Forbidden Lore: Zojhir and the Adherents

[Woofersnoofer]

[These papers are circulated in caches around the Well, perhaps poorly hidden under a rock or stuffed into a wall where the surface has cracked. The papers are unsigned and likely in poor order and condition when found, but they are accessible.]

Divulgence of Zojhir - III

This paper examines three notable sources of lore concerning the Adherents: a book titled 'Divulgence of Zojhir - III', an interview of an Adherent and a pamphlet titled 'Divulgence of Z'. What follows shall be an analysis of each of the ten tenets provided in the book 'Divulgence of Zojhir - III', after which the tenets will be compared to oral lore gathered from a self-professed Adherent and a note called 'Divulgence of Z'. Afterwards, the findings shall be contextualized with existing Pra'Raji lore. Only the Divulgence of Zojhir names a source directly and even its authenticity has not been confirmed with undeniable certainty. The author of the pamphlet called 'Divulgence of Z' is not known and it may be different from the author of the 'Divulgence of Zojhir - III'. The Adherent interviewed for this paper is known, but they are not named nor described due to the sensitive nature of the research and their beliefs.

Below is an exact transcript of a book titled 'Divulgence of Zojhir - III'.

[the pages appear to be missing - perhaps stolen or omitted]

What follows is analysis of the ten tenets divulged in the above text.

The first tenet (I.) seems to adhere strongly to the core of Pra'Raji beliefs; one must continue to challenge oneself in order to grow and grasp Godhead. The fangs of lions is likely a metaphor for people who are inimical to the Adherents. The strong wording suggests that the author - possibly Zojhir, a follower, or a scribe - wishes the reader to feel assailed on all fronts. This angle shall be explored in more detail below, where an oral account of an Adherent is given. In summary, though, alienating the aspiring Adherent from the wider society serves as a means of control, not growth. Adversity and challenge are important, yes, but isolation may not be necessary until it is forced upon you.

The second tenet (II.) describes growth through agony. It is important to note here that agony is not the purpose, but a likely result of facing hardship. The ultimate goal is enlightenment, not suffering. However, the author's claim to enlightenment is self-serving at best. While someone who has made progress on the path likely has valuable counsel to offer, it seems clear that each Adherent must ultimately carve their own path and face challenges of their own. There are no shortcuts, and thus mindless supplication to a fellow Adherent can be as harmful as supplication to the Wheel.

The third tenet (III.) is especially noteworthy for its reference to the twin gardens, which might be another allusion to the Twindari faith. The twin gardens could be a bridge between life and death, both of which are purview of the twin powers. The entirety of the text suggests that one's sojourn to enlightenment may take several lifetimes, and the repeated journeys between the gardens may indicate that it is either impossible or nearly so to grasp godhead within a single mortal lifetime. It is, in fact, possible that death is a necessary part of the journey and thus longer-lived races might take longer to find enlightenment. It is, also, possible that there is no ultimate goal - if the powers themselves are imperfect, it is likely that even they need to strive to grow. Therefore, this writer must caution the reader against hastily seeking death in search of enlightenment. To delay the hardships of one's full lifetime is to delay all the growth that results from facing any difficulties one might experience. Furthermore, the tenet seems to warn one against being caught in the trappings of life. Taken to the extreme, the path suggested by the author might involve extreme asceticism. Alternatively, it may open up an avenue for the author to exploit the faithful to render their labor unto them, instead of working on their inner growth to honor God.

The fourth tenet (IV.) is easily one that resonates with clarity. The accumulation of knowledge, the act of challenging pre-existing notions and inquiring further even as inquiries have been made before are integral to both scientific advancement and one's personal growth. Moreover, it has been a lifelong journey to learn and understand that people do not always speak with logic and truth in their heart. Our words are twisted by feeling, ambition and even ulterior motives. In addition to seeking out knowledge, one must be critical of what one learns and always be willing to have one's own beliefs challenged. When we defend what we have learned with a calm mind, we come to see the faults in our thinking and hone our knowledge as a smith would hone a blade.

The fifth tenet (V.) may refer to salvation by reaching Godhead. Perhaps a power is no longer subject to a cycle of reincarnation and the struggles one faces with continuing one's journey with fresh memories. It is not known what the reference to the mist implies. There is always a chance that it is not a metaphor for the cloudy recollections of the reincarnated. Codwick's Almanack of the Rings, 2nd edition, insinuates that the Mist might be related to the impassable shroud surrounding the old keep of the King in the North. Further study opportunity could involve scouring texts in reference to the Mist and the nature of reincarnation and memories retained.

The sixth tenet (VI.) further reinforces the notion of reincarnation and progression towards enlightenment over several lifetimes. Moreover, it seems to resonate with the necessity of inquiry and critical thought - and eschewing material trappings. Temptation comes in many forms, after all. One may be lured into indulgence, swayed by false promises or even caught supporting theories that cannot bear the weight of being scrutinized.

The seventh tenet (VII.) suggest hostile relations between the Mother's pantheon and the Adherents that follow Zojhir. This has an interesting link to the oral lore received from the Adherent and it shall also be discussed further below.

The eighth tenet (VIII.) appears to refer to the importance of both knowing and mastering oneself. Mental and perhaps even physical fortitude is important for resisting outside influences, and one would be a fool to discount social threats that test nothing but your ability to understand your convictions and to hold fast to them in face of persuasive and potentially dangerous arguments to the contrary.

The ninth tenet (IX.) seems to offer guidance for operating behind the lines of the perceived enemy. Surrounding lore suggests that Zojhir's Adherents see the Wheel faith and potentially the Sultanate as a mortal enemy. Taken with the interview of the Adherent and 'Divulgence of Z', it is possible that at least some Adherents have taken to forming underground resistance against the established order. However, it seems this tenet may not be crucial to one's journey towards enlightenment. Crucial to survival, perhaps, but not spiritual guidance.

The tenth and final tenet (X.) in Divulgence of Zojhir - III states that the Adherent is eternal and one's progression on the road spans many lifetimes. It is possible the forgiving attitude regarding the stumbling adherent stems from the fact that there is no sufficient evidence of people being reincarnated and also being able to use knowledge from their past lives to any real effect. Perhaps a true soul will always return to the path and maybe the path is paved with many failures and missteps, but such is very difficult to verify.

[Woofersnoofer]

Interview with the Adherent

Below is an exact transcription of a speech delivered by an Adherent in strict confidence. Their words echo Divulgence of Zojhir - III . The repeated parts towards the end have been omitted. Following the transcript, the content of the speech shall be analyzed.

[There are pages missing - likely omitted, stolen or ravaged by the elements.]

'Indignant and ferocious, you shall rise to the bite at the hand of your would-be master. It is good - though you shall know agonies, the pain is a mentor. Your jailor surrenders the key through their own malice.'

Having heard the Adherent's account, the first tenet (I.) in Divulgence of Zojhir - III becomes more clear. Especially the references to the Shepherd and the Jailor suggest that the Adherent - and perhaps Zojhir - see the Wheel faith as an inimical force responsible for their hardship and suffering. The Adherent's response to this threat is extremely strict, even if murdering powers was within one's purview. It is of course possible that murdering gods is a metaphor for resisting religious institutions, though then the contradiction is that the Adherents seem to look up to Pra'Raj as a God as well. This level of hostility and deep religious differences do go a long way to explain the suspicion with which Pra'Rajin are viewed by the general public. In this atmosphere, any attempts to discuss the Adherents' beliefs would likely lead to an unsatisfactory outcome. Zojhir may hope that when an Adherent comes to understand that there is nobody outside their religious structure who will give them a fair hearing, they can only turn towards their fellow Adherents for camaraderie. While existing circumstances may lead to this result in either case, the writer would like to suggest that aspiring Adherents should identify sympathetic people outside their system of beliefs so that their ideals may be given a fair hearing and then scrutinized. Should the Adherent's reasoning prove sound and their conviction true, one possible result is that more people will join the Adherent on the path.

The seventh tenet (VII.) in the Divulgence of Zojhir - III and the Adherent's stance on suffering resonate as well. It seems the two sources form a strong link where blame for hardship is placed on the powers that are. The 'Divulgence of Z' pamphlet, as well, speaks for casting off the guise of servitude and spreads isolationist propaganda the purpose of which might be to alienate the reader from the wider society. The pamphlet will be explained in detail below:

Divulgence of Z

'Truth is incompatible with Order.

Pra'Raj can only be experienced.

Mechanized structure defies understanding.

Seize your freedom through sacred force.

Cast off the guise of servitude. None will view you as an ally, only foe.

We are the vanguards of rebellion, the daring insurgents who refuse to submit to our oppressor's yoke.

We are ignorant, unconscious, flawed. Our collaboration will result in transformation.

As a whole, the note reads as a call to arms. It is not uncommon for groups small and powerful alike to use religious dogma as a method of instilling camaraderie and shared purpose among their members.

Given direct reference to Pra'Raj and the title, it is possible to extrapolate that this line of thought is either affiliated or claims to be affiliated with Zojhir. Compared with the Divulgence of Zojhir and the Adherent's oral account, it becomes clear that only the pamphlet claims truth to be incompatible with order. In fact, the Adherent who was interviewed for this paper sees Pra'Raj as a stern father with expectations of excellence. Similarly, the pamphlet also calls for cooperative growth, which likely necessitates some sort of order and mutual understanding in order to be functional. It may be true that one path does not work for all and indeed all of the texts seem to encourage independent thinking and personal understanding. Therefore, one systemic path for all may be an impossibility. It is, similarly, true that while one's progression towards perfection may be difficult or impossible to measure, the journey is worth taking even when the destination may seem unclear. Imagine, though, how much more appealing the journey would be if one's path towards enlightenment could be quantified reliably.

Comparing the pamphlet with Divulgence of Zojhir suggests that it is possible that Zojhir led a rebellion of the common man or that their name is invoked for such a purpose. The last lines of the 'Divulgence of Z' pamphlet make an explicit declaration of rebellious intent, which is also echoed in the Adherent's words when they say 'Indignant and ferocious, you shall rise to the bite at the hand of your would-be master'. The writer would like to caution against abandoning rational thought in face of such claims. Rebellious groups may well have just aims and real concerns, but it is just as likely that someone is seeking to attract the disenfranchised and the gullible into unthinking servitude to a cause that is not truly their own.

Taken in a wider context of writings and lore surrounding Pra'Raj, the three accounts seem to further confirm that the Adherents are opposed to the powers of the Wheel and potentially the reign of the Sultan, which is closely affiliated with the Water Temple. Zojhir's followers may, in fact, be extreme enemies of the established order. Whether the same is true for all Adherents is uncertain, however.

The writer's response to the above shall be found below:

Scholar's Prayer

'In the quest for truth and light,
We humbly yearn and seek your might,
To guide us on our journey,
As we seek to grow in life's tourney.

May our struggles and trials,
Spark a fire within us all,
As we go through our theories and trials,
Let our minds stand tall.

May we seek knowledge in all its forms,
And not shy away from the unknown,
For truth is found in exploration,
And in the seeds of curiosity sown.

For even the brightest star above,
Can lose its majesty when alone,
And so we strive to learn and love,
To break down barriers, brick by stone.

Grant us the courage to be bold,
The humility to learn from all,
And the resilience to rise when we fall,
As we pursue the path that we behold.'

A few salient points from the prayer
While strife and disagreement is to be expected on the path of the Adherent, one should not necessarily make religious war the prime focus of one's existence. As your path brings you enemies, it will surely bring allies as well - and not all of your allies will be fellow Adherents. Indeed, it is possible some of your fellow Adherents will work against you and that strife, too, shall feed your growth if you are not trampled under their ambitions.

Should Pra'Raj be a god in its own right, the writer would like to suggest that even the powers are imperfect and require adversity in order to grow. What is left for the star that grows so that it swallows everything around it? The Sun may well stand in opposition to the Wheel, and perhaps they shall never reconcile if such a thing was even once possible. That said, does Pra'Raj not need to be challenged just as we do? Their own dogma suggests that there is no growth in blind subservience or the silence of the void.

What remains a constant core in all of the written and spoken lore so far is the search for knowledge and deeper understanding - especially within, but also without as far as it furthers one's growth. It is clear that such search cannot be carried out in solitude, as scholarly ideas and one's beliefs regarding oneself must be both challenged and affirmed by others before they may grow to fruition. At this junction it becomes crucial to recognize that one's ideas may be successfully and rightfully challenged by people from many different backgrounds, and failing to see one's own conceit might lead to yet more stumbling along the road where one who has truly mastered their inner fortress might stride proudly.

That is the writer's devotion to God - the willingness to challenge and to be challenged without malice. Desire for knowledge, growth and understanding without fearing voices to the contrary. The act of sowing the seed in others as one nurtures one's own bloom.

Further research
Accumulated study and comparison of additional sources to the sources presented in this paper. Potential research questions include solidification of Pra'Rajin dogma, fact and error checking of the provided sources and gaining further understanding of both Pra'Raj and the Adherents as a whole. Sufficient body of knowledge might even allow one to identify splinters of Adherent beliefs and codify their core beliefs as well as differences with established canon. Of course, the task of establishing canon is a difficult task with a sect that operates in secret in order to avoid persecution.

Check of author bias, both regarding this paper and the source material.

References
Codwick's Almanack of the Rings, 2nd edition
Divulgence of Zojhir - III, not dated, author not verified
Divulgence of Z, pamphlet, Iyar 17th, IY 7787
Interview with the Adherent, Iyar 19th, IY 7787
Interview with an unnamed Poet, Iyar 20th, IY 7787
Prior research on Pra'Raj, Appendix I, Iyar 16th, IY 7787

[Woofersnoofer]

Appendix I - Pra'Raj and the Adherents

Abstract
This text collects written and oral lore surrounding the Adherents of Pra'Raj. The text begins with an examination of the three core principles found in written lore, after which a brief synopsis of oral lore is given. Moving on, the text suggests a few practical notions and attempts to inform further research by suggesting research questions. Lastly, a warning and means of contacting the author are provided.

Review of existing lore
What follows is a review of the limited literature and oral tradition regarding the Adherents of Pra'Raj. The little that is available in writing can be condensed in three basic principles, all of which rely on undocumented and hitherto undated sources:

Firstly, it is written that the Adherents reject the Wheel's singular claim to godhood and instead posit that the spark exists within each of us. This puts them in direct opposition of mortal representatives of the Wheel that would surely like we who remain to show subservience towards themselves and the powers they claim to represent. This notion is further supported by the fact that the surviving written records suggest the Adherents are to resist subjugation by the Wheel and to avoid any external paths in order to obtain Godhead. This does not necessarily mean that the Adherents are a solitary sect, however, as an untested theory or philosophy is not even worth the parchment on which it is written. It is likely that the reluctance and animosity the research has been met with so far explains why it is difficult to find reliable and well-documented discourse regarding Pra'Raj.

Secondly, it is well-documented that the Adherents believe that the spark of divinity that exists in all of us is both nurtured and tempered by the Sun. However, the written records do not indicate any measures with which one's progression towards attaining Godhead may be measured and therefore any increase in one's power, resourcefulness and grit may simply be attributed to one's ability that is honed by hardship. Furthermore, the writer assumes that the Sun is a metaphor for the trials one might face in the wilds and perhaps even in the sizzling courtrooms of Baz'eel. Were this not to be so, it would quickly become evident that the teachings of Pra'Raj contain a contradiction; how can one seek inner perfection if one must rely on an external power to provide the means of ascension?

Thirdly, records indicate that the path towards Ascension is perfection found by gazing within. What perfection entails, exactly, is unknown. Extrapolating from other texts and sciences, it is possible that the perfection could be cognitive, spiritual, physical and/or social. Furthermore, it is evident that the powers known as the Wheel embody different aspects of perfection, or at least excellence that surpasses our understanding. Exempli gratia, the Mother is associated with purity and life-sustaining water. On the other hand, the Sabotage embodies hedonism, deceit and ill-will - all concepts that are far removed from conventional understanding of purity. Therefore, it may be hypothesized that even as there are different powers, there must be different paths towards attaining perfection and thus Godhead.

The oral tradition gathered so far all springs from the Mother's well and is, therefore, unreliable at best. It is known that the actions of Zojhir have stained the name of the Adherents and Qa'im is mentioned in a similarly unfavorable tone. Even so, the specifics of what has transpired is not known. The clergy of the Wheel have so far refused to discuss the matter and it is imperative to find out more about both their moral and spiritual downfall as well as any success the methods with which they sought to refine their soul met. It is, at least, known that Qa'im is a city nestled on the other side of the Edutu River and that it is closer to Baz'eel than the Well. The rest of the oral accounts gathered for this study only serve to further confirm the above three principles that remain consistent for the Adherents' path.

In conclusion, the Adherents of Pra'Raj stand in opposition to subjugation by the Wheel and other powers that might make use of us who remain. The Adherents seek to grasp Godhead by turning their attention within, seeking perfection by a variety of means that should be explored further. What remains consistent is that the journey must be a challenge to one's indivisible, individual self. Moreover, it is often repeated that the potential for divinity exists in all of us and our personal attributes or circumstances may not be the deciding factor in our ability to seek perfection.

Practical applications
The most obvious and wholesome practical application of the above knowledge is to continue bettering oneself under circumstances that remain suitably challenging. After all, one cannot expect to grow limitlessly in complacency. It is possible that the greatest strides are made by those who are willing to undertake the greatest of challenges, but the writer would like to caution the reader against surrounding oneself with insurmountable and potentially deadly opposition. It is possible, after all, that luck and opportunity play into one's prospects of reaching perfection. It is evident that we sometimes reach heights that we did not rightfully earn - and until a sufficiently rigorous system is established for measuring progress, it is ill-advised to take great risks without fully understanding the reward.

For we who remain, it is a good reminder of the past. The Wheel may be all-encompassing here, but it was not always so and it is possible that it will not always remain so. While we may offer service or even devotion, it is best to make one's choices from an informed position.

Further study
Considering the draught of reliable information regarding Pra'Raj, the most fruitful result of this text shall be the underlining of potential research questions that may bring us closer to understanding the Adherents and divinity:

Who or what is Zojhir? What methods did they employ? How numerous and reliable are the records regarding their actions? Has any of their research survived and can its efficacy be determined?

What transpired in Qa'im and is it possible to find documents related to the Adherents there?  There are rumors of experiments with metal and dark magic, but no concrete evidence as of yet.

Are there records of other Adherents and have they been able to reach any sort of quantifiable success?

How does one measure perfection and one's progress towards attaining Godhead? There is potential for both traditional studies in statistics as well as more contemplative and even philosophical takes on the Adherent's teachings. For instance, is perfection singular or divided into aspects?

What are the results of solitary and mentored progression? According to one esteemed scholar the remembrance of whose name could be the subject of another study, one may find opportunities for growth by challenging oneself past one's limits when mentored. Does that apply to the path of the Adherent as well? Repeated references to the Sun's nurturing influence might further support this path of experimentation.

What is the nature of the Pra'Raj and its relation to the Sun? Is it indeed a singular entity or a system of beliefs?

Are there any writings or devices capable of delving into the nature of the soul and divinity? Do any systems of faith offer compelling narratives that could form a basis for further testing? Is a soul immutable - and if not, what measures (both mundane and not) may be used to enact a change within?

Is there any stock to stories of reincarnation and the cycle of life and / or souls? Is perfection attainable over several lifetimes or is it something that must be finished with a potentially finite lifespan?

May the dead obtain perfection or is it inherently limited to those who draw breath? Could an animated object or sufficiently advanced construct reach perfection?

Note on safety
As noted above, even the early stages of gathering information were met with suspicion and dissent. Given how the Wheel faith is tied with the Sultan's influence, it is not wise to spread allegations that might be viewed in unfavorable light by the clergy and the mortal representatives of the Sultan's reign alike. Therefore, one should be careful in choosing where to discuss and disseminate the above research.

[Woofersnoofer]

Appendix II - Note from a RUST SPEAKER, Iyar 23rd

This paper provides an overview on the 'Rust Speaker' pamphlet and compares it with existing Pra'Raj lore. The paper starts with a full transcription of the pamphlet, after which it is examined and the findings are contextualized with existing lore. Full transcription of the pamphlet is as below:

[Once more, it appears a part of the note is either omitted, lost or destroyed.]

The Rust Speaker pamphlets are different from other Pra'Rajin sources in a few key aspects. Firstly, they are marked with the shape of a bloody cog. This could be a reference to Qa'im and the Adherents' experiments there. Secondly, the tone of the pamphlet is wholly more religious than that of other similar material. They capitalize 'He' and speak of a power that calls forth fire. Finally, the pamphlet is signed with the pseudonym 'Rust Speaker', whereas other sources have been entirely anonymous or attributed to Zojhir.

The consistencies with previous scraps and other sources include the notions of 'becoming Eternal' and journeying towards 'Mastery of the Self'. Both of these statements maintain unity with the Adherents' core beliefs of attaining Godhead through the mastery of the self. In addition, the pamphlet agrees that the journey starts with introspection and, as with 'Divulgence of Z', the Adherent at the beginning of their path is understood to be incomplete. Furthermore, both the 'Divulgence of Z' and the Rust Speaker pamphlet refer to transformation. There is a possible link between the two pamphlets.