The Votaries of Skelos are those deeply ensconced in the worship and arcane practices that pay homage to Skelos, the dark deity of esoteric knowledge and forbidden magic in the universe of Conan the Barbarian. This mysterious cult reveres the ancient tomes of sorcery known as the Books of Skelos, which are said to contain spells and incantations of immense power.
These ardent followers are typically found in the proximity of the Volcano biome, within the scorched landscapes of the Exiled Lands. The environment's lethal heat and treacherous terrain serve as a crucible for their dedication, as only the truly devoted or power-hungry can withstand such extremities to prove their fealty to Skelos.
The Votaries, consumed by their unfathomable zeal, delve deeply into arcane research and the dark arts. They are not to be trifled with, for their dedication to their deity is matched by their mastery of the elemental and mystic forces at their command. The powerful sorcerers and priests within their ranks are known to summon and bind demonic entities, weave potent spells, and craft artifacts imbued with arcane energy.
These devotees are often outfitted with equipment and regalia that signify their occult connections, adorned with symbols and relics associated with their grim patron. They are formidable opponents, and those exiles who dare to intrude upon their sanctum should prepare for battle with foes who can harness the very forces of the volcano to decimate their adversaries.
The cultural significance of the Votaries of Skelos speaks to a broader theme within the Exiled Lands – that of primeval forces and the relentless human pursuit of power through any means necessary, even if it requires consorting with entities beyond mortal understanding. They are a quintessential reminder that knowledge, especially of the esoteric and potentially malevolent variety, is a sword without a hilt; offering no safe way to wield it, but promising great power to those who dare to grasp the blade.
~The Arcanist~