Howdy, there was a lot to include in this and I didn't want to push a forum post to the limit so I included a link to a Google Doc.
Prince Tywen? Lets try It. (My Documentation)
Name: Papa Tywen
Current Rank: Duke
Rank Desired: Prince
Build Count Total: 332
Sanctuary Study of the Priestess of Wenna in Hyperion
7/31/2020
Helios
The Helian Tour was on hold for five years after the end of the Iron Moon War, it was only reinstated when Ursa Mazlan VI became head of his house. That same year his brother Sir Ugar Mazlan the Bitter Winter, won.
7/31/2020
Isara
Slavery is strictly outlawed in Isara, and they do not suffer slaves to come through their ports, but it is still common for slave to be trafficked through the realm, marched in secret through the deep desert rather than sailed through the canal.
As of July 12, 2020 Berg is formally advanced to Knight by both the Lore and Infrastructure ministry.
July 13th, 2020
Helios
The nearly blind Tarun people are an oddity to most foreigners, but the Tarun women, known for dressing in beautiful yet revealing outfits have begun to be fetishized by outsiders. Artwork depicting them has found its way around the world and piqued interest and libido. Little do they know, that the reality of Tarun aesthetic is far more terrifying than artwork depicts.
The amphitheater that served as the meeting hall of the trade council was older than even the canal itself, it had always been used for some form of government purpose. The carved stone pillars rose high and red fabric was stretched between them to offer some shade to the occupants below. Household banners danged from lines stretched above, some new some old, each a different color and pattern and bearing the written name of the house on it in the ornate Isaran script.
Everyone there bustled in conversation, the stranding of the Semperdataria was holding up trade on both sides of the canal and everyone feared the worst. Every day meant a loss of coin for some merchant and a windfall for another who would charge exorbitant storage fees. Crime was expected to sore as more and more goods became backed up on both banks. Some measure of safety came from the swiftness that goods moved through the canal.
A knocking came from the dias at the center of the amphitheater and the noise died down at the caucus was bought to order. All around the upper landing were people keen to watch and glean what they could form the talking and decisions made.
“The Semperdataria is the only topic for discussion.” The head of the caucus said, and signed although he fumbled through the name of the ship. “Goods move via camel east to west, but it is slow and only serves to drive transport costs higher. Some effort has been made by the maintenance crews to dislodge the ship from the walls but only so much can be done.”
He sighed and leaned against the Dias. “ideas?”
The room was largely silent until a woman stood up near the back. She was not as dark skinned as the rest, and had hazel eyes that seemed too bright when the sun barely touched them. Her broad build and height marked her as E’Dorn, a mixed blood Isaran/Helian. There were some grumbles at her rise but she was a citizen of Isara and Helios both and held more sway than others would like.
“Yes Ambria of Teshal eh Helios.” The head of the caucus regarded her with both word and sign and gestured to her to speak.
She took a deep breath and raised her hands and sighed a few greetings to all present. Her gestures were perfect; it was no mistake that she was one of them. She was third generation after all, she had only been to Helios once in her whole life. “Representatives. We have ten heavy Drafts between the east and west end of the canal. We could have them to the wreck and properly harnessed within two days. They are strong creatures as you know and at the least may be able to drag the vessel from its current place, enough at least for it to be pulled to the side for repairs or towed out if it is still sea worthy.”
There was some more vocal grumbling, some in agreement and others not wishing to rely on them.
“If that is not satisfactory I could defer to Commander Frakes, he told me only this morning he intends to slam one of his warships into it, easier to clean up pieces than trying to salvage the ship.”
The whole Caucus was silent. She Did not sign the former statement and they knew she meant it to be as factual as she could.
Another rose and gestured to her. “We have the Hawks patrolling the east, and the Dorn but be keeping the West safe if they are willing to sacrifice a ship to slam into this, Semper-Dat-amia, This may be the best option for now. I say we let them try.”
7/28/2020
Helios
The Penitent Legion of Alkourie, Also known as The Chains, is a fanatical group of fighters who have given their lives to Alkourie. They are known for wearing permanently locked manacles round their neck or wrists. They are chained to the battlefield. They only know freedom from the legion in death, when the shackles are cut off. Those who join do so for many reasons, fanaticism, repentance for gross cowardliness, or even as a form of punishment after a crime.
7/29/2020
Helios
Brigandine, also known as a "Coat-Of-Plates," is a style of armor made from small metal plates riveted to canvas and leather in an articulated fashion. It has grown in popularity in Helios among those in Helios unable to afford higher end armor like chain or half-plate. As the population has grown in recent years keeping pace to armor and arm the populace has given rise to this easy to produce and protective armor.
Below are the participants in The Tour during the year of our Lord Sol 12.
On this Day, the second born of House Vansen, Elder Vansen was wed to the Duke Intidus Beris, eldest brother to the King of Berid, and assumed heir to the throne at his brothers passing.
The arraignment was met between the Kingdom of Berid and the high court of Helios as a means to ease the growing tension between the two nations, and give some stability to trade and peace in the region. The Vansen historically had not been as involved in the conflict with Berid as they were one of the two realms that were the furthest from them, the other being Cereletir. Elder was the only unwed and was viewed as the perfect choice.
Her Blood Touched heritage was kept away from the Berid and while teh rumor of all of Vansen's nobles being blood touched was well known, it was not something easily proven and Elder was one of the few Vansen children who kept off the social radar of the realm so she was widely unknown.
The Wedding was done in Berid, and was attended with representatives from all of the great noble houses as well as many of the Helian Trade Families and organizations as they stood to gain the most from the union .
The Union was announced with the two having shared title.
Duchess Elder Vansen, Helvarin of House Vansen
Helvarin Intidus Beris, Duke of Berid
The First War: The City of Hyperion is a site of one of the largest battles ever fought on Helian soil. It was against the Orcs that had settled the bay and had built a sizable fortress and force there. The Central nature of the location meant that it was easy for them to raid the Helian settlements in every direction, but that same central location meant that when the time came forces from all of the five great houses marched on the stronghold. After the battle and war was won, Hyperion was established on the razed ruins of the Orc settlement. It is a common rumor that the bodies of all the fallen Helian's are entured under the central shrine to wenna, and that all of the Orc bodies were used to nourish the great tree of Omar.
Lone Tree Stand: On the far fringes of Cereletir there was a battle that allowed the formation of Cereletir hold. Two knights and a single squire valiant stalled a huge <Insect> that was on a warpath to the fledgling hold. They ultimately died but managed to hold the creatures attention and wrath for a full day, enough time for the city to properly reinforce and when the creature arrived it was fully defeated by the defending forces. The site of their selfless act was marked by a single stone tree as their bodies were never recovered.
Forty Helms: Often known as the Battle of Two Men, was a small conflict between the House of Auratavia and the now dead house of Bengal. The fight was over who would represent the region and the Bengal believed that they were the rightful choice even though the Auratavia had seen them through the Nocturne age. The conflict was settled ultimately by the two heads of the houses, but they had each come with twenty men at arms and knights who laid down their helmets and allowed their lords to fight. The site is now how to a small shrine to Alkourie which serves as a marker to the conflict.
Iron Moon War: The Iron Moon War
Two Crossing: A Battle in the northern fringes of Mazlan, this was the beginning of the conflict with the barbarian tribes of the north who have been manipulated by stronger northern forces to raise up against the Helian cultural Manifest destiny. This loss for the Helians saw the beginning of a conflict that is shaping to be nearly impossible to resolves without going to war with larger entities.
Deep Plains: A conflict on the plains lands of Worden County, this resulted in neither side claiming victory but the horse people of the plains proved a difficult foe for the largely sea fairing Worden to deal with on such open ground. While the Helians were easily a match for them in single combat the mounted tactics of the Horse people made the battle hard to truly win. Losses on both sides were minimal but did set the tone for relations between the two peoples.
Rayne & Marvell: One of the few conflicts between nobles, and is a battle that began over a stolen wife, intentional slights and perceived dishonor. This battle did not ease the tensions between the two lesser houses but did see the house of Vansen paying reoperations to the house of Mazlan to cover the cost of troops pulled from Etten to dispel the two lesser houses from depleting each others forces.
How is Education portrayed in your Realm.
Some things to think about.
How important is fishing to your realm? How much of your peoples diet is fish?
What is the most common fishing equipment that your realm uses? Is there any unique equipment? What do your fishing hooks look like? Do you spear fish? What do your nets look like and what are they made of?
Do you have any fishing imports or exports?
What is a common seafood based dish in your realm?
What sort of alcohol does your realm produce or consume.
Does your realm import or export any alcohols, what kinds? are there any that don't get exported?
What is the cultural impact of alcoholic beverages?
Is there a minimum acceptable age to start drinking?
I'd Like to extend and offer to join in Helios, the Dawn's Land." We are a realm that pride ourselves on vivid story telling and cohesive building. The framework of the Realm is such that stories can come from many avenues and a good story is far more important to me than building without purpose. Hopefully the brief information below, and the more detailed information on the Wiki will peak your interest and you will consider Helios in your search for a realm.
Helios is a land shaped by the brutality of its surroundings, and the protection of the Gods. Helian's are strong and dependable and the very culture is tempered by horrors that would break a lesser peoples. The Six Gods of Helios shape every aspect of life for Helian people. Sol the Chief, Wenna the Goddess of good and light, Lorna the Goddess of dark and secrets, Alkourie the God of war and violence, Omar the God Nature and death, Zayl the God of magic and knowledge.
Helios as a nation was fractured for generations, besieged on all fronts by monsters and violence. Only in the last century have they come together under one banner again. This unification has seen the lands of Helios prosper and grow as trade became safer and more resources could be shared for the common good. None of this could have been done if not for a group of monster slayers known as the Knights Valiant who are blessed by the gods to be holy warriors. If not for them the horrors of the wilds would still be endlessly ravaging the Helian populace. Even with the renewed strength of the Knight Valiant the wilds of Helios are filled with monsters and other horrors and only the strongest and most resourceful have survived through it all.
Expansion looms on the horizon as the Great Houses of Helios finally become fully connected and look to their fractured peoples and crave to bring them together. They have stretched their hands to the far reaches of the world and have left their mark on the land as a nation of strength, determination and wealth, but like anything to do with the warrior Helian's they have also brought their fair share of violence as well.
I have always felt that Helios is a framework to tell stories. The grim dark of the land can feed uplifting and terrifying tales. Helios is shaped by it's people, and as such character driven storytelling is something that is paramount. While the general application process has you create a character to plop into a realm, Helios implores you to make a native Helian to explore the world with, rather than an outsider who may supremely struggle with the foreign and brutal landscape. While this isn't required it is something that could help to more easily tell stories within the realm.
Builds. As important as the story telling. The land is sprawling and there are ample opportunities to build both small and large scale projects through out. Helios has several counties that each sport a unique, yet unified build style and culture. You can spend time in one or perhaps branch out to many. There is no set path in Helios and the goal is to get you invested in the realm either through builds or storytelling (ideally both) Those who stay with Helios in the long term are afforded large amounts of creative control over many projects both building and story so there is a fair amount of progression to be had.
Ultimately what mark you leave on the realm is yours to decide and I, and the other Helian's will be here to help you realize that mark. Reach out to me for a tour of the realm and an abridged background.
“Momma! Momma!” Isme heard his voice before her son Ethan slammed the door open with far too much gusto and it shook some dust from the tiled roof and the sill above the wooden slatted door. He didn’t cross the threshold but stood there breathing hard, trying his best to spit some words at her through it all, but she quickly cut him off.
“What have I told you about the door Ethan!” His mother snapped. She was sitting at their dining room table, pulling small round leaves from thin stalks preparing the herbs to place into medicinal tea pouches.
“I’m sorry. But Tommy’s mom said to come and get you, and the big ox. There is a HUGE man on the beach, and a bunch of pieces of a ship!”
He was about to spin around and head out and around the house to the barn, but she stood up and slapped her hand against the table top to get his attention. It rattled some glass bottles against each other and the sound was drowned out by her voice. “Stop right there!” She yelled. “-What?” Her tone softed with the question and he quickly hung his head.
“Mrs Hunter. She’s on the beach with a bunch of us and there is a huge man in armor just half buried in the sand. I’m pretty sure he’s dead, but she thinks he’s not so she sent me up here to get you...and the ox.”
She thought about it for a moment, Evaline Hunter wasn’t one to over react, the man must still be alive if they were sending for her, a healer is of little use to a corpse. “Get the Ox. And take him down to the beach.”
She swept the hem of her brown dress up in her left hand and scooped up a leather bag that was just on the mantle of their hearth and went out the door, pulling it closed behind her, it slammed much as it had when her son entered.
Coming up the road was Evaline Hunter, she was a heavyset woman with thick brown hair that was always done in a brain that wrapped around her head like a crown that showed off her round youthful face. She was huffing and puffing long before she made it up the top of the hill. “Isme, did Ethan tell you? I told him to grab the oxen, there is a man stuck on the beach. I can’t tell if he’s alive but he’s completely covered in armor. I went to get his helmet off and remembered you told me to leave them be if they are out like that.”
Isme smiled, her friend was a talker, perhaps the biggest talking in their whole village, and it was often very suspect if she was listening when others spoke, so to hear her parrot back a tidbit of medical information Isme had told her, was a nice token. “You did the right thing, Evaline.”
“I got the Ox Momma.” Ethan said as he came around the corner of the house with the wide horned creature in tow. Their ox were big, easily six feet at the shoulder, but even with their huge size they had been bred to be docile animals, easily controlled and easily guided by the ring in their nose.
“Go on ahead. Mrs Hunter and I will go down there right after you. And if you see any of the men along the way grab them too.” She said. Ethan nodded and swung himself up onto the back of the Ox, who protested only for a moment before taking the ginger trot down the hill towards the beach.
“Ok, Evaline tell me everything.” She said as she let her skirts go and swept her arm into Evaline's, giving the woman someone to lean against as they turned around and walked back down the hill towards the beach at a much reduced pace so Evaline could catch her breath and tell her everything she needed to know.
The white sands of their normally tranquil beach were marred with chunks of wood and metal, clearly the remnants of a ship, but not of a style any of them recognized. Their land had few ships that could rival the size of the one that had destroyed itself against their shore. There were some bodies present but none that could be mistaken for being alive. All of them were bloated and green from the sea. Isme could tell where this mysterious armored man was because it was where everyone was gathered. She parted from Evaline’s side and swept the hem of her dress up into her hand again and gave a ginger run across the sands. She parted the gathered group although they all made way as soon as they realized she was there. The village healer, she was easily the most knowledgeable in the area about any injury or ailment. She expected to see a man in chainmail or maybe even a few pieces of plate armor but upon seeing him truly she was given a moment of pause. He was huge, even half buried under sand and wreckage. His armor was resplendent gold and had intricate tiny script carved on nearly every inch of it. The tiny recesses were home to sand and dirt and made it stand out all that much more against the gold. His helmet was closed faced and it looked like part of it was dented which would explain why no one was able to lift the visor.
She released her skirts and kneeled next to him and learned over so that her ear was next to the helm. She waited for a moment but the chatter of the gathered group was too much. She leaned up. “If you can’t be quiet then you can go back to work. I’m sure some of you are dodging chores.” She let her gaze circle the crowd and it ended on her own son who quickly found his shoes to be far more interesting. She put her head back towards the helmet and listened. She expected nothing. She thought it would be silent. After a moment though, she could feel the hot moist air pulse from behind the grill, the breath was slow, but it was there.
“He’s alive.” She looked at his lower half, it was well buried under the sand and ship. “Lets see if we can’t get some of this off him. Kids start digging at his legs. Ethan hook the oxen to those timbers and see if she can’t pull them off.” She stood up and no one was moving. She clapped her hands twice. “Hurry up now. God is watching this deed. Work well!” She clapped them again and the words spurred everyone to fervent action.
Before long the man was dug out and much of the wood was moved. Some rope was tied around him, put under his arms so that the ox could pull him free. He was too heavy for them to move with just the women and children who were there. Some of the men had been summoned from the fields but likely they were dragging their heels, sure it was a tall tale. Ethan spurred the ox forward and the rope became taught but after only another grunt he was pulled free and back several feet so that he was away from the wreckage and the hole he had once occupied.
Isme lowered herself down to his side again and fished into her pouch. She produced a small bundle of herbs and dabbed them across the visor of the helm, small bits of dust from within fell through the holes in the helm and she was lucky to lean back as quickly as she did because He shot straight up at the waist yelling so loud it seemed to silence the ocean.
Everyone scattered back away from him. All except Isme who was still kneeling next to him, and Ethan who was frozen with fear, not of the man but that he might be about to watch his mother murdered by the golden foreigner.
He gave a panicked look around until his gaze fell on Isme who seemed unphased, even if deep down her heart was racing.
“You are safe. You don’t need to fear.” She said, sure he would not understand. The slight tilt of his head answered that he did not.
She pointed to herself. “Isme.” He repeated the gesture a couple of times.
He grunted and coughed, his voice was hoarse, and he said “Agrias” and gestured at himself with a gauntleted hand. The gesture though came with a considerable wince. He moved to stand and he groaned all the way to his feet. Fully standing he was indeed huge, perhaps a foot taller than even the largest man in the village. The rope that had been around him feel to the ground and he stepped out of it. He moved smoothly at first, but the stability on his feet lasted only until he tried to take a real step and quickly dropped to his knees and then fell onto his hands, leaving him on all fours.
“Ethan. The Ox, he can lean against it.” She said as she repacked her satchel and got to her feet. Her son was still frozen, moreso when he saw the man stand. “Ethan!” She said with a snap and he blinked hard and gave his head a slight shake. He brought the oxen closer and Isme moved to the other side. “Agrias” She said, stumbling over the sound somewhat. He looked to her and she mimed leaning against the ox a couple of times. He nodded and got to his feet again and leaned against the ox, who did not expect the weight and gave some bleats of protest but eventually it calmed.
The crowd didn’t follow as Isme, Ethan and the stranger limped their way up the hill towards the village. Many thumbs were pressed to lips and subtle prayers muttered under hushed breath.
Isme watched him limp up the hill perched against the Ox, noting every little thing. He had only a dagger at the small of his back, but she did see that he had broken loops at his waist where there likely had been weapons. The other dead on the beach were armored as well, were these men attackers? Was she aiding someone who would have seen her dead or worse.
The Ox knew where to go and guided them back to the barn. Agrias released the creature and took some staggered steps towards a trough of water and dropped to his knees and dunked his entire head into the water with a great splash. Isme didn’t think much of it but it lingered longer than she felt was comfortable and she rushed up the last leg of the hill. She was going to reach out to grab him by the back of his body armor and try to yank him out but he pulled his head out from the water with a gasp just as she got close. She stopped in her tracks and pulled her hand back and clutched it to her chest, the first sign of any real reaction to him she’d given. Water poured from every hole in the helm and down the front of his armor, washing away a swath of the sand that had found itself nestled in the grooves of the script on his armor.
She took a step back and he squared himself to her. They stared for a long time until the Ox bleated down at Ethan who had run up behind his mother. He hid behind her for a breath before stepping in front of her as if to protect her from the golden warrior and she put her hands over his shoulders.
People had begun to follow by this point, although they stayed well away.
Agrias reached up and undid a hidden catch and a couple of straps and loosened his helm with a slow pull and a bit of wet suction sound; the golden helmet was removed and he held it under his arm. Even wet and sandy he was gorgeous, square jaw with only a small bit of brown stubble. His eyes though were what took her attention. They were so bright and golden they made his armor seem dingy in comparison. She felt her breath catch in her throat, and could have sworn for just a moment a light radiated from him that dulled the morning sun.
