Like Star Wars showed us a 'dirty, used future', so Borehole Bazaar shows us a fantasy world not of brightness and light and magic, but one that has sunk to the level of human depravity and cruelty. And so it is relatable, and enjoyable, to visit there.
Surviving abuse leaves no soul unscathed, and this is especially true of Ptielieren, an elite elvish bodyguard involuntarily integrated into an aversive-heavy culture. Strength can exist absent a ringing victory and weakness does not signify defeat.
