Cheng-li

Cheng-li or The Way of the Sky is a religion originating on the eastern steppe. Though Cheng-li is technically a polytheistic religion, Cheng the Sky Father is the preeminent divine, with the other gods acting more as supporting figures to Cheng's central authority.   Cheng-li is a decentralized and naturalistic religion. It teaches that all natural features of the world have a spirit, and that these spirits can be petitioned and grant boons in exchange for sacrifices. There is no organized clergy in Cheng-li. Instead, priests of The Way of the Sky are trained in a sort of apprenticeship, studying under other priests as their assistants until their master decides they are fully trained and ready to lead their own community. Priests are chosen by their communities based on their ability to perform the rituals and earn the boons of the spirits. Priests who's rituals fail to bear fruit can be cast out and replaced if their community demands it.   There is a hierarchy of spirits within Cheng-li, with The Sky Father on top and all other spirits arranged below him in order of the size and prominence of their domain. These include Umai the Earth Mother, Box the Lord of Horses, Ulgen the Great Sculptor, Od Grandfather Time, Erlik The Lord of the Underworld, Ay Ata the Moon Prince, and Ay Ana the Sun Prince.   The practice of Cheng-li is based upon the lunar calendar, with major religious festivals falling on the solstices and equinoxes along with The Festival of the Trials which is celebrated in early summer and is marked by martial games and athletic competitions.   Because Cheng-li is theoretically tied to the land, and not to a particular ethnic group, it is widespread amongst all people of the steppe, though it is not the only religion to be practiced there. It is most popular on the inner steppe, where religions from settled civilizations have made the fewest inroads.