Helra

Said to have descended from the ancient beings known as the Silthissis, the Helra are a largely peaceful maritime species that call Lake Isaura their home.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Helra have a number of impressive adaptations that allow it to enjoy life both above and under water, including a dual respiratory system and strong swimming muscles. Though humanoid in shape, the differences between a Zaranai and a Helra are quite extreme.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The Helra are ruled by a single monarch and their overall social structure is largely dictated by their skin coloring, with less healthy or pure colors being viewed as less desirable traits.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Found almost exclusively in the waters and lands surrounding Lake Isaura near the southernmost part of the continent.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

When a Helra is born, they are usually taken to the temple where the ancient holy books are consulted. Certain physical markers are used to determine the name of the new child based on the writings within the holy books.

Gender Ideals

Gender plays very little role in Helra society, only really coming into play when mating is involved.

Courtship Ideals

Creating children who will enjoy long and healthy lives is a very important factor in Helra courtship, with both mates often looking for spouses that will give them the healthiest offspring possible, as Helra life expediencies vary greatly and are largely a genetic factor.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Most Helra use a locally accepted form of sign language to communicate underwater when complex vocal sounds cannot be easily understood. They also speak Sedunic, which many believe they picked up from their interactions with the Negevi people who frequently trade with them.

Common Dress Code

Helra dress varies greatly depending on the locally available resources, however those holding a holy position are expected to dress quite modestly and are readily identifiable by their long, white garments that cover everything but their heads and the sides of their torso where their gils are located.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

The lifestyle of the Helra revolves largely around their worship. They observe many festivals and celebrations in honor of their Creator and believe that he wishes nothing but peace and happiness for his people.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The Helra are closely related genetically with the Ashna people, even able to produce potentially fertile offspring with them. This is generally discouraged by both species, however, as the two nations hold bitter rivalry against each other and the spawn of such a union would be treated as a second class citizen in either society.

Origin/Ancestry

Pure, Dark

Lifespan

70-300 years

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The body coloring of a Helra varies greatly depending on their genes. Those who are half-breeds between Ashna and Helra have skin that either more closely resembles that of a human or is greyish in tint. Helra with both pure and healthy genetic code tend to have red or pink skin colors, while those with less healthy lineage have blue or purple skin tints.