World Anvil Summer Camp 2023 Pledge

I pledge to achieve the Diamond Badge during July 2023 to improve my world of Belerion.

Seats of Power

Power in Belerion is best described in terms of relatively, as the complex web of relationships of varying intensity, balance and openness have a unique way of ensuring that no one person or entity has pure, unchecked power - at least never for very long.
The Council of Guilds, the Civil Chamber and the Military Leaders, are locked in a political stalemate, with each side holding the others to ransom through threats of non-cooperation, whilst individually plotting to restore the long-vacant seat of the Lord Provost.
There are many kinds of power to be found in Belerion; Lady Evilyn, as Madame of Aberston 's most prestigious Brothel, she is a master of surveillance and espionage, training her workers to inform her of any details their patrons may utter whilst in their company. It is long since known that Lady Evilyn holds such knowledge. Equally as well known, is how well she keeps that knowledge safe; the threat of a leak provides more than enough power and influence for her to shape the world as she sees fit. Though of course this does make her a most appealing target for political opponents.

Here There be Drag Queens

The most prominent feature on any map of Belerion is the striking difference between Tamaria in the east, and Aberval to the west, separated by the majestic Bellever Mountains. Since an ancient landslide caving in the only pass through the mountains, very few have knowledge of what lay beyond the other side. Tamarians know nought of the vast dunes of the Bodmany Desert or the Pensan Rainforest, while Abervals have never glimpsed the sprawling citadel of Aberston nor marvelled at the brilliance of the Pine Peacock of the Tewledandar Forest.
Of course, not all frontiers are physical; in the short story 'Mariposa', Grub explores his true identity. The Spirit of Discovery has visited upon the members of the Council of Guilds, inspiring them to pursue the arts, science, philosophy and the arcane, of course leading to much debate about the addition of a guild of magic folk, which could open the door to all manner of non-human entities - a bit too much frontier for some councillors!

Value Remains

Whilst one may argue the Pensan Rainforest itself is a relic of the diety Halulopati (according to the The Legend of Xaka Kikū ) you'd be hard pressed to find a more knowledgeable (or more expensive!) purveyor of occult oddities, revered relics and cursed curiosities than Caleb Hookway, owner of a dingey unassuming little shop down a narrow alleyway with a sign so grubby it's impossible to make out the name any more. Fabled items such as the Goblin Ring, the Puzzle Ball and Djinn Bottle are all known to Caleb (along with several replicas that he disputes were ever purchased in his emporium!)
Several collectors, both private individuals and organisations collect such items for their own purposes, frequently attending auctions in unknown locations at unspecified times to snag a piece of history.

Words to Live By

There are many languages, some with as many accents spoken on both sides of the Bellever Mountains. Some languages are spoken only, others have developed varying degrees of written communication. Some have even developed a means of sending their written communications vast distances - in Aberston you will frequently find the domesticated Deep Breasted Pelican couriering letters and parcels over great distances.
Of course, there are those who prefer to communicate in more subtle ways; from Lady Evilyn's Art of the Fan to indicate subtle emotions or accentuate pointed speech, to the Beans on the street tagging buildings ripe for thieving with charcoal symbols.