Arelith: Fey Crossroads

Author: Adelyn Belle'rose

Rozen Chalice Publishing, a division of East Arelith Trading

Original Publication: Uktar, 185 AR

Revised & Updated Edition: Nightal, 185 AR

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"The Arelith Antiquarian Society is instituted to examine, preserve, and publish all antiquities connected with the art, language, literature, and history of the Arelith Archipelago. Articles bearing this notation have been selected for conservation regardless of race, faith, alignment, or affiliation. While all efforts have been made to ensure the information within is accurate regarding the subject matter covered, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein, whether such errors or omissions are the result of negligence, accident, or any other cause. If errors, inaccuracies, or omissions are discovered, please contact the author who will address the issue."
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INTRODUCTION

While I never had much interest in pursuing research into the Fey, given their chaotic and unpredictable nature, a chance meeting presented an opportunity to acquire information previously unknown. Such chances should never be ignored, and though there is generally a cost to such things, it should always be paid. Knowledge is Power, after all, and Power is worth any Price.

I. FEY

While this work will not delve deeply into the nature of the Fey, for such a subject deserves its own dedicated volume, a brief overview is warranted. Fey are magical beings aligned with either the Seelie or Unseelie Courts, often whimsical, capricious, and deeply entwined with nature and magic. They range from mischievous, playful beings like pixies and dryads to more menacing entities such as winterlings and frostwind viragos. Their chaotic nature often guides their actions, while mortal emotions and stories grant them a measure of Power. Known for their tricky nature, Fey are infamous for striking bargains and making agreements that often carry unforeseen consequences.

II. THE CONTRACT

Let us begin by recounting my unexpected encounter with a winged fey who called itself "Mintspear" deep in the desert beyond the settlement of Sibayad. Fortune had favored me that night, and I did not hesitate to seize the opportunity. In exchange for a suitable payment, I sought knowledge of the elusive fey crossroads, a series of gateways scattered and hidden across the Arelith isles, of which I had heard but never witnessed. With an unsettling smile, the Fey consented to my request and declared its price.

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"As for knowledge sweet child- I declare upon thee, to give up the knowledge of your greatest weakness to thee. You will be reborn again, without a fear, imagine such a life- oh can you taste it? It's so near."
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I agreed after some thought, and with a flare of gossamer wings, the shadows beneath the Fey seemed to morph and move as he spoke the words.

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"Where salt and stone in shadow meet, A hidden way beneath your feet. Where wooden arches span the flow. Secrets stir where shadows grow. In forest's heart where whispers stray, the darkened path will show the way. Three doors lie veiled, if you dare, seek them out, where few would care. By Guldorands tide, Brogdensteins bridge, and southern woods where the fruits do gleam, most close to a sparkling river stream. Within each place, narrow your eyes, look not up, but in the crack of the stonewalls side."
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The pact was sealed in mortal blood with a thorny prick to the hand of Azalin Blackcloak, a wizard who accompanied me. With that, Mintspear vanished into the shifting sands. Yet what price was truly paid remains uncertain. The memory of my "greatest weakness" was torn from me as if it never existed. Perhaps those around me may one day piece together what was lost, but for now, I am content with the knowledge gained in its place.

III. CROSSROADS

Using the riddle as a guide, I enlisted the aid of another Fey and several trusted associates to track down the locations hidden within the wilderness of Arelith. It took time of course, as these places are well concealed, but we finally uncovered the portals and their corresponding destinations. While I initially thought these magical pathways might serve as a means to enter the Fey Realm itself, their function is far more limited. Instead, they act as a network for swift travel across the island between fixed points. Furthermore, not all may use them, as each portal is guarded by powerful magic and a vigilant guardian. Through trial and error, we determined that only the Fey themselves, or perhaps those touched by them, could access the Crossroads. However, a Fey may escort others through, granting passage to those who would otherwise be barred. Below is a record of the known Crossroad portals and their destinations.

  BENWICK ~ MINMIR

In the depths of the Arelith Forest, beside the tranquil waters of Lake Benwick, a cave conceals a flooded passage. Near this underwater corridor, through a narrow crevice, one can find an entrance to the Fey Crossroads. Its twin portal resides upon a small island dotted with ancient ruins at the heart of eastern Lake Minmir.

  BROGENDENSTEIN ~ CORDOR

Near the gates of Brogendenstein, a wooden suspension bridge stretches across a deep valley. Those who venture to the valley floor may discover a narrow fissure in the rock face, through which a hidden portal to the Fey Crossroads may be found. This mystical gateway links to another, tucked away within a tranquil clearing on Cordor's eastern frontier near a small fortified military outpost.

  GULDORAND ~ BENDIR DALE

Nestled deep within a ravine of the Guldorand Mountains, beyond Westcliff on the road to the Fortress City, lies the secluded coastal cove of Jormundul Rocks. Hidden here within a small cave rests an entrance to the Crossroads, its counterpart concealed within the winding tunnels of the Cavernous Ruins along Bendir Dale's riverbank.

  SHADOW WOOD BOG ~ LOWLAND SWAMPS

Deep in the Shadow Wood Bog of Arelith Forest, a jagged fissure splits a secluded rock face, concealing a hidden portal within. This Fey Crossroad links to its twin, nestled amid the crumbling ruins of a long-forgotten structure in the heart of the Lowland Swamps' Quagmire.

IV. FEY MOUND

One consequence of our exploration was the discovery of a fabled Fey Mound along the western shore of Lake Minmir. Hidden within a cave mouth tucked into a secluded rock face, this sacred burial site is heavily guarded by powerful magic and the denizens of the Summer Court. Given my "condition" and the way nature-aligned beings tend to react to it, I chose not to risk drawing their attention. Thus, I leave the investigation of this place to those readers who may be more inclined to undertake such a venture.

CONCLUSION

While many warn against dealings with the Fey of either Court, I consider such caution folly. With careful wording and a keen understanding of their customs, the Fey can be invaluable allies to those clever enough to navigate their ways. I say this as anyone who wishes to use the Crossroads will inevitably find themselves entangled with the Fey. Engage with them, but do so wisely, armed with knowledge and preparation.

FIN

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:

* Interview:

[1] "Mintspear"

[2] Azalin Blackcloak

[3] REDACTED

* On-Site Investigation:

[1] Adelyn Belle'rose

[2] Khi Kir-Khala Belle'rose

[3] Eppi

[4] REDACTED

[5] Azalin Blackcloak

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The modest portrait of a young vermilion-haired woman with pallid flesh is positioned next to the paragraph below. Her emerald gaze looks intently at the reader, betraying the aspect's alluring facade with callous indifference. A subtle smirk, hinting at a predatory nature, appears hidden within the corners of full upturned lips.

"For years, the vampire Adelyn Belle'rose has captivated readers with her historical works upon the island of Arelith. Once the curator of the Cordor Museum, she breathed life into the past through engaging exhibits and displays. Later, as a key member of Andunor's Erudite Arcanum, she spearheaded the investigation into Shadow Wharftown's Third Iteration. Her eventual collaboration with the Merchant League of Sibayad led to the discovery of its forgotten past. Through initiatives like the Arelith Antiquarian Society and the East Arelith Trading Company, she tirelessly advocates for the preservation of knowledge throughout the archipelago."