Semayi'gera, or Sky Domain in common, is the dominant faith of the Mengi peoples of East Sarhal. Sole in reverence is the god Amilak, whom the Mengi believe to be lord of the skies and bringer of rain. However, the Sky Domain faith also recognizes so-called “God-Kin” who are seen as the deities of other lands. This makes the Semayi’gera a henotheistic religion, as while the faith does not deny the existence of other deities, it only teaches the worship of Amilak alone.
The religion was primarily practiced only by the Mengi for most of its history, with attempts to spread the faith only occurring under the resurgent Melakmengi in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Recognized Deities[]
Amilak, the Essence of Order[]
The central figure of the Sky Domain faith is Amilak, god of the skies and weather. Amilak rules over the skies, and has chosen the land of Madriamilak (in common, Amilak’s Land) as his domain. To the Mengi, Amilak is their specific divine guardian. He rules over the powers of Wind and Water, dwelling within the skies above the land he governs. Just like on Halann does a King or Queen rule the land, so does Amilak in the skies. He rules over the souls of the departed Mengi, ever focused on managing his demesne through his appointed divine servants.
Depictions of Amilak in Mengi art vary wildly, although he is most commonly depicted as an ancient, dark skinned man with a long, cloudy beard and free flowing locs of silver color, often atop a throne of clouds.
Yrilak, the Essence of Disorder[]
Yrilak is the twin brother of Amilak. Whilst Amilak is just and fair, Yrilak is seen as arbitrary and capricious, as detrimental to civilization as he is lazy. Many (but not all) ills of the world are seen to be his fault, either directly or indirectly. He is responsible for the division of mankind and godkind among the world, and is seen as everything a bad ruler would be.
In Sky Domain teachings, the Yezel Mora is Yrilak’s domain, which he leases to the hags. The hags, the trolls of the Shadow Swamp, and an assortment of other beings all are considered servants of Yrilak.
Divine Servants[]
The Sky Domain faith lists a great many of divine servants of Amilak, fulfilling many important duties. However, they fall under a few categories, depending on their occupation.
Sky Kings[]
Each people, the Yeteferen, the Metobesebi, the Ofehibi, the Talilibeti, and the Sitewosi are allocated land under Amilak's divine auspices, to tend and keep as they see fit after they die. Ruling them are the Sky-Kings of each people, said to be the first kings of each, appointed by Amilak to guide - but not govern, their people in perpetuity. These Sky-Kings wander the lands, assisting all of the souls of the dead with their wandering courts.
Wind Lords[]
The task of resisting Yrilak’s corrupting influence in the world is a difficult task. Six Wind Lords are assigned to this task. It is they who scour the skies for the influence of Evil and send it crashing to the earth. When the Hags of Yezel Mora send their winged agents among the world to spread their foul messages, when they are found stricken dead with no wounds, many acclaim it the actions of the Wind Lords and their Hosts.
Queens of the Waters[]
The Queens of the Waters manage the weather and rains. It is they who control the waters of the skies, directing it in clouds to fall where it is needed. Sometimes, they become enamored with the presence of Amilak or more likely, a recently passed mortal mage, and forget to complete their duties, resulting in droughts and dry spells.
The Afterlife[]
When a Mengi dies, their Soul travels to Amilak’s realm, where they are allocated a home and land to tend to as they wish. Here they dwell with their departed family under the rule of their respective Sky-King, or with their departed spouse if they married into another people. However, if they so wish they may forsake this afterlife and instead dedicate it in service of Amilak in one of two other fashions.
Warhosts of the Wind[]
Those who served as warriors and leaders in life may serve in such similar roles under the Wind Lords. These brave departed souls train night and day in order to defend the skies and the dead against the evil depredations of the Hags and Yrilak’s influence upon the world. Those who die and wish to support Amilak further through the rest of eternity may join the Warhosts.
Weavers of the Celestial Waters[]
Those who served as priests and mages in life become Weavers of the Celestial Waters - agents under the Eight Queens to bring water from the depths of the earth and from the skies to rain down upon the world. As well, they work to protect the skies and waters from the influence of the Hags and their foul magics.
Semayebaka[]
The Semayebaka, or cloud watchers in common, are the priests of the Sky Domain faith. Due to the decentralized nature of the religion, there are many ways to become a priest. The most common way is by joining a local temple and rising through its ranks.
However, if one is born with magical potential, they are considered to have been gifted power by Amilak. These individuals are heavily encouraged to join the priesthood, where they are raised to develop their powers. By the time they become an adult, they become a special type of Semayebaka, known as a rain-priest.
Rain-priests specialize in Kairomancy, also known as weather manipulation magic. Mengi Kairomancers are some of the most talented and numerous. However, Kairomancy is considered a religious practice, and comes with many limitations. Chief among these is the banning of its use in warfare, except in defense of the holy land.
Semayebaka are a class in their own right in society, and also the easiest source of social and economic advancement. A peasant that shows magical potential will find themselves accepted into the ranks of the Semayebaka very quickly. And even a peasant that dedicates their life to a local temple will inevitably find themselves becoming a priest.
The faith following the fall of Melakmengi became decentralized. Power rested in the hands of head-priests of powerful temples and religious orders. These religious institutions transcended the boundaries of the warring kingdoms, and became a significant force in Mengi politics, which a king would need to placate if they wanted a successful reign.
Sky Temples[]
Sky Temples are locations where Amilak is worshiped. The design of these temples often vary, but usually take the shape of a large dome with an opening at the top where the sky can be seen unobstructed. Every day the local community gathers inside these temples at noon, when the sun is highest in the sky.
Origins and Spread[]
Ancient Mengi records indicate that Amilak was one of the oldest gods of the city-states of the Keygas river basin. Even in this early period, he held a dominant position in the pantheon. Though this dominance can only be seen in the proto-Ofehibi, with the Yeteferen relegating Amilak to a minor god.
The awakening of Zenidir Zentirizar and the founding of Melakmengi that came with it caused a massive reformation of the Mengi faith. The old gods were forgotten or demoted to servants, and Amilak became the supreme god. This new faith spread across Madriamilak, becoming dominant as a means of uniting the disparate tribes and city-states, and driving older, more tribalistic faiths in the region to the fringes.
The Holy Land[]
The concept of the “holy land” in the Sky Domain faith is defined as all the lands between the Pakreda Sedara Mountains and the Keygas river. These borders are strictly defined, and it is here where Amilak’s domain in the mortal realm is found. It is the religious duty of all Mengi kings to defend Amilak’s territory against outside invaders.
It is notable that the holy land of the Sky Domain corresponds almost exactly with the borders of the first Melakmengi Empire under Zenidir Zentirizar’s reign. This is not a coincidence, for the Sky Domain faith was spread by the empire across its vast territory. According to Sky Domain scripture, Melakmengi represented the conquest and establishment of Amilak’s territory in the mortal realm.