Helsti

Helsti is a fictional town and municipality in the northern part of the realm of Valoria, within the world of Aeterra. It sits on the foothills of the Silver Range and along the Helmi River, roughly 60 kilometers from the capital Branis. The municipality covers about 320 square kilometers and, in the latest narrative census, has a population of around 2,300 residents.

The town developed from a cluster of agrarian settlements founded in the 14th century and grew as a minor trading stop on the Valorian Way. Medieval fortifications were added as the settlement prospered, and Helsti endured the Great Flood of 1523, after which it was rebuilt with a mix of timber houses and later brick structures. The 19th and 20th centuries saw diversification into dairy farming and light manufacturing, shaping its contemporary economy.

Helsti is governed by a mayor and a six-member council, elected for four-year terms. The local economy centers on agriculture—primarily grains and dairy—along with small-scale manufacturing and community services. The town hosts a weekly market and hosts regional events, including an autumn festival that draws visitors from surrounding communities. Public services include a primary school, a clinic, and a municipal library.

The population is ethnically diverse within Valoria, with communities of Valorians and smaller immigrant groups. Languages commonly spoken are Valorian and Estari, with Estari taught in schools. Cultural life revolves around the Harvest Market and the Helmi Bridge festival. Architecture blends preserved timber-framed houses with early brick buildings, and nearby natural areas feature the Silver Range trails and the Helmi River valley, forming the basis for local recreation and tourism.