Passage into the Forgotten Roads
Dear Lumina Moonglade of House Ebron-Varoon,
As the Sexton Moons weave their celestial dance across Ertha’s night skies, none stir the heart’s longing for adventure more than the enigmatic Té Arched Travel Gates. These ancient constructs shimmer between the realms of myth and reality, offering both peril and promise to those daring enough to traverse them. It is within this correspondence that I, as your humble chronicler, seek to illuminate their mysteries.
A Convergence of Magic
In Ertha’s unique rhythm, where a day spans 26 hours and the five seasons—Verdance, Glister, Hallowfall, Frostharrow, and Gloam—ebb and flow, the 13th hour is sacred. Neither fully day nor night, this fleeting moment resonates with the primal forces that shape our world. It is during this fragile convergence that the Té Gates awaken, their arches shimmering with light drawn from the ancient void. This hour blurs the boundaries of the tangible and intangible, where the fabric of time and magic intertwine. Myths speak of Voidborn whispers echoing faintly, a chilling reminder of the gates’ origin.
Nightway Passages
The Té Gates are no mere portals—they are keys to the Forgotten Roads, an intricate web of paths threading through Ertha’s hidden landscapes. Those who dare to step beyond the arches find themselves traversing not just space but the raw essence of the world. The roads themselves pulse with faint, emerald light cast by hovering orbs, illuminating haunting vistas. The flora and fauna encountered here are as otherworldly as the paths themselves. Bioluminescent vines twist and writhe, seemingly alive with intent. Predatory plants and shadow-born creatures stalk the unwary, their forms blending seamlessly with the otherworldly terrain. Overhead, unfamiliar constellations cast their pale light, and the air thrums with arcane energy. Many who walk these paths speak of an unsettling presence, as though the roads themselves are watching.
Mapping the Forgotten Roads
Each Té Gate stands as both a landmark and a mystery, carved with runes of the First Ones. These inscriptions, deciphered only by the most gifted members of House Ha-Shoon Da’aliah of the Cartographers Guild, reveal that the gates are woven into Ertha’s ley lines. Some speculate they were created to channel the energy of the Trinity Suns during the First Age. The sands surrounding the gates shimmer under the moons, imbued with traces of the void’s corruption. The inscriptions, however, caution against overreliance on these paths. For while they offer swift passage, they exact a toll on those who traverse them—memories lost, emotions dulled, or worse.
Landmarks Along the Forgotten Roads
As travelers venture across these enchanted pathways, fleeting landmarks emerge, their existence as ephemeral as dreams. The Weeping Pillars of Caeloria, for instance, seem to mourn the passage of those who tread near, their tears forming pools of silvery liquid rumored to grant visions. The Starlit Glade reveals flora that emits soft, haunting melodies, harmonizing with the eerie hum of the road. Yet, the most enigmatic landmark remains the Crossroads of Destinies. Steeped in legend, these intersecting paths are said to grant visions of alternate futures to those bold enough to stand at the center. Seekers often consult House Ha-Shoon Da’aliah or House Churlominia of the Crossroads Guild, each offering insight into the cryptic visions experienced here.
Guardians of the Gate
The Té Gates are not unguarded. Ancient sentinels of stone and shadow stand vigil, creations of the First Ones. These guardians, imbued with an innate connection to the Star Chamber, demand purity of intent before granting passage. Their power is not easily circumvented—those harboring ill will find themselves trapped in a temporal loop, unable to pass. Only those aligned with Ertha’s balance may proceed, their motives tested and judged.
With respect and anticipation,
Cinnabar Whistlethorn
House Fallowmeer
GM Tips
The Té Arched Travel Gates serve as an excellent narrative device for GMs, offering intrigue, danger, and opportunity. Here are ways to incorporate them into your game:
Mysterious Entrances: Place a Té Gate in a remote or inaccessible location. When activated, it becomes a focal point for adventure, drawing players into a realm of wonder and peril.
Dynamic Encounters: Use the Forgotten Roads to challenge players with unique terrain, magical anomalies, and ethereal creatures that test their wits and teamwork.
Moral Dilemmas: Incorporate the toll of the roads as a mechanic. Players might lose a cherished memory or an ability temporarily, prompting them to weigh the cost of their journey.
Crossroads of Destinies: Introduce visions of alternate futures to create role-playing opportunities. Perhaps the players must decide which path aligns with their goals—or which they fear most.
Let the Té Gates inspire awe and curiosity, weaving them seamlessly into the tapestry of your campaigns. They are a bridge not just between locations, but between the known and the unknown, inviting players to embark on journeys that echo through Ertha’s history and beyond.
