Feyline Bend

The Allure of Danger

The magic of the Fairy King's Wood hides and obscures many things from the wandering eye. Only the right people or a trained observer can see what is there in plain sight, doorways to the Wandering Forest, hidden archways and buildings that protect their inhabitants, creatures as wild as the world itself. Even along the southern border of the forest, the magic is strong, hiding massive buildings from all but those the owner wishes to see, those looking for a sense of adventure and a little bit of danger.
One may not think of the Fairy Kingdom as a place of gambling and debauchery, but places like this can be found anywhere, amongst any people, as long as there is a wish for fun or to feel some emotion. While establishments such as theaters, music halls, and museums are lauded for their propriety, others are cast into the dark as they bring gamblers, cheaters, and vagabonds. On the edge of the Fairy King's Wood is one such place, one that caters to joy, adventure, and a hint of danger, but also brings in those less than savory.
The proprietor of Feyline Bend took the devastation of the Deadzone south of the forest and turned it into a rush of adrenaline and a lucrative business. Those who wished to bring their best carts, mounts, and wondrous vehicles could test their mettle across the Deadzone, racing in a seemingly no-holds-barred event that could either win them a great deal of wealth and magical items or send them to a healer for months on end. Even with so much on the line, competitors were always waiting, money in hand for the next race, the next adrenaline rush.

Purpose / Function

Feyline Bend is a place of racing, gambling, and all-out fun for those that might describe themselves as adrenaline junkies. While the establishment is in the Fairy King's Wood, the majority of the racing occurs in the Deadzone south of the forest. Racers can gamble, prepare their vehicles, and overall have a good time in the main building.

Racing in the Deadzones

Bonneville Salt Flats by Cameron Cox on Unsplash

Feyline Bend is an epicenter of danger and high speeds. People come to the edge of the Fairy King's Wood to test their mettle against the scorching flats of the Deadzones using whatever vehicles they can get their hands on, including Dinosaurs, flying carpets, enchanted carts, and so much more.

Architecture

The main building of Feyline Bend is little more than a simple house with a large stable attached. Made from enchanted wood, possibly from Festival Redwoods, the two-story house holds a tavern and gambling hall on the first floor while the upper floor has rooms for the various racers or those who wish to take part in the festivities. Because of whatever enchantments were placed on the house, it seems to grow extra rooms when needed without changing the outside of the house in any way.
The stables are extremely large and similarly enchanted to the house. No matter what type of mount or vehicle comes to Feyline Bend, be it a Dinosaur, Aelinor Elk, flying carpets, carts, wagons, or anything else, the stable can accommodate it. Special stalls appear when racers bring dangerous carnivores such as Dinosaurs so that the mounts of other races are not damaged, either by accident or intentionally, which has happened in the past.
A single archway separates the stable and the house, marking the entrance to the flats of the Deadzone and the racing area proper. While the house is not truly on the border between the Deadzone and the Fairy King's Wood, the archway teleports the racers to the location marked as the start of the race. Other small archways appear throughout the raceway, but these are not magical and are only meant to mark the path that racers should follow.

Tourism

In many circles, Feyline Bend is a popular destination for those looking for adrenaline-filled enjoyment or a lucrative gambling opportunity depending on their luck. Due to the enchantments of both the buildings and the forest, one must be invited to Feyline Bend to even find its location. In this way, tourism grows only as previous racers invite friends or acquaintances, bringing them into the sport of racing across the burning sands.

Feyline Bend

Feyline Bend by Image via Midjourney, created by Riverfang

Feyline Bend is a rather unassuming building as its true nature lies beyond its gates and stables. Once a traveler passes through the doors, an experience of a lifetime awaits.

Type

Racing track / Hippodrome

Parent Location

Fairy King's Wood

History

Feyline Bend has not existed for a long time, but its true beginnings are unknown. The proprietor of the business keeps to themselves and allows a handful of Fairies and other fey to run the day-to-day operations of the business. Because of the unknowns, many have speculated that Feyline Bend is operated as a part of Fire & Gold, Inc. but OZ has explicitly denied this.
The further removed the world becomes from the Eldritch War, the more enjoyment people have looked for in the world. In the last fifty years, the number of racers and gamblers at Feyline Bend has grown nearly exponentially, allowing for multiple races a day, as long as nothing too serious happens on the raceway. Incidents of people getting lost in old Mystic Jungle caverns or having their mounts or vehicles suddenly burn from the inside out have been reported, but no one has been seriously injured.