The Holy Kingdom of Halon

In the heart of Eärendor, the Holy Kingdom of Halon stands as a testament to faith, unity, and resilience. Established during the Age of Rebuilding, its foundation was laid when five great houses united under the divine guidance of the Goddess Ilmarethiel and the leadership of House Halon. Governed by the Grand Pontiff, this theocratic kingdom is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, woven together by a shared reverence for Ilmarethiel and the Halonic language. Despite the challenges of heresy, civil war, and the sealing of their borders, the people of Halon have persevered, fostering a unique society that thrives on the harmony of its semi-autonomous houses. Each house contributes to the kingdom's prosperity through their distinct skills, customs, and resources, making Halon a fascinating and enigmatic realm that sparks curiosity and intrigue.

History

In 253 A.R., during the Age of Rebuilding, the five great houses united under House Halon's banner, resulting in the founding of the Holy Kingdom of Halon. Legend has it that the Goddess Ilmarethiel herself instructed the first Pontiff to establish the kingdom in her honor. Consequently, Halon was founded as a theocracy, with the Grand Pontiff of Halon presiding as both the head of state and religious leader. The houses maintained a system of voting among themselves on the kingdom's decisions, with the Pontiff acting as a tie-breaker when the other four houses reached an impasse. However, in the Age of Strife, the kingdom faced immense adversity. Heretical cults sprouted within Halon, destabilizing the kingdom and ultimately leading to a civil war initiated by House Skjaldvor. Although the rebellion was suppressed and House Skjaldvor was placed under new leadership, Halon barely escaped collapse. The kingdom received no assistance from external forces, prompting the houses to vote in favor of sealing Halon's borders in 1247 A.R. Since then, the borders have remained closed, and the world has been left in the dark regarding the kingdom's events.

Houses

The Holy Kingdom of Halon is composed of five great houses, each with their own unique culture and specialties. These houses function as semi-autonomous entities within the kingdom, managing their own territories and resources, while maintaining allegiance to the ruling House Halon and the Sovereign Pontiff. Each house has its own distinct titles and hierarchy, with nobles, warriors, and craftsmen contributing to the prosperity of the kingdom. Though the houses may have different customs and practices, they are united under the worship of the goddess Ilmarethiel and bound by the Halonic language. To maintain balance and cooperation among the houses, a council of representatives from each house convenes regularly to discuss and vote on matters of national importance, with the Sovereign Pontiff serving as the ultimate authority and tie-breaker when necessary. This system ensures that each house's interests and concerns are heard and addressed, contributing to the overall stability and unity of the Holy Kingdom of Halon.

House Halon

Led by the current Grand Pontiff, Varlindræja Eldráthova VII, House Halon, or "Dom Haloni" in the Halonic language, is the ruling house of the Kingdom, known for its deep devotion to the goddess Ilmarethiel and religious leadership. This house governs with a focus on spiritual guidance and the protection of the kingdom's sacred traditions. The members of House Halon are respected for their wisdom and unwavering faith, and they have managed to maintain their rule with a balanced combination of diplomacy and divine authority. Its capital is Praetorian's Gate, or 'Draevarn Tor' in Halonic, a massive city nestled in the mountains in the center of the kingdom, where a massive gate enters into the tunnel running underground through the mountains, hence its namesake.

Mercantile Duchy of Freeport

The Mercantile Duchy of Freeport, or "Dom Vhandralth" in Halonic, is an economic powerhouse within Halon, with a reputation for skilled artisans and prosperous trade. This house is renowned for its innovative spirit and a keen understanding of the value of diplomacy and commerce. With a diverse and cosmopolitan society, the Mercantile Duchy of Freeport is a center of cultural exchange and creative development within the kingdom. Its capital is the port city of Freeport, or 'Vhandralth' in Halonic. Currently, the rulership of Freeport is under the control of Duke Rampf van Koorstam.

House Valmyrae

House Valmyrae, or "Dom Valmiraj" in Halonic, holds a deep connection to the natural world and is dedicated to the stewardship of the vast eastern forests. The people of this house, known as Valmiraji, live in harmony with their surroundings, embracing ancient wisdom and fostering a deep respect for the balance between civilization and nature. Their reverence for the environment shapes their rich culture, which is characterized by unique art, traditional wooden architecture, and a profound understanding of the natural world. The capital of House Valmyrae is the heavily-forested city of Faelendral, or "Felenograd" in their Halonic dialect. Currently, the Valdari, or "Vòlòdar," of House Valmyrae falls under Myraedra Lethandriela, known as "Miraèdra Lètandrijela" in their dialect.

House Skjaldvor

Famed for their formidable warriors, House Skjaldvor, or "Dom Skjaldvani" in Halonic, stands as a symbol of might and tenacity. In the relentless northern lands, the inhabitants of this house have adapted to their harsh surroundings, cultivating a dauntless and indomitable spirit. Their culture is deeply rooted in the tales of legendary heroes and monumental battles, and they take immense pride in their unwavering loyalty to Halon and their capacity to withstand even the most severe conditions. The capital of House Skjaldvor is Varghald, also known as 'Varkarni' in their unique dialect. The current Skjaldar of the house is Yrgándr Trandimir.

House Durkhárum

Dwelling within the time-honored dwarven city of Karndralor, House Durkhárum, or "Dom Durkáraski" in Halonic, has forged its renown on the mastery of stone and metal. Delving into the city's extensive archives of wisdom, they have risen as unrivaled artisans, crafting extraordinary weapons, armor, and architectural wonders. Their culture is characterized by a deep respect for the mysteries of yesteryears and a steadfast commitment to upholding and expanding upon the heritage of their dwarven forebears. In their distinctive dialect, the capital is known as 'Kharndumgrad'. The current Durtharov, or "Durhtaróv" in Halonic, of the house is Durtomir Gornthorovich, or "Durtomir Gornthorovič" in their dialect.

Organization

The Holy Kingdom of Halon is structured around the Grand Pontiff, known as the "Varlindræja," who wields ultimate authority in both religious and secular matters. The Council of Bishops, or "Saráthielov," comprising the highest-ranking clerics from each of the great houses, advises the Pontiff. Each house is led by its highest-ranking noble, who governs their respective territories in accordance with the guidance of the Pontiff and the principles of Ilmarethiel. The five great houses maintain a voting system, known as the "Halonian Konklave," on crucial matters within the kingdom. Each house sends a representative, or "Gareldorov," to participate in these meetings, who is usually but not always the leader of their respective house. Decisions are reached through a majority vote, and the Pontiff serves as a tie-breaker when necessary. This system ensures that the voices of each house are heard and respected, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation across the diverse cultures and traditions that make up the Holy Kingdom of Halon. In addition to the Konklave, the houses maintain their own hierarchies and systems of governance, reflecting their unique customs and values. These systems may vary from the more centralized rule in House Halon to the more democratic approach in the Mercantile Duchy of Freeport, but all ultimately answer to the Grand Pontiff and the collective will of the kingdom. By adhering to these traditional structures and the shared Halonic language, the Holy Kingdom of Halon maintains a cohesive and unified society despite its diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Religion

In the harsh, frozen expanse of Halon, the worshippers of Zimovička, the Goddess of Winter, purity, and wisdom, find solace and guidance. The enigmatic deity, whose sphere of dominion extends from the depths of winter to the sparks of wisdom, is revered by the majority of the kingdom's inhabitants. Her presence is deeply etched into Halon's societal fabric, with her clergies, the Sarathiel, guiding both the spiritual and political course of the kingdom, under the watchful gaze of the Grand Pontiff. Zimovička's imprint can be traced in various aspects of Halonic life, from the frost-inspired architecture of the cities to the resilient spirit of its people. Her most sacred site, the Grand Cathedral of the Winter's End in Praetorian's Gate, is not only a symbol of her omnipresence but is also believed to be a place where the Grand Pontiff communes with Zimovička herself. Her worship involves grand ceremonies and processions, involving the kindling of hallowed fires in honor of her warmth amidst the winter. The Halonic people are known for their unwavering faith, with any deviation from Zimovička's teachings viewed with suspicion and disapproval. Those who deny her light often find themselves on the fringes of society, their beliefs seen as a challenge to the kingdom's unity. Despite the seemingly homogenous adherence to Zimovička's teachings, there is a hint of deeper, concealed layers of understanding that are perhaps only known to the Sarathiel. Yet, amidst the monolithic reverence for Zimovička, there persists a sect of Delomar, or Doan of Many Names, worshippers. Often considered heretical by the mainstream Zimovička followers, they are remnants of an older faith that predates the coming of the Winter's End. Referred to as The Monastery of Black Flame, they persist in the shadowy corners of Halon, keeping the ancient teachings of their god of fire, revelation, and truth alive. Despite their seemingly contradictory beliefs, these worshippers believe in a balance between Zimovička's chill and Delomar's warmth, which they argue mirrors the kingdom's own survival amidst the juxtaposition of harsh winter and the occasional warmth of fireside hearths.

The Sealing of the Borders

The closing of the borders of the Holy Kingdom of Halon marked a significant transition from an open and thriving society to a more insular and isolated one. A series of internal and external challenges, such as the rise of heretical cults, spread of foreign ideas, and political machinations from rival kingdoms, weakened the once-united front of the five great houses. A devastating plague originating from a foreign merchant ship in Freeport further strained the kingdom's resources and exacerbated tensions between the houses. The situation reached a tipping point when a violent coup orchestrated by a radical faction within House Skjaldvor ignited a civil war. The other houses eventually united to quell the rebellion, but the damage was already done. The Sovereign Pontiff of Halon, desperate to restore order and prevent further calamity, declared the closing of the borders in 1247 A.R. with support from the other houses. This decision allowed the kingdom to focus on rebuilding and solidifying their defenses, ensuring that external influences would not further destabilize their society. The only connection to the outside world that Halon has maintained has been through Freeport itself, which has been allowed a very limited ability to trade and communicate with select outsider kingdoms. Still, entry into the kingdom for any reasons other than docking within Freeport for trade is entirely barred. Since the closing, the Holy Kingdom of Halon has become shrouded in mystery, disconnected from the advancements and progress happening in the outside world. The isolation has allowed the unique culture and traditions of the kingdom to flourish, uncorrupted by external forces. However, this self-imposed exile has also left Halon's future uncertain, as the kingdom remains cut off from the rest of the world.