Architecture

The architecture of Helerin reflects the cultures of its people, the challenges of its landscapes and climate, and the artistry of its craftspeople. Buildings range from grand temples and fortresses to humble dwellings and decorative structures.

Types of building

Civic, Public, and Religious Buildings

Civic, public, and religious buildings in Helerin are the focal points of community life, where governance, worship, and social gatherings take place. Town halls, guildhalls, temples, and marketplaces each play a distinct role and reflect the values of the communities they serve. Temples and shrines dedicated to Helerin’s gods are often adorned with elaborate frescoes, statues, and symbols that embody the divine attributes of their patrons, while town halls and guildhalls are functional spaces designed for both beauty and utility. Marketplaces and public squares are lively hubs, often designed with shaded areas and water features to support trade and gatherings in Helerin’s warm climate.

Academies and colleges, often ancient educational institutions with charters dating back centuries, are scattered across major cities. These provide education in fields such as mathematics, architecture, engineering, philosophy, art, and history. Combat academies, teaching skills such as swordsmanship, may also be found in some cities.
Public bathing is a popular pastime for Helerin's upper and middle classes, and most towns and cities will have at least one bathhouse. These are usually highly-decorative, with mosaics and statuary featuring prominently.
See also: Civic, Public, and Religious Buildings

Military and Defensive Structures

Helerin’s military and defensive structures, from towering fortresses to coastal watchtowers, are built with durability and strategic importance in mind. These fortifications often reflect Norran and Boma craftsmanship, with robust stonework, reinforced walls, and towers that provide vantage points over critical regions.
Castles and forts, particularly in mountainous areas like Remon and Forbin, serve as both military strongholds and symbols of protection for the people. Walls, battlements, and gatehouses are carefully designed to defend against potential threats while displaying the power and stability of the ruling forces.
See also: Castles and Defensive Structures

Civic infrastructure

Civic infrastructure in Helerin plays a foundational role, supporting the day-to-day needs of settlements. Harbours and lighthouses, aqueducts, wells, and cisterns ensure that trade, water, and navigation needs are met, even in the more arid or rugged parts of the archipelago. Sewers, bridges, and roads allow for efficient transport and hygiene, while aqueducts and cisterns address the challenges of water scarcity, especially in drier regions like Teros and Mar Mabon.
These essential structures blend practical engineering with local craftsmanship, illustrating the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Helerin’s people.
See also: Civic Infrastructure

Residential Buildings

Residential architecture in Helerin varies greatly according to social class, climate, and regional traditions. From the grand courtyards and mosaics of wealthy estates to the compact, efficient homes of artisans and labourers, each dwelling reflects the unique cultural influences and practical needs of its inhabitants.
In areas like Teros and Mar Mabon, homes may be partially sunken to provide cooling, while homes in the Seynan Islands have airy designs suited to the coastal environment. Common elements such as central courtyards, flat rooftops, and shaded verandas demonstrate an architectural adaptation to Helerin’s hot summers and frequent gatherings.
See also: Housing

Commercial and Industry

Helerin’s economy is supported by a wide range of commercial and industrial buildings, each tailored to local resources and industries. Workshops, foundries, and guildhalls provide spaces for artisans to ply their trades, whether crafting weapons, textiles, or intricate jewellery. Merchant exchanges and markets are bustling hubs of commerce, where traders exchange goods from across the archipelago.
See also: Commercial and industrial buildings

Memorials and decorative structures

Memorials and decorative structures add depth and cultural significance to the architecture of Helerin. Statues of gods, heroes, and mythological figures, along with pillars, arches, and fountains, mark important sites and celebrate the archipelago’s rich history.
These structures serve both aesthetic and symbolic purposes, with designs that often include intricate carvings, mosaics, and metalwork. Memorials are frequently used to honour the dead, commemorate historic events, or highlight civic pride, with each community incorporating its unique motifs and artistic traditions.
See also: Memorial and decorative structures

Building design and construction

Building materials

The materials used in Helerin’s architecture reflect the diversity of its landscapes and resources.
Stone is the most common building material, offering durability and stability, while timber is used where available, especially in the forests of Forbin and Remon. Clay and brick appear as supplementary materials, especially in functional or utilitarian spaces. Plaster, used for both interior and exterior walls, allows for painted decoration, and metalwork crafted by skilled Boma artisans provides detailed embellishments on doors, windows, and railings. Each material is chosen carefully, balancing beauty, availability, and practicality
See also: Building materials

Building design

The design of buildings in Helerin is influenced by cultural heritage, climate, and the specific needs of each region.
Elements like domes, flat rooftops, arches, and colonnades are common, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Design components such as open courtyards, verandas, and shaded terraces allow for ventilation, essential in Helerin’s hot climate.
Decorative elements like frescoes, mosaics, and stained glass add artistic depth, while carved symbols and patterns reflect the unique identities of communities. These features combine to create an architecture that is both functional and expressive, allowing each building to tell its own story.
See also: Building design