The Veil

The Veil is not a physical barrier, but rather is a conceptual divide between realities. For the most part, it is invisible and intangible, a metaphysical division allowing multiple realities to exist within the same conceptual space. In areas of thinness and extreme magical disturbance, it may appear as a shimmering light or a smoky haze. In most cases however, it manifests as a mundane barrier within the world, appearing as an old stone wall, a line of trees or a babbling brook, among many other iterations.   An effect of these barriers is a magical effect that renders their presence unobtrusive to the casual observer, not only limiting close inspection but often falling beneath notice at all. Passing around, over or under these barriers will generally only reveal more of the same world behind it. Passing through points of thinness, weaknesses in reality, however are a different story entirely.   Entry points often appear as mundane transitional spaces, such as a crumbling hole in a stone wall, a weathered and overgrown gate in a fence, a cave entrance, a ring of mushrooms, or a natural passageway through intertwined trees or standing stones. These entryways are rarely stationary, shifting regularly in both location and form. They typically blend in with their surroundings, but in cases of extreme magical disturbance beyond them, they can become significantly more uncanny and obvious. They typically gain more details as they are carefully observed, but also form a magical gravity that compels the viewer to step through.   Upon crossing over from Bedouar to areas of Bleed, entry points are often more obvious, such as a well crafted doorway in a forest, through which Bedouar can be seen. However, it is best to not assume such, as exit points may move or vanish entirely as soon as no longer being actively perceived.

The Veil is ever-present in Alvez, but thinness is most apparent in transitional and liminal spaces. Mountains (between land and sky), Islands (between land and sea), forest edges and caves are all common spaces to experience thinness, but even in cities alleyways, side streets, doorways and river-quais can host passageways between the worlds.   While Old Elfriche is inaccessible from Alvez, regions of Bleed have stabilized into semi-permanent magical regions that are collectively known as Faerie. Regions where the flow of Hud is still actively warping reality are called Fisher Kingdoms