Fabled Forests of Faerie

Faerie is a uniquely bizarre plane of existence, the very foundations of which seem to waver and shift like the whims of a dreamer’s mind. Often referred to as “The Otherworld” in the fairytales of nonnatives (which are more often than not inspired by this realm or one of its inhabitants), Faerie it is far too unpredictable to map and has thus never been fully explored. Inhabitants of the Nine Realms encounter the plane most frequently in their dreams, for when mortals close their eyes to sleep, their unconscious minds transcend their slumbering bodies to embark upon a journey into Faerie’s wondrous embrace.

The otherworldly terrain of Faerie is fluid, capricious, and inexorably tied to the emotions of those who dwell within it. To outsiders, it typically appears as an old-growth forest, dappled in twilit hues of purple and orange, draped in glistening dewdrops, and sometimes shrouded in ethereal fog. Dwelling amidst these surreal dreamscapes are beings that could’ve been plucked straight from a storybook, the majority of whom are fey. The Fey, as they are collectively known, are a remarkably diverse class of creatures who, unlike other mortals, possess souls that will reincarnate for as long as they remain in Faerie.

These fey are the heart and soul of Faerie, appearing in forms that span the spectrum of the imagination. They may appear as nature spirits that dance through misty glades, mischievous gremlins that play tricks on unwary travelers, kindly brownies that offer aid to those in need, stern dryads that protect ancient groves, or majestic unicorns that embody untamed beauty. However, it is through an ineffable connection to their home plane’s darker side that some fey are twisted into gnarled hags, grinning bogeymen, and other nightmarish shapes, prowling the night in search of children to satiate their appetites.

Deep in the wilds of Faerie lies a site of unparalleled significance in the Multiverse: The Lightwell. It is here that the source of all positive energy in the Nine Realms is said to reside, the place where new souls arise from the unadulterated radiance of Life itself. Guarding this sacred wellspring are lambent celestials known as the peri, who were entrusted with this solemn duty by the gods long ago. However, the prospect of combating evil elsewhere often lures these celestial guardians away from their post, leaving the Lightwell vulnerable to those who would seek to steal its boundless energy for themselves.

Alternative Name(s)

The Twilight Plane, Realm of Dreams

Type

Plane of Existence

Oracular Observations: Sylvan Realms

｢ In terms of raw power, the fey lords and ladies of the Otherworld are unquestionably some of the mightiest creatures in the Nine Realms. The mere presence of an archfey is enough to permanently alter reality in its immediate vicinity, and if one stays in the same location for an extended period of time, it creates a place of power known as a sylvan realm. While within this realm, the archfey has total control over its surroundings, more so than any other being in the entire Multiverse, and if it were to perish elsewhere, it would simply reform back in its realm a few days later. However, if an archfey is killed within the bounds of its realm, its hold over reality is lifted, and its next life will be its last. ｣