names, language or characteristic phrases. Emotional bond: great mutual support, but also pressure to comply with rules and remain loyal. Separation from the outside: they talk about "them" vs "us"; contact with people or ideas outside the group is reduced. Progressive membership: the more time and dedication, the greater the access to knowledge and confidence.

Relationship with society and environment External perception: from "harmless spiritual group" to "strange or suspicious", according to local customs. Attitude: can be reserved, discreet, or open and disseminative, depending on the stage and context. Relationship with authorities: most comply with laws; some avoid registrations or official control. Common conflicts: differences in beliefs, misunderstandings, social distrust, or rumors.

Origin: revelation, special message, ancient knowledge, unique interpretation of texts, or hidden truths.

Common topics Worldview: “the world is wrong / in crisis / it needs salvation.” Human beings: spiritual nature, purpose, errors that lead away from the truth. Salvation, enlightenment, spiritual evolution, or final destiny. Own ethical and moral rules. Relationship with the divine, energies, forces, spiritual beings or higher planes.

Practices, rituals and activities Regular meetings: weekly or daily; prayers, meditation, reading, teaching, singing, reflection. Important rituals: initiation upon entering, celebrations of key dates, renewal ceremonies, moments of union. Internal activities: spiritual formation, community work, mutual aid, shared life. External activities: open events, outreach, social assistance, moderate public presence. Time spent: from a few hours per week to living entirely in community.

The Glossary of Worship (Slang) This is known as "loaded language." These are short phrases, labels, and keywords that stifle critical thinking. You can use actual templates or invent your own terms. Terms for Outsiders (Those who are not part of the cult) They serve to dehumanize or belittle ordinary society. Common examples include: "People of the world," "Material worlds," "The asleep," "Suppressants," etc.

Terms for those Inside (The members of the cult) Words that inflate the ego and make them feel part of a spiritual or intellectual elite. Commonly used terms include: "The Chosen Ones," "Walkers," "Advanced Students," "The Family," etc.

The Promotion Process The cult doesn't use the words "training" or "brainwashing"; they use medical, scientific, or evolutionary terms. They often use: "Audit," "Clear," "Raise the Bridge," "Alignment," etc.

Local/Cellular Worship (10-50 members): They are based in a single house, farm, or basement. They depend entirely on the physical presence of the leader.

Regional Cult (100-500 members): They have a main headquarters (commune) and some "branches" in nearby cities. They begin to manage corporate finances.

Global/Transnational Cult (Thousands of members): They have properties in several countries, their own television channels or web platforms, and a very complex legal/financial structure to protect their assets.

Locations and Settlements Depending on their philosophy, cults choose different environments: Urban Precinct: Large houses in affluent neighborhoods or discreet office buildings. They blend into everyday life to recruit professionals or university students. Rural Commune: Farms, ranches, or land in the forest. They seek self-sufficiency (growing their own food) and cutting off contact between members and the outside world. "Paradise": Buying land in countries with lax laws to operate under the radar of the main authorities.

Types of spaces Private houses, large homes or isolated farms (very common at the beginning). Rented premises: halls, cultural centers, offices. Owned properties: temples, retreat centers, residential communities, ranches, rural or mountainous areas. Shared spaces: churches, community halls, public spaces (for events only).

Geographical areas Urban areas: medium or large cities (more access to people). Rural or remote areas: greater privacy, less external control, greater cohesion. Regions with a strong spiritual tradition or a lot of religious seeking. Selection criteria: privacy, easy access, meeting capacity, security, and distance from traditional institutions.

The Initial Front: What public organization do they use as a shield? These are usually self-help seminars, free meditation classes, eco-communities, philosophy clubs, or yoga groups. Love Bombing: A real technique where existing members shower the newcomer with attention, compliments, and affection so that they instantly feel accepted and special. Offering Simple Answers: How the cult offers simple solutions to complex world problems (e.g., "The world is chaotic, but here we have the key to peace of mind").

How they attract and recruit members Main promises: solution to personal problems, inner peace, community, purpose, protection, one truth, salvation or a better life. Target audience: people in times of crisis, loneliness, change, loss, search for identity or dissatisfaction with their current life. Ways to get in touch: Open meetings, talks, workshops, free courses or cultural/spiritual activities. Social networks, online groups, forums, publications, or books. Community activities: social assistance, mutual support, artistic or sporting events. First steps: warm welcome, active listening, personalized attention, sense of belonging and understanding. Strategies: present a hopeful vision, show that "here they understand what you are going through", differentiate themselves from the "common or empty" aspects of society.

Resources and support Sources: voluntary contributions, donations, collaborative work, sale of materials, courses, publications. Use: maintenance of spaces, activities, dissemination, support for members in need, own projects. Management: controlled by the leaders; in small groups it is transparent, in large groups it is more structured.