Type: Eldritch Undead Cult
Headquarters: unknown, historically Ural Mountains, Russia
Description
The Deathless are a fanatical cult of followers, undead mystics and warriors led by the enigmatic sorcerer Koshchei, also known as The Immortal.
Once a radical offshoot of the ancient Order of the Phoenix, which was dedicated to protecting the Phoenix Flame and its sacred knowledge. The earliest members of The Deathless were cursed with eternal and grotesque undeath after their leader attempted to use eldritch magics to forcibly bind with Zharika, the physical embodiment of the Phoenix Flame. Over the centuries, they have grown into a terrifying force, driven by their obsession with reclaiming the Phoenix Flame, reversing the curse, and exacting revenge on their enemies.
Ambition
To acquire the Phoenix Flame, exact revenge on the Phoenix Zharika, lift the curse, and reclaim the power they believe was unjustly denied to their leader.
Key Figures
- The Immortal (Koshchei or Rasputin): The leader of The Deathless and a former pupil of the Order of the Phoenix. Originally seeking the Flame’s power to cure the 14th-century plague in Russia, Koshchei was cursed after attempting to forcefully bind with the Phoenix Flame. He now leads The Deathless in their pursuit of power.
Key Characteristics
- Obscure: Relatively unknown outside of niche esoteric circles, The Deathless operate in secrecy, striking from the shadows.
- Cursed: Immortal but grotesquely undead, their bodies are in a perpetual state of decay, yet they retain their magical aptitude, intelligence, strength, and dexterity.
- Manipulative: Over the centuries, their leader has used his powers to influence and take control from behind the scenes, most notably by donning the guise of Rasputin to manipulate the Tsar of Russia.
- Relentless: Driven by their leader’s obsession, The Deathless are tireless in their pursuit of the Phoenix Flame, their only hope for release from their cursed existence.