The Lanterns of Sol

Awldor    Technology      The Lanterns of Sol

Quite a sight to see such a collection of shapes and colors rise to meet the high noon sun.

— Artur Neha, Traveler

Even in a state that has built itself up on the art of war there exists a need to engage in arts and crafts, and so it is with the Kingdom of Helia. One of the preferred crafts among the people of the Radiant City of Sol is the art of lantern making. Particularly of the variety that are designed to deliver offerings to within the sun's reach. Lanterns are of special significance to the Helians as it keeps Sol a bright beacon during the night, so much so that the stars are said to be overwhelmed by the city's light.

Messages for the Sun

During the longest day of the year, during the 21st of Sol, citizens from all walks of life prepare their lantern. When the sun is highest in the noon sky, a signal is given, the flames are lit, and the lanterns begin to rise. Each one of a particular design of special meaning to the family or individual that constructed it. Most are shaped like cylinders, others like starfishes, and still others like hearts. Even more varied are the messages or trinkets a balloon will carry messages high into the sky. It is hoped that these offerings rises high enough to be heard. So many lanterns are loosed into the sky that if one were to be in a particular spot they would see the sun blotted out from the sky.
The first recorded instance of this tradition being observed was shortly after the founding of Sol. It is one of the longest running traditions on the continent. At that time, only the nobles had the means to construct lanterns that rise into the sky. Perhaps it is a testament to the sheer wealth of Helia today that such creations can be created by any its citizen.

They say that a Helian would be lost in darkness without a lantern.

— Sven Ironclad, Mercenary

Lanterns Throughout the City

Of course, there are a variety of stationary lantern designs that can be found throughout Sol. These can range from small individual creations to professional works of art. Most of these attempt to capture or reproduce the sun's light in some small way. The more expensive the lantern, the brighter its light and the more extravagant its appearance. Lanterns are used to give light to many places within the city of Sol, from the humble home to creating an extravagant mood at one of the great bathhouses. The libraries have small handheld lanterns that they will freely loan to those who wish to study during the night (although there are so many lanterns to be found throughout Sol that sufficient lighting is not hard to find).

Lanterns of the Radiant Palace

The most impressive lanterns in Sol are fashioned of gold and crystal. Such extravagant creations are only to be found in and around the The Radiant Palace. The gold is fashioned into works of art ranging from the likeness of the Kingdom's heroes to highly abstract yet meaningful creations. The crystal set within these lanterns is specially enchanted to shine ever brightly. Some have observed that the light emanating from these lanterns in the day complement the light of the sun overhead. These lanterns are made by the most skilled craftsman and mages in the Kingdom.
The palace lanterns unique and expensive construction make them unique and valuable targets. Some attempt to steal these lanterns for their value, others have set about to destroy the lanterns out of jealousy. Very few thefts or vandalism have succeeded and the royal family has not forgotten of these events. Rumor has it that one of these lanterns has made its way to the Silver City of Luna but has been hidden. Still another may have made its way into the private collection of a Centrum aristocrat.

Ancient Lanterns

The Ancient Order had lanterns of their own as evidenced through recovered artifacts and restored artwork. Most recovered ancient lanterns were of a small but highly complex construction. They were not like the boxes and cylinders common to lanterns today. That is, they were not designed to house and protect a flame or some artifact enchanted to produce light. In fact, most ancient lanterns do not appear to operate with magic as it is known today but may have been connected to some shared power source. Some have proposed that the Energija Sphere artifact may have been one such power source.

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Common Lantern Shapes

A few common shapes are prevalent throughout Sol.

• Cylinder
• Box
• Sphere
• Sunflower
• Sun
• Star

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Common Lantern Artwork

Lanterns throughout Sol often are decorated with various kinds of imagery.

• Artistic impression of the sun
• Steeds
• Shields
• Swords
• Sword and Shield
• Spears
• Flowers
• A famous general
• The likeness of a Royal Figure
• The likeness of a lover
• Likenesses of various kinds of wildlife

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Colorful Nighttime Vista

While most lanterns throughout Sol are generally yellow, orange, or gold in appearance other colors are utilized. At night one can see splashes of red, blue, purple, teal, and even silver. Some districts are so organized that public lanterns are organized in such a way as to create images that can be observed from the city's outskirts.

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Note(s) from the Archivists:

That flying lantern tradition sounds like it would be great to witness, but where do the lanterns come back down? And who has to clean them up? Does anyone get hurt? - Archivist Enna
Look at it this way: whoever finds those crashed lanterns is in for an incredible feast! Hey, want to go to Sol and watch sometime? Maybe from a distance? - Archivist Bob
Downwind as well? - Archivist Enna
If you wouldn't mind? - Archivist Bob