Monday 8 March 2021

Depictions of Sefrim

The Takmahl and the primitive inhabitants of the constellations around Araz have depictions of the Sefrim, just as we do. The style is reminescent of ancient Amarr, 21st millennium, and shows little development in time. The Sabik who left Amarr took the artistic culture with them, and kept it frozen in time. And yet, there are three major differences to how we depict the Sefrim.
 
Firstly, whereas Amarrian depictions show the Sefrim masked, the Takmahl depictions show them without mask, their faces ready to scorch anyone who dares to gaze upon them.
 
Secondly, in our historical icons, the Sefrim are usually depicted flanking the Emperor - this style is called the Parangelis Imperatoris. In Takmahl depictions the emperor is not present, and the Sefrim are guardians or gatekeepers - this style is called the Angeli Ostiarius. In the legends of the region, the Ametat and Avetat have been taken back when God was displeased with the emperor-successors of Amash-Akura, and put again in the care of the Sefrim. The Guardian Sefrim are the relics' keepers. Great palaces or treasuries would have bronze or gilded bas-relief Sefrim on the doors.
 

Thirdly, our Sefrim are often shown carring the Ametat and Avetat. If they wield a weapon, it is a sword, sometimes a flaming sword. Most uniquely, the depictions in relic sites in Araz, Kakol and surroundings show them carrying spears or lances. Rarely they are welcoming, such as the mosaic shown above, most of the time they are blocking the way, with crossed spears. The legend is that only the Takmahl emperor would be allowed entrace to the Angelic Treasury where the Ametat and Avetat are kept, and all the others (especially the Amarr they fled from) are unworthy. For them the way is blocked and they will melt at the very sight of the unmasked Sefrim.