Solis Helios

The Solis Helios is a religion in Arlec that worships the suns. While it tracks its origins from outside of South-East Arlec, there is a small following in the region, mainly with many of the tribes outside of the nations.

## History

The Solis Helios religion was founded in **112PR** in a nation outside of South-East Arlec.

In **388PR** the religion began garnering followers from some of the independent tribes in South-East Arlec. By **409PR** small groups in the nations began converting to the religion.

The Aliquam Guild recognised the religion in the area as legitimate in **435PR**.

## Beliefs

In Arlec there is a natural phenomenon with the suns, happening every Summer. Just before the start of summer, the sun has a day where it changes to the colour blue. Everything still remains normal with light, it just has a small tint of blue to it. Then, the next day summer begins with a much larger sun. At the end of summer, the sun returns to its original size and is red for a day.

The religion of Solis Helios started by interpreting the changes in the sun, believing they were godly beings that were watching over the world.

### The Cycle

Followers of Solis Helios, or Helions, believe that the sun’s cycle represents something. They believe that there are two suns, a son and a father. The smaller sun being the son, and the bigger being the father (Ynir).

So, when the sun changes to blue, it represents the death of the son and sun. Hence, why the next day when summer begins that the bigger sun, Ynir, takes over for 3 and a bit months. When his new son is born, the red sun, he returns to his original position behind him and the cycle continues.

### Ynir

Ynir is the original sun of the world, but grew too big and powerful so required his sons to cover for him in the months that weren’t summer. However, this angered some of the people in Arlec, who cursed him and his sons to have a very short lifespan, hence the creation of the cycle.

Ynir is seen as a vengeful god because of the curse, but can also be sweet. When he is full of rage, he can create deserts, wastelands where very little life grows, or winter environments, if he simply ignores them.

When happy, or appeased, he can create life. Using his rays of light to fuel the plants and help them grow, keeping the people fed. Many Helions offer sacrifices to Ynir for a good Summer, his rays of light killing the bugs and pests that may harm their crops.

### Calendar

Because there is a different sun/son every year, Helions have begun naming a year after them. Always followed by the word Solar, Helions don’t always follow the **PR** system and instead use theirs instead.

### Clothing

When Summer comes around, Helions wear an oddly lack of clothing. It is very common to see both men and women walking around shirtless, painting themselves with different symbols that are prayers to Ynir and his sons. Ironically, there have been no recorded cases of sunburn.

Their belief is that by wearing minimal clothing, they can absorb more of Ynir’s power. While originally dismissed as fanatics, Helions actually produce a large amount of Awakened, though there have been no strong connections to their clothing as a cause.

## Churches

Solis Helios only has small churches for worship, usually going outside and praying for the sun. In the occasional case there is a sun, it usually has an open roof system, only closing when rainfall or storms happen.