They are basically constants where you can define reoccurring sections once and reference them multiple times throughout the file. A processor will then resolve these. As gar as I know, there is no comparable concept in JSON so they could get lost in translation
I could see some problems when working with yaml anchors, otherwise the conversion should work fine. But yeah, using a good editor should fix most problems and would be much easier
Some parts of it sound like the Stormlight Archives series
I personally like @morgandrinkscoffee. They often have interesting ideas for coffee drinks.
If we play in person, we mostly go with simple dry-erase marker on a battlemap. It is easy and flexible, although not very visually impressive
Overly Sarcastic Productions have a fun mix of history and entertainment, combined with a nuce art style