Belus (bɛ̂ː.los)

Belus is the highest mountain on the island of Íssa, and the second highest in the Kaphtor Islands islands, after Óros Ídhi on Nisi. The mountain has been the physical body of the god Belus since ancient times. The earliest records of Belus date back to before Íssa was a part of the Telmunic Empire. Hundaru of Telmun was said to have studied with the priests of Belus, and honed his already considerable talents under the tutelage of the war-god.

The Polemikí Akadimía has stood on the hills near Belus for centuries, tended over by the priesthood of Belus. Many of the most powerful rulers and generals have spent time there, learning the arts of strategy and tactics. Candidates are expected to show expertise in a wide variety of weapons, but the school is not focused on these skills. They train generals, not soldiers. The school was founded after the island was conquered by Hundaru of Telmun, who wanted a more formal setting for his generals to learn in, rather than the apprenticeships that had been the previous model.

Notable Spirits

The god Belus is a god of war. He is one of the Daemones, and has a love for the arts of war, specifically strategy and tactics. The Kaphtori know that he can be a troublesome god, and that he schemes to overthrow Zoí Epáno as the ruler of the Daemones. So far, he has not succeeded in this, but his plans are long and deep, and he may yet sieze that throne. When the Daemones meet in conclave in The Dream, he sits upon the left hand of Zoí Epáno, where the sky-god can watch him and counter his maneuvering.

Geography

The mountain has a distinctive profile, with a sharp narrow peak called the Tower of Belus. Another formation has a curved ridge that resembles the back of a chair from below; this is known as the Throne of Belus. The mountain is very difficult to climb, with no easy paths and several sheer cliff faces on every approach. Those who do ascend to the throne are said to be able to petition Belus himself, although it is unclear what the god will grant to those petitioners.

Type

Mountain / Hill

Location under

Íssa

Geographic Details

Location: Southeastern Region
Latitude: 32.99 degrees North
Longitude: 44.69 degrees East
Elevation: 7,720 ft