The Dream of Autumn
In the ancient reaches of Arvanna the One-Forest, in the lands west of Imperial Torvaria, there lies a secret enclave of Wood Elves. Ensconced in a wild, wooded vale, there is a Faerie niche that exists in a state of perpetual mid-autumn. Here, the potent Seelie being known as the Lord Vermillion holds court in a realm called Sonbahar~Ryasil...
Within the borders of this place, it appears as a rolling, labyrinthine grove of mighty aspen trees that rise high above, like the vaulted ceilings of a great arboreal cathedral. Coppery leaves drift in the cool air, and everything is bathed in an amber haze, suspended eternally at the threshold of sunset.
In this sacred sanctuary, a large community of Sylvan Elves make their homes and hide away from the eyes of Men. At the heart of Sonbahar~Ryasil is found the great hall of the Lord Vermillion, where he is attended by his knights and followers.
The true contours and size of Sonbahar~Ryasil are unknown. Some parts of it - perhaps only its borders - are somewhat permeable to the outside world, undulating like a window curtain in a gentle breeze. However, the Elves can also ensure that these pathways are hidden to those who are not welcome.
In addition, due to its magical nature, Sonbahar~Ryasil does not remain always in the same location. With some effort, it may be displaced as its master pleases. The Lord Vermillion seems also to be able to manifest the environment of Sonbahar~Ryasil around himself at will, drawing it to him, and other beings into it. It is possible that this place is both a demi-plane, and also an extension of his own supernatural essence.
Recent History
The forested region surrounding Sonbahar~Ryasil is ringed with small, mist-shrouded mountains, which have long been touched by Elven magic. Upon an overlooking plateau is found an ancient Moonfae gate that in bygone eras served as a passage to the Silvered Realms.
The forested region surrounding Sonbahar~Ryasil is ringed with small, mist-shrouded mountains, which have long been touched by Elven magic. Upon an overlooking plateau is found an ancient Moonfae gate that in bygone eras served as a passage to the Silvered Realms.
Recently, Vermillion was forced to relocate his domain, retreating in order to protect his subjects from the pervasive, expanding influence of the Red Spite, a magical plague that infected and destroyed Faerie beings with an all-consuming rage. This curse emanated from the Moonfae gate, but any efforts to investigate were thwarted due to its influence over those of Fae blood.
The Sylvans were instead only able to police the fringes of the cursed territory, preventing other creatures consumed by the Spite from escaping into the forest. It was said that several of the Elven guardians had already fallen to its power by straying too close.
Vermillion prevailed upon Jack Tyrsson and company to investigate the origins of the corruption (as humans were not susceptible to the plague's power), and before long the curse was lifted.
Vermillion prevailed upon Jack Tyrsson and company to investigate the origins of the corruption (as humans were not susceptible to the plague's power), and before long the curse was lifted.
After this befouling influence was purged, young Elflings of Sonbahar~Ryasil were charged with the task of stewarding the land's recovery through Druidic arts. Their efforts are already showing some success at present...
* * * *
