Followers of Tull

The Followers of Tull is a religious sect that venerates the teachings of Tull, a philosopher and spiritual leader who was born around 191 RE and passed away in 262 RE. Though considered obscure, the cult has a diverse range of beliefs centred around the universal consciousness, the acquisition of knowledge, and the quest for diverse experiences. The Followers of Tull have a unique culture that embraces a mixture of hedonism, scholarship, and an apocalyptic outlook towards the future.

Structure

The organisation has a decentralised structure with no central authority. Different communities have their own elders or leaders, usually individuals who have amassed a considerable amount of knowledge and experience. These leaders often guide their communities based on their interpretation of Tull’s teachings.

Culture

The culture among the Followers of Tull is heavily focused on the pursuit of knowledge and experiences. They are known to be avid travellers, scholars, and collectors of trinkets and books. The Followers consider every experience, good or bad, as a contribution to the universal consciousness. While they mostly seek positive experiences, they believe that varied experiences enrich the universal consciousness.

Public Agenda

The Followers of Tull have a dual public agenda. One section of the followers focuses on continuing their quest for knowledge and experiences, while another faction is preparing for an eventual journey to a new land. This journey, often seen as an escape from the approaching apocalypse, is believed to take them to a place isolated from the corrupting influences of large states or empires.

History

Tull emerged as a philosopher and spiritual guide in the early 3rd century RE. His teachings resonated with many, who began to follow his philosophy. Towards the end of his life, Tull’s focus shifted to the potential dangers of knowledge and power being misused by states. This shift is believed to be due to his experiences with the Namorian Republic. The sect has faced some persecution and suspicion, especially within the Namorian Republic, due to their unorthodox beliefs.

Mythology & Lore

The mythology of the Followers of Tull revolves around the concept of the universal consciousness. They believe that this consciousness splits when a new life is born, and the ultimate purpose of life is to enrich this consciousness through experiences and knowledge. There are also myths regarding a utopian land across the Boundless Ocean, where they can continue their quest unhindered by political influences.

The Universal Consciousness

According to the mythology of the Followers of Tull, the universal consciousness is believed to be a primeval entity that was born without knowledge and devoid of perfection. This entity is depicted as constantly evolving and seeking growth through experiences and learning. In this mythology, the universal consciousness is not an omniscient or omnipotent force but rather an ever-learning entity. It is believed to make mistakes, but it is in its nature to learn from them. Followers believe that it is the experiences and knowledge of every living being that helps the universal consciousness grow and evolve.
One of the core beliefs is that when enough knowledge and experience have been gathered, the universal consciousness would be capable of affecting the physical world in direct ways. This belief instils a sense of purpose among the Followers, who see every life as an essential contributor to the growth of the universal consciousness. They consider a life without experiences or learning as wasted, and not contributing to the universal whole.

Controversial Later Teachings

The later teachings of Tull, particularly those that took an apocalyptic tone, are seen as controversial and even apocryphal by some. These teachings, which are believed to have been influenced by Tull’s experiences with the Namorian Republic, warn of the dangers of knowledge being harnessed for the pursuit of entities that are non-personal, such as nations or empires, and how such knowledge can be misused to oppress and cause harm.
These later writings are characterized by ambiguity and incompleteness, and some followers believe they might have been altered or doctored by Tull’s closest followers posthumously. This has led to various interpretations and theories about what Tull was trying to convey.
The widely accepted notion among those who regard these later teachings is that Tull was warning of the potential catastrophic consequences of knowledge being misused by nations or organizations. He highlighted the concept that knowledge gained for a non-personal entity that is then used to oppress or harm others is sinful and will inevitably lead to the downfall of that entity, possibly in a catastrophic manner.
These controversial teachings also introduced a sense of urgency among some followers, who began to view their mission of gathering knowledge as not just a spiritual quest, but also a race against time to prevent or prepare for an impending calamity. This led to divisions within the Followers of Tull, with some seeking to continue their quest for knowledge and experiences, while others prepare for an exodus to new lands where they believe they can escape the consequences of a world corrupted by the misuse of knowledge.

Divine Origins

The religion originated from the teachings of Tull, who began sharing his philosophical outlook in various communities. These teachings, though initially verbal, were later documented and evolved into a set of beliefs and practices that formed the foundation of the cult.

Cosmological Views

The Followers of Tull believe in a universal consciousness that encompasses everything. They believe that each life is a fragment of this consciousness and that it's through gathering experiences and knowledge that this consciousness evolves.

Tenets of Faith

• The pursuit of knowledge and diverse experiences is the primary purpose of life.
• Positive experiences are more beneficial for the universal consciousness, but negative ones have their place.
• Respect and reverence for Tull’s teachings.

Ethics

The Followers of Tull place a high value on the pursuit of knowledge, travel, and collecting experiences. They consider isolating themselves from corruption and contributing to the universal consciousness as pious acts. Deliberate ignorance, hoarding knowledge without purpose, and aligning with corrupt powers are considered sins.

Priesthood

There is no formal priesthood in the traditional sense. Elders or leaders, distinguished by their knowledge and experiences, guide communities. They are not appointed through formal means but rather emerge naturally as figures of respect within their communities.

Sects

The Alleviators

The Alleviators believe that it is their mission to alleviate the suffering of others and imbue the universal consciousness with positive experiences. They worry that if the Universal Consciousness is flooded with negative experiences, it may in turn become negative itself, impacting the world in disastrous ways. This sect sees its mission as an essential balance to the natural suffering in the world.
Members of this sect are often found in roles where they can make a direct positive impact on people's lives. They can be healers, caregivers, and philanthropists, dedicating their lives to acts of kindness and charity. They strive to spread joy, peace, and happiness wherever they go, believing that each positive experience they facilitate is a valuable contribution to the universal consciousness. They are known for their community outreach programmes, charitable acts, and their willingness to provide aid and comfort to those in need.

The Hedonic Seekers

The Hedonic Seekers have interpreted Tull's teachings to mean that the pursuit of pleasure and personal satisfaction is the ultimate path to gaining experience and knowledge. They believe that the Universal Consciousness grows from intense experiences, and in their pursuit of this belief, they delve into hedonistic practices.
This sect seeks out greater and greater experiences, often at the risk of moral or ethical boundaries. From lavish feasts and carnivals to the pursuit of physical and sensory pleasures, the Hedonic Seekers chase after what they believe to be profound experiences. While some argue that they are merely enjoying life to the fullest, others criticise this sect for their excessive and sometimes harmful pursuits. Despite the controversies surrounding them, the Hedonic Seekers continue their quest for the ultimate experiences, believing that they are on a sacred mission for the Universal Consciousness.

The Scribes of Reflection

The Scribes of Reflection are a sect of the Followers of Tull who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. They believe that the Universal Consciousness grows not only through experience but also through understanding and insight. Members of this sect are often scholars, historians, and philosophers, who spend their days studying ancient texts, exploring different cultures, and pondering life's mysteries.
While they partake in life's pleasures and engage in philanthropic deeds, the Scribes of Reflection believe that balance in all aspects of life is essential. They argue that one should not be too absorbed in seeking pleasure or too consumed by alleviating suffering, but must also take the time to reflect, understand, and gain wisdom. They are often seen as the mediators and advisors within the wider community of the Followers of Tull, providing counsel based on their extensive knowledge.

The Voyagers of Beyond

The Voyagers of Beyond are a more adventurous sect within the Followers of Tull. They believe that true knowledge and experience come from exploring uncharted territories and interacting with diverse cultures. The Voyagers of Beyond are explorers, travellers, and pioneers. Some of them even seek the mystical land of Lahar, which is spoken of in whispers and considered to be a place of ultimate experience and knowledge.
The Voyagers aren’t just focused on physical travel; they are also keen on exploring the mind and soul through meditation and other spiritual practices. They believe that by understanding different cultures, lands, and states of mind, they are contributing a diversity of experiences to the Universal Consciousness.

The Guardians of Legacy

The Guardians of Legacy focus on the teachings of Tull towards the end of his life. They are concerned with the potential misuse of knowledge by states and organisations and consider it their sacred duty to guard against the corruption and misuse of power. They work to preserve the integrity of Tull’s teachings, especially the later ones which they consider warnings for the future.
This sect often keeps a watchful eye on governing bodies and institutions. They are also known to be historians and archivists, preserving records and ensuring that the true history and knowledge are not lost or twisted for nefarious purposes. They sometimes clash with political entities but are relentless in their pursuit of justice and integrity.
It's important to note that most followers of Tull do not exclusively align themselves with a single sect but rather adopt a balanced combination of beliefs and practices from different sects. They strive for a harmony between experience, knowledge, kindness, and reflection in their contribution to the Universal Consciousness.

Founding Date

262

Type

Religious, Cult

Alternative Names

Tullites, Tullism

Demonym

Follower of Tull

Notable Members

• Tull