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THE
HELCRANI
TRIBE |
The
Helcrani derive from the word "Helcran" [pl. "Helcrani", adj. "Helcran"] =
"Firedamned". The word is used with a double meaning:
a) Helcrani (with a capital H): A member of a
certain ethnic group of people consisting of
humans, elves and
dwarves. The Helcrani are mostly met in five
settlements on the Fores Highlands in the area called Helcrah ("Firedamn"), in
the city of Milkengrad and the rest of
Efirhall island.
b) helcrani (with a plain h): A
Centoraurian aristocrat. The
word helcrani is used to indicate nobility instead of genetic origin for the
first time in 624 b.S. right after the campaigns against
Stratania and
Erpheronia.
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Appearance.
The Helcrani are rather controversial as characters. They cherish freedom,
beauty, science and honour. However, they are reacting emotionally and are
easily carried away. They are disappointed as easily as they are excited and
have a tendency to fight among each other and - especially in the past - fought
bloody civil wars. The Helcrani take every risk and sacrifice in their pursue
for glory. In general, they appear to be hospitable to strangers, loyal to their
friends and stubborn when they have something in mind, although many times they
seem to be arrogant.
You have to discern between three different races within the Helcrani populace:
The
Human Helcrani
The human Helcrani (Menegulans, Ahai,
Helerothi, Sostrian and Codomman) are of an average height of 1.70 -1.80 peds.
Because of their origin as a mixture of many people with various genetic
backgrounds it is hard to distinguish any predominant physical characteristics,
except their complexion colour that is mostly white of various shades. Generally
the Helcrani tend to have symmetric characteristics and well built bodies. They
greatly appreciate sports and respect those who excel not only in the sports
field but in any field.
The
Dwarven Helcrani
The dwarven Helcrani (Nerters) genetically
belong to the Thrumgolz clan. They
have a strong affection for craft, mining and metallurgy. They focus on
constructions, mining and industry. The dwarven
majority lives in Helcrah. They share a mutual dislike with the
elves, who are considered by the Nerters as
culprits for the sufferings of the Helcrani.
The
Elven Helcrani
The elven Helcrani (Styrani) genetically belong
to the Goltherrhim elves. Their
clan (Styran) is a factor of stability and common sense among their countrymen.
They hold great appreciation for beauty, harmony, nature and reason. The Styrani
consider themselves as the mentors of the rest of the Helcrani. The Styran
advisor of the Anactar assures that there is a method and a goal in Helcran
policy. The Styrani are many times considered arrogant by the rest of the
Helcrani and sometimes they actually are.
The
Milken Brownies
Another race that is Helcrani but does not belong to any Fratra (and the first
that used this name willingly) are the
Milken Brownies. They belong
to a family, are considered part of it and they help it any way they can. The
Milken look just like
LLaoihrr,
Memnoor, and
Aohu'o Brownies. The
Milken do not have political
rights although they participate in every war - civil or not - that their family
is part of (although they do not raise arms against any other than other
Milken at such civil wars).
The Milken are generaly
accepted by every helcran race and usually symbolize unity and cooperation among
their countrymen.
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Coat of Arms/Sign.
The helcran coat of arms consists of Curogane’s sword burning. The colour of the
background varies to indicate the clan (Fratra) in which the bearer belongs. The
common Coat of Arms takes the colour of the Fratra in which the helcran leader
(Anactar) belongs. The Curogane’s sword symbolizes the struggle of their first
common ruler to unite the Helcrani and his battles against the enemies of his
people. The fire symbolizes the Curse of Tacunija, which sealed their fate. Many
noblemen put also a small personal emblem of them in the Coat of Arms along with
the Sword. The right to do so was considered one of the highest privileges in
Centorauria, although the
noblemen descending from the old
Centoraurian Houses are allowed freely to use the helcran or the
Centoraurian coat of arms or
even a combination of these two (but not their personal emblem unless they are
granted this privilege).
Territory.
Altheim, the initial helcrani homeland in the foothills of the High Fores
Mountains was abandoned in 800 b.S. and ever since no Helcrani lived there. The
Helcrani sought refuge in the Fores Mountains. There they established 5
settlements, Sostra, Heleroth, Ahaiwana, Menegula and Codomma (collectively
called the villages) and they named their new homeland Helcrah ("Firedamn").
In 730 b.S.
the Helcran majority migrated to Efirhal island, which was then unpopulated and
built Milkengrad. Ever since these two
areas, Helcrah and the Efirhal, are the homeland of the Helcrani. Nevertheless,
after their assimilation with the rest of the
Centoraurians, Helcrani are met
all over Centorauria without losing however their bonds with their Fratrae
(clans) or their metropolis’ in Helcrah.
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| Image description: Map of Milkengrad and the former settlements of the Helcrani. The Helcrani initially lived in the region of Altheim, until they settled at the northern part of the Higher Fores. Map concepted by Curgan and drawn by Artimidor Federkiel. |
People.
The Helcrani excel in many areas. Widespread is the belief among them that they
can do everything better than everybody, if they only want. They are scientists,
traders, sailors and artists and when abroad are often distinguished. However,
what made the Helcrani famous all over the
Sarvonian continent was their proficiency in warfare. The Helcrani master
every known weapon mounted or on foot. Centuries of warfare have earned them a
reputation in fighting. Exercise and weapons training to public gymnasiums is
considered a highly respectable social activity and gyms serve as meeting places
especially for the young. Their lifestyle includes a lot of exercise and their
regular call to arms combined with an innate hardship have resulted that the
Helcrani are one of the toughest and enduring people of the
Sarvonian continent. Even the wealthiest
among them can endure endless marches, pain, hunger and thirst with remarkable
patience. Stubborn and courageous, they are proud to declare arrogantly that the
worst unit of their army may be called elite in others.
The Helcrani have also mastered the art of psychological warfare. They use a
series of means to intimidate their opponents, well known are their infamous
Drums of War.
Although the Helcrani use many enchanted items,
magic is practised scarcely among them and they hold little appreciation to
wizards in general.
Housing.
The Helcrani live in large houses, usually with two floors and many rooms. They
use mainly stone and marble to construct them. Because of the many civil wars
that ravaged throughout history Milkengrad
and Helcrah, their houses are surrounded by a tall wall. Public buildings are
easily distinguished by the lack of any fortification, because they are
considered sacred and so they are left out of any conflict. The Helcrani have a
developed sense of beauty that is reflected upon their housing. Magnificent
columns, wall paintings, fountains and statues decorate their houses, which are
usually surrounded by flourishing gardens. In general helcran houses are
considered by the rest of the world as especially comfortable and luxurious.
In special structures in the garden or more often in a series of tunnels and
underground halls in the basement live the
Milken of the family. Many
times their residence is as luxurious as their "master's". The
Milken help the family in
whatever they do for a living, or in whatever else they might need helping with
and take care of the house.
Clothing.
The Helcrani wear a blouse with short sleeves which ends in a short kilt till
over the knee. The male prefer one-coloured clothes. They also wear a belt in
their waist, where their sword and dagger hang. On their feet they wear the
Centoraurian riding boots from
soft leather. Older people wear longer clothes varying from togas to robes. In
winter they are covered with cloaks with head covers and under their kilt they
wear pants. In everyday life is very common for the Helcrani to wear leather
mail or - at special occasions - an ornamental armour.
Helcran women wear usually long dresses without sleeves. The colour, length and
style of their dresses varies according to the fashion. On their feet they wear
sandals. Helcran women are also greatly fond of jewellery and perfumes. They pay
great attention to their appearance and seldom are they not well dressed.
Nevertheless, they don't hesitate to take up men’s clothes and weapons and fight
when need occured.
Diet.
The Helcrani eat everything without any special habit or diversion from the
middle Santharian. However, for the
Helcrani, as for all Centoraurians
horse eating is a sacrilege, justified only
by the Anactar’s explicit command in cases of severe famine or siege. The
Helcrani favour especially meat, fish, olive
oil and fresh fruit. Their cuisine is tasty although not heavy.
Weapons.
The Helcrani use every known weapon, but they have a
special affection for swords.
Weapons are not only for fighting, but also a part of the helcran social
status. Swords are named and inherited from father to
son and every high born Helcrani takes at his 15th birthday his personal sword,
which reflects his character and the history of his House. Moreover, because in
Centorauria citizens are
considered only those who bear weapons and defend
their country swords symbolize political rights and
denote a citizen. The Helcrani wears his swords always,
even when he is allowed a meeting with the Anactar. In fact during his
coronation, the Anactar passes through the citizens with
sword drawn in a triumphant atmosphere, while a spokesman is heard over the
pandemonium; "…and he walked in a sea of swords and he
still stood proud".
As for the rest of offensive weapons: The Helcrani use
also spears, axes, bows and every
weapon that exists or appears in the
Sarvonian continent is at least tested in
the barracks of Milkengrad.
For defence the Helcrani wear various mails. To protect their shanks they wear
metal stockings and metal bracelets in their hands. Their helmets are decorated
with crests or horns. Only the Anactar wears a plain helmet and armor, all
black, without any ornament or crest, because his presence only is enough to
strike fear in the enemies' hearts according to the helcran belief.
Occupations.
The Helcrani practise every known trade. Many of the
humans are warriors, sailors, traders and
scientists. The dwarves prefer to be smiths,
architects or sculpturers, while the elves are
scientists, artists, scholars and medics.
Government.
Helcrani governmental issues can be summarized as follows:
Government of Milkengrad
- The Anactar. The Anactar (plural Anactari)
represents the Ruler of the Helcrani in
Milkengrad. After the Helcrani gained control over
Centorauria in 637 b.S., the
Anactar became king of the whole country. When
Santharia was formed, the Anactar kept his title as governor of
Centorauria.
- The Fratric Council. Assists and advises the
anactar. The Council consists of the leaders of the seven Fratrae (Fratragetae).
The Fratric Leaders supervise - and often are - the Anactar’s ministers and have
some judicial duties too.
- The Great Assembly of Milkengrad. The Assembly is
a gathering of every man capable of bearing arms (and thus having political
rights). The Assembly is called in cases of disorder or great importance and
after a vote decisions are made. The Assembly judges over treason committed by
the king or noblemen.
Government of Helcrah
- The Council of Five. It is formed by the First of
each Council of the Elder. It rules Helcrah as an autonomous province of
Centorauria. The Council
governs Helcrah and proposes the laws to the local Assemblies.
- The Council of the Elder. The Council of Elder
has 10 members, one of them annointed First. The First of the Elder of each
settlement participates to the Council of Five. The Council is the head of the
Assembly and has local jurisdiction.
- The Gathering. Every settlement is ruled by a
Gathering of men that can bear arms similar to the Great Assembly of
Milkengrad with legislative and judicial
power.
Other forms of authority, independent from governing issues are as follows:
The Fratrae
The Helcrani are divided in 7 clans called Fratrae (singular Fratra). Five
Fratrae are human, one
elven and one
dwarven. The human Fratrae originate from
the different settlements in the initial Helcrani homeland in the plains of
Altheim. The elven and
dwarven Fratra (Styran and Nerter) were
established after the founding of Milkengrad
and took the place of the two villages that were burned down by the
Goltherrhim. Latter on settlements
with the same names (Ahaiwana, Sostra, Codomma, Heleroth, Menegula) as the 5
surviving villages in Altheim were created in Helcrah. Every Helcrani is tied
with strong bonds with his Fratra and uses its name to determine himself (the
Helcrani avoid to use their common name because it reminds them of the Curse).
Each Fratra is ruled by a Fratric Leader (Fratrageta in their language) who
serves as the Anactar’s advisor and is in charge of the Fratric Gathering.
The Fratrae, as an institution, have had both positive and negative effects. A
series of wars among the Fratrae has sprung throughout helcran history with many
casualties. Nevertheless, many times in times of need the Fratrae were "called"
and thus every man that can bare arms was at his Fratrageta’s disposal providing
a well organized force to deal with the emergency.
The Houses
A Fratra consists of Houses i.e. a group of people deriving from a common
ancestor. The Houses are further divided in Families, but this doesn't play any
role as a form of social organization. It is something like a great family.
Every Helcrani belong to a House just like they belong to a Fratra. Each son
belongs to the House of his father and each daughter to the House of her father
and later of her husband. Every House has its leader, its Oecetor in Helcran
("Head of the House"), who ideally is the last of the firstborn sons of each
generation. The Oecetors represent the leaders of the Families that apart of the
Houses, participate in the Fratric Gathering and have the right of vote and
speech in it.
Production/Trade.
Helcrah is known for its excellent smiths and artisans. Every item that is built
from metal, stone or clay is produced and sold there. The dwarven architects are
notorious for their craft and are called all over
Santharia to provide their services.
The Efirhal is mainly a rural area. However, being near the trade route and
hosting Milkengrad,
Centorauria’s greatest harbour,
favours all forms of economic activity in the island and especially shipbuilding
and trade of various items.
Natural Resources.
Helcrah is an area rich in minerals. Iron, copper, silver and gold are the
area's main resources. These metals are further worked up and a series of goods
is produced including items of all kinds. The mountains are also rich in
livestock and wood. Famous all over the Helcrani is the market in Sostra, where
"a green goat can find both a mate and a statue of itself" as the saying goes.
The Efirhal is mainly producing olives, grain, cotton, a series of fruit and has
a significant industry including armouries, shipyards, cloth and pottery
manufactories etc. Moreover, the trade route from North to South passes right
outside the Golden Bridge that unites Efirhal with the rest of the
Sarvonian continent's boosting trade.
Holidays,
Festivals and Observances.
The Helcrani are the only humans and
dwarves that worship
Avá, but not with religious ceremonies as
they believe that they are of no use to the
Beautiful Goddess. Instead, they try to live as she would like them to.
However, there are "days of remembrance", when the Helcrani remember certain
events in the past or gather to honour a man’s deeds. The reason these days
exist is that the Helcrani believe that immortality is gained only with glory
and the welfare of the descendants. Furthermore, they believe that these days
are a good means for education and a motive for virtue. Thes celebration days
are organized by the servants of the Temple in certain dates. For example the
Fall of Mikengrad to the Red Alliance is remembered in the 31st of Rising Sun
(Dál'injèrá) the day Milkengrad actually
fell. Days of remembrance take place for Avá,
the Gods, kings and other historical events.
Important Achievements.
Following is a list of several important buildings/places of which the Helcrani
are famous for:
Avá's
Temple
A magnificent human temple for
Avá, unique in the
Sarvonian continent. It is devoted to the
Dream i.e. the universe as a whole.
The Artapherana
The four trees of the elements located upon the Efirhal hill. Each of these four
trees symbolizes an element and emanates a glow of light according to its
element.
The Curonesta
The palace upon Efirhal hill. One of the most impressive works of Helcran
architecture. Hosts the Artapherana.
The White Walls
A massive series of walls and fortifications that surround
Milkengrad. They took their name because
they are covered by a white marble-like material that provides them not only
with its bright white colour but also with unforeseen hardship.
The Golden Bridge
Unites the Efirhal with the Sarvonian continent.
Spreads over hundreds of peds to unite both shores and has a total width of 30
peds. On each end the bridge is supported by columns that have the form of
Curogane and Helronn on Efirhal’s side and Thar
and Santhros on the mainland’s.
Hypheralean Square
The Square of the Singing Heavens,
Milkengrad’s largest square. It is decorated with a pleiad of statues,
fountains and gardens. On its sides is located
Avá’s temple, the Assembly building and the Hall of Honor, dedicated to the
perished in war.
The Valley of the Kings
The burial grounds of the Anactari in a valley north of
Milkengrad. Royal tombs are carved in
stone and finely decorated. Some are built upon small hills. Each Tomb is
protected by a building or is carved in stone. Usually, a tomb takes up to 250
square peds. Entrance to the valley is forbidden, unless there is a royal
funeral or some other ceremony taking place. The valley is guarded by an
orcish tribe, descendants of young
orcs spared and raised by the Helcrani, when
they captured their village.
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Information provided by
Curgan
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