Thread by @TheEdVerse

Travis Mayes @TLMayesing
@TheEdVerse
how viable would it be for an evil cult (Bhaal, Bane, or Myrkul) to set up a shrine/temple in the Waterdeep sewers? For that matter what would they offer their recruits?

1)
Not viable at all, considering the city inspectors, the Xanathar agents creeping around, and the gleaners (poor citizens trying to literally dredge and scrape a living from the sewer flows). However, it’s VERY viable for cults…
#Realmslore

2)
…to set up just a teensy bit higher, in the CELLARS of city buildings. Many cults are already established in such places, and in “upper rooms” of city buildings, too, which has given rise to the local phrase “whispers in upper…
#Realmslore

3)
…rooms” and “upper room whisperers” (where in the modern real-world we would speak of “back room dealings”).
As for inducements offered to recruits:
Bane: to be an insider in a plot to overthrow the Masked Lords and set…
#Realmslore

4)
…themselves up in a new tyranny that would rule Waterdeep “properly” and exterminate all nobles, enriching the city and those newly in power (including the recruits) by confiscating all noble wealth and properties.
#Realmslore

5)
Bhaal: to join a cool, secretive masked by-night fellowship that captures select people and “rightfully” murders them in on-altar rituals to the god (so, the slayings are not a crime, and the cult works to protect you from…
#Realmslore

6)
…arrest by the Watch and any consequences of the killings). As a joining member, you get to name one candidate the cult will kill (i.e. someone you hate or owe coin to).
Myrkul: to join a small, select faithful whom all fear, …
#Realmslore

7)
…so you’ll be treated with respect; no demands or social obligations will made of you. The undead will serve you; you can command them to do your bidding, including taking your revenges on living enemies and those who owe you.
#Realmslore