Apex

The Apex is a phenomenon in the High Wilderness that seems to only occur when there are two or fewer people during an expedition.

Into the Horizon's Maw
The Apex is heralded by a feeling that the sky has become hostile and predatory: one may feel as though they are going to be swallowed up by it, or like their every step is the last one off of a cliff. It seems to also be correlated with increased danger from other sources as well.

What forces or entities might be responsible for the Apex are unknown at this time.

Conjecture
- Cú Aoife seemed less affected by the Apex while she was carrying the body of an Arkenwrought. Whether this is a coincidence, due to its increased weight, some other property of the Arkenwrought, or some other reason is unknown. - Thomlyn seems particularly affected by the Apex, for reasons he has yet to share. - The heron attack experienced by Cú Aoife and Thomlyn under the Apex seemed exceedingly unusual: the herons seemed unusually targeted and aggressive, and one used a magical attack to sever the arm of Scáthach and maim Cú Aoife.