Migration of the Dragonflies | Free Event for D&D and PF2e
Event Overview. High among the boughs of a great forest where tree trunks as wide as carriages and cities form in the canopy, an annual spectacle takes place every autumn. Giant dragonflies fly southward through the barren boughs, past floating gold-and-yellow kites made from the fallen leaves. For a fortnight, trains of dragonflies fly in slow, lazy trails through the forest until they breach the canopy and continue their journey at a faster pace. It is said the dragonflies fly slowly through the forest as a way to say “farewell” to their former home before leaving for warmer climes. Without the aid of natural wind within the boughs, their great, beating wings conjure a magical wind, lifting the kites.
People Involved. The tribes of sylvan elves native to this forest are the primary attendees. The inn-hollows in this treetop city make plenty of money from visitors who come to see the spectacle, and the toddy houses (which brew ale from tree sap) are open for most hours of the day to accommodate the influx of revelers. Some elves of the forest breed, rescue, and raise dragonflies, so the migration can become an emotional parting ceremony for pets and their owners. Some folk even hitch a ride on the giant dragonflies, joining their migration for a chance to explore the wider world.
Location. Wooden bridges string between boughs, staircases spiral down trunks, and homes and businesses bustle within trunk hollows. The tree trunks are silvery in color, while the leaves are bright, autumnal colors before falling and drying into brown duff on the forest floor far below. The elves began the tradition of making and flying paper kites resembling the dragonflies themselves. Now, it is a popular practice among most attendees. Outsiders must travel to this location via airship, portals, flying spells, or flying companions. There is no elevator or stair connecting to the forest floor below, for it is wreathed in a mysterious mist and rumored to be full of unspeakable horrors.
Event Details
Roleplaying Notes.
- Children run around with the leaf kites or dolls made from twigs that resemble dragonfly larvae, hugging them close as they watch the grown dragonflies fly overhead.
- The primary sound is the buzzing of the dragonflies’ wings and voices shouting over the drone.
- Toddy houses are open most hours of the day and serve toddies for the modest price of 3cp or, depending on how interesting a character seems, a rousing anecdote from a far-flung adventure.
- The giant dragonflies are generally peaceful and focused on their migration. Characters may not have a chance to interact with them unless they personally know a dragonfly or attempt to mount one. Mounting a giant dragonfly is a difficult task, and people see it as inappropriate if you do not have a relationship with the dragonfly; the locals will react negatively if they see a character attempting to do so.
The Secrets of the Great Forest. The treetop cities of this forest were first built to escape dangers from below. Local elves share legends of the calamities that “befell the Below,” which still lies wreathed in a mysterious fog impenetrable to the naked eye. Exploring the floor of the Great Forest is considered foolish and brazen, though some adventurers who do it anyway return with strange illnesses, injuries, and broken memories of their time there.
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