Helmira
Helmira, formerly known as Kythira and Helmsdeep, is the oldest and largest city in the whole of Minecraftia by both population and surface area. Colloquially it is known as the City of Lights, the City of Palaces, the Imperial City and the City of Blocks. In some parts of the Kingdom of Ardoragh it is also referred to as the White City. The megacity is located on the coast of the Narrow Sea, in the Kythiran Kingdom of Attica.
The city was founded by H.I.H. Emperor Viromaro in the Third Era, although much of the city has existed as early as the late First Era in the form of the capital cities of the Kingdom of Kythira and the Kingdom of Helmsdeep. Historically and culturally the conquest and subsequent unification of those two cities have been seen as the birth of the Kythiran Empire.
The city has been a global center of finance, culture, diplomacy, commerce, architecture and gastronomy. It is the seat of the White-Gold Tower, making it the heart of the Empire's government. The Kythiran royal family, House Viromaro, live their lives predominantly in the city.
Culture
Helmira is a splendid city that was founded as a symbol of unity of nations and eras into a prosperous whole. Originally the city of Helmira consisted of two capital cities of different kingdoms, Kythira and Helmsdeep, founded in the Second Era, separated by the Valley Lands. After the creation of the Kythiran Empire a larger capital city was required. This resulted in the unification of the previous two capitals into one larger city with the name 'Helmira'. 'Helm' standing for Helmsdeep, and 'Ira' for Kythira. A symbol of how the old world was united into one. It boasts of stunning architecture and numerous bridges over the River Helma. Its imperial history can be seen in the lavish palaces and museums that adorn the city. The most famous of these is the Helmitage Museum, located around the Bay of Splendour. It contains a vast collection of art and artefacts from around the world.
Helmira has always been a center of culture and creativity, attracting many renowned musicians, writers and artists. Some of the most celebrated names in Minecraftian history include arists hailing from or having lived in Helmira. Helmira’s musical scene is dominated by the Imperial Roterstein Theatre where visitors can enjoy ballet, opera and orchestra performances. The theatre is named after Crown-Prince Whazajottom Von Roterstein, a famous patron of the musical arts in the Empire.
One of the most distinctive features of Helmira is its Golden Nights, a period of time of time in summer when the sun barely sets and the city is bathed in a soft light. During this time, Helmira hosts a variety of festivals and events, such as concerts, dances, fireworks, sailing regattas, jazz shows and street parties. Golden Nights are a symbol of Helmira’s vitality and joyfulness, as well as its resilience and cohesion. Older parts of the city have survived despite numerous wars and tragedies, including the War of Two Kings and the Great Grief.
In recent years, Helmira has become a popular tourist destination, offering a rich blend of history, culture and modernity. The city has many luxury hotels and fine restaurants, as well as a vibrant nightlife and shopping scene.
Economy
Helmira is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, if not the wealthiest, due to it being a global center of trade. Due to the One Nation One Gate Laws enacted by the White Gold Tower, all trade coming into and going out of the Kythiran Empire has to move through Helmira. This has also facilitated the construction of the largest commercial harbour in the world, and the Helmiran Fleet itself is a formidable force only outsized by the Mediori Fleet.
Imperial City
Helmira is the center of the Kythiran Empire for many reasons, one of which is it being the home of the empire's royal family, as well as the vast majority of the Kythiran elite. Even the nobility hailing from the more remote provinces such as Alcanzar and Ardoragh have summer palaces and mansions in the vast city. For this reason, the city is also known for having such a massive amount of galas, balls and parties that the wealthy are able to mingle high-class at some event at least once every evening.
Safety
Helmira is well known for being the safest city in the Kythiran Empire, which is aided by a large regiment of the Kythiran Imperial Legion, the Kythiran Imperial Navy and the Imperial Helmiran Guards, the latter acting as a formal police force within the city boundaries. Its city walls, designed and build predominantly by Imperius engineers and craftsmen, are well known as some of if not the strongest in the world.
Notable buildings
The White Gold Tower
Center of government for the Kythiran Empire
The Imperial Palace
Home of the ruling House of Viromaro
Forum of Minecraftia
A center of diplomacy for Minecraftia
The Lindenborgh
Guest palace for visiting heads of state from Imperius
Fort Winterhal
Private winter palace of the ruling House of Viromaro
Villa Altojardin
Former royal palace of the Kings of Kythira, today a guest house for dignitaries who attend either the Forum of Minecraftia or the Peace Palace.
The Grand Kythiran Obelisk
Monument to the formation of the City of Helmira. At 169 meters tall one of the tallest man-made objects in the world.
FH20 Grounds
Largest Iceboating race track in Minecraftia
Kythiran Games Grounds
Sport grounds for the annual Kythiran Games. Includes a large arena, a hippodrome, a Spleef arena, swimming arena, Elytra arena and Iceboating arena.
Hotel Ye Olde Tower
Sport
Supreme Court
Sport