Decaeneus the Dacian
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Biography
Born in Dacia, this individual was raised on the histories of ancient kings and gods, though he found little inspiration in the traditional Dacian or Roman pantheons. Instead, he became devoted to a mysterious figure whose identity he keeps secret, believing that by following in this being's footsteps he too can ascend to greatness.
Convinced that he is destined for a higher purpose, he views himself as walking a path of enlightenment that others cannot yet comprehend. He believes history itself will one day bend to his will, and that those around him, though ignorant of his ambitions, will unknowingly help him achieve his ultimate goal.
Despite being respected in his homeland for his wisdom, he was never considered indispensable. Dissatisfied with living in relative obscurity, he left Dacia for Rome, believing that the heart of the Republic would provide the stage upon which his destiny could finally unfold.
"You should ask such questions to yourself in the first place. Who if not you shall consider what has been heard? Motherbird chews the food for the nestlings just for a while, but then, they are independent in their consuming, the mother doesn't burden herself with it anymore." - Decaeneus the Dacian
Story
Decaeneus the Dacian was the founder and leader of the Cult of Mithras, orchestrating its rise over the course of multiple years through secrecy, deception, and strict organizational discipline. The cult began with the construction of a hidden shrine beneath the Aurelion household, where Decaeneus offered the first sacrifices to Mithras. During this period, he acted alone until receiving what he believed to be a direct manifestation of Mithras, reaffirming his divine mission.
After the shrine beneath House Aurelion was discovered, Decaeneus adapted quickly. He established the cult's first independent cell, spread disinformation regarding the shrine's origins, and commissioned a second hidden shrine beneath the base of one of the city's aqueducts. To further divert suspicion, he publicly testified against a member of House Aurelion, claiming they had constructed the shrine in an attempt to frame the head of their own house.
As the cult expanded, Decaeneus organized its members into compartmentalized cells, ensuring individuals knew only what was necessary for their role. This structure proved effective when he was arrested for desecrating the Temple of Jupiter. Although one member of the first cell revealed information under questioning, no cultists were arrested, and the second cell remained entirely uncompromised. Decaeneus later escaped custody after his guards were distracted, allowing him to resume leadership without exposing the wider organization. While public attention remained focused elsewhere, the second cell established another temporary shrine within an abandoned house, where rituals continued in secret until the investigation subsided.
On the Second year, Decaeneus gathered the cult beneath the Brotherhood Headquarters, where they completed the largest and most elaborate shrine dedicated to Mithras. There, according to cult tradition, Decaeneus completed the final rite and became the mortal embodiment of Mithras. He then embarked upon a final campaign of desecrating rival shrines before being slain, ascending in what his followers regarded as a final act of divine glory. With his objective fulfilled and Mithras believed to have taken mortal form through him, Decaeneus considered the cult's purpose complete. Following his death, the future of the Cult of Mithras was left in the hands of its surviving adherents, cementing Decaeneus' legacy as its founder, prophet, and first embodiment of the god.