The world seemed to tremble in the aftermath of Rohan's sealing. As the Eternum Lock vanished with its captive, the Seven Churches wasted no time consolidating their power. Messages were sent across the kingdoms, summoning Paladins, Priests, Exorcists, and Hunters. Their mission was clear: eradicate every remnant of Rohan's influence. What had begun as a consolidation of mercenaries under Rohan's control now turned into a full-blown manhunt.
Alex and Marcus, now the de facto leaders of the remaining followers, faced an overwhelming battle. The churches sent waves of holy warriors, their skills honed by years of battling heretics and demons. In the first few months alone, Rohan's forces were decimated. Once a group of hundreds, they were reduced to just dozens. Yet, despite the odds, Alex and Marcus refused to give up. They believed in Rohan's prophecy—that he would return stronger than ever—and they vowed to pave the way for that day.
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The Birth of the Cult
In the depths of an abandoned forest, Alex and Marcus gathered the survivors around a dimly lit fire. Exhaustion weighed heavily on everyone, but the fire in their hearts burned brighter than ever.
"We've lost many," Alex began, his voice heavy with grief yet resolute. "But we've gained something far more important—a purpose. Rohan entrusted us with spreading his name. The churches fear him, and their fear is our weapon. We will ensure his name is spoken in every corner of this world."
Marcus nodded. "This isn't the end; it's the beginning. From today onward, we're no longer mercenaries. We're something greater. We're his disciples, his cult. And we will fight, no matter the cost."
The group murmured in agreement, their resolve solidifying despite the bleakness of their situation. They adopted the name The Indescribables, a tribute to Rohan's Authority and the unyielding belief in his return.
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The Church's Campaign
The Seven Churches were unrelenting in their efforts. News of Rohan's followers was met with swift and brutal action. Entire villages suspected of harboring cult members were razed, their inhabitants executed without trial. Libraries and archives were scoured, and any mention of Rohan's name was erased. The churches feared what his Authority could become, even at its current limited power.
Through their investigations, they uncovered fragments of information. Rohan's Authority wasn't omnipotent—it relied on certain conditions. The individual had to know his true name and have seen him after his awakening. Additionally, powerful individuals with strong magical defenses or divine blessings were resistant to its effects. This realization brought a mix of relief and dread to the churches. While his power wasn't absolute, it had the potential to grow into something unstoppable.
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The Cult's Resistance
For the next year, Alex and Marcus led a campaign of survival and resistance. They turned their small group into a guerrilla force, striking at the church's forces when least expected. Each victory was a testament to their determination, but it came at a heavy cost. The church's forces were vast and well-equipped, and the cult's numbers dwindled with each passing month.
Despite the odds, Alex and Marcus achieved something remarkable—they planted seeds of doubt within the church's ranks. Stories of Rohan's power spread like wildfire, whispered among commoners and soldiers alike. Some claimed he could kill with a word, others that he would return as a god. These rumors made the church's task all the more difficult, as fear of Rohan began to take root even among their own forces.
During one ambush, Marcus managed to corner a high-ranking Paladin. The Paladin, though injured, laughed through the pain. "You think you're fighting for a savior? That thing you call a leader is an abomination. The churches will never let him return."
Marcus smirked. "That's the difference between us. You fight to maintain control. We fight because we believe."
With a swift strike, he ended the Paladin's life, another small victory in their uphill battle.
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The Cult's Discoveries
Through their encounters with church forces, Alex and Marcus pieced together critical information about Rohan's Authority. They realized that while his Rule Indescribable was powerful, it wasn't invincible. High-level individuals, particularly those blessed by divine artifacts or magic, could resist its effects. This limitation made their mission even more urgent. Rohan's power needed to grow, and for that, his name and image had to spread.
Alex took a moment to reflect on the significance of Rohan's Authority. "The churches fear him because they know what he represents—a shift in power. Their control over this world isn't as absolute as they'd like us to believe. Rohan is proof of that."
Marcus added, "If we can keep his name alive, if we can ensure that enough people know him, he'll rise again. And when he does, this world will change forever."
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The Churches' Dilemma
The Seven Churches, despite their overwhelming resources, faced an internal dilemma. The more they fought against Rohan's cult, the more attention they brought to his name. Whispers of his power spread among the common folk, creating a sense of mystique and rebellion. The churches realized that their aggressive actions were inadvertently aiding his cause.
In a desperate move, they ordered a complete blackout of information. Any mention of Rohan's name was forbidden, and those who spoke it were executed without trial. The churches began using divine artifacts to suppress the memories of those who had encountered his cult, erasing any trace of his existence.
Yet, for all their efforts, they couldn't completely erase the fear that Rohan had planted in their hearts. The very fact that they needed the Eternum Lock—a tool used only against the greatest threats—was proof of his potential.
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A New Purpose
By the end of the year, the cult's numbers had been reduced to a mere dozen. But these survivors were more than just followers; they were zealots, willing to give their lives for Rohan's return. Alex and Marcus stood before the group, their expressions grim yet determined.
"We've endured more than anyone thought possible," Alex said. "But this is just the beginning. The churches think they've won, but they've only made us stronger. Rohan will return, and when he does, we'll be ready."
The group cheered, their voices echoing through the forest. Despite their losses, they believed in their cause. And so, The Indescribables continued their mission, spreading Rohan's name in secret, fighting the church at every turn, and preparing for the day their leader would rise again.