Hilm
City of Kindess
Hilm is the northernmost city of the Pantheist League, and perhaps the most liberal. Located nearest to Huzuz, it is a stopping point for many pilgrims traveling overland to the Court of Enlightenment. Its streets are spartan but spotless, lacking in color and (for the most part) crime. It is a stark contrast to the lively city of Tajar across the Golden Gulf.
The people of Hilm are eventempered. Unlike the citizens of other Pantheist cities, they are relatively patient even with the "unenlightened" (which, to them, includes all who fail to recognize the gods of the Pantheon exclusively). The hospices of Hilm are legendary within the Pantheist League for their cleanliness and hospitality. Because of their quality, many pilgrims journeying to Huzuz choose the overland route as opposed to the more expensive (but more direct) ships from Fahhas. While such pilgrims know they should not flaunt their adherence to any faith that contradicts the beliefs of the Pantheon, they also know the people of Hilm will not hunt them down like mad dogs for such beliefs. Hilm is Pantheist moralism as it is meant to be. The city's residents are well fed and well tended. There are no beggars in the streets or marketplace, and even the poorest members of society have clean robes and satisfied (if not full) bellies. Entertainments include mystery plays of common legends (all bearing serious moral lessons beneath their humor and jibes) and bards reciting great poems in the name of the Pantheon. Work is regular throughout the year. If people are not needed to harvest or plant, they can renovate and rebuild houses in the city itself. If the people of Hilm seem a bit smug, it is because they have something to be smug about.
The city is peaceful, though trouble often arises from those who bring it with them: thieves, barbarians, confidence artists, and misguided individuals. The chief job of the city guard and the Pantheist troops is to keep such troublemakers from disrupting the lives of the people of Hilm.
Those who come to the city intent on foul play or mischief are first cautioned, then arrested if warnings are ignored. A Pantheon priest (from levels 2 to 8) is attached to each patrol of the city guard, aiding in the capture of disruptive individuals. Trials are quick. If the individual shows true penitence, they are also just. In Hilm, enlightened but misguided criminals who venerate a god outside the Pantheon are rarely put to death. Instead, they may be enslaved for a number of months, fulfilling their sentence by serving the church.
Government
The Ruler:
Caliph Abir al-Farhan, Humble Servant of the Enlightened Gods, represents the Pantheist League at its best. Considerate and concerned about the well-being of his people, the caliph is a diligent protector of the faith, and he sees to the needs of even the most poverty-stricken members of his flock. His wide belly and short stature belie a powerful and wise individual who will stop at nothing to protect his people.
The Court:
Most important in the court is the caliph's grand vizier, a sorcerer named Shoroz. Tall but stooped, Shoroz shares Abir's vision for Hilm and works diligently at his lord's side. Often, the pair don disguises (usually magical in nature) and go out to mingle among the people of Hilm. The disguises are designed to help them discover what the people are truly feeling, for a man may change his voice in the presence of one who can stop it forever. The pair may at first appear to be two dwarves, or perhaps two traveling merchants or pilgrims. Nonetheless, they frequently give themselves away by their actions.
The apple of the caliph's eye is his eldest daughter, Ola. She has been schooled in the ways of the church and, with the permission of church officials, would marry the next caliph of the city in order to continue the line and preserve her father's interest in the people. Ola spends most of her time with her books of prayers and parables, segregated from the outside world. The people of Hilm share her father's devotion to her. When she appears in public, the multitudes applaud and throw flowers at her feet.
Defences
- 2,000 infantry
- 1,000 cavalry, most of which are concerned with the protection of the farmers and travelers through their area.
- Additional warriors: 1,000 city guards.
- From the Pantheon mosque and university: a unit of 120 clerical reserves (priests of levels 1 to 6).
- The caliph's personal guard includes 3 units of mamluks (900 soldiers), all members of The Exalted society.
Industry & Trade
Points of interest
Major Mosques:
- Pantheon
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