Heliopolis

Threads of Silver

You see this stamp? That's the Tecsats' family marking. Any silk that doesn't have that stamp is either a cheap imitation or was made from left over scraps of other silk garments. Either way, don't buy it.

— Mnesilus Eliphas, fashion advisor on Ilsyium

The Island

The westmost livable island of the Blue, Heliopolis is also one of the most wealthy. This is due almost entirely to the Serica that used to live in the forests of the island. Serica were nearly wiped out, and driven from most every other island, but they thrived in the dense forests of Heliopolis. This would prove very valuable, as the seric nests could be turned into lavish silks highly desired across the Blue.

Geography

Heliopolis is very flat, and with little apparent space for water to gather. However, the island is one of the very few that possess a natural aquifer, with a core of loose gravel, sand, and soil that can hold much more water than most islands. This has supported the forests that grow on the top of the island, but as early colonists used up more and more of the groundwater and felled many trees, some parts of the island started to crumble. The situtation seems to have stabilized in the past hundred or so years, but House Putrace closely monitors the cohesion of the island anyways.

Flora and Fauna

Heliopolis boasts to be one of the few places remaining with old-growth trees, some of which are so massive their roots pierce the bottom of the island. The forests also contain a small amount of wild Serica, insects that weave shimmering nests over trees and other plants. Most Serica that remain on Heliopolis are used in farms, but some small amount escape back into the wilds each year.

The Town

The town of Heliopolis is currently undergoing their second drastic metamorphasis. The first was when the development of silk was first discovered, and the town became the center of a new industry. This second change comes in response to a new technology developed on Ilysium: a more efficient way to produce silk. The townsfolk hope to be able to overhaul their factories in time, before House Putrace decides it would be easier to just shut them down.

Demographics

Heliopolis is divided into two distinct classes of colonists. The first work the serica farms, harvesting the nests and taking care of the worms. The second work in the factories, very slowly turning the raw natural fibers of the serica into silk. Several factories are dedicated to making garments out of the silk as well, though raw silk is shipped from Heliopolis. Neither of these two jobs are permitted to be worked by slaves, after an incident nearly a century ago where a group of slaves tried to sell both serica worms and the technology used to make silk to a buyer in the Free Worlds. This requires colonists to work these jobs, which does raise the price of the end product. Slaves are permitted on Heliopolis, like everywhere else in the Empire, but they only work as foresters or house slaves, and so are in fairly small numbers compared to elsewhere.

Government

Due to the importance of silk to the finances of House Putrace, Heliopolis' government has much less involvement from common folk. There is no council of elders, or of workers, either. The Tecsats family owns the farms and the factories, though each are usually independantly run by family members to give the townsfolk a small illusion of choice. Because of this, not much is known about the exact governance of the colony, as only Nobles ever get to see the inner workings. The House Wyrmsange judge was sent back to Ilysium four years ago, after she tried to rule that the company policy of one factory did not overrule the laws of the Empire. This sparked the still ongoing tension between House Wyrmsange and House Putrace, and left Heliopolis firmly in the hands of one Noble House.

Basic Information

Founding Date: 13th Zenith, 130 CA
Population: 2,371
Part of: The Empire
Owned by: The Tecsats Family
Location Under: Dominion of Natura

Notable Places

• Quercus Farm: The first serica farm build, but also one of the smallest currently.
• Gravelbed Farm: The largest serica farm, which employs nearly 700 people alone.
• The Old Factory: A tavern built into the shell of the oldest factory, which burned down due to an accident with the early silk-making chemicals.
• Tecsats Manor: A sprawling complex composed of several large houses, where the Tecsats family lives.

Notable People

Isidor Tecsats, the head of the Tecsats family.
Suedia Tecsats, the owner of Gravelbed farm.

Exports

Imports

Silk
Clothing
Wood

Water
Foods

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