Followers of Lolion

Followers of Lolion (translated in Yammoe as Disciples of Lolion) were an influential fundamentalist sect of Lolion that believed in a non-elusive Quun Tirtoir, an infinite staircase, and devoted their lives to finding it.

Commonly referred to as Seekers, they were known for their sectarian violence, the use of explosives and colored cloaks. Their exploration of the Continent in search of the staircase helped propagate Lolion that would have otherwise become a dead religion after the fall of the Western Dantrian Civilization.

History

Seekers first appear in the historical record in the middle of the second revolution. While they have been sighted throughout the Continent, from southern Tarnaria to Heran, in Yammoe and in Nanonae, their primary focus was Gantolia.

The origin of the belief that Quun Tirtoir is located somewhere in Gantolia is unknown, but is presumed to have originated in Central Dantria. No documents relating to the early history of Followers of Lolion has ever been found. It is hypothesized that the sect was not known in Dantria at the time and that it was just one of many. On the other hand, the number of Seekers traveling from Dantria to the east had significantly increased throughout the centuries, implying that the sect secured a more prominent position.

When in Gantolia, Seekers began to compete with one another, driven mostly by a desire to find the staircase first, which resulted in intense warfare between the different groups.

The main sect, Followers of Lolion, ceased to exist by the end of the second revolution, with many Seekers settling in cities and abandoning their missions, usually by adopting a more moderate reading of the religion. It became customary for former Seekers and their descendants to form special divisions that utilize explosives in combat.

From time to time, fundamentalist Lolion branches do appear, some of them with very similar views to that of the original Followers. Most notable of these sects was Dariu, the exploits of which led to the discovery of the Nuhtbee.

After the fall of Dantria, former members of the Followers of Lolion became the only surviving link to the original practice of the religion.

Beliefs

Seekers believed in a physical Quun Tirtoir that must be located in order to ensure salvation from death. Their interpretation of Lolion and its texts implied that the process of birth displaces the soul from the staircase due to the imperfect nature of man. According to this view, death is permanent, unless one finds their way back to the staircase and continues the journey in eternity. Therefore, finding Quun Tirtoir is fundamental to one's continued survival.

While not part of Lolion theology, revenge became a cornerstone of the Seekers' way of life, which further fueled animosity between groups.

Appearance and lifestyle

Followers of Lolion quickly began splintering into branches and opposing sects, frequently waging deadly war against each other. Sect affiliation was usually denoted by the color of hooded robes that the Seekers were known for.

They frequently carried staffs called //ronnes//, that would have pointed ends, usually concealed with a cap. A staff could become a deadly weapon in a matter of seconds. Additionally, many Seekers assembled and carried around balls made out of glass that contained explosives or combustible liquids. These balls would be thrown at an enemy.

Seekers adhered to a nomadic lifestyle and were known to live in temporary camps.

Cultural influence

The mysterious life, constant sectarian warfare and unusual weapons provided Seekers with an aura of romanticism even during their time. Because they were generally indifferent to the local population, did not engage in crime and preferred to live outside of cities and towns, Seekers unintentionally fostered an image of an exotic world unfolding amidst the mundane.

After the demise of the sect, Seekers and stories about them continued to fascinate people in the east.

A particular epic about a Seeker named Kayda became very popular. The story follows the life of Kayda, a young Lolion monk, who dedicates his life to finding the Quun Tirtoir, but then finds its counterpart, an infinite staircase that leads to the depths of death. Discovering it leads to the dead walking back into the world and wreaking havoc. Kayda manages to shut down the staircase, which he learns means that the Quun Tirtoir will become inaccessible as well. The moral of the story is that Quun Tirtoir is not meant to be found and that the spiritual path is in learning one's limits and finding happiness within oneself. The epic was developed into a play by the Dantala Theater in 9-10th CTR.

As Gantolia was the central location of Seekers activity, it maintains a host of tourist attractions and sells goods, related to the culture of Seekers. Many such businesses are run by the alleged descendants of the original Followers of Lolion.