The Sith Empire and the Cult of Chaos

 I've been playing Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) recently, and I've been enjoying it. In the movies there are no more than 2 proper Sith lords at any one time, a master (usually Darth Sidious/Emperor Palpatine) and an apprentice (first Darth Maul, then Darth Tyrannus then Darth Vader). However, this Rule of Two has not always been in place, and in SWTOR (set centuries before the movies) there are hundreds of Sith lords running an empire. I find them a fascinating source of inspiration for villains. 

Their philosophy is not far from what I envision a large-scale organised Cult of Chaos to be like, with a shared philosophy of ambition, self-will, passion and hatred being the main driving forces, just about kept in check by discipline and fear of retribution. Compassion and empathy are despised - other people are there to serve you, not the other way round, and might makes right. If a chaotic cleric views another as his superior, it is because he fears their wrath. The only rules worth following are the ones you cannot get away with breaking. There is quite a lot of political manoeuvring and  backstabbing (occasionally literal) but generally they still stay united enough to stand together against hated foes (such as the Jedi, or perhaps the Church of Law). 

The most powerful Chaos Lords are like boogeymen who normal folk are terrified of and are figureheads and rallying cries for the forces of the Empire. I expect powerful Chaos Clerics could become Princes of Chaos and become revered by thousands of Chaos worshippers. They may develop unique chaotic clerical spells or magic items for chaotic clerics. 

Clerics of chaos do not have anything as iconic as red lightsabers, but there is no reason they could not have impressive and scary appearances, with ornate armour and their own signature weapons - perhaps distinctive warhammers or maces. Just because a magic item uses the same stats as a Mace+2, it doesn't always have to look like an ordinary mace.  Also their complexion, eyes and voice could slowly change as the power of Chaos corrupts their bodies. 

Artwork by AllyPeep, source

I don't think that all chaotic clerics need to follow this style. Some may be much more secretive and less theatrical. My current idea (which I may change or develop further) is that the clerics from the Hagiocracy of Hule are similar to the Sith of SWTOR, with their Chaos-worshipping hierarchy ruling a wide territory. They will often set out from Hule and infiltrate the Known World or perhaps lead raiding forces. Other clerics and cultists of chaos may be much more low key, primarily because in the majority of the Known World open worship of Chaos is at least frowned upon and often illegal. Here chaos worshippers within civilized areas have to blend in or risk arrest and execution, for example the cell of Chaos cultists in my version of Penhaligon  

So why join the Cult of Chaos?

• Ambition. The Cult of Chaos offers great opportunities for those willing to do what it takes to seize and hold onto power
• Hatred and Anger. Some people just want to watch the world burn, or maybe they have great hatred against specific groups or institutions. The Church of Law is always preaching peace and serenity but this does not always sit well. The Cult of Chaos offers an alternative viewpoint.
• Propensity for cruelty. Although some will go into conventional armies or maybe mercenary companies, the Cult of Chaos has a willingness to take on those who revel in bloodshed and bullying, even those who have difficulty controlling their sadistic urges. 
• Rebellion and defiance. Joining the Cult of Chaos may well be sticking it to conventional authorities, especially nagging or suffocating parents, and over-zealous and self-righteous  aspects of the church of Law. 
• The Winning Side. This is by no means true across the whole of Mystara, but in areas such as Hule the forces of Chaos certainly have the upper hand. It is only natural that many folks want to join what they believe to be the winning side.