Vathary

Vathary, one of the three islands that make up the Swirling Peninsula, is a mysterious and ever-changing landscape shaped by its unique inhabitants—the Changelings. The island has an ethereal quality, its mist-covered forests and shimmering lakes reflecting the transformative nature of the Changelings themselves. At the heart of Vathary lies the settlement of Illusaris, a city where identity is fluid and illusions blend seamlessly with reality.
Key Settlement: Illusaris: The capital and primary settlement of the Changelings, Illusaris is a place of constant change. Buildings shift appearance from one day to the next, reflecting the whims of their inhabitants, and the city is known for its grand festivals of illusion where Changelings display their shape-shifting abilities. The architecture itself seems to flow, and visitors often struggle to grasp the true form of the city. It is a hub of diplomacy, artistry, and covert operations, as many Changelings serve as spies or diplomats throughout Astrium. Points of Interest: The Mirage Basin: A large, shimmering lake near the center of Vathary, the Mirage Basin is known for its reflective surface, which can appear to show multiple realities at once. Some say that the lake mirrors the true form of anyone who gazes into it, while others believe it shows the reflection of one’s desires. It is considered a sacred site by the Changelings, and many come here to meditate on their shifting identities.
The Hall of Masks: Located within Illusaris, the Hall of Masks is a grand structure where Changelings store thousands of illusory masks, each representing a past identity or form they have taken. It serves as a historical archive of Changeling culture, where masks of ancient heroes, renowned diplomats, and even feared assassins are kept. Visitors are allowed to don the masks to see brief glimpses of the lives and memories of the Changelings who once wore them.
The Shifting Wilds: This dense forest covers much of Vathary and is infamous for its disorienting and ever-changing paths. The trees themselves seem to move, their branches stretching or twisting into new shapes, making navigation almost impossible without guidance. Creatures in the Shifting Wilds are similarly mutable, with reports of animals changing their forms and behavior depending on who is observing them. Many adventurers have lost their way in these woods, only to be found years later, having lived entirely new lives within the wilderness.
The Portal of Veils: Hidden deep within the Shifting Wilds is the Portal of Veils, an ancient Feywild gate left behind by an unknown power. The portal is surrounded by shimmering veils of energy that shift unpredictably, making it difficult to know when it will open or where it will lead. Though most of Vathary’s Changelings are hesitant to interact with this enigmatic portal, it is said to connect to other planes of existence, including the Feywild, and serves as a reminder of the island's mysterious connection to realms beyond Astrium.
Vathary’s ever-shifting nature and enigmatic beauty make it a place of intrigue and wonder, where identity is fluid, and reality itself seems to bend to the will of its inhabitants.

Type

Island

Location under

Swirling Peninsula

Included Locations

• Illusaris

Inhabiting Species

• Changeling