Tulkonism

Tulkonism is the world's most popular religion. It was founded by Tulkon Darrokh when he built the First Temple of the Tulkon. Tulkonism developed from worship of the four deities, and grew to encompass the teachings of various Tulkons as well.

History
The religion was founded in 60 AT by Tulkon Darrokh. Darrokh contstructed a temple at the Tip of Kepet, at the spot where Bytu became the first Tulkon. At the Temple, Darrokh would tell tales of his predecessor Bytu’s exploits, and teach valuable lessons to his listeners. The Temple became a popular destination for pilgrims, who travelled from far and wide to hear Darrokh speak.

After Darrok’s death, his and Bytu’s teachings were compiled and widely disseminated across the globe. This is considered the official beginning of the religion. By Tulkon Nyrota’s confirmation as the third Tulkon, Tulkonism had already reached Ditarre, and taken firm root in the Frozen Continent. It developed even further over the centuries, with dozens of denominations and varieties practiced all over the world.

To this day, it is the world's dominant religion. It is headed by the Tulkonist Council, which was founded by Tulkon Nyrota. The Tulkons themselves serve the organization in an unofficial capacity, as many Tulkons are not practitioners of the religion themselves.

Pantulkonism split from Tulkonism in 750 AT. Prophetism grew from Tulkonism in 1240 AT. The three religions are together called the Tulkonist Religions.

Tulkonism was banned in Immortal Empire territories by Zetopa before and during the Immortal War. The fall of the Empire led to the religion being unbanned. The Temple of the Tulkon was destroyed in the War, but was rebuilt in 2920 AT. Tulkon Vonha's reformation of the Tulkonist Council had the unintended effect of granting them greater autonomy, allowing the organization to form a private military known as the Tulkonist Army. The Army, under the leadership of Tulkon I'Ladas, was a central player in the Keghotogh Crisis.

Beliefs
The Tulkon is the most important figure in their pantheon, which includes Arrkea, the Great Conscience, and the 4 deities (Ukohah, Sehoha Ataadinua, Zan Zat, and Noral). Tulkonism is the only religion that directly worships the Tulkon. In general, individual Tulkons are not necessarily objects of worship, but all Tulkons are viewed as phases in the life of a single imperfect deity. It is because of this belief that a common symbol of the religion is a waxing gibbous moon. Often, adherents model their lives on the teachings and accomplishments of different Tulkons, leading to many different variations and unofficial denominations within the religion that rarely contradict each other. The most popular Tulkons, in chronological order, are Bytu, Darrokh, Ytinise, Eoonanone, Yaaamemon, Epodora, Zoktopo, Zoruha, Ilhohore, E'Acoradi, Vonha, Ico, Goroch, and I'ladas (note that only five of these Tulkons were officially Tulkonists themselves). Most Tulkonists believe in the Tulkon Rodenhe Nemilis, a semi-mythical tale that tells the origin of the Tulkon as well as the Four Earthly Races.

Tulkonists believe in maintaining personal balance as well as living in harmony with the people around them. Another essential aspect of Tulkonism is that the Tulkons are imperfect: they sometimes make mistakes, but they always put the world on the path it needs to go on. This concept applies to normal people as well.

The Tulkonist afterlife is known as Ilhui, and is a realm of peace and love. Within Tulkonism, all people reincarnate but are unable to remember their past lives in any way; this is another feature that distinguishes the Tulkon from normal people. When people reach Ilhui, they are able to commune with their past lives, with whom they all share Ilho, a unique, fundamental part of their soul that is passed from reincarnation to reincarnation. The Ilho of the Tulkon is exceptionally powerful after being blessed by Arrkea in 0 BT.

In the years leading up to the Keghotogh Crisis, Tulkon I'Ladas was the first Tulkon to be given an official leadership position within the Tulkonist Council. This lead to the Council becoming an object of worship within the most extreme sects of Tulkonism.