Belmea

Belmea is the smaller of the two moons of Arcis, known for its chaotic and unpredictable orbital pattern around the planet’s toroidal shape, in contrast to its sister moon, Solstea. This irregular motion has imbued Belmea with symbolic cultural meaning across Arcis, often representing the mysteries of reality and the importance of humility before the unknown forces shaping the world.

Due to its small size, Belmea is capable of passing through the Annulus—a rare astronomical event that triggers a variety of visual, physical, and arcane phenomena. These manifestations vary depending on the observer’s region within Arcis but commonly include: shifting lights across Belmea’s surface, erratic ocean tides, heightened occurrences of Runegazing, and visible trails of light connecting the stars and moons. The rarity and wonder of such events have inspired numerous cultural celebrations, most notably the Kinisi festival in southern Thalindor.

The Orphic Veil and Ancient Ruins

During the early years of The Magical Inquisition, around 910 IE, Ysara Neldrin journeyed to Belmea’s surface. There, along with her companions, she founded The Orphic Veil, a clandestine organization that would later play a significant role in Arcisian history. The duration and exclusivity of the Orphic Veil’s presence on Belmea remain uncertain. However, early in their settlement, the group discovered ancient Duergar ruins on the moon, suggesting that Belmea had once been inhabited by settlers in a distant era.