The Wanderer
In the elder days, when the world still remembered how to laugh at its own strangeness, there came forth a wanderer from the deep and shadowed woods. No high hall nor gilded court claimed him, only moss-covered stones, the whispering boughs of ancient trees, and a truly unreasonable number of peculiar objects.
He bears a staff of Everwood, crowned with the very heart of Fairywing Forest, which stirs when old magic is near, and occasionally when it isn’t. Nobody has asked it to explain itself.
He is received with gladness where kind folk dwell. For he brings not gold nor war, but tales forgotten, laughter kindled, and a quiet wisdom born of long listening.
The Forgotten Words
Over time, people forgot certain words, and a little magic faded from the world. Fortunately forgotten words do not simply vanish. They find their way, by means no one has fully explained, into a small wooden box that Mossbeard carries.
Should you encounter Mossbeard at a faire, ask him for a forgotten word. He will produce it. You will say it aloud. And just like that, you will have helped bring a little magic back. Then together you can say:
"By moss and stone, this word is now known!"
Relics & Curiosities
Mossbeard travels with a collection of curious and occasionally cooperative artifacts. Some are powerful. Some are nonsense. Most are both.
The Gravity Compass
A heavy, solid copper ball. It helps Mossbeard know up from down during complex magic.
Will be placed directly into your hands without negotiation. Do not drop it.
Will be placed directly into your hands without negotiation. Do not drop it.
The Fairy Breath Bottle
A thick glass vessel with a cork stopper, containing the breath of Beetle the Fairy. What happens when you put fairy breath in a normal bottle? Even Mossbeard doesn't know.
Do not uncork indoors. Mossbeard did once. He does not speak of it.
The Everwood Staff
Crowned with a crystal said to be the very heart of Fairywing Forest. It stirs when old magic is near.
The crystal stirs on its own. This is considered normal. Probably.
The Monkey Paw
A copper pendant holding a swirling galaxy marble. It tends to bring happiness to those who hold it.
If it begins making a soft kwee-kwee sound, please return it to Mossbeard immediately and pretend you heard nothing.
Mossglass
A rare green glass formed where moonlight, starlight, rainwater, moss, and old magic meet in forgotten places.
Looking too long has caused visitors to remember things they had not yet forgotten.
The Forgotten Words Box
An intricate wooden box that calls to forgotten words. If you listen closely, you may hear one scratching politely at the lid, hoping to be remembered.
Do not tap the lid. The words inside are not always patient.
The Destinations Book
A book whose pages are usually blank. It gets heavy when it has something for Mossbeard to read, generally the next place he needs to go.
Do not read the blank pages aloud. Destinations have a way of becoming compulsory.
Find Mossbeard
Mossbeard roams where merriment and wonder gather. Seek him at these faires.
Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
Des Moines, Iowa
A fine gathering of wanderers, makers, and mischief — and Mossbeard will be among them. Stop by and see what he's carrying this season.
Visit the Faire →Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Shakopee, Minnesota
One of the largest Renaissance festivals in the country, running through the heart of summer into fall. A homecoming for the Wanderer.
Visit the Festival →Gallery
Follow the Trail
Mossbeard posts tales from the trail, forgotten wisdom, and word of where he'll wander next. Follow along — you never know what turns up in the box.
Find Mossbeard on Facebook