Welcome to Helheim

The Cataclysm

The Kingdom of Helheim was once a shining utopia that dazzled the world with incredible architecture and feats of magic allowing mortal men to almost live like Gods. A traditionally Human empire gifted magic and technology by divine means, Helheim came close to propelling mankind to Godhood through incredible, yet twisted and ill-designed means. Disaster struck as the Kingdom finally went too far, causing a great magical cataclysm: a great explosion that reduced the city to dust and memory. The world was forever changed and survivors swore to never repeat the mistakes of their greed again.

Recent

The city has long since been rebuilt, though always as a shadow of it's former power. Ruling families have come and gone, often bringing with them cultural changes to the population of Helheim. Recent history has seen the passionate rule of King Tyr Spurius and his brilliant-minded wife, Queen Laya Spurius-Ryder. The Kingdom has also been ruled by the soft spoken, mercantile and kind unicorn, Queen Belle. Currently it is ruled over by the cunning and mischievous devil, Queen Buulzibael. The line of rulers has demonstrated well the slow shift in the population's view to non-human races.

Religion

Humans of Helheim traditionally worship The Four: Mikhail the Unyielding, Aidos the Creator, Dormia the Architect and Junten the Learned. Opinions on the Four are often divided, even amongst the people of Helheim: most notably over Junten's decision to gift humans magic before the Cataclysm. Households vary from liberal to puritan views of the Four, though their influence can generally be seen throughout the people of Helheim. For more information please visit The Temple of Helheim.

Since the arrival of foreigners to Helheim soil, religious practice has expanded to be inclusive of other faiths: as long as their morals align with The Four.

Race

The Kingdom of Helheim is traditionally and predominantly human, though this has clearly changed over generations of immigration. Regardless of these new developments, the bulk of the population is still human with ancestry dating back to before the cataclysm: even if many of the notable adventurers in Helheim come in all manner of shapes and sizes.

City

The city of Helheim is one of wood and stone. Being a coastal Kingdom has greatly influenced architecture and infrastructure: cold winds batter the coastline at winter whilst hot summers burn rooftops and plazas. Helheim follows a very European and Mediterranean approach to a coastal city: relying heavily on the sea for trade and fishing. The area is subject to all four seasons with a steady shift from freezing winters to baking hot summers.

How do I join Helheim?

Citizenship in Helheim can be gained by filling out the correct paperwork and having it approved and signed for by a member of Royalty, High-Nobility or the Magistrate. This paperwork then acts as identification and information covering an individual's details such as: name, race, age, defining features and professional skills. This is both for the sake of the Royal Archives and Royal Guard: but also offers the opportunity for new citizens be pointed in the direction of work suited to them.

Why should I join Helheim?

Citizens of Helheim are given the following: freedom to trade and start a business at a fixed address, permission to fly in the city, permission to cast magic in the city and the freedom to start a House-Hold (which later has the potential to be recognised as Noble).

What can I do without joining Helheim?

Foreign visitors are still welcome to travel through Helheim and conduct business, most notably within the Market Square and Dockland's port. Market stalls and caravans are sometimes seen peddling wares across the city to varying levels of success. It's generally understood that the further one treads from the Castle, the lighter the rules are enforced.

Can I find work?

There are plenty of places to work in Helheim. Businesses vary from Crown owned to privately run. Below are some examples of places to seek work, but it is also worth exploring the city and speaking with private businesses to see if they are hiring. You can also explore starting your own business.

The Great Keep: The Castle, the Library, the Hungry Fox restaurant and the Royal Guardhouse.

The Market Square: The Infirmary, the Magic Shoppe, Three Wolves Tavern and the Royal Theatre.

The Docklands: The Forges, the Inn and the Port.

The Outer Reach: The Tourist Centre, the Temple of Helheim and the Farmlands.

How do I start a business?

Citizens of Helheim are free to start a business as they please, bypassing any approval process. A business does not need a fixed address to exist. It is worth noting that several previous attempts to use floating addresses to avoid business taxes have become rather popular in visits from the Royal Guard.

How do I get a fixed address?

Businesses may apply for a building within Helheim or use a privately rented home to operate out of. Please refer to sim guidelines regarding rentals.

What are my limitations?

Businesses are generally free to operate as they see fit, though must still adhere to the laws of the Kingdom or risk being audited. There are often rumours of smuggling and other forms of illegal activity happening by the Docklands.

What are the Nobles?

The Kingdom of Helheim prides itself on proper nobility and pomp. All citizens are free to start their own Households, but some Households will be recognised by the Crown as Nobility. This is a badge of honour and usually comes with small, additional perks in favourable treatment. Citizens may find themselves being gifted Lordship, Ladyship or Knighthood through great contribution to the Crown: be it through service or financing the Kingdom.

Beyond this, Barony is available to those chosen to serve the Counties. For more information: see the Nobility Register page.

What are they?

The Kingdom of Helheim is divided up into four Counties, each encompassing a large part of the city's infrastructure. These Counties are each ruled over by a Count or Countess on behalf of the Crown. These duties include representing the County, daily running of the County, helping businesses and managing business taxes.

The Great Keep: Often referred to as "Upper Helheim", the Great Keep is a large castle atop a cliff overlooking the coast. Noted for Administration and Royalty.

The Market Square: The middle-ground plateau, the Market Square offers a central hub of businesses and stalls. Noted for Commerce and Entertainment.

The Docklands: Situated on the coastline, the Docklands is a large port and area of business and pleasure. Noted for Trade, Crafting and Entertainment. 

The Outer Reach: Along the great walls of Helheim and out into the farmlands and wild world beyond. Noted for Agriculture, Travel and Tourism.

For more information: see the Nobility & Counties page.

How do taxes work?

Taxes are paid at the start of each month. Traditionally this is handled by a representative of the Crown visiting citizens and businesses throughout the city during the first week of the month to collect taxes. With the introduction of Counts and Countesses: some are now handling the business taxes within their Counties. This money is then received by the Crown before being re-allocated to the various budgets that fund Helheim's infrastructure and continual development. Taxes also cover basic Crown services provided across the Kingdom.

What is Citizen tax?

Citizen tax is currently set at 10 Copper a month.

What is Business tax?

Business taxes may vary by County: please speak with your Count or Countess.

How do I pay?

Citizen taxes will be collected by a Crown representative at the start of the month. For business taxes: please speak with your Count or Countess.

((Tax is a consent based, opt-in mechanic. All citizens are assumed to be paying their tax regularly, unless they opt to play as evading or refusing to pay. Tax can be paid in HuD coin or RP coin, though HuD coin goes back to the faction leader to pay for events, player wages, etc. ))

How does the law work?

Laws in Helheim are enforced by the Royal Guard, who have authority to move citizens and tourists along should they be deemed to disrupting the peace. Guards have the ability to arrest those deemed to be in violation of Helheim Law, transporting them to a holding cell in the Guardhouse. A Magistrate will then be summoned and informed of the scenario and provided any relevant evidence. It is the Magistrate who then decides whether the party is innocent or guilty. If found guilty, the Magistrate will decide a suitable punishment based on guidelines set within the legal system.

For more information, please see Laws & Acts.

What is it?

Any personal item that is crafted to perform a standard spell or ability that would otherwise be achieved by a spell-caster or enchanted item. Magitech ranges from artisanal creations such as magical weapons and equipment, to standardized house-hold items such as mana-powered lights and heaters. At its largest, Magitech has produced leyline-fed Generators capable of powering entire Kingdoms and magical barriers able to withstand dragons.

Can I make it?

Yes. Magitech is definitely not limited to Helheim, but the Kingdom has a strong history with it (for better or worse). Any is free to create handheld and simple items that perform a function that could otherwise be achieved by an enchanted item or spell-caster. Examples are lanterns, basic weapons, basic shields and accessories. For anything beyond this: please speak with a member of staff.

You can read more about our Magitech Guidelines.