Illusory Bastion

Illusory Bastion is a testament to the perils of unchecked ambition. It is a haunting reminder of what happens when one tries to twist reality. This location is neither entirely real nor entirely imagined, a shimmering mirage woven from fragments of memory and desire. The city’s geography is ever-shifting, with buildings that appear and disappear at random, streets that lead nowhere, and landscapes that defy logic. One moment, a visitor might find themselves wandering through bustling marketplaces, the next standing on a precipice overlooking a bottomless abyss. The Chapter of Veils details the area well. The illusion is maintained through a network of Aetherium Conduits, subtly manipulating the minds of all who enter, as the city was created by the Sky-Seer, Lorin Mistweaver.

Its key feature is the shifting maze that houses the Veil of Descent, which hides the final layer of illusion. Inhabitants include echoes of long-dead citizens, their memories and personalities preserved within the city's illusionary fabric. They wander the streets, reliving their past lives, oblivious to their true nature. One new entity, The Echo, seems to have taken over, feeding on the negative emotions within the bastion. The place is now haunted by the Gaze of the Deep, as well. Some Lost Pilgrims believe this location is the ultimate test of the soul. The Bastion’s origins lie in the hubris of The Illusionist, who sought to create a perfect world, but his ambition led to its downfall. The city's existence is a cautionary tale, a reminder of the importance of distinguishing truth from illusion. He used the Runes of Return to create the effect, and some say this has been warned against in Elder Borin's Chronicles. It may be a test to avoid the Great Unmaking, or maybe this place is hastening the event. The location can be found through the Warped Gates, but it is a fool’s errand to try. Perhaps one can utilize the Sunstone of Aethelgard in order to fight the illusions, but it is a dangerous proposition. This information may be hidden inside the Vault of Whispers. Even the Cobalt Corsairs stay away, which should say enough. Is it possible that the city can be destroyed by utilizing the Runes of Null? Perhaps there is a new type of being lurking here, called the Gloom Weavers.