Oz
Introduction
When L. Frank Baum wrote about Oz in 1900 he believed that it was a "real place" which he could visit. He was right. It is. It is not the only realm to appear in literature that is real (see: Wonderland).
Description
Oz was once one of the great realms of the Fae but has been forever susceptible to civil unrest and infighting as is well documented. By the time The War in the Dreaming began Oz and The Emerald City were already shadows of their former glory, war-torn and ragged, and when the realm, like Wonderland was placed under siege by the forces of The Nothing what was left of it's Blackmetal led by Dorothy and Queen Ozma fought valiantly, however, the outcome was less than ideal with Ozma believed killed and the realm all but destroyed, certainly reduced to a deserted wasteland.
Despite this Oz still retains significant magical power, and is littered with magical artifacts from both The War in the Dreaming and its many civil wars before that. It is perhaps only a matter of time before an enterprising Fae lays claim to the wastes and rebuilds. The only obstacle to this is Dorothy who after the death of Ozma is the defacto, technical, ruler of the realm - although her claim has complications (the largest of which is that she is not Fae). It is perhaps this complication which has left Oz languishing in the state it finds itself in, it's ripe for conquest, but out of respect for her efforts for The Treaty during The War in the Dreaming The God-Emperor has not ordered, or sanctioned any large scale official incursion into or takeover of the realm.
Travel Guide
Oz Awaits: A Traveler’s Guide to the Emerald Ruins
Welcome, adventurer, to the shattered remains of **Oz**—a realm once filled with hope and wonder, now reduced to a haunting memory of what was. Gone are the days of the yellow brick road leading to a bright, emerald city. Now, it’s a land marked by devastation, with the echoes of its legendary fall still reverberating through its magical landscape. But worry not, intrepid traveler! **Faewave Escapades** is here, and I, **Max Whimsy**, have some tips to help you navigate this once-great realm and its dangerous secrets.
What Remains: The Ruins of Emerald Cities
The fall of **Oz** is one of the great tragedies of **The Realms**. Once ruled by the great **Queen Ozma**, the realm was devastated during the **War in the Dreaming**. Dorothy Gale, one of the key players in that war, now holds the title "Consort of Ozma," though much of what she fought to protect lies in ruin.
The **Emerald City**, once the crown jewel of the realm, is now a place of sorrow, with its buildings shattered and the green glow faded to a dull, ghostly hue. While the city is mostly in ruins, it’s worth visiting if you’re fascinated by tragic beauty and the echoes of a time long gone. Watch out for remnants of the **Shadow Dragons**, who played a large part in its destruction.
A Land of Magic—and Danger
Oz still pulses with magic, but it’s wild, unpredictable, and often dangerous. The roads that once led to magical destinations like **Munchkinland** and **The Yellow Brick Road** have become treacherous paths, overrun with rogue magical forces and creatures warped by the destruction.
Travel tip: Stick to the edges of the once-famous yellow brick road. While it’s tempting to follow Dorothy’s footsteps, the road is broken and dangerous, often leading to dead ends or into areas where the **Nothing’s** remnants linger.
The Magic of Dorothy and the Ruby Slippers
Despite the devastation, **Dorothy Gale** still holds great power here, not just as a former hero but as the holder of the **Ruby Slippers** and the **Emerald Wand of Oz**. As the “Slayer of Langwidere,” Dorothy remains one of the most formidable figures in the realm, though she’s more often seen protecting what little remains of her beloved Oz. Her influence lingers, and travelers might catch a glimpse of her walking through the shattered lands, her connection to the realm palpable.
Beware: The Nothing and Its Agents
Though **The Nothing** was defeated, its influence can still be felt throughout the desolate landscape of Oz. Shadow creatures born from this entity still wander the outskirts, especially around the fallen cities and ruined strongholds. These creatures are remnants of the forces that helped bring down Oz, and they are still dangerous to those who travel too deep into the heart of the realm.
If you come across strange black tendrils in the air, or if the sky grows unnaturally dark, it’s best to turn back. **Shadow Dragons** may still patrol these lands, though they’re less organized without their original commander.
A Legacy of Power and Loss
Though much of Oz lies in ruins, the land is still saturated with ancient magic and stories of old. Keep your ears open when speaking with any surviving inhabitants—they often tell tales of **The War in the Dreaming**, the **Siege of Lorean**, and the role Oz played in the downfall of **Arcadia**.
Final Thoughts: The Fragile Beauty of a Lost Realm
While Oz is far from its golden days, the beauty of its tragedy makes it a compelling destination for those drawn to magic, mystery, and history. There’s something about walking through the ruins of a once-great kingdom that stirs the heart, even if it’s a little dangerous.
Max Whimsy Senior Travel Editor, Faewave Escapades “Follow the yellow brick road…if you dare.”
Associated Endless Chronicles Shards
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