Crossing Into The Emerald Dream
Known Crossings, Portals, and How to Find Them
The Emerald Dream is a world that lies just beyond the veil of our reality, and while it can be accessed by those who are attuned to its magic, finding the way into its depths is no simple task. The land is dotted with ancient gateways and portals—hidden remnants of old rituals and forgotten paths that connect Faerûn to the Dreaming World. These crossings are often concealed by layers of magic, trickling fey influence, or the passage of time, making them nearly impossible to locate by mere mortals. Only those with deep knowledge of the Dream's secrets or powerful beings who walk between realms can guide others to these gateways.
Some of the most well-known crossings exist in the oldest and most sacred places of Faerûn—sites where the fabric of reality is naturally thin or where ancient civilizations once practiced rituals that bridged the waking world and the Dreaming World. These locations are often hidden in the deepest forests, forgotten caves, or high mountain peaks where the winds speak of long-forgotten powers. For instance, Moonwell Springs are sacred places where the magic of the moon has long been believed to connect to the Dream, and the Feywild Temples that dot the landscape have long been believed to be natural conduits between the planes. Ancient ruins, such as those of the Illefarn Empire, hold cryptic inscriptions that speak of old ways to travel to the Dream—if only one can decipher them before the knowledge is lost once more.
Ancient Gateways Hidden Across Faerûn
These ancient gateways are often disguised as natural landmarks—standing stones, hidden groves, or weathered shrines—places where the mundane world and the Dream bleed together. Some are linked to particular times or celestial events, becoming active only during specific lunar alignments or solstices. Others are protected by wards or bound by oaths and promises that guard them from those who are unworthy or unprepared to cross. In some cases, the very nature of the portal may be alive, shifting its form or location, making it difficult to track or even anticipate. Many travelers have sought such portals, only to find that they shift, closing just as one thinks they have found the key to enter.
The gateways are often hidden behind complex illusions or deep enchantments—only those who know the secrets or hold the right key can pass through. In some cases, it takes the knowledge of old tribes or long-forgotten spells to reveal the passage, while in other instances, those with fey blood may find that they are more attuned to the presence of these portals. The Feywild, in particular, is known for its affinity with such crossings, and the line between the two realms is thin in certain places. Some say that if you wander far enough into the forest, follow the shifting winds, or sleep under the stars in the right place, you might find yourself drawn into the Dream with no idea how or why. But there are others who search deliberately for these portals, whether for knowledge, power, or forbidden truths.
The Rituals and Magic to Enter the Dreaming World
Entering the Emerald Dream is no simple feat, and it requires more than just finding the right doorway. Powerful rituals and deep knowledge of the Dream’s nature are often required to step across its boundary. These rituals involve the careful alignment of certain magical forces, celestial timings, or the sacrifice of something dear. Some rituals demand the use of arcane sigils, others require the chanting of ancient words of power passed down by long-lost tribes or fey beings. Some sages claim that only those who hold the heart of a dreamer—those who can slip into a deep trance and hold the thread of their mind across realms—can truly cross into the Dream.
The most common form of ritual involves the use of dreamstones—small, enchanted gems that act as conduits to the Dreaming World. These stones are often linked to certain locations or to individuals with a connection to the Dream. A person who holds such a stone can pass through the portal during specific lunar phases or with the guidance of an ancient fey guide. Other magic users may use rituals of summoning or spirit-walking, where they tether their soul to the Dream while their body remains behind. In some cases, the spellcasters who seek access to the Dream do so with the aid of a powerful fey or celestial being, who serves as a guide or protector during the crossing.
Relics and Artifacts That Connect to the Emerald Dream
Throughout history, many powerful relics and artifacts have been created or discovered that bridge the gap between the waking world and the Emerald Dream. Some of these relics are sought by collectors, sages, and adventurers, while others are lost to time or locked away in the depths of fey cities or ruins. These items are often imbued with ancient magic or the essence of primordial power, acting as keys or conduits to the Dream. Among the most notable is the Dreamcatcher, a sacred relic capable of weaving the dreams of those around it into the tapestry of the Dream, allowing the user to step in and out of the realm.
Other artifacts include dreamweaving cloaks, sleeping amulets, or nightstone talismans—items that protect the wearer from the Dream’s madness or help them to remain tethered to the waking world. Some sages claim that the Veilstone, a relic of the long-dead fey king, is one of the most powerful objects in existence to cross into the Dream, allowing not just access but control over the fabric of the Dream itself. Such artifacts are extremely rare and highly sought after, as they grant power over both the waking world and the Dream.
The Risk of Crossing Unprepared
While the Emerald Dream offers many wonders, there are immense risks involved in crossing into its realm, especially for those unprepared for its dangers. The wild magic, the unpredictable shifts in reality, and the creatures that lurk within the Dream can all pose significant threats. Even with the proper rituals and knowledge, the crossing can be a harrowing experience. Those who venture into the Dream unprepared risk losing their way—becoming trapped in endless cycles of sleep or facing madness as their perception of reality breaks down.
Some individuals who enter the Dream without the proper guidance or protection may find themselves forever lost, unable to return to the waking world. The land itself may twist and warp their minds, and their bodies may become corrupted by the Dream’s magic, changing them into something unrecognizable. Many adventurers have entered the Dream and never returned, their names now whispered as warnings to others who seek to follow in their footsteps.
The Dream is a place that devours those who are not attuned to its power. Whether through the lure of fey bargains, the pull of magic, or the call of the unknown, crossing into the Dream without preparation is a gamble—one that not all are prepared to take. Even those who manage to make the crossing must be ready to face the challenges and dangers that await them on the other side, for the Emerald Dream is a realm that demands respect, and to fail in that respect can mean dire consequences.
