The numerous planes of existence in Dungeons & Dragons beckon players to explore, but none are more dangerously enticing than the mysterious Feywild. This mirror realm of the Prime Material Plane promises intrigue and adventure -- but such explorations rarely come without a price.
In The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, the most recent D&D adventure setting released by Wizards of the Coast, parties can take a walk on the wild side, entering the Feywild through the Witchlight carnival. This can be easily dropped into any world in an effort to lure unsuspecting adventurers to the other side of the mirror. Along with the adventure, the book introduces two backgrounds that allow players to connect their characters to the Feywild in unique ways.
The Feylost
Finding the Feywild isn't always an easy task, but some stumble upon its Crossings by accident. The Feylost are those who found themselves spirited away to the Feywild as children, either by accident or because they were taken by one of the fey -- either for good or ill purposes. Regardless of the manner of the Feylost's disappearance, they grew up in the Feywild, which meant they had no choice but to learn how to survive there.
Upon returning to their home plane, the effects of their time in the Feywild have left their mark. Though their memories of the place may fade, there is both fear and longing deep within of the prospect of one day returning to a place they've come to think of as their second home.
Time in the Feywild taught the Feylost a few useful skills, granting them proficiencies in both Deception and Survival. Because the Feywild is a place enchanted by music, Feylost gain proficiency with one type of musical instrument. Among their equipment, they have a musical instrument, a set of traveler's clothes, a pouch containing eight gold pieces and three Fey trinkets (determined by rolls on the Fey Trinkets table). They also learn another language of their choice, either Sylvan, Goblin, Gnomish or Elven.
They Feywild didn't just leave its mark on their memory; they have also been physically marked with one unique attribute determined by a roll on the Fey Mark table. Feylost may also be visited by a spirit of the Feywild while sleeping, dreaming or in a trancelike state. These spirits are never harmful, and conversations with them may provide insight, nonsensical ramblings, red herrings or profound messages meant to guide them on their path.
Their connection to the Feywild is visible in their mannerisms and knowledge of the place and its denizens and pronounces the Feylost as one of their own. Because of this, friendly fey may come to their aid in the Feywild if they are lost or in need of aid.
The Witchlight Hand
Not all members of the Witchlight carnival are fey in nature. Some slipped into the carnival long ago and integrated themselves into its structure through hard work and even harder play. The Witchlight Hand has spent years working with the carnival, traveling from plane to plane and returning to their own once every eight years. However, despite all this travel, they never really come to know they places where they land because all their time is spent in the carnival.
This endless loop of travel has become monotony, and while the Witchlight Hand once found delight and inspiration in their role, they are no longer content to simply follow the cyclical journey anymore. They long for a new adventure, and though they might find it, the influence of their time among the fey has altered their being.
The Witchlight Hand is proficient in Performance and Sleight of Hand and may either be proficient with one musical instrument of their choice or the Disguise Kit. They may learn another language of their choice, and considering all the places they've been and people they've met, the possibilities are endless. Among their equipment there is either a Disguise Kit or a musical instrument, a deck of cards, a carnival uniform or costume, one fey trinket and a pouch containing eight gold pieces.
They have also become close friends over the years with another member of the carnival. This companion hangs around while at the carnival, but cannot be compelled to willingly leave. As a carnival fixture, the hand also receives free lodging and food and the option to partake in the carnivals offerings without charge, so long as the performances aren't disturbed.