Minlay is one of the more nature-based lesser Illiadian deities, and the Illiadian deity of the hunt, predators and patron of all nature-respecting hunters and hunter-gatherers. They answer both directly to Rencal Kei-Rhai and Merikira te Ruvea and, as with most Illiadian deities, are considered their younger sibling. Minlay's main focus as a god are the acts of hunting animals for food, the bonds one can forge with their fellow hunters and pack-mates, and providing for one's community by hunting and gathering. They're most-often honored by Ree-Mai, Dorro and Rakiakaru, but also by Illiadian Rangers, Druids and Barbarians, and thus answer mostly to Rencal Kei-Rhai and Merikira te Ruvea.
Minlay is noted to have held good relations to the Sancstorylian Deities Mielikki and Melora, the latter of which helped in creating their Javelin of the Divine Hunt.
Despite being a deity of the hunt and of beasts as well, Minlay's relationship to Malar was exceedingly negative. This was mostly due to the fact that Minlay viewed Malar's cruel, destructive nature as antithetical to their own, as Minlay tended to focus on the forging of bonds through hunting, as well as their respect towards nature and care as not to overhunt.
Minlay's realm within The Marble Cathedral is "The Starlit Hunting-grounds", a starlit forest that is perpetually full of life and various game animals. His faithful and the natives of this realm are said to have nightly feasts together after every successful hunt.
Basic tenets of Minlay
- Be one with the nature around you, as understanding your prey is the first step to a successful hunt.
- Keep your friends close to your heart; companionship is crucial, both for Hunters and the Hunted, and the hunt can forge these bonds even stronger.
- Only take what you need, and do not overhunt; respect the cycles of nature and your prey, and future hunts shall reward you.