The Wavering Expanse

The Wavering Expanse is an extradimensional stretch of land within an magical bubble. The Expanse is infused with wild magic and shapes itself around the inhabitants. A fire genasi settlement may turn a swamp into a volcano. That same swamp might become a lake when merfolk appear instead.

The bubble attracts flows of transportation magic, pulling travelers into the Wavering Expanse. Departing travelers are pushed out with equal potency, making the Wavering Expanse a location of strategic value. Wild magic causes the natural appearance of portals to various locations, even to other Planes.

The Wavering Expanse exists in parallel with Oerth from the Living Greyhawk campaign setting.

Timeline
Shortly after the Twin Cataclysms, a group of interplanar travelers united against the constant stream of tyrants who wished to claim the Wavering Expanse. This group, the Sunspiders, seized control of the Wavering Expanse on behalf of humanoids. Freedom and toleration formed the foundation of their grasp. Refugees from all over the world rallied behind their banner. Many monks flocked to the realm of freedom that the Sunspiders provided. They presented themselves as the Sunspider Protectorate, guardians of the Proclamation.

At the peak of their influence the Sunspiders commissioned archmage Octavrilo Grandiosa to build a roadhouse to ensure the comfort and safety of their kind. Grandiosa died in the process of completing Octavar Sanctum.

The walls of the roadhouse are immune to damage and magical penetration. Limitless stairs lead to an infinite number of guest chambers. For comfort, an unlimited supply of food provides a generous feast on any day. Sanctumborn, pregnant women and a restricted number of invitees may gain entrance. House rules are enforced by Octavar, the simulacrum of Grandiosa.

When the Sunspiders fell apart, the Sunspider Protectorate remained strong for many ages. They constructed the grand legacy of Octavar Sanctum by performing heroic deeds and making foreign kingdoms do their bidding.

Since Sanctumborn are imbued with magical powers, people from many kingdoms seek to give birth in the Sanctum. Almost all known heroes and rulers are Sanctumborn.

Sixteen years ago, the Wavering Expanse became dominated by devil hordes. Octavar Sanctum lay under siege for three years and Sunspider Protectorate was diminished. A variety of dragons and dragonborn eventually disrupted the siege. The dragons swiftly returned to their lairs as the devils were expelled. The surviving Sanctumborn and dragonborn settled in a tense division of the Wavering Expanse. A fragile peace which trembles every time a new tyrant arrives…