Your cult's survival depends on Faith, Hunger, and Hygiene. In the early game, prioritize building a 'Cooking Galley' and 'Sleeping Bags' to keep your followers from dissenting. When you head out on crusades, look for 'Tarot Cards'โthese provide critical buffs like increased health or attack speed. If a follower starts spreading dissent, you can either re-educate them in prison or, if you're feeling particularly ruthless, sacrifice them at the temple to boost the strength of the rest of your flock.
