“We are not trying to belong. We already do — to ourselves.”
— Helivian
Helivians, or Velmorrja in their tongue, are believed to have existed on the two continents for centuries, perhaps even longer than the Orcs, one of the most senior races on the Kelevas. The Helivians appear almost demonic, but the sheer number of them has led many to be desensitised to their presence. Their sets of horns, fiery colours, and overall demonic appearance still invoke fear in the youth of cities. Many of the Velmorrja hail from a kingdom called Midya, a large city renowned for its abundance of knowledge. However, there are several populations outside of Midya, including Helivians who have chosen to live in the wilderness, as well as those who have settled within the lesser kingdoms of the continents. Despite this, Helivians often share many commonalities, particularly in their physical appearance, which allows the exiles of Midya and the wild Helivians to be recognised wherever they may go.
Life expectancy: 80 years
Height: 6'1"—6'5" ft. (max.) [1,85—1,95 m.]
Weight: 180—210 lbs. [82—95 kg.]
Language: Thavàri
Velmorrja have the most physical variation among all the known races; one of the few similarities they share is their height, which is comparable to that of humans. However, that is where these comparisons end, as the Helivians have a set of horns that begin to grow seemingly before they are even born. These horns grow from the brow or the forehead; however, as the Helivians age, more seem to grow from the sides of their head or branch outward from the original growths. Each pair of horns indicates twenty years of life for the Helivian. Further contributing to their bizarre appearance and behavior, Helivians are equipped with a prehensile tail, and are purely carnivorous. If any attempt is made at consuming vegetables, or otherwise, Helivians become ill for several days. Finally, their legs have two types of variations since birth: digitigrade & plantigrade legs. The skin tones of Helivians vary depending on their surroundings, often adapting from one generation to the next. The usual colours range from dull oranges, reds, blues, and yellows. Their hair is not as vibrant, being the typical natural colours you see in humans, with a rare chance of white.
Even when blindfolded, a Helivian knows where north lies. Mountains may shift, storms may howl, and roads may twist, but their sense of direction remains unshaken. Some claim it’s a gift from the ‘sky’ itself. Others believe it’s instinct bred into them from a migratory past. Whatever the cause, a Helivian will never truly be lost.
Many Helivians consider themselves misplaced among human societies if they hail from Midya; however, to the exiles and those considered the “wild” Helivians, these diverse societies are where they truly excel. Those from the larger cities of Keleva often crave structure and can be perceived as selfish. Those from the various enclaves or the wilderness, however, vary widely in their beliefs and values. Frequently differing from bloodline to bloodline, one of the few similarities between humans and the Helivians.