THE DREAM GATE
Story and art originally posted to Instagram in carousel form on August 20, 2025.
☾ Through a forest in the northeastern remotes of these lands winds a vast network of rivers, lakes, and the aquatic creatures large and small inhabiting them.
There are also numerous waterfalls supplying these rivers with icy waters flowing from the mountains by the edge of the continent. Some of the mountains are so tall they overlook the sea itself, their cliffs standing as guardians to the resplendent forests hidden within.
Gods long ago intervened to keep the mountains, the forests, and the creatures within sealed off from the gluttonous hands of men. They devised a fog wall that never dissipates or dips in its ability to conceal the forests’ pathways. A maze of rivers awaits any who manage to stumble through the fog.
For all the beauty this area holds, it contains death tenfold. While most humans will never get to lay eyes on this realm, there is a family of wardens allowed to fully know the place in order to keep it safe and hidden.
The House of Ellianth is the last glimpse of civilization before the magical lands you wish to visit. They are warriors as well as wardens. Their true power lies in their ability to influence the dreams of men, and to reach the deepest layers of the human mind where you can tap into the greatest of emotions, fear.
Once in an eon, the House will gather outsiders of note to compete in a series of trials in order to be deemed trustworthy enough to enter its ranks. This is necessary to fill ranks yet serves another purpose.
The true treasure of this land is The Dream Gate, a hole in spacetime at the top of a mountain meant for keeping balance to all who dream. It can also help you travel through the dreams of others, and serves as a portal to other Dream Gate endpoints.
The labyrinth of rivers must be navigated properly in order to reach the waterfalls, and there is one obscured waterfall that will take you to the secret footpath of the mountain where this Dream Gate stands.
Can you overcome the challenges that await at the House of Ellianth, and earn their approval? You’ve traveled so far, and for so long, to chase a dream. That dream, belonging to someone else, was shared between almost everyone at once in your village.
Those who shared this experience vanished, leaving dust, memories, and spiderwebs in their wake. Everyone you knew and loved, gone. Even though the Dream Gate was only a fairy tale to you whispered by elders, you know deep in your bones it is the missing link to this story.
A warm resolve radiates within you. The matter is settled. You are destined, one way or another, to enter the Dream Gate.
☾ So, how will you proceed?
Take the trials.
Fight for power over House of Ellianth, provoking all members.
Find someone to take the trials in your place and navigate you later. [3,000 Gold]
Wander the House of Ellianth looking for something to eat.
Bribe a warden into fast-tracking your trials. [Requires Charisma check].
Leave. The trials are deadly and there must be another way.
Result: -