The cult of Khoros
The cult of Khoros is a subvergent cult within the Baronies trying to undermine the rulers while waiting for the signs that their ancient god is returning. The cult consists of a number of splinter cells spread out across the many baronies, each knowing very little of the other cells besides their direct liaison to the leaders of the cult. Each cell is part of an ancient cult worshipping one of the ancient troll gods. The cells worship their god in hidden cellars or back chambers throughout the baronies and they have recently expanded to several other civilized nations. A typical cell has about 5 to 10 members and is often granted protected by the dark influence of Khoros.
In the baronies many of the members are rich merchants or city officials, which also means that the temples are often located in the rich area of a town, hidden by the facade of rich houses. They use this influence to subvert the government in the city and try to funnel as many funds into the pockets of their members, so they may use these funds to prevent others from disrupting their god's plans. The cult is trying to spread their influence with the administration of larger cities within the countries they infiltrate. They will try to get their members into seats of power or bribe and intimidate their way into control of said positions. They want to ensure that when the time for Khoroses return arrives, they can create chaos and prevent the established system from effectively gathering their opposition to oppose their forces.
The cult lairs most often contain a large statue depicting the horrible visage of Khoros is his Troll form. Around the statue, the cultists will place offerings of people they sacrifice in order to please the god. The walls are lined with green tapestries bearing the three talons of Khoros. The temples often bolster one or more troll guards which have been granted the blessing of Khoros which has changed them into supreme specimens of their race.
The leader of the cult is a cloaked figure with supernatural intelligence and otherworldly insight into the world. The leader is the high priest of Khoros and, as far as members of the inner circle know, one of Khoroses chosen.
Arderos Khavees
The leader of the cult of Khoros is a half-troll blessed by the dark god Khoros and chosen as his progeny. Arderos has been granted extraordinary long life and both supernatural intelligence as well as visions from his god. Arderos is the offspring of a Troll magi and a slave girl. He was born in the dark pits of Butaxla and had to fight for his survival from the day he was born. He was eventually bought by a sorcerer to be his slave, but during their travel to his home, they were ambushed by Than raiders. Arderos was the only survivor of the attack thanks to his cunning and survival instincts. He wandered for days until he found an ancient path along a mountainside. He traversed the path until he reached a deep crevice in the mountain which led to an ancient temple dedicated to Khoros. One of the few remaining temples in the Kvartz-li mountains which had not been destroyed. There he communed with the exiled god and was granted a vision of Khoros'es return to the realm. Khoros blessed Arderos and charged his with the mission to find the cult of Khoros and prepare it to execute the grand plan.
Arderos crossed the Kvartz-li mountains and traveled into the baronies beyond. There he found a cell of the cult and began working his way into the leadership of the cult so he might execute the will of his god. It took him many years to be accepted into the inner circle and once he had the backing to challenge the old leader he revealed his dark patronage and unleashed the might of Khoros upon the stunned leader. No one has dared challenge Arderos for his position ever since.