Crossroads is a sanctuary located within the heart of Great Forest. This settlement is situated at the literal "crossroads" between our plane of Osterra, and the Elven/Fae realm of Misriki. This location makes it apt to serve as both a diplomatic meeting point for Osterrans, Adventurers, Elves of Misriki, and Fae, and a place of solace and sanctuary for those spirits of nature who have been displaced by portals, demons, or other entities.
Population Center: Special (Fae Sanctuary)
Location: Vetus Mundi, The Great Forest
Factions: The House of Silver Branches, The Prismatic Troupe, The Elven Council of Misriki
Hex: 2410
Crossroads began as a project with no name, brought forth from the mutually beneficial and fruitful relationship between The Caidreach Freehold and the Elves of Misriki. The Irregulars, as chief diplomats and protectors from foreign nations to the Freehold, struck a deal with the elves of Misriki to protect The Great Forest from those who would wish to do its sacred groves harm. The Irregulars operated to establish a presence within The Great Forest, and with the help of The Prismatic Troupe, began to build Dryad Groves to enrich and revitalize the lands. After many moons of being good stewards to the forest, working closely with the elves, and accepting myriad fae, elves, and other non-human folks into their settlements, the elves had grown to trust The Irregulars more than they had expected.
The Irregulars initially proposed the creation of a Sister City to Misriki to the elves in order to provide both the elves and Fae of Misriki and the myriad factions from outside to have a place of peace, cultural exchange, and diplomacy. This would be a place that could help prevent anymore critical misunderstandings, like those tensions between the Vidarians and the Elves, as well as a place that displaced elves and fae could feel comfortable back in the heartlands of the forest. Initially hesitant, but somewhat swayed by the goodwill of those they had been working with, the elves gave The Irregulars and The Prismatic Troupe a challenge: gather together the fae and elves out at the Rites of Spring celebration, break bread with them, and announce this project for all to hear and critique.
The aptly named Fae Frolic at Rites of Spring (24) was the inception of this sanctuary city as a realized concept. Through the approval of all those gathered, the diverse group of elves, fae, nature spirits, and those friends of the fae, created the name "Crossroads" as a meeting point of two different worlds, and myriad different cultures.
With Crossroads approved, many within The Caidreach Freehold, Misriki, and the Troupe got to work on breaking ground on the settlement. Just a month later, Mayhem had become Faehem, and all adventurers throughout the land of Osterra had received an invite to The Great Forest in celebration of the founding of Crossroads. Adventurers from all around found their way into the heart of The Great Forest, and the a ceremony of Elven and Fae Games were held in honor of unity and peace.
Crossroads construction is an ongoing project, but with the support of the realm, it will soon become a grand city, worthy of being the Sister City of the elves.
When the Irregulars disappeared into the faepaths, they asked the House of Silver Branches to look after the Freehold for them. It took time for the House to gather their allies, but in the following summer they reclaimed Crossroads from the wandering demonic forces which had crept in with the absence of its protectors. The House of Silver Branches took up stewardship of Crossroads, and turned their attention to saving as much of the rest of the Freehold as possible from the decay of neglect.