The Rings of Gwydion

The magnificent rings surrounding Gwydion are unlike ordinary planetary rings.

They are vast bands of arcane energy.

Known collectively as the Ley, these luminous fields are intimately connected to Aereth's magic. Three major bands dominate the ring system, accompanied by smaller and darker currents.

The brighter Ley appear as shimmering bands of gold, blue, and silver-white light. Brilliant discharges sometimes arc between them like immense strokes of lightning.

Between them lie darker currents commonly called the Shadow Ley. These are much harder to see and appear as deep violet or nearly black bands illuminated by occasional sullen flashes of energy.

The Ley brighten and dim over a repeating cycle lasting approximately 4,000 years.

Their four great phases are:

Waxing → Argent → Waning → Obscura

Aereth is presently in Waxing.

The Ley's cycle influences both magic and long-term climate. During Argent, the luminous Ley reach their greatest brilliance. During Obscura, they become faint and the darker currents more prominent.

For the complete cycle and its relationship to Aerethian history, see Timekeeping on Aereth.

The Shroud

Approximately once each Moon, a recurring celestial alignment involving Aereth, Aine, Gwydion, Bel, and the Ley produces the phenomenon known as the Shroud.

The event brings an unnatural period of darkness and is associated throughout Aereth with a thinning of the Veil Between the Worlds.

The Shroud is explained more fully in Timekeeping on Aereth.