Human Domain

Her Domain incorporated not only the remnants of the old government but also the influence of the Great Clans — Song, Valor, and Night, who had been key players in managing the human enclaves within the Dream Realm. One pivotal acquisition was the Night Garden, formerly ruled by the House of Night. Now under Nephis' control, this city became a major asset because one of its Components allows her to connect her Dream Gate to two locations simultaneously, vastly improving inter-regional connectivity. This, alongside natural routes like the Stormsea and the road across Godgrave, as well as links between cities like Ravenheart and Bastion, turned the fragmented Dream Realm into a single interconnected empire.^[2]

Her rule differs starkly from that of the old Sovereigns. One of her earliest acts was to reveal the truth about the Dream Realm consuming reality, triggering widespread chaos. Despite this, her divine-like presence brought hope. Considered a demigoddess by many, Nephis can feel the distress of her subjects and bestow blessings from afar, granting them healing and empowering them in battle. This divine support has greatly enhanced the combat effectiveness of human forces, making them nearly immortal.^[3]

Her Domain is upheld and symbolized by the Fire Keepers, a group prominently active and revered, serving as valiant heralds of her rule.^[4]

With billions of people within her Domain, Nephis constantly experiences their collective emotions and longings, which threaten to overwhelm her, despite her strength and divinity.^[5]

Nephis' Domain is unique in that it lacks a physical boundary, existing instead in the hearts of those inspired by her, and spanning both the waking world and the Dream Realm. Unlike the Sword and Song Domains, which are built upon Citadels created by the Nightmare Spell and thus offer tangible protection against Corruption, Nephis' Domain can only provide such protection to those residing within the reach of her Citadels. Initially misunderstood as a product of a Sovereign’s personal power, the ability to suppress Corruption was revealed by Nephis and Sunny to originate from the Citadels themselves.^[6]

As a result, followers outside her Citadels are not shielded from the First Nightmare unless they awaken naturally or request a trial through the Dream Gate. Nephis can release individuals from her Domain if they truly desire to challenge a Nightmare, a choice driven by personal intent rather than force. Though many gather in solemn, temple-like spaces to meditate and prepare for such trials, Nephis never intended for her Domain to become a system of divine intervention; instead, she sought to inspire people to pursue strength on their own.^[6]

Sunny dislikes the name "Human Domain", considering it insufficiently grand, and regrets not being heeded when suggesting alternatives. Initially, people referred to it with various names such as:^[7]

• Star Domain^[7]
• Light Domain^[7]
• Immortal Flame Domain^[7]

Nephis rejected those in favor of a more general title "Human Domain" to ensure the unity of humanity would persist even if she reached a greater Rank, or died trying.^[7]