The Fairy Ring

A clearing near the Great Mushroom in the Feywild, ringed by small mushrooms that swell to tower over anyone who enters. Crossing into the ring shrinks visitors to pixie scale — rocks become boulders, trees become walls against the sky.

The ring is presided over by El, a pixie host in a top hat, and populated by his court: Chippy (a chipmunk protector), Henna (a pixie tailor), O'Shello (a snail who manages travel), and Lola (a pixie chef). Entering the ring triggers a mandatory feast, followed by a dance — the Feywild does not ask, it simply arranges.

The Rules: The fairy ring operates as a game with rules known only to El. Names carry weight. Eating binds you. Refusing carries its own consequences. Those who "partake in everything" are claimed as belonging to the ring — though El can be persuaded to release them. Leaving the ring inflicts a brief, calibrated burning on those who withheld or refused, while those who gave freely pass unscathed.

The boundary is magically enforced — Kouzlo tested it and was flung bodily back to the center.

After Departure: The shrinking effect persists after leaving the ring. El noted the party would "remain small for a time" but would want that for where they were going.