I've just read through the Hatcuri and elv backstory and ehh... Humans being engineered into existence is tad extreme, considering their subsequent rebellion (which they should have been unable to organize if they were designed as servants). Maybe enslaving hunter-gatherers and giving them knowledge of things would work better, and would make for example the Taloisistic creation myth have the quality of recalling ancient lost history (with hatcuri being the monsters hating on humans, and the bright one being the first revolutionary.)
Elvs being engineered as foremen and all that follows, I like.
Humans being engineered from whole cloth- that is what was passed down from Iituem. See post 3400. I imagined that the wizard-emperor was a bit of a dick, and so designed the Humans poorly on purpose, so that after his death the empire would collapse. Or maybe he grew fond of the humans over his extended lifespan, so that he eventually decided that they should be free. Or rogue Hacturi had the same sort of thoughts, and organised the rebellion on the human's behalf.
Having humanity already exist, and merely being enhanced and enslaved by the Hacturi works too, though. I dunno; it's all ancient history. Not even the wisest Hacturi could tell you exactly how it went down- humanity's origins is irrelevant, as the consequences remain the same.
That Taloisism is a metaphor for early Human/Hacturi relations is blatantly obvious.
E: BTW, who is of what religion? I assumed that Taloisism in Storm Coast is like Christianity in Europe. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Also, any invocations of god that Nikephoros made and may make from time to time refer to the Taloisistic god. (I should say "by light" but whatever).
Taloisism is not as dominant as Christianity was. It is by its very nature a less controlling religion, more content to let people explore their own paths. But most people are Taloisists, yes. One assumes that all characters from the Storm Coast are Taloisists unless stated otherwise.
Hugo is actually quite an ardent follower of Taloisism. He will swear by the light on occasion, or express surprise by invoking the beasts below. Also, the nautical metaphors. (Lo Shalt The Blind Be Mine Pilot, And Guide Me Through The Darkest Storm.) Or invoke pieces of Taloisist mythology. (Denyllan the kleptomaniac)