Balloonist Cult

The Balloonist Cult is a Satano-Paganist cult, based out of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, somewhere in the desert nearby Albuquerque.

According to tradition (revealed in the book "New Mexico: A Dark and Secret History") every year, on the night of October 5th (the day before the launch) they have a bacchanalia inside a ceremonial tent to worship their pagan gods. Every 5th year, they sacrifice a maiden with a ceremonial knife, sending her to these gods in order to appease them.

All members wear grey robes, with the cult symbol on them. At least 16 members are visible in the episode, though there are likely more members unseen.

During the events of "Dan VS. New Mexico", Dan and Chris raid their compound, and use a stolen truck of hydrogen (taken from a Hydrogen Trucker) to fill the balloons with the inflammable gas. Despite botching his lighter throw and almost getting the two killed, Dan and Chris successfully blew up their entire fleet of hot air balloons, causing them to cancel the sacrifice and attack the duo. This was thwarted by Elise's timely intervention.

The cult is never seen again, but it's likely they resumed activity the following year, as none of the members were killed in the skirmish.

Trivia

 * The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a real event, having been hosted every year since 1972. The real life equivalent does not have any paganist ties, however.
 * Assuming they started the tradition on year 1, this would mean a sacrifice was made in 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017.
 * The woman they attempt to sacrifice is wearing a toga.