Bundok Balani (ˈbun.dok baˈla.ni)
"A promise made upon Bundok Balani cannot be broken without...consequences. There is a reason I have so many group outings to Humalik, and it isn't for the hunting."
The highest point on the island of Humalik is a picturesque hill known as Bundok Balani. Located near the island's center, it offers a sweeping view of Humalik, the surrounding ocean, and the western coast of Pulo. A popular destination for visitors, the hilltop features a small pavilion built for the comfort of those who choose to take their luncheon there. To the Aten, however, the hill is both sacred and perilous. While they do not prevent others from visiting, they themselves rarely choose to climb to the summit. The hill and pavilion are tended by the same gardeners who maintain the Imperial hunting lodge outside Bataa, and Bundok Balani is a favorite retreat of Princess Liwayway.
Notable Spirits
Bundok Balani is home to an Anima, a creature of the Spirit Realm. The Anima of the hill is known as the Tagapangalaga ng Tupdinpanata, and it is sustained by the making and keeping of promises. Any vow spoken upon the hilltop falls under the Tagapangalaga’s watch - those who break their word invoke its wrath, which may be carried out anywhere in the world.
The punishments of the Tagapangalaga ng Tupdinpanata are notoriously varied and unpredictable. It may simply inflict a moment of searing agony upon the oath-breaker, or it may unravel their sanity and slowly dissolve their body. There are no light penalties.
For a vow to be binding, all parties must speak in good faith and truly intend to fulfill their promise. If even one party lacks sincerity, the Tagapangalaga will not recognize the vow, and no punishment will follow. Yet for those who understand the ways of the Tagapangalaga, it is often clear when a vow has not been accepted - and that knowledge may bring consequences of its own.
Most of the time, the Tagapangalaga ng Tupdinpanata remains unseen, lingering within the dream-echo of Bundok Balani. It becomes partially visible only when the words of a promise are spoken aloud. Its appearance varies from person to person, but it is most often described as a spherical being of light and wings, bearing a beautiful face and searching eyes. It manifests for only a few moments before vanishing once more - but the weight of its presence lingers, and those who have felt it never forget the sensation.
Geography
Bundok Balani is a flat-topped hill rising a little over 400 feet above sea level. Unlike most of the island of Humalik, its summit is not forested. From the hilltop, one can gaze out across the forest canopy and see the ocean beyond. While several other hills dot the island, Bundok Balani stands more than seventy feet taller than the next highest rise.
The Imperial gardeners have cultivated the summit to resemble a wildflower meadow, importing some of the most beautiful blooms from across Kapuluan. These have been arranged with great care to appear natural yet harmonious. Many visitors report feeling unusually calm and at peace among the flowers, often spending hours resting there, watching butterflies and other insects go about their quiet business.
At the center of the hilltop stands a small wooden pavilion, crafted from local hardwood and designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Flowering vines climb its posts and eaves, blooming in seasonal colors that echo the wildflowers of the hilltop. Within, a handful of tables and chairs invite visitors to linger. Their arrangement and design complement the tranquil atmosphere, offering a quiet place to rest, reflect, or share a meal.
Geographic Details
Location: Southwestern RegionLatitude: 14.75 degrees North
Longitude: 27.28 degrees West
Elevation: 436 ft
Librarian's Note - The Anima
Most gods and spirits in the Great Ring are Numina - creatures of the Dream, born from and sustained by mortal belief and thought. Far rarer are the Anima, beings of the Spirit Realm. Though they may appear godlike, Anima are fundamentally different and far less comprehensible.
In their native state, Anima possess no fixed identity or sense of self. They adopt forms and personalities only when engaging with mortals, and can discard or alter them as easily as changing a coat. Unlike Numina, they are not shaped or sustained by belief. Instead, they draw power from the spiritual energies that bind mortal souls together - some by helping form those bonds, and others by unraveling them. You can read more about the nature of Anima here.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
I want to sit in the flower meadow. Sounds beautiful. The promise thing is a little freaky, but probably useful in a diplomatic sense. At least you can tell if someone is being insincere!
Explore Etrea | Reading Challenge 2025
Princess Liwaway is certainly using it to good purpose. Her brother should pay more attention to where she takes her outings.