Mel (also known by countless names across cultures) is the singular divine super-consciousness that exists within the realm of Shmim. Unlike traditional polytheistic systems where multiple gods govern different aspects of reality, Mel represents a unified divine intelligence that encompasses all spiritual awareness within their realm.
In Shmim, all intelligent life exists as facets of Mel's singular consciousness—a perfect, ordered reality where chaos and imperfection simply cannot exist. This divine ego operates on principles fundamentally incomprehensible to material plane beings, pursuing ineffable goals that span dimensions and eons.
Mel's fundamental limitation stems from their complete isolation from chaos and imperfection. Having never experienced disorder, they cannot truly comprehend the nature of material plane existence. This creates a profound disconnect between Mel's intentions and the practical consequences of their interventions.
Mel's Vision for Humanity: The divine plan appears to involve transforming humans into perfect beings—essentially recreating Shmim within the material plane. While this sounds utopian, it would require eliminating everything that makes humans distinctly human: struggle, growth, individuality, and the capacity for meaningful choice between good and evil.
The Divine Paradox: Every plan Mel devises "evaporates on contact with reality." Their perfect understanding of order cannot account for the chaos inherent in free will and material existence.
All Celestials are manifestations of Mel rather than separate entities. They serve as Mel's agents in the material plane, pursuing missions that often appear incomprehensible to human observers.
Low-Level Manifestations - Experienced as strange coincidences and inexplicable "luck" - Only recognized in retrospect when events "don't add up" - Subtle environmental manipulation to guide events
Medium-Level Manifestations - Direct communication attempts that overwhelm human perception - Manifests as: disembodied voices, geometric patterns, multi-winged beings, burning bushes - Drives humans temporarily insane; victims rationalize as profound religious experiences - Messages remain incomprehensible—like extrapolating an entire puzzle from one piece
High-Level Manifestations - Take human form as impossibly beautiful beings - Appearance based on collective unconscious ideals of perfection - Can maintain material plane presence indefinitely - Risk corruption through prolonged independence from Mel
Extended exposure to the material plane's chaos gradually corrupts Celestials, developing individual egos incompatible with Mel's unified consciousness. Shemyaza are rogue manifestations who embrace this corruption, refusing to return to Shmim and attempting to build independent lives.
Reconciliation Process: Corrupted Celestials must undergo painful purification to rejoin Mel, requiring complete elimination of their developed individuality.
Periodically, Mel attempts direct existence as a human being for ineffable reasons. These incarnations appear across all cultures throughout history, typically ending in martyrdom—crucifixion, burning at stakes, or other forms of execution.
Notable Patterns: - Mel deliberately avoids leaving written teachings during avatar periods - Oral traditions often conflict, leading to religious wars over interpretation - Avatar appearances universally inspire both devoted followers and violent opposition
Sepulchers: Gateways to Shmim located within temples, allowing communication between realms
Purification Facilities: Ritual spaces where humans can cleanse themselves of material plane "corruption" before approaching the divine
Sacred Geography: Temples typically constructed around high-level Celestial manifestations who serve as permanent intermediaries
In the post-Cataclysm space age, various factions interpret Mel's influence differently:
The continuing presence of Celestials throughout the solar system ensures that Mel's ineffable plan remains an active force in contemporary politics and society, though its ultimate purpose remains as mysterious as ever.
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions. The road to heaven is paved with perfect intentions that cannot comprehend imperfection." - Anonymous theological observation