The world of Helidor is on the brink of political and social revolution. Rebels are increasingly breaking away from the state religion, refusing to take part in their assigned roles within the community. Some have even begun to question the King's very existence. Will the Loyalists' strength be enough to preserve their culture and heritage? Or will the Rebels defeat the castle with their dynamic new values?
Rules
- Your character must abide by the consistent religious guide of physical characteristics = personal characteristics. Even rebels were given assignments when they hit puberty, so their life stories must match up with state doctrine. Since only a few characteristics have been listed so far, there's still a lot of free range allowed here, so just stay consistent and pay attention to what other players are doing. We'll make up a guide as we go along. :)
- This may be a fantasy-ish world, but I'm afraid that there isn't any magic in Helidor. Sorry!
- No electricity either. Technology has stalled at a Medieval level.
- Romance is perfectly fine if you want your character to engage in a relationship, but let's not make it the focus of a plot line for the entire group.
- More to be added with time!
Please click on "Click Here To View More Info" for more important background information.
Background
Important
Put on your reading glasses, folks! :)
National History:
The country of Helidor is several centuries old. Originally settled by a group of pioneers who grew tired of their distant desert homeland, Helidor bustled as a trade center for many years. It was only after a falling out with neighboring kings that the nation grew into isolation, seeing fewer and fewer trade caravans as time went by. The country is now fairly remote.
The main city is nestled is a small valley between two large mountain ranges. The people support themselves by farming the fertile land and harnessing a local river's strength. Few venture into the mountains anymore.
Religion:
The state religion of Helidor is based around the concept of fate: The purpose of each citizen is decided long before their birth. The world perfectly balances the needs of the community with the presence of its people, and uses this knowledge to delegate all roles. The world does this based on everyone's appearance.
Hair color, nose length, weight and fingernail strength, among many other variables, each illustrate very specific aspects of a person's personality and abilities. Dark grey eyes, for example, mean that a person has a strong sense of hearing, while freckled skin indicates a person's aptitude in farming. Identifying the characteristics of each citizen and obeying your own fate are very important themes in Helidor daily life.
Long story short: This religion believes that hat you look like = what you're good at, what you're like, and what you do with your life.
Role of the King:
The ruler of Helidor is an albino. He quietly and discreetly runs the nation from his castle, which is placed in a remote corner of the Helidor valley. He comes into very limited contact with his people and remains more of a figure-head than a leader. The current king has not been seen in public since he was taken from his parents as a small child.
Role of His Subjects:
Each summer, the Helidor children who have hit puberty are gathered into the town square for a Celebration of Order. The elder religious guides examine each child and weigh their physical attributes in order to assign each to their rightful position in the country. By the end of the day, each child has been given the job and duty that will be expected of them for the rest of their lives. They are henceforth whisked away to their new families in order to be trained and taught their craft.
Each subject is expected to complete his work without complaint or grievance. The world has aligned in order to ensure that every person is distinctly given the life that they are best suited for, so they have no reason to ever be unhappy. Dissatisfaction thus comes from individual mistakes. If a person is no longer productive or useful for the state, they are sent to the castle in order to be "reassigned." Individuals who have been reassigned are never seen again.
The Rebels
Not everyone loves the lifestyle that they were given. Many citizens of Helidor have chosen to run away into the mountains in order to escape the drudgery that they were forced into. Some simply hated their work while others disagreed with the entire religious philosophy of fate. Together they live outside the main city in the wooded peaks, working together in order to stay self-sufficient and plan their next actions.
Characters
A (Growing) Comprehensive List of All Links Between Physical and Personality Traits
All characteristics that are italicized do not have a personality trait associated with them yet. Feel free to claim it and expand on it! And let Knerd know if you want more characteristics posted up here.
Hair
Black
Brown
Red
Dark Auburn - Observant, notices details
Blonde - Socially gifted
White - Clever
Skin
Fair - Suited for indoor work
Tanned - Natural Outdoorsman
Dark
Freckled - An aptitude for farming
Albino - Reserved for the King of Helidor
Darkest - Reserved for the King's Regent and closest advisors
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