Why do NPCs join cults?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Like a lot of DMs, I find that evil cultists are a pretty good intelligent villain to use in RPGs: "This guy is trying to summon Orcus to destroy your hometown! You are completely justified in stabbing him!"

For most cultists, it's a pretty miserable life, wearing hooded robes and hanging around in sewers and caves, neither of which are great robe-wearing places. Sure, you get access to those neat wavy-bladed daggers, but what's the appeal otherwise?

Without this getting too real world (and therefore very depressing), what's in it for the cultists?

 

[DrunkonDuty]

Dental.

 

[DrunkonDuty]

Serious (ish) answer...

Some will have been raised in the cult and know no better. Worshipping demons is just what they do.

But for most I'd go with "promises of power." Which also comes with the ability for revenge against "those who have wronged them."

Within that, er, general motivation, I'd give different cultists slightly different specific motivations. Someone really wants to get back at their ex. Someone just wants money. Someone has an old family grudge. And yeah, some of them just want to watch the world burn. (Although I'd call that general, non-specific revenge against everybody.)

 

[Scribe]

Without this getting too real-world (and therefore very depressing), what's in it for the cultists?

Fanatics do not need logic. They are simply unhinged.

Power, revenge, nihilism, a need for belonging, to be part of something greater than themselves. Unfortunately Cults, and Cult-like behavior are all too common even in our supposed enlightened age and the proof is a few clicks away.

That said, it will get too real, too fast. So I'm going to go make dinner and then read some OSE adventures.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

It sucks now being hunted by clerics of Pelor; but when Baphomet rises, you will feast on your oppressors. Yum: can’t wait.

It helps that I feel the world has oppressed me and crapped on me. I am ripe for conversion.

Or, the enemies of my dark lord need to pay. In my mind anyway they did me wrong.

 

[Koloth]

In no particular order:
A sense of belonging to a group.
Safety in numbers.
Got talked into it. (failed a sense motive type check). Doesn't want to admit error.
Started young and in too deep now. (think many real life criminal gangs, once you are in, only way out is death.)
Really believes in the cause.
Laughing all the way to the bank at all the loot the suckers new members donate as membership fees. (Cult is total scam)
Undercover agent.
Really enjoys watching/participating in the suffering of the sacrificial victims. (You did say evil cultists.)

 

[Krachek]

False hope about power, wealth, magic services, and so on.
Cult mostly work on lies, manipulation, bullying and intimidation once you are lock in.

 

[gnarlygninja]

There's not a lot to do in a small town.

 

[payn]

 

[MGibster]

Dental.

I laughed at this, but in games like Delta Green, the cultist typically join for the same reason people join cults in real life. The cult offers a sense of purpose, community, and sometimes even earthly rewards. In Call of Cthulhu, the Esoteric Order of Dagon, located in the oh, so moist fishing town of Innsmouth, MA, the people were largely motivated to join because of the promises of riches from the sea. Oh, and to find nice husbands and wives for their chidren. A cult can offer members a sense of community and purpose.