Often a point of confusion due to the eclectic nature of
Seruli'san (the Holy and Imperial Word of the Sacral Empire; otherwise known as the native tongue of the
Serukta), in addition to the exceptional difficulty which arises in both learning and speaking it, the
Sehkrisaal is known by many names. Chief amongst these - and the one recognized most evidently beyond the boundaries of the Thionic Expanse (
see below) - is that of the "Sacral Empire," the closest rendering of the word "Sehkrisaal" into Galactic Standard. As a matter of official policy, the
full and legal name of the Sacral Empire is "
Serukta Sehkrisaal," or the "Sacral Empire of the Second Children of the Light." It is this measure which is inscribed on all official documents, writs, legal proclamations, edicts, clerical and ecclesiastical declarations, and characters - both imperial and ennobled.
LocationThe primary volume of the Sacral Empire is firmly situated within the Alpha Quadrant. Specifically, the four
kasa'ad (comparable to "kingdom" in many languages, though "province" is accepted in description) of Suu'benoth, Masaas'vol, Qa'salnaar, and Si'kuraq are situated within a gravitationally-bound region of space containing gas and particulate of considerabl (relative) density within the Galactic Bar of the Galactic Core Region; this region is commonly known as, due to the prevalence of arid worlds within it and the general hostile astronomical weather in the volume, the "Thionic Expanse."
The Thionic Expanse, and through extension its contents, are in relative proximity to the Solarian Reaches and Sol System itself, leading in the past to the growth of a significant human population within the Sacral Empire. In addition, the Empire is located near several interstellar trading lanes and station spurs, granting an avenue for both export and import - though such is often heavily controlled by the Great House Riijmakar, which has an Imperial Charter of Monopoly on commerce, trade relations, and mercantile licensing and regulation when it comes to both internal and external trade.
Within the Thionic Expanse, officially, the Sacral Empire constitutes sixty-four distinct stellar systems, thirteen of which contain planetary bodies capable of permanent settlement and habitation; beyond the gravitationally-demarcated boundaries of the Expanse, the Empire has at least one known territorial holding in the Gamma Quadrant, that of Arahbaltu.
GovernanceThe Sacral Empire is most appropriately defined as an
absolute theo-monarchy in the classical sense; such is to say that, from the perception of the Burning Crown, the holy scripture of
Khasa'ilu (
see below), and imperial law, the Sacral Empire is headed by a sovereign which is presumed to be a physical manifestation of the primordial monad or "Absolute Divinity" of creation, that of
Sa'ilu, the Endless Flame.
As a matter of hierarchy, imperial bureaucracy is broadly divided into three strata, with eleven sub-strata:
- The Burning Crown
- The Sehkrisah: The political and martial title of the Sacral Empire as a star-state and polity - often compared to an "emperor" or "caliph." As a benefit ex offico is also known as...
- The Naa'suakaan Khasa'ilu: The "Anointed Guide and Guardian of the Path of the Endless Flame," or the leader of the religious faith of the Sacral Empire, that of Khasa'ilu, or the "Path of the Endless Flame." In addition, as a benefit ex officio is also known as...
- The Kasa'adii of Suu'benoth: By benefit of the Burning Crown's political office, the Sehkrisah is, in turn, the Kasa'adii of Suu'benoth and, as such, has an Imperial Charter of Monopoly regarding Serijn production and distribution, as well as being the sole legal source of Imperial Writs Internecine in regard to the Thu'laiika Sakiin.
Regardless, the Sehkrisah is always the Naa'suakaan Khasa'ilu, and vice versa; the Burning Crown is, in turn, perpetually drawn from the Holy and Imperial House Lusarha (also known as the "Sehk'lusarha") which is the highest ennobled household in the Sacral Empire and the longest (and only) reigning dynasty in its history. Typically, inheritance of the title "Sehkrisah," its entailment, offices, duties, and role is determined via agnatic primogeniture (or a form of modified Salic law, for the sake of comparisons to Galactic Standard systems of inheritance); with the ascension of Raislu Sessai Sehk'lusarha (Raislu VI), however, this process - which was never enshrined by imperial law, but merely a matter of peaceful convention - was reverted to the original manner, that of "first to the throne." As such, Raislu Sessai ascended to the throne and was pronounced the Sehkrisah Naa'suakaan Khasa'ilu following arrival to the throne before his elder siblings - a practice accomplished through the quiet detention of his siblings following his father's passing.
The Sehkrisah has, as a matter of imperial law, absolute authority to draft, promulgate, declare, and execute legislation as an Imperial Edict or Declaration. Such cannot be overturned, superseded, or rendered null and void by any lesser body; such laws, depending upon focus, are considered Imperial, religious (or Ma'adha), or - in certain circumstances - both. As a matter of policy, the Sehkrisah further serves as the "Fount of Final Appeal" in all criminal, civil, and religious judicial proceedings, and may be petitioned for such from lower nobility or offices.
- The Imperial Court Offices
- Office of the Saik'saihuul: Often compared to a "Grand Vizier" or "Prime Minister," the Saik'saihuul is the highest executive office in the Sacral Empire, to the exclusion of the Crown itself. The office is selected/appointed and serves at the leisure and pleasure of the Crown and may be dissolved at will; any person may be appointed to Saik'saihuul insofar as they are drawn from the Sinah (see below) of Asarsinah or Mislusinah, thus requiring the office to be filled by a Serukta mechanically.
As a matter of his office, the Saik'saihuul serves as the mouthpiece and Crown in absentia, and leads the Saihusaalt (see below). He is, in addition, often the closest personal adviser to the Sehkrisah and, in addition to the Saihusaalt, can be drafted on matters of exceptional importance to draft and promulgate legislation with the Burning Crown outside of Imperial Edicts and Declarations - that of a "Council Declaration." Regardless of the source of the declaration - with or without council - it is considered Imperial Law, but not religious law.
- The Saihusaalt: The "Imperial Divan," "Privy Council," or "Small Council." The Saihusaalt acts, as a collective, as the personal advisers to the Sehkrisah and is staffed by the Saik'saihuul (whom, in the absence of the Sehkrisah, presides over all meetings) in addition to Saihuula (sing. Saihuul). Saihuula are appointed to ministerial offices (portfolios or saihuulai [sing. saihuulan]) by the Sehkrisah and serve at the leisure and pleasure of the Crown. Much like the Saik'saihuul, they are required to be drawn from the Asarsinah or Mislusinah, and thus must be Serukta. Saihuula may, also, be appointed to the Saihusaalt without portfolio.
- The Sanaiidra: Equivalent to an "imperial parliament," the Sanaiidra has, under certain Sehkrisah, been exceptionally powerful. Given proper circumstances and permitted to function in full, the Sanaiidra acts as as the primary legislative body of the Sacral Empire in matters of imperial promulgation, either with the Crown-in-sitting or in the Crown's absence (assuming Crown assent is granted); functionally, the Sanaiidra is a unicameral parliament. Even so, the Sanaiidra may be called and prorogued at the will of the Crown and, as such, its power is largely dependent upon the willingness of the Sehkrisah to rule from the Burning Crown itself; regardless, the Sanaiidra may consist of:
- Any ennobled party from a Saar'naiid (pl. Saar'naiidra) or "House Superior"; that is to say, any noble whom is a member of a House Superior has the legal privilege to attend the Sanaiidra when or if it is called.
- Any ennobled party from a Sai'naiid (pl. Sai'naiidra) or "House Inferior"; that is to say, any noble whom is a member of a House Inferior has the legal privilege to attend the Sanaiidra when or if it is called.
- Any other party granted authority and privilege to attend in accordance with Crown Prerogative.
Under Raislu Sessai, the Sanaiidra has never been convened; even so, the Crown has ultimate prerogative to grant parties attendance rights and may, further, regardless of legal privilege, remove any person or persons from the Sanaiidra by prerogative. The Sanaiidra, as a body, represents the rights and powers of the Ahuru'saarsai (see below).
- The Ahlraimaalk: The "Ecumenical Council" of the Sacral Empire. The Ahlraimaalk is staffed by persons and parties selected and appointed by the Crown; typically this constitutes the leading officiators of the sa'denaan or religious schools of Khasa'ilu. Much like the Sanaiidra and Saihusaalt, the Ahlraimaalk and its constituent parties serve at the leisure and pleasure of the Crown and may be called, prorogued, or have parties individual or collective dismissed or convened in accordance with Crown Prerogative. Much like the Saihusaalt, the Crown and the Ahlraimaalk may draft and promulgate legislation of an extraordinary purpose beyond Imperial Edicts and Declarations; unlike the Saihusaalt, however, laws drafting "in Crown council" with the Ahlraimaalk are, universally, considered religious law or Ma'adha. The Ahlraimaalk, as a body, represents the rights and powers of the Ahuru'ilutaah (see below).
- The Husmaliik: Often compared to a martial council or "meeting of Joint Chiefs," the Husmaliik is the third executive body, appending the Saihusaalt and the Ahlraimaalk, and constituting - at the leisure and pleasure of the Crown - the Ima'sabitah of the Ima'adhusal (sideranaval forces), the Kara'kaliishah of the Kara'adhusal (ground forces), their executive staff personnel, or any other person or persons granted the privilege by the Crown. Strictly speaking, the Husmaliik does not draft or promulgate either imperial or religious law domestically; however, in the instance of conquest or occupation, it is often convened in-council with the Crown for the creation of martial declarations regarding prerogatives and actions undertaken in combat zones or recently conquered territories. The Husmaliik, as a body, represents the rights and powers of the Ahuru'alidaial (see below).
Due to the nature of the Sacral Empire, in actuality, there are numerous other court offices - excluding entirely household offices of exceptional importance. For the sake of brevity, only the most influential or pressing of court offices and bodies have been listed.
- The Asarsinah
- The Ahuru'saarsai: The "Ennobled." Comprising all Saarba'al (Lords Superior) and Saiba'al (Lords Inferior), the Ahuru'saarsai or "Saarsai" serve as the administrative backbone of the feudalistic system of the Sacral Empire, acting as governing authorities in their entailed fees, lands, and territories. Each are given a certain degree of autonomy, though each are bound by both imperial and religious law (Ma'adha). Amongst the Saarsai, three offices ex officio are granted, further, extraordinary powers:
- The Kasa'adii of Masaas'vol is granted an Imperial Charter of Monopoly concerning trade, commercial, and mercantile regulations and licensing - both in regard to export and import as well as domestic commerce. Due to the emphasis placed upon the slave trade in the Sacral Empire and due to its prevalent, neo-mercantilist economic policies, the house which holds the Kasa'ad of Masaas'vol has considerable sway and influence within the Empire - particularly when it comes to diplomacy, as trade outposts are often the easiest way for foreign parties to begin diplomatic relations with the Empire. Even so, due to Crown Prerogative, the issue of the slave trade is heavily regulated further directly from the imperial capital, superseding certain regulations which otherwise would be executed by the party granted said monopoly.
- The Kasa'adii of Si'kuraq is granted an Imperial Charter of Monopoly concerning the research, development, and procurement of certain technological mechanisms, engineering, and - specifically - ship and weapon manufacturing. Due to such, the Kasa'ad of Si'kuraq is often stated to be the industrial heartland of the Sacral Empire and due to such, the house which holds the Kasa'ad of Si'kuraq has considerable sway and influence within the Empire - particularly when it comes to weapons manufacturing and technological development. Even so, due to Crown Prerogative, the issue of martial technology is heavily regulated further directly from the imperial capital, superseding certain regulations which otherwise would be executed by the party granted said monopoly.
- The Kasa'adii of Qa'salnaar is granted an Imperial Character of Monopoly concerning finance, credit, and minting of specie. Due to such, the Kasa'ad of Qa'salnaar is often in strict competition with the Kasa'ad of Masaas'vol for the "wealthiest kasa'ad" in the Empire, excluding the Kasa'ad of Suu'benoth; as such, the house which holds the Kasa'ad of Qa'salnaar has considerably sway and influence within the Empire - particularly when it comes to the extension of credit, financing other parties (including other imperial monopolies), and investment. Even so, due to Crown Prerogative, the issue of minting specie is heavily regulated further directly from the imperial capital, superseding certain regulations which otherwise would be executed by the party granted said monopoly.
- The Ahuru'ilutaah: The "Clergy." Comprising all sa'denaan, the Ahuru'ilutaah or "Ilutaah" serve as the religious backbone of the theocratic system of the Sacral Empire, acting as dispensers of sacraments, hierophants and hierodules, in addition to acting as primary judges and interpreters in regards to religious law and the Ma'adha-based, parallel court system.
- The Ahuru'alidial: The "Imperial Forces." Comprising all branches of the imperial (or Crown) military, the Ahuru'alidaial or "Alidaial" serve as the martial backbone of the military of the Sacral Empire, acting as soldiers, conquerors, captors, and the Crown threat of violence and martial conformity.
EconomicsStrictly speaking, the Sacral Empire operates broadly on a
mercantilistic economic policy, placing emphasis on the importation of raw materials and resources which otherwise cannot be obtained domestically for refinement, processing, and use in the production and manufacturing of completed (and higher value, relative to their constituent components) goods for export. As such, the Empire places decidedly protectionist regulations and tariffs in regards to the importation of completed goods or luxury goods, spare when domestic production capabilities are absolutely insufficient and of the utmost necessity. Due to this, amongst much of the population, consumer goods and appliances commonly seen in other star-states are woefully absent. As a base example, much of the population of the Sacral Empire, for example, lack means of visual media (such as televisions, networked computer systems, etc.), often lack simple household goods (such as electric stoves and ranges, microwave appliances and toasters, etc.), and even mechanical means of locomotion (such as automobiles) relying instead on beasts of burden.
Insofar as economic and monetary policy, economic direction is sourced primarily from the Burning Crown - specifically from the Crown-in-council of the Saihusaalt - with notable cooperation (and competition) between the Great Houses of Nahaasiin (of Qa'salnaar) and Riijmakar (of Masaas'vol). These distinct parties often work both cooperatively and against one another as prevailing international and domestic market trends dictate, with the Crown taking precedence in many spheres and markets, most notably the slave trade and the production of stellar craft (both subliminal and superluminal). This cooperative/competitive nature, further, extends to monetary policy; despite the Great House of Nahaasiin having an Imperial Charter of Monopoly in regards to minting specie, the imperial currency (the
qiraat) is, atypically, bimetal in nature and considered a partially-backed currency, deriving much of its value from small portions of the exceptionally valuable, liquid and "metallic" psychotropic Serijn - of which the Burning Crown holds a monopoly on the production and distribution.
Due to such, while the Great House Nahaasiin may, in fact, mint at its leisure and, thus, directly impact the value of the qiraat domestically (as sale of the qiraat to foreign parties is exceptionally regulated to the point of practical prohibition without exclusive authorization from the Crown, resulting in a good/service or comparable specie international trade system), the Burning Crown can, equally, influence the value of the qiraat through manipulation of Serijn in the consumer market - beyond simple minting into specie.
Lastly, as previously mentioned, the Sacral Empire is a star-state which practices institutional, generational slavery. As such, persons as individuals (and, in certain exceptional cases, as collectives) have long-since been commoditized as marketable chattel. While fief-bound peasantry, commoners, and an influential mercantile class of aristocracy make-up much of the domestic labor, slaves outnumber these classes by a considerable margin. This has, amongst other contributed factors, lead to the effective stagnation of the broad consumer market in the Sacral Empire, leading many star-states and interstellar organizations to compare the domestic living conditions of the "common man" in the Empire to that of the "Third World" of 21st Century Terra.
DemographicsThe Sacral Empire is a caste-based society, utilizing a system of social, political, and religious sorting known as the
Sinah. In the Sinah, most persons born of one caste, in turn, inherit their wellspring's caste and sub-caste (or Sinah and
Ahuru'sinah). In some cases, the Sinah is divided based upon species strictly, but not all castes are based upon species. Below is an abridged listing and description of each Sinah (caste) and Ahuru'sinah (sub-caste) with appending bodies, species, and further information noted:
- The Asarsinah
- Ahuru'saarsai: Comprising the "nobility" of the Sacral Empire and serves as the administrative backbone of the Empire. In sum, it is comprised wholly of members of the Serukta species and theo-political class.
- Ahuru'ilutaah: Comprising the "clergy" of the Sacral Empire and serves as the religious backbone of the Empire. In sum, it is comprised wholly of members of the Serukta species and theo-political class.
- Ahuru'alidaial: Comprising the "imperial armed forces" of the Sacral Empire and serves as the martial backbone of the Empire. In sum, it is comprised wholly of members of the Serukta species and theo-political class.
The Asarsinah, as a collective, constitutes a system of minority rule in the Sacral Empire; as such, the Asarsinah (and by benefit, the Serukta) dominate political, religious, martial, and (arguably) commercial enterprises in the Empire.
- The Mislusinah
- The Ahuru'sadaial: Comprising the "house forces" of the Sacral Empire, the Ahuru'sadaial or "Sadaial" is comprised, in whole, of the Serukta species and theo-political class. Unlike Serukta found within the Asarsinah, however, the Sadaial are not, strictly speaking, active participants in imperial governance; historically derived from Lords Inferior (and their households) which were unable to support their own lands and property during a cataclysmic, stellar tidal swell which struck the Empire known as the "Thionic Harrowing," the Sadaial is comprised of the descendents of these Saiba'al and households which pledged fealty to more influential and powerful Lords Inferior and Lords Superior, eventually becoming elevated vassals of their new liege lords. Even so, unlike the Saarsai, the Sadaial may not be granted entailment and remain as Sadaial; instead, their liege must seek permission from his mediated lord and, then, seek assessment from the Ilutaah in lieu of the Burning Crown.
- The Ahuru'nahseraa: Comprising the "free Serukta" of the Sacral Empire, the Ahuru'nahseraa or "Nahseraa" is comprised, in whole, of the Serukta species and theo-political class. Unlike Serukta found within the Asarsinah, however, the Nahseraa are not strictly speaking, active participants in imperial governance; historically dervided from Lords Inferior (and their households) which were unable to support their own lands and property during a cataclysmic, stellar tidal swell which struck the Empire known as the "Thionic Harrowing," the Nahseraa is comprised of the descendents of these Saiba'al and households which did not pledge fealty to more influence and powerful Lords Inferior and Lords Superior. In the contemporary state of the Empire, the many domestic Nahseraa live, effectively, as mercantile aristocrats or have adopted a semi-nomadic, commercial lifestyle known as "Haash," living much of their lives traveling city to city and town to town trading. Others have long since left the Empire and, as such, the Nahseraa are one of the few Ahuru'sinah which has a significant presence beyond the boundaries of the Thionic Expanse outside of matters of imperial concern.
- The Raakisinah
- The Ahuru'mahliiri: Comprised of the much of the mahliiri (sing. mahliir) species, the Ahuru'mahliiri was the second Ahuru'sinah created as a consequence of the inclusion and social uplifting (as opposed to technological) of a secondary species into the Sacral Empire. Native to the Ur'maak System in Masaas'vol, the mahliiri were once a socially and commercially wealthy civilization in the Thionic Expanse before the First Great Purification which brought them into conflict with the Sacral Empire. Choosing to submit, the mahliiri were spared the purification and xeroforming of their homeworld, Laluba'al, and have since become the wealthiest Ahuru'sinah of the Raakisinah in the empire, constituting much of the aristocratic, mercantile classes of the Empire.
- The Ahuru'nabaati: Comprised of much of the nabaati (sing. nabaat) species, the Ahuru'nabaati was the third Ahuru'sinah created as a consequence of the inclusion and social uplifting (as opposed to technological) of a secondary species into the Sacral Empire. Native to the Na'kaab System in Si'kuraq, the nabaati were once a scientifically and technologically advanced civilization in the Thionic Expanse, capable of such marvels as (in at least once instance) stellar engineering. During the Second Great Purification, however, the nabaati were subjugated by the Sacral Empire, their homeworld of Aba'tiis purified and xeroformed, and much of their technological advancement lost. Eventually, the naabati were socially uplifted to an Ahuru'sinah of the Raakisinah and, now becoming the second wealthiet Ahuru'sinah of such in the Empire and present through many different enterprises, ranging from research and development to luxury services.
- The Ahuru'ahkrimaal: Comprised of the sum total of the ahrkimaal (sing. ahkrim( species, the Ahuru'ahkrimal was the first Ahuru'sinah created as a consequence of the inclusion of a secondary species into the Sacral Empire. Very little information about the ahkrimaal is known; imperial records have either been lost or otherwise obfuscated from public dissemination (a common practice). Even so, it is widely believed that the ahkrimaal species originated from Suu'benoth, possibly from the Navaiihta or Uhrku'uk Systems, the same kasa'ad from which the Serukta originated within the Thionic Expanse. Due to this, it is commonly believed the ahkrimaal were technologically uplifted during the early periods of the Sacral Empire; even so, they are - either as individuals or bodies collective - an uncommon sight in the Empire.
- The Kersusinah
- The Ahuru'kerdaial: Comprising the "imperial levies" of the Sacral Empire, the Ahuru'kerdial or "Kerdaial" is the most "privileged" of the Kersusinah and constitutes a wide range of species - including humans. Often employed as supplement forces to Sadaial detachments and as a police force, the Kerdaial is often see nas the "Law on the Ground" and is often charged with the enforcement of imperial, religious, and noble law (where applicable).
- The Ahuru'sadrkar: Arguably the largest (or second largest) Ahuru'sinah, the Ahuru'sadrkar or "Sadrkar" comprises the commoners and land-bound peasantry (or serfs) of the Sacral Empire and, much like the Kerdaial, contains a wide range of species - including humans.
- The Ahuru'iskrisinu: Arguably the largest (or second largest) Ahuru'sinah, the Ahuru'iskrisinu or "Iskrisinu" comprises the sum total of the the slave population in the Sacral Empire and contains a wide range of species - including humans. The Iskrisinu is further divided, broadly, into three sub-strata which, in turn, are often divided further based upon specialization and focus:
- The Atasakri is the only sub-strata of the Kersusinah for which practical literacy (writing and reading, beyond rudimentary pictographs) is not considered a treasonous offense. They are often employed as scribes, clerics and clerks, and foreign diplomats and translators.
- The Masakri is the sub-strata of the Kersusinah which constitutes much of the manual labor workforce of the Sacral Empire and is, often, considered the most "oppressive" of Ahuru'sinah sub-strata to be classified into simply due to the hazardous environments and conditions to which they are dispatched.
- The Naiasakri is the sub-strate of the Kersusinah which constitutes "household property" in the Sacral Empire. This often includes simple house servants, cooks, child-rearing personnel, personal companions, and "slaves of the bed and bath."
The root of the word "Kersusinah," that or "kersu" is derived from the Seruli'san word "kersuna'ad" which, literally, means "pain mark." The Kersusinah, as such, are renowned for bearing tattoos or brands which identify not only their Sinah and Ahuru'sinah, but also homeworld, whether they are of native or foreign chattel origin, their owner(s), and respective liege lord.
- The Rinasahkri
Strictly speaking, the classification of "Rinasahkri" is neither a Sinah nor an Ahuru'sinah, but the lack of such. Equivalent to a Writ of Proscription or Outlawry, any party - individual or collective - declared "Rinasahkri" is considered beyond the protection of law - be it imperial, religious, or noble. Such persons often attempt to flee the Empire, or are individuals whom are a portion of a subjugated civilization not intended for inclusion into the Sinah. Any party - individual or collective - may be declared Rinasahkri by the Crown, excluding the Sehkrisah himself, though this does include members of the Serukta species and theo-political class.
CultureFor the average sadrkar (commoner) in the Sacral Empire, life can be described simply as: hardship, faith, obedience, and loyalty. As can be expected, these qualities are pervasive in the culture of the Sacral Empire - and often strictly enforced by law. Even so, as a multi-species polity, this can take numerous forms, and despite the overwhelming presence of Khasa'ilu - or the only legal and state-enforced religion of the Sacral Empire - can often present itself in a manner seemingly contradictory to official doctrine, but otherwise permitted. This is due, in part, to the variances in law and jurisprudence throughout the Empire, ranging from one liege lord to the next, one city to the next, much less one planet or planetary system to the next.
Despite the difficulty for average life in the Empire - and often contrary to public perception - certain cultural mores have, over time, integrated themselves into the Sacral Empire from foreign sources - both now conquered and free. While this example is more prevalent throughout the Raakisinah due to the differences in cultural expression between the nabaati, mahliiri, and Serukta, possibly the most pervasive source of "different" culture in the Empire is that which has originated over time through trade - both foreign and domestic. Many habits, as an example, of the tribal and semi-nomadic nature of the Haash has, over time, incorporated itself into imperial society - particularly reverence for family, even amongst the commoner classes.
In addition, imperial culture is known abroad for three seemingly all-pervasive aspects: reverence for the divinities of Khasa'ilu; emphasis upon meals and social gatherings which surround cuisine; and, lastly, cleanliness.
In the Empire, regardless of origin, an individual whom was born into imperial society will, in all likelihood, revere a particular divinity of the Path of the Endless Flame over others. Merchants, as an example, often Ha'maahr or Ha'luulai, the Serukor whose spheres encompass commerce, travel, and social games; further, soldiers and pit-fighters might pray in worship to Korsiidh (the Serukor of conflict and honor) or Kaadija (the Serukor of the hunt and cunning); even still, prostitutes or mothers might pray to Se'hkinaa (Serukor of passion and intimacy) or Sa'addai (Serukor of mercy and conception). It is not uncommon, even if an individual is within quick distance of a
ma'sarahk (or Ilutaah-sanctioned temple) to construct a shrine or altar of their own make (known as a
sarahk) in reverence to their Serukor of choice or even Sa'ilu (as the Father of Fire) and Sihu'ekla (as the Mother of Water) themselves.
Secondly, cuisine and meals as a point of social interaction is of considerable cultural emphasis in the Sacral Empire. In imperial society, there are traditionally two meals occurring at or (or soon thereafter) dawn and dusk, following morning and evening ablutions and prayers; this is practiced, in part, due to the overwhelming desert climates of the habitable worlds in the Thionic Expanse, making midday meals uncomfortable or otherwise untenable, but also due to such meals often coming before the officially beginning or immediately following the traditional "prayer-to-prayer" work period of the average day on most inhabited worlds.
Lastly, of international renown, the Serukta are known for their cleanliness - a practice which borders on the obsessive. Incorporated into each and every regimen of prayer, it is typical for individuals to do a complete ablution (bath) before entering a ma'sarahk or undertaking prayer or other meditative practices. In the least, it is a matter of religious law that all
Ilumaarai ("Illuminated," a term for followers of Khasa'ilu) are to wash their hands, feet, and face before committing to prayer or another devotional practice. Over the centuries, this has grown to become an all-consuming endeavor to keep-out the dust, sand, and silt of the arid worlds for which the Thionic Expanse is known; as a consequence, it is often said that despite the often prohibitive costs of water (depending upon localized seasonal cycles), a commoner will give his last qiraat for a cup of water to bathe his face than he will to drink. Certainly an exaggeration, but the proverb does well to demonstrate the focus of hygiene and cleanliness which religious scripture and pervasive social norms have enforced on the Sacral Empire - even despite its myriad of species.