Arches at the Crossroads
... if the letters upon the Arches reveal themselves, do not read the cursed words!
"There's a passage down the Old Kingdom Road, onto a lost section of highway. Back in those days, you couldn't blink an eye without seeing hungry scavengers. Oh, and crows; lots of crows..., "Coroner LaCross recounted.
"You're chatty again," Inspector Court scolded into his coffee.
"It's case-relevant, assuredly," his cat-like eyes, fixed on the Inspector. "You suspect Necromancy? The Arches is no laughing matter. I'll never go back..." Caven, lost in thought, paused.
Jakal noticed Caven's unusual demeanor. "Apologies. Proceed."
In the land of Ur' Draconia, there is an unbidden hill where the realm of Moonmarch borders the Old Kingdom of Aru'Atha. Roads used to connect the mainlaind to this region, until travelers went missing. Local legends claimed Arches at the Crossroads cursed, closing the roads and trade routes.
Investigators of the legend have vanished in the past; those that return are forever changed by the Crossroads. The region is a favorite locale for Necromancers and similar Casters drawn to the promise of forbidden knowledge. There are three other important sites located near the Arches at the Crossroads.
- Lamp by the Road
A town located by Old Kingdom Road. Settled next to the Torn River.
- Haunted Highway
Also known as Old Kingdom Road, beasts localize the ruins.
- Crescent Hollow Marsh
Lowland marsh, flooded roads.
Arches at the Crossroads is considered an Omphalos of Necromancy. Those seeking the Magic must be cautious of the secrets locked within the ancient, haunted stones.
"I used to be a Necromancer," the Coroner paused for Inspector Court's sour expression, a mutual disdain shared. "I understand, but it was necessary." He set his cup of coffee on the bar.
"It was too late- both for me, the Necromancers," the Coroner turned to the window. Rain pattered against the pane.
Inspector Court spoke, "I don't need to know what happened. You saw what I saw."
Caven peered over his shoulder, "I had a much closer look, I'm sure." He turned, facing the Inspector. "I need to tell you everything about that night at the Arches."
Inspector Court felt like he was going to learn more about his new friend than this case should have allowed.
The foolishness of Necromancy Inspector Court ruminated.
Regional Information
The land of Ur' Draconia was once held by Dragons. Large bridges connected the land to wide roads leading to the ancient Dragon Kingdoms. These lands wouldn't see freedom from Draconic rule until long after Draconian rulership.
While Dragons still claim the continent, the Old Kingdoms and their domains remain unchallenged by Dragons, leaving land for refugees and their descendants. Unscathed, this region is considered a haven from the Dragonlands.
Geography & Regions
Draconic Roads
Old Kingdom Aru' Atha is the neighboring region, with many flat-top hills and lowland valley marshlands. Old Kingdom Road was built large enough for Draconic Chariots, but now rocks and grassland reclaim this forlorn highwands. Bandits and Baomen hide in the hills and valleys, leading to Old Road's abandonment.Remnants of the roads in this region belong to the Ad-Anasian Highway- a relic that once stretched the four corners of the Ad-Anasian: Supercontinent during Pathon's ancient Draconic Ages.
Old Kingdom Road
Outskirts of Old Road
Torn River Tributary
Lamp by the Road
Rare Lamps
Connecting the lowlands to the river, the town of Lamp by the Road hangs upon the river that is it's major system. Fresh water is abundant as residents regularly maintain the water supply. New Roads connect the village to the trade routes, making it an outer hub of the region. It's connected to Old Kingdom Road paralleling the steppes of Aru' Atha.Residents are craftsmen of Magic Lanterns from the mystical forests. Local tavern, Lamplight, supplies travelers respite and entertainment before returning to the dark roads.
The Off-Roads
South from the Old Kingdom Road, across a bridge above the river, dark forests entangle the alleys as it nears one of the tributaries of the Torn River. As Flooded Road vanishes beneath the marshes, the border of the Moonmarches creates a natural barrier of cliff and foliage. Natural dead-ends create a maze in the marshes.
Bridge over Torn River
Following the cliff walls leads back onto Old Kingdom Road by way of trailmarkers left by pilgrims. Travelers often trust these milestones to navigate the treacherous Off-Roads. Beastmen prowl the forgotten trails, where once a Dungeon was thought to have existed hidden within the marsh. These narrow paths can eventually lead out of the marshes.
Within Wisplight Mangrove marshes, the water-logged roads inevitably lead to a dense mountain pass, wherein lies the shadow of the Arches- a broken overland bridge, once known as Summit Bridge Meet. This location was once a Dragon's aerie, but now it's the focal point of ruin and chaos in the region. Many seek the magic arches for answers.
Biomes & Ecosystem
Regional Climate
Crescent Hollow is a forested marshland shaped by the Torn River and the Old Kingdom Road, marked by its low elevation compared to the neighboring Moonmarches. The region endures cooler, rainy weather most of the year, with summers bringing muggy humidity. Seasonal flooding from the Torn River transforms Crescent Hollow into an impassable wetland, cutting access to areas like Flooded Road or the Off-Roads.
Above the marshlands, the forest canopy obscures ruins of ancient Draconic architecture, their shattered slabs lying hidden among the undergrowth. The highlands, in contrast, offer temperate weather with warm summers and cool winters, their meadows and hills traversed by the remnants of wagons and wheels scattered on the Old Kingdom Road. Travelers usually choose the colder months to traverse these lands.
Ecosystem Cycles
Traces of Old Kingdom Road connect Crescent Hollow to Moonmarches, with wildlife shifting in response to the seasons. During colder months, creatures such as Giant Crows become more active, migrating across the marshlands, while Ooze creatures like Slimes and Glumi retreat into dormancy until warmer weather returns. Their activity generally disturbs the local wildlife.
The marsh itself undergoes a striking transformation in summer, as interactions between the mangroves and old roads cause the water to turn red and create shimmering mirages. Will-o-Wisps exploit these phenomena to conceal themselves, luring victims during dry seasons. In the heart of the marsh, the ruins and remnants of the Arches at the Crossroads stand as a perilous reminder of the region’s storied past.
Flora and Fauna
The flora of Crescent Hollow is dominated by Wisplight Mangroves, unique trees that thrive in the marshy terrain, growing through the cracks of the ancient road. These trees produce a spectral light under specific atmospheric conditions, lending the area an eerie beauty. Other vegetation includes various willow trees and mugroot.
Wildlife varies between regions. In the highland meadows, woodland animals like foxes, snakes, and small rodents roam alongside Giant Dragonflies. As one descends into the marsh, larger predators such as wolves and bears emerge, alongside the enigmatic Will-o-Wisps. The mangroves' unusual properties make them both a vital resource and a haunting symbol of the region's untamed nature.
"They left me for dead, Jakl," Coroner LaCross murmured, his gaze fixed on the dark depths of his coffee. "Fear scattered them through the reeds. If I’d the good sense, I’d have left with them."
Caven hesitated before drinking, his hand trembling. "It was raining then too. Even through the storm, I heard the wailing break through the thunder. When I reached the Arches, the Necromancers lost their minds. Daggers spilled blood, Death magic filled the air, and the dead rose again. I couldn’t tell if it was them or the Arches that commanded the unliving."
LaCross pressed his fingers to his temples. "The words on the Arches screamed, alive, pulling me deeper into meanings I wasn’t meant to know. Then, suddenly, the spell broke, and I ran the expanse of Old Kingdom Road until I found myself back at Lamp by the Road, weeks later. I didn’t know how I survived, only that it was done."
Inspector Court leaned forward, listening intently. "And now?"
LaCross met his gaze. "I know who the Crossroads killer is."
Local Resources
While the Torn River floods the marshlands, there are still opportunities for Life to flourish. Though the Arches aren't known for agriculture, denizens use the special wood found here to attract the inhabitants of the marshland.
Magic Lanterns crafted from the mystic mangroves are the region's chief export. Gathering the resources to make these enchanted lamps can be dangerous. Many creatures live in or around the marshland groves.
Natural Resources
Local Products
Various Giant Bee species live in the trees and provide valuable resources to the marshlands. Including Beeswaxfrom the hives, there's also Giant's Honey- a potent honey made by Giant Honey Bees. Their hives usually overwhelm the tree.
Game animals and Beasts provide fur and meat to the people of Lamp by the Road. Fishing is common in the river, and fresh water is abundant in the region. Many types of healing plants and medicinal herbs are commonly found throughout the region.
Wisplight Mangroves
These trees are responsible for the hazy appearance of the swamps. Their roots churn the soil and release trapped gases within the marshlands, transmuting this energy in to light. The fruit that these plants create, while inedible to humanoids, can be hollowed and made into a lantern. Similar to a gourd in appearance, their heat resistance and general shape make natural lanterns. This fruit, when ripe, will glow upon the tree, indicating its freshness. Their seeds burst from the fruit when contacting water and decayed, finding their way into the swamp soil.
Localized Phenomena
Omphalos of Necromancy
Arches at the Crossroads is considered an Omphalos- an accumulation of specific Source energy. Each Omphalos may be harnessed as a font of magical energy, granting strange and extraordinary powers.As one climbs the steps or main road to the Arches at the Crossroads, the pressure of spectral whispering within one's mind intensifies. Atop the raised structure, the "4 Arches" compose the primary arcs that bears the structure's name, 80 ft. high. Many interior arcs form "roosts", once used by smaller Dragons, now repurposed by Giant Avians. A shattered dome once created a gazebo-like structure. The base area is large enough to fit 6-8 large Dragons.
During certain celestial phases, words appear on the walls of the interior arches, as if written in blood. The words can't be erased and it requires intense concentration to read the text. The bloodied words, scribbled all over, coat even the floor around the Arches. If one is able to walk the perimeter of the Arches and interpret the message, one of the greatest wonders of Necromancy will be bestowed- for a price.
The legend of the Arches at the Crossroads describes what many scholars believe to be the origin of the magic script, but none know why the cursed words bestow their powers. Failure to connect to the Omphalos renders the readers mad, unable to describe the words or stories found upon the cursed wall.
"Ventura Heart, leader of the Heartbeat Cabal. Once respected amongst the Coroner's Society, until the cabal was discovered. He extorted the members, using them in his experiments with the Omphalos."
"Thank you, LaCross. One thing though," Inspector Court set his cup down as he stood from the chair, "How did the Society learn about Ventura?" The Coroner responded with a sly smile.
"I'll be leaving for Lamp by the Road in the morning,' the Inspector rolled his coat over his shoulders, his arms through the sleeves. "Anything else?"
Historical Significance
The Arches at the Crossroads, known historically as Summit Bridge Meet, once stood as a critical juncture along the Old Kingdom Road. Constructed during the height of the Old Kingdom’s expansion, the Arches bridge the marshlands below and connect the lowland Crescent Hollow to the highland Moonmarches. Built with a blend of stone and techniques inspired by Draconic artisans, the structure endured centuries of use before falling into disrepair during the kingdom's decline.
The collapse of the Arches is mysterious, though scholars attribute it to a combination of natural disasters and the waning influence of the Dragons. Despite their ruin, the site remains a focal point of intrigue, drawing explorers, and the occasional mystic.
One such mystic is the central figure of a storied legend. This traveler is said to have come from beyond the mountains and steppes, following the Old Kingdom Road until arriving at Summit Bridge Meet. Historical accounts vary widely, suggesting the mystic encountered either a deity, a local spirit, or another entity that had been observing his journey. The mystic, burdened by guilt for suffering he had caused in his life, sought redemption. The spirit bound him to the Arches, holding the mystic there until his atonement was complete.
Centuries later, travelers recount the mystic's enduring presence through remnants of carvings andconfessions left upon the ruins. Regardless of the historical accuracy, the Arches remain a powerful symbol of both human frailty and redemption.
The Arches of the Crossroads are steeped in lore, with the most infamous tale being that of the Denizen of the Crossroads. This figure, often described as a dark-cloaked man, is said to haunt the intersections of the Old Kingdom Road. According to legend, the Denizen is the restless dregs of the aforementioned mystic, forever bound to the site by his unresolved guilt and the spiritual entity that held him there.
Locals warn travelers against approaching the Denizen, especially on misty nights when lantern light dims and shadows gather thick along the road. It is said that those who pass the cloaked figure risk having their souls stolen, each one becoming a new inscription upon the walls of the ruins. Charms, talismans, and lanterns are carried as protective measures against encountering the spirit, and the tale persists despite the absence of any recorded incidents for hundreds of years.
In the past, the fear of the Denizen acted as a deterrent to highwaymen and bandits, making the roads safer for travelers who adhered to caution. Today, while banditry has largely diminished, the legend remains part of local culture. Merchants travel the roads by day, and pilgrims make their way to distant shrines in the highlands, but nighttime journeys still inspire unease. Monks descending from the mountains for seasonal holidays whisper prayers as they pass the Crossroads, clutching tightly to their protective tokens.
The legend’s endurance is a testament to its role in shaping regional identity. While some dismiss the Denizen as mere folklore, others see the tale as a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked guilt and the lingering consequences of past actions. Regardless of belief, the Arches at the Crossroads continue to inspire awe and trepidation in equal measure.
The collapse of the Arches is mysterious, though scholars attribute it to a combination of natural disasters and the waning influence of the Dragons. Despite their ruin, the site remains a focal point of intrigue, drawing explorers, and the occasional mystic.
One such mystic is the central figure of a storied legend. This traveler is said to have come from beyond the mountains and steppes, following the Old Kingdom Road until arriving at Summit Bridge Meet. Historical accounts vary widely, suggesting the mystic encountered either a deity, a local spirit, or another entity that had been observing his journey. The mystic, burdened by guilt for suffering he had caused in his life, sought redemption. The spirit bound him to the Arches, holding the mystic there until his atonement was complete.
Centuries later, travelers recount the mystic's enduring presence through remnants of carvings andconfessions left upon the ruins. Regardless of the historical accuracy, the Arches remain a powerful symbol of both human frailty and redemption.
Myths & Cultural Relevance
Denizen of the Crossroads
The Arches of the Crossroads are steeped in lore, with the most infamous tale being that of the Denizen of the Crossroads. This figure, often described as a dark-cloaked man, is said to haunt the intersections of the Old Kingdom Road. According to legend, the Denizen is the restless dregs of the aforementioned mystic, forever bound to the site by his unresolved guilt and the spiritual entity that held him there.Locals warn travelers against approaching the Denizen, especially on misty nights when lantern light dims and shadows gather thick along the road. It is said that those who pass the cloaked figure risk having their souls stolen, each one becoming a new inscription upon the walls of the ruins. Charms, talismans, and lanterns are carried as protective measures against encountering the spirit, and the tale persists despite the absence of any recorded incidents for hundreds of years.
In the past, the fear of the Denizen acted as a deterrent to highwaymen and bandits, making the roads safer for travelers who adhered to caution. Today, while banditry has largely diminished, the legend remains part of local culture. Merchants travel the roads by day, and pilgrims make their way to distant shrines in the highlands, but nighttime journeys still inspire unease. Monks descending from the mountains for seasonal holidays whisper prayers as they pass the Crossroads, clutching tightly to their protective tokens.
The legend’s endurance is a testament to its role in shaping regional identity. While some dismiss the Denizen as mere folklore, others see the tale as a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked guilt and the lingering consequences of past actions. Regardless of belief, the Arches at the Crossroads continue to inspire awe and trepidation in equal measure.
"Inspector Court waved as he departed. Caven LaCross returned to the sitting room and collected the coffee cups.
You almost told him, didn't you?
"And if I had?" the Coroner turned, his eyes darting at shadows, betraying his confidence.
Would have made for great entertainment.
Caven dropped one of the coffee cups as familar pain rushed through his eyes. In his labcoat pocket, he retrieved the curatives for his tremors. He sat with his back against the bar, relaxing as the medicine coursed through his system.
Meet me at the Crossroads. A shadow-light vanished from Caven's blurred vision.
Blood in his veins flowed in a torrent of adrenaline. "Very well," he grit his teeth with one eye closed, "It's about that time."
Author Bio
Hello! My name is "Myth Cross"- avid enthusiast of Art, Music, Games, & Stories; also, an aspiring Author, Game Developer, & World- Builder with over 15 years dedicated to the crafts!
My mission is to push the boundaries of interactive Story-Telling! Whether exploring Hidden Realms or seeking Epic Adventures, you'll find me there! My hopes are to invite readers into a World of unforgettable experience!
"Arc Sagas" is my 1st Step towards those Goals!
I'm also the Founder of "Story-Teller's Circle"- a Discord server specialized and dedicated to a vibrant & inspiring community of self-driven WA Writers & World-Builders!! We support each other's goals and celebrate the milestones of our fellow Authors, encourage others to share their work, to seek publishing and promotional opportunities, and otherwise provide a safe, friendly environment for developing ideas & embracing your own talents! We don't boast in the Circle- we Celebrate!
"Story-Teller's Circle" is dedicated to fostering the next Generation of Fantasy Writers, right here on World Anvil! Discover new worlds, unlock hidden truths, and explore the heights of your own boundless imagination- with friends!
We are looking for new members! If you have any questions or are interested in joining, consider subscribing to the Invitational Discord Server provided below! There, I can answer any questions!
Best of Good Luck, World-Builders! Let's meet again! : D
MYTH X
My mission is to push the boundaries of interactive Story-Telling! Whether exploring Hidden Realms or seeking Epic Adventures, you'll find me there! My hopes are to invite readers into a World of unforgettable experience!
"Arc Sagas" is my 1st Step towards those Goals!
I'm also the Founder of "Story-Teller's Circle"- a Discord server specialized and dedicated to a vibrant & inspiring community of self-driven WA Writers & World-Builders!! We support each other's goals and celebrate the milestones of our fellow Authors, encourage others to share their work, to seek publishing and promotional opportunities, and otherwise provide a safe, friendly environment for developing ideas & embracing your own talents! We don't boast in the Circle- we Celebrate!
"Story-Teller's Circle" is dedicated to fostering the next Generation of Fantasy Writers, right here on World Anvil! Discover new worlds, unlock hidden truths, and explore the heights of your own boundless imagination- with friends!
We are looking for new members! If you have any questions or are interested in joining, consider subscribing to the Invitational Discord Server provided below! There, I can answer any questions!
Best of Good Luck, World-Builders! Let's meet again! : D
MYTH X
Summit Bridge Meet
Moons over Haunted Highway
Geography
Continent:
Ur' Draconia
Region:
Aru' Atha
Ur' Draconia
Region:
Aru' Atha
Climate:
Average
Sub-Region:
Old Kingdom Road
Average
Sub-Region:
Old Kingdom Road
Major Cities:
Lamp by the Road
Lamp by the Road
Minor Cities:
Old Kingdom
Aru' Atha
Old Kingdom
Aru' Atha
Resources
Flora:
Wisplight Mangroves
Wisplight Mangroves
Fauna:
Rabbits
Rabbits
Natural Resources:
Wisplight Mangroves
Giant Honey
Wisplight Mangroves
Giant Honey
Comments
Author's Notes
Hello! I'm still working on the Arches at the Crossroads! This Article represents a fuller story and the challenge to bring those elements together cohesively. It's an excellent Article that needs a little more love- I'll be working on ALL of the Quote sections, as well as new Image Assets that should bring it together. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy it for the time being! Once I'm done, I'll use it to create a nice new Template for Geographical Articles! Just need to strike the right balance LOL!
Coroner LaCross and Inspector Court are currently gathering clues for a murderer who claims victims in manners similar to the Legends of the Crossroads Denizen. Any chance I can explore the dynamic between these two guys is awesome! I enjoy their personalities and perspectives-elven immortals in a mortal world!
I was happy to write about the good Inspector again recently- in Vandals of Time! ^^ Have fun and be well!