Summer Camp 2023 Pledge & Homework: Eldûra

I, M.R.R. Shelswell, pledge to finish enough pledges to earn a diamond badge! I pray that life leaves me alone long enough for me to be able to see this pledge to fruition — Having to evacuate because of wildfires in Alberta may throw me for a loop.

The Homework

Theme 1: Power _{week 1}

Some of the aspects of power that reside within the world of Eldûra range from political to supernatural. Though, when it comes to the supernatural, most of that power is given by the Creator, Avva'ai, and is given to the good-hearted and faithful in their time of need. But, on the flip side, many of the evil-hearted and faithless are often able to tap into that same power because of the Undoer's desire to twist Avva'ai's creation.
Political powers include the kingdoms of Talnor, Dazuvell, Norethir, the Independent Landgraves, Beht'adur, and more. Whispers echo through the streets of Thím Gûthuwal, the capital of Talnor, that some of the nobility wish to overthrow King Rymhûl and place one of their own upon the throne. There are rumours that the nobility of Dazuvell possesses remnants of dwarven blood. And most of the Landgraves of the Independent Landgraves (Tyraphír Lespar) harbour seething hatred for King Rymhûl and for Talnor.

Theme 2: Frontier _{week 2}

There are many frontiers within the world of Eldûra. Half of the whole world of Eldûra could be considered frontier (or 'hinterland', as Eldûran citizens call it). The Forbidden Mountains, between Talnor and Bélar, could be considered hinterland, as no one seems willing to settle there, not even the dwarves. The Boreal Elves, the Taenorhar, once considered settling there, but when they tried they were driven away by an ominous presence that struck fear deep into their hearts.
Another place that could be considered a frontier is the lands west of the Western Mountains (name TBD) and north of the Dazuvellan Mountains (name also TBD). This area is home to a couple of dwarven settlements and the destination town of Cardinal Creek.

Theme 3: Relics _{week 3}

This will be an awesome opportunity to talk about and expand upon the Ward creature I created when participating in the Beastiary February challenge. It is an elusive creature that can occasionally be found guarding ancient treasure troves or rooms full of relics that they carefully and lovingly gather together. They will not let anyone get close and will fight intruders to the death. Though, I would like to make it so that some individuals would be willing to allow archaeologists to carefully examine their treasures—but woe be to anyone who breaks something or tries to steal something, for Wards are as jealous and vengeful as dragons.
Another thing I could write about is the Sorcerer Queen's staff or perhaps other things that are on the tip of my tongue that I can't quite recall right now.

Theme 4: Communication _{week 4}

Like the real world, there are many different languages, but there is one 'common' language that most in Talnor, Dazuvell, Eldondi, and Bélar share. That language, called "Common" or "Talish" by those who speak it, is represented by English (or whatever your native language is if you're reading this with Google Translate, dear reader). But there is also Genesai, the parent language of all languages that can be found in Eldûra, and Mëharva - the language of the elves. Those are the only languages I have managed to (begin to) craft as of June 28th, 2023.
I'm hoping that the prompts will not involve me having to reveal the dictionaries of these languages, as I'm not ready to reveal them yet.
As for modes of communication, so far I can only think of the good, old, trusty letter. I haven't thought up, or really much considered, any form of 'magical' communication, like Tolkien's Palantir. The goal I have for Eldûra is to not have it overtly magical, as I find most fantasy today is so steeped full of magic that the average person in those worlds cannot function without it.