Church of Helm

Attitudes
Novices, or initiates, of the church were trained to vigilant and dutiful in carrying out their orders. In their service they learned to never betray the trust that was bestowed upon them, which extended to the manner in which they considered martial combat. They had to rely upon themselves, their weapons and allies in order to best plan and coordinate defense and attacks in battle.

Activities
Following the Time of Troubles they set out to win back favor among the people of Faerûn with renewed demonstrations of excellent and loyal service as protectors. The church sponsored the training of guards and armed escorts in various cities throughout the realms, extolling their virtues and worthiness as the only guardians that were worthy for hire.

Organization
The church of Helm was organized into a strict military hierarchy.

Titles
Novice &bull; Adept &bull; Trusty &bull; Alert &bull; Watchknight &bull; Guardian &bull; Overblade &bull; High Watcher &bull; Senior Steeleye &bull; Bishous (bishop)

Priestly orders
The various orders of priests, or "pryats",

within the church:

Rituals

 * Consecration of a Postulant: One of the holiest of the Helmite rituals, this consecration was performed upon the confirmation of a person's dedication as they entered into the ranks of the Helmite clergy.


 * Consecration of a Glymtul: This ceremony was used to dedicate items into service unto Helm.


 * Purification: A ritual of atonement that was performed when a clergy member returned to the faith after leaving its service, or otherwise failed in their duties of vigilance,


 * Holy Vigil: This night-long ceremony was performed by a priest of Helm when they ascended in rank within the church.

Bases
The church of Helm was a strong, protective presence throughout the North. They were oft regarded as the region's first defenders against attacks from monstrous beasts and malevolent humanoids.

Temples

 * Noble Hand, Tsurlagol
 * Temple of the Vigilant Guard, Iljak

Dress
Clerics of Helm were armored in pristine full plate mail, often enchanted with the everbright property, complete with open-faced helmets that often featured colored plumes. Over their armor they typically wore red or steel-grey cloaks, with Helm's symbol, the "Unsleeping Eye". If church members were in a venue where armor was not allowed, they often kept their pauldrons and always wore their helm.

In the south, Helmite clergy inset their armor with gems and adorned its lining with gold filigree, particularly around the lids of the eye.

Weapons and arms
When preparing for battle, a Patriarch of Helm often used a ceremonial mace to anoit troops in holy water, referred to as the "Tears of Helm".

Spells

 * Sentry of Helm &bull; Exaltation &bull; Forceward &bull; Mace of Odo &bull; Seeking Sword &bull; Summon Spectator

Relics

 * Books: