This is all I have to offer for now. I assure you that much more lurks beyond. There is much yet that they fair folk would prefer to presently keep hidden. Is there something worse than a nightmare conspiracy, cross planar war or the elimination of countless lives? Hard to say. The fey will remain an eternal enigma to even most planars.
Author’s Note: Special thanks to King Corn and ripvanwormer of thepiazzaforums for some incredible ideas! Anyway, that’s it for me in terms of fey politics, intrigue and factions. Additional thanks to everyone who participated in the January 2022 RPG Blog Carnival! More after the jump.
Seelie, Unseelie, Four Seasons and a few minor houses. There is more from there. And by all means, all of them scheme and dream. All of them seek to triumph over the rest. And worst of all, to see one of them fully succeed would spell the end of the fey. Even those devout to Rhiannon would bring about their queen’s deepest fear. In the end, the politics and ways of these creatures are too alien to fully understand. How would they avoid absolute destruction? How would they rebuild? It would take a lot of speculation to imagine how pieces would be picked up by such truly unique creatures. But, a mix of Real Speak and Chant alike has been formulated into some well crafted notes. So, by all means read ahead and dare to discover how much of it is actual truth. Normally, I strive for truly gripping information that holds the tests of scrutiny. But, for cabals and corridors this deep, such endeavors are impossible. Perhaps I have been mislead by rivals? It is the fey way, after all.
Author’s Note: The last of them, at least for now. These remaining sects, like the three before, hold less overall political power and tend to be less centralized. However, most of them are some level of crazy, even by fey standards. Also, huge shout-out to The Piazza forums. Their ideas helped really bring this to life.
Your journey went as well as ours? Good, good. At the very least, you have gained a larger understanding of the mainstream political groups that dwell within the so-called Good Kingdom, Wyld Realms and many other a name. Regardless of what they courts may call themselves in that moment, they still hold sway and much command. Do not let their chaotic forces fool you, those who fully oppose them can for the moment unite in near legion. That Narrator is certainly not welcome within their grounds, letters within Sigil have made that clear. Though, I’m not sure that this mysterious figure is as insensitive or cruel as many make them out to be. That’s a matter that shall be discussed later. In the meantime, let us form a lecture around more looks into the fey. For the time being, we shall continue to look at the major power groups found within their realms, who they cooperate with and how they maintain a very tenuous cease fire. After all, tales of the epic sylvan war resulted in no winners and no conclusion. Fully realized organizations and groupings came from the schism. But in the end, none came to a common consensus or attempted to reconcile in full.
What has been stated before covers the 4 primary courts of the seasons within the Deep Ethereal pockets belonging to the Fair Folk. Many fey exist beyond the bickering of four seasons. Once one leaves the Ethereal and reaches for the Outer Planes, they may witness conflict over two distinct “newer” courts. The two so-called “traitor courts”, as they are called by the traditional fey of the Ethereal, act within Upper and Lower Planes. They are the Seelie and Unseelie respectively. For the Seelie, they are often found in Arborea, but not always. Likewise, the Unseelie typically dwell within the most wicked pits of Pandemonium. But, who are they? Likewise, the Seasonal Courts aren’t alone in the Ethereal. There are those who are not aligned with mainstream fey politics? Why certainly! There are tales of outsider societies as well as religious sects dedicated to ancient ways, ancient even by sylvan standards. From obnoxious rebels to the fey equivalent to heretics, many divisions and groups have formed.
Author’s Note: Part 2 of my look at fey factions, politics and the like. As I’ve said before, spirit type creatures needed more umph for the Planescape setting. So, this is my way of accomplishing that. So, let’s look at Upper Planes, Lower Planes, outsider societies and cults. By all means, most of this is supplementary (and some minor degree of altering) to what has been written about Seelie and Unseelie via the Monstrous Mythologies as well as Planes of Chaos and Planes of Conflict. In terms of outsiders and cults, that’ll need another post too. Stay tuned for that! This does not cover everything in detail, much like with part one. Consider looking under this link for much more.
Ah, here we are again! The Civic Festhall! Some time ago, I was here to deliver my information on the fair folk, after a wondrous trip to Ecstasy. Since then, I have been criticized and lambasted with an incomplete or biased take, especially by the mysterious Narrator. After all, focusing on such matters can deeply upset the fey. And that can cost one an eye *tap*… or even your entire being. Just look at me, I’m a one-eyed cat man now. But, I am not here to defame or bring attention to various characters. Likewise, my own association to a bookshop should not paint any bias either. Let us speak on more joyous occasions, the realms of knowledge. And specifically, let us study more on society and politics of the fey. For you see, they are far more complicated and organized than we could initially fathom.
I speak of the faerie kind that span the many planes. We know to some degree what they are, but how do they operate? What can we learn from their daily directions and general politics? Let us dive a little further into their own planes, as well as their own takes on our fair City of Doors. I shall await all to seat and properly get comfortable. I assure you that once I start my lecture, I shall continue through conclusion.
Author’s Note: The ways of the fey! Why not? I keep coming back to this topic one way or another, so let’s go! At this rate, I may as well be making my own fey content for a new setting. Also, it happens to coincide with the January 2022 RPG Blog Carnival! Should you be interested, please jump on board. Also, if you’re curious about my writing process, let this video explain it for you. Also, accompanying each part is some artwork from DiTerlizzi. This is mostly because I love his style and it’s perfect for this, considering he did artwork for Planescape, Spiderwick, Changeling and more.
The Mad Mage, he holds a key to various incarnations of reality, jumping from one image to the next. This portal gateway is unlike any other, as it explores different timelines and possibilities rather than other planes and worlds alone. Should you make your way beyond Halaster Blackcloak and his minions, you may unlock countless possibilities.
Who I am is not important. I leave all public record and identity to my humble guide, another reality traveler. The bipedal feline creature, known as Ramon DeLeon, has had experience with dark mirrors adjacent of reality on the Prime. The one I gaze upon, a Toril shredded by seemingly unending violence, this one frightens me. However, his words are reassuring. What is disconcerting is that “few will remember him”, whatever that is supposed to mean. But, when one has a reputation that precedes them, events can transpire almost any way.
Author’s Note: A post about the Forgotten Realms itself? Impossible! And yet, here we are! Many of my earliest gaming days were spent in Abeir-Toril. This post was meant to be made and posted a while ago, but yet that didn’t happen till now. Well, here is an expansion on an old post detailing parallel universes. The Torilian one, torn by war, is actually the version of the Realms I’ve played with for over a decade. Also, behold the final piece to the Antorek plot thing… even though it’s actually the first thing that started this whole mess. Literally. This is where the character came from. Is this the last of my looks at D&D realities? Probably not, but perhaps this is another sign I hope to move away. Anyway, Happy New Year, to arms and battle stations! Likewise, stay tuned for my January 2022 RPG Blog Carnival! I have a few more tricks up my sleeve! Also, thank last year’s Twilight Zone marathon for inspiring the thick of this!
More day-to-day life with the Cage. Turbulence looks to be a recent norm, but life finds a way of adapting or addressing such matters. Those who aren’t content with being clueless eventually find their way here, lest they give up or fall. Life ain’t easy, but many have carved a niche out of it. Plenty either just use others or get ahead in some other negative way, but that ain’t the city as a whole. Plenty of bashers take the honest and noble route, even some Hardheads and Guvners really are good at heart. Likewise, Signers and Ciphers can ante up good too. And should one need the aid, new means are emerging. Bleakers have their kitchens, plus some barmies wanna try to help others like them to help keep the Gatehouse from clogging so bad. So, life here. It is what it is.
Author’s Note: I always find myself coming back to this font of inspiration. Sigil has been a favorite of mine. I’ve been musing on making my own planar hub. As a previous picture would tell you, perhaps something with more Grimjack inspiration.
Oh, so you’re in need of a tout? Yeah, I could do that. What’re in the need for, chummer? You gave the jink tip, so I’m all bone box gab. Juggling Monk Way holds the chant on good eats and bub, little cost. You gots yourself 3 different taverns, all good options. What’s next, yes? Oh, Easy workin’s. Aye. You can help patrol against Cranium Rats. Yeah, office right down where I’m pointing. There’s also the labor yard, a bit more north in the Hive here. They need bashers to haul bunches o’ junk, probably for trade. But, real thrills? Follow me down this burned alley, I gots something that’s a real once in a lifetime treat! Promise ya that! Haha.
Author’s Note: Continued influence from Eberron, the High Society and the near-end of the Antorek metaplots. And just below, things deep in UnderSigil. I know I brought that blasted mad dragon and his fey helpers back, but this is what happens when you port Mutant Plants and Mutant Animals from Gamma World into AD&D… among other things from Gamma World. The Bathysphere is from that too, as well as some planar weirdness. More is on the way, as things have been split up once again.
The Harmonium will always get their word out, making sure that you listen.
In which we explore most horrific occurrences and rather surreal surroundings within The City of Doors and beyond.
But, who might I be? Call me Garrick, a humble Tout at your service and former Guild of Planar Exploration member, depending who you ask. But first, let’s get away from that Hardhead speaker, yes?
You’ve given me more than a helping of jink, so if want The Chant… I can help! If you want the Real Dark of the Matter? Well, best find a cloaked alley and keep your senses about. The Cage is never a friend to its visitors, especially Prime-based folks such as yourselves. But, that’s why you have me. Call me chummer? Not so sure of that, but I owe you assistance and provide the work I shall. Particularly juicy topics, that might cost extra. But, I assure you, I have heard it all… and yet, here I am to tell you about them today. Also, cough up more jink and I’ll subdue The Cant… as best as I can. Trust me, it’ll make understanding me be a whole lot easier!
As for topics, I know plenty of things within the Cage and without. Do you want to talk Inner Planes? Perhaps planar misconceptions across various worlds? Maybe a good conspiracy or two? In all cases, I have plenty to spare. Of course, such a business takes time and time costs. You understand of course. So, let us do commerce so I can share whatever it is you might need for your journeys.
Author’s Note: This one is partially a shout-out to Mr. Welch! I have, to an extent, enjoyed Mystara. However, I never knew too much until I had the chance to delve deeper not only through carefully examining more books, but through his channel and chatting with him. One of his recent teasers for a book, exploring the Knights of Ebony, helped to inspire this return to the planes! Also, if you haven’t checked out his channel, please do! (He’s one of the few gaming channels I openly recommend.) Also, yes, I didn’t just rewrite the newer planes, I just rewrote the internal logic of the 4e universe a bit… even if that means literally killing off aspects of it. But, my focus was on making things work more for Planescape anyway… even an April Fool’s Joke from ages back. One can still sample those 4e locales and settings, but information here would supersede any conflicting details. And as always, I bring plenty of pop culture references.
“Don’t worry, I have more to offer. After all, this trade appeases my true master. So, just as before, present your trade.”
Rustling into your pockets, you feel crumpled pieces of parchment, a cold sweat drips from your fingers to nearly stain the hidden papers. You realize what else you can offer, things far more taboo than prior offerings. Hesitant, you remove your clenched hand to reveal more documents. The scribe taps his fingers, quietly chortling to himself in dark glee. “Ah, now there we go. I’m a man of my word. When you deliver good content, I will supply far more. Ready yourself, more things we prepare for here within our great Darkon.”
Author’s Note: My first set of rumors and happenings were enjoyed, let me craft some more. For the time being, there is no marked time on the Barovian Calendar. As an aside, this isn’t my first reference to the Prisoners of the Mist server for Neverwinter Nights. My hints of Gundarakite rebellion took notes from there too. I should really get back into that, it was good fun!
A prisoner of Azalin, how could this be? And worst of all, the darklord is eerily happy about this. He has been quite dour towards other “guests”, but I’m different. He knows I’m the “Mist Lure” for his gate device. But, this begs the question, what horrors await once he breaks free with his Entropic Gloom cult? What horrors will the planes face? I can’t think of a way to stop him, not now at least. In the meantime, I’m simply one man against the forces of an all-powerful lich.
Author’s Note: I’ve been holding onto this idea for a year now! Ever since Ramon “escaped” Gothic Earth, I wanted to toy with something that popped into my head. I already had a “metaplot” of sorts bubbling in my head, with Azalin once again trying something. I figure this is a way to wrap this all together. Also, as to a previous reference to “Set Wands to Warpdrive”? That came before, but I wanted to tie it all together. Hell, I’ve been teasing and referencing these ideas for a while. And with that, let’s end this crossover of Planescape and Ravenloft with a domain that’s a literal crossover. But, with the truth finally out on Ramon, what to do with him next? Should he be doomed to The Mists with a successor taking over for The Planes and Wildspace? Or will he be released once more, living with a horrible guilt of his dark truth? Perhaps I should leave that to all of you. In the meantime, look out for at least one more 5th ed monster post soon!
Daemons & Deathrays 
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