Helians

Everyone knows what the Helians have accomplished on any given day because they never hesitate to share the news.

— Isla Liey, Master Vintner

Overview

Helians are a proud people who are striving to attain the glory of the The Ancient Order. They have formed a society that rewards accomplishments made regularly. Feats performed in war are particularly honored and rewarded. In fact, life in the military is the fastest career track for any Helian looking to advance their station. That is, it is the fastest for those who can survive it.
A Helian must ward off enemies on and off the battlefield, and from both friends and foes. Those unfortunate enough to be seen as weak are quickly pounded down the social ladder and into destitution. Thus the strengths and weaknesses of Helian society emerge. The strong lead the Kingdom to ever greater victories while the weak are left stranded and often bereft of a second chance.
The only great wound to the pride of the Helians in regards to their military successes is the failed conquest of the Queendom of Lunaria. This failure has not been forgotten nor forgiven.

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Accomplishments Should be Worn

Helian outfits are designed to display the accomplishments of the person wearing them. The more accomplishments one has, the more medals, color pigments, and other signifiers of their prowess they may display in public. This means that the more meritorious- in the eyes of superiors- an individual is the more ornate their outfits will become. This is even true of armor. On the battlefield, the most decorated generals wear works of art that retell their conquests effectively announcing their combat history to any enemy willing to take note.

Gold, Highest Standard

Gold is greatly regarded in Helian Society. It's sheen and color is considered the closest representation of the sun. Gold is rewarded to those who demonstrate loyalty and a willingness to advance the glory of the Kingdom. Thus, armor and clothing heavily infused with gold are only worn by the highest officers of Helia- the royalty in particular. It is also little wonder that the great palace at Sol has rooms filled with ornate golden artwork. The outrageous display of wealth by the upper class of Helian society is considered to be obscene by many outsiders- and coveted by others.

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Art of the Confident Speech

Helians highly regard those who can speak loudly and clearly. They believe that if one has something to say it should be said as clearly and unapologetically as possible. To do otherwise would be seen as a sign of weakness. As such, families will spend a great deal on speech tutors so that their children can publicly speak as proudly as possible. Confident speech is a prerequisite to becoming an officer in the army.

To Celebrate Triumphs

Every conquest marked by a day of celebration at the Radiant City of Sol. These celebrations are conducted with utmost excesses of food, drink, and pleasure. Extravagant performances are conducted the entire day. The city is said to be the loudest and most lively place on the continent on such days putting. The cheers and singing can be heard far from the city. It is said that a day of triumph is the only day when the Helians celebrate harder than the Avistarians. When the Principality of Avistar was conquered, the subsequent celebration was greater than usual as if to declare that the Helians could have greater fun than any Avistarian.
The one downside to these celebrations is the clean up that must be done afterwards. Of course, much of this duty (cleaning public venues) is given to the newly conquered people brought back to the city as a part of the right of passage towards Helian citizenship.

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Food

The vast territory of the Kingdom, along with conducting business with merchants, allows Helians to enjoy a wide variety of meal types. Meats, breads, and vegetables are common sights at Helian dinner tables. Seeds are a common kind of snake for Helians with Sunflower Seeds being the most popular.

Related Locations

• Continental Island of Lluvia

Note(s) from the Archivists:

I tried to blend in with Helians once. It did not go as well as could be hoped. Their standards are quite high in a few respects. I can't imagine the stress of living that kind of life everyday. - Archivist Rena
There must be something to it when Helia is the most fearsome military force on the continent. That being said, they could tone it down a little. - Archivist Savitri
They absolutely could tone it down. The Helian zeal for conquest and for concentrating so much of their wealth in one place will be their downfall someday. - Archivist Rena
I agree that the Helian lifestyle can not be sustained forever. The power vacuum that will follow will be something to behold. - Archivist Savitri