View source for The Crossroads

{{Stub}}{{CustomTabs|tab1 = Main Area|tab2 = Training Grounds}}
[[File:CodexCrossroads.png|thumb]]

{{Quote|The Crossroads: that haven hidden 'twixt the surface and the Underworld conceals those still loyal to Lord [[Hades]], rightful ruler of the dead.|[[Narrator]]}}

'''The Crossroads''' is a location between the [[Underworld]] and the [[Surface]] ruled by [[Hecate]]. It is a small ramshackle community of huts and makeshift tents located along a river in the surrounding woods of [[Erebus]] and is the home and base of operations for [[The Unseen|those]] that have been displaced by [[Chronos]]' takeover of the Underworld.

The Crossroads serves as the main hub of ''[[Hades II]]'', similar to how the [[House of Hades]] was in ''Hades''.

== Book of Shadows entry ==
{{Book|You belong in the house of Hades. But instead, you are here. Unseen, with scant few others, amid paths that can take you any which way. 

Choose carefully where you go from here.}}

== Description, Society and Culture ==
* The Crossroads is a liminal sanctuary between the Underworld and the Surface, serving as the central hub in ''Hades II''. Though not a biological family, its inhabitants form a symbolic and emotional ''found family'', united by shared exile, loyalty to Hades, and resistance against Chronos.

== Residents ==
<gallery>
CodexPortrait_Dora.png|[[Dora]]
CodexPortrait_Hecate.png|[[Hecate]]
CodexPortrait_Hypnos.png|[[Hypnos]]
CodexPortrait_Melinoe.png|[[Melinoë]]
CodexPortrait_Moros.png|[[Moros]]
CodexPortrait_Nemesis.png|[[Nemesis]]
CodexPortrait_Odysseus.png|[[Odysseus]]
CodexPortrait_Skelly.png|[[Schelemeus]]
Cauldron_broker.png|The [[Wretched Broker/Hades II|Wretched Broker]]
Cauldron_bard.png|[[Music Maker]]
CodexPortrait_CatFamiliar.png|[[Toula]]
CodexPortrait_FrogFamiliar.png|[[Frinos]]
CodexPortrait_RavenFamiliar.png|[[Raki]]
CodexPortrait_HoundFamiliar.png|[[Hecuba]]
CodexPortrait_PolecatFamiliar.png|[[Gale]]
</gallery>

== Visitors ==
<gallery>
CodexPortrait_Arachne.png|[[Arachne]]
CodexPortrait_Artemis.png|[[Artemis]]
CodexPortrait_Charon.png|[[Charon]]
CodexPortrait_Eris.png|[[Eris]]
CodexPortrait_Icarus.png|[[Icarus]]
CodexPortrait_Medea.png|[[Medea]]
CodexPortrait_Selene.png|[[Selene]]
CodexPortrait_Nyx.png|[[Nyx]]
</gallery>

== Sub-Locations ==
=== Melinoë's Tent ===
{{Quote|The modestly appointed tent of fierce Princess Melinoë nonetheless is dutifully organized and immaculately clean.|[[Narrator]]}}

[[File:Melinoë's Tent.png|thumb|alt=Melinoë's Tent in The Crossroads.|Melinoë's Tent in The Crossroads.]]
The place in [[The Crossroads]] where Melinoë returns once casting her spell to "Return to Shadow, now!" 

Melinoë's Tent is further divided into two spaces. 

==== Magick Circle ====
[[File:LC - Mel's Tent, Ritual Circle.png|thumb|Melinoë's ritual space.]]
This space is a circular dais, verdant similarly to [[Elysium]] in [[Hades (game)|the first game]]. Around it, large engraved monoliths float about the {{w|cyclopean masonry|cyclopean}} edging, raised above the '''River Cocytus''', the body of water that runs through [[The Crossroads]]. [[Frinos]] perches on a rock near the back, content. 

<gallery>
LC - Mel's Tent, Ritual Circle, Frinos.png|[[Frinos]]
</gallery>

The {{w|magic circle}} itself consists of two concentric rings, each with three equidistant nodes. The nodes of the outer ring are engraved with sigils.

<gallery>
LC - Mel's Tent, Ritual Circle, Stone 1.png|One of the stones in Melinoë's ritual space.
LC - Mel's Tent, Ritual Circle, Stone 2.png|One of the stones in Melinoë's ritual space.
LC - Mel's Tent, Ritual Circle, Stone 3.png|One of the stones in Melinoë's ritual space.
</gallery>

The inner ring, which is cleared of grass, is circumscribed with an equilateral triangle, and its nodes are marked by a '''slice of pomegranate''', a '''shard of darkness stone''', and '''two gold coins'''. Several {{w|magical formulae}} are written around the circle. [[Melinoë]] transports herself directly above this circle when losing a run.

<gallery>
LC - Mel's Tent, Ritual Circle, Stone 4.png|One of the stones in Melinoë's ritual space.
</gallery>

==== Living Space ====
[[File:LC - Mel's Tent, Living Space.png|thumb|Melinoë's living space.]]
This area is the main part of the overall tent. Its limits are defined by an assortment of purple fabric (which could presumably be silk provided by [[Arachne]], considering the colors are similar to the silk robes she provides Melinoë when aiding her in her run) that seem to hang from above, and inside, there can be seen an assortment of books, flasks, and rugs addorning the space in a very organized fashion (unlike [[Zagreus's Room]], which, according to the [[Narrator]] in [[Hades (game)|the first game]], was in a "perpetual state of dissarray".)

In the middle of the living space, there is a small table with a lit candle above it and a cushioned seat. In the back of the living space, there is a small area, not unlike a shrine, Melinoë dedicated to her missing family (her father [[Hades]], her mother [[Persephone]], and her older brother [[Zagreus]]) On a corner table with a bouquet and pomegranates sits a piece of parchment paper with an unfinished portrait of Melinoë as a baby surrounded by her family; a portrait [[Hecate]] brought with herself when fleeing the fallen [[House of Hades]].

<gallery>
LC - Mel's Tent, Living Space, Unfinished Portrait.png|
LC - Mel's Tent, Living Space, Unfinished Portrait, Up-close.png|
</gallery>

Usually, [[Dora]] can be seen floating in this living space.

=== The Cauldron ===
[[File:LC - The Cauldron.png|thumb|The Cauldron.]]
A section of [[The Crossroads]] where [[Hecate]] usually occupies along with four [[Wretched Witch|witches]]. This area is surrounded by pottery, all filled with a liquid that constantly lets off steam. Towards the right side, thick tree roots can be seen framing a large circle inscribed on the ground, which is marked with runes and symbols.

In the middle of this circle is a large cauldron, which is constantly filled with green, boiling liquid. This cauldron can be used by [[Melinoë]] to concoct '''[[Cauldron|incantations]]'''.

=== Nemesis' Post ===
{{Quote|The unhappy goddess of comeuppance casts her judging gaze on all within the Crossroads, which she safeguards out of duty, and of spite.|[[Narrator]]}}
[[File:LC - Nemesis' Post.png|thumb|Nemesis' Post.]]
A section of [[The Crossroads]] where [[Nemesis]] usually occupies along with two tall [[Shade|guard shades]]. This area is defined by a circular lining of stone filled with mosaic tiles. Over this area, there is an assortment of pottery, also filled with liquid, and filled with burning embers. The edges of Nemesis' post are surrounded by rocks and tall, pale grass.

=== Odysseus' Post ===
{{Quote|Not even the wiles and stratagems of that resourceful sacker of cities, Odysseus, may be sufficient to overcome the Titan of Time...
|[[Narrator]]}}
[[File:LC - Odysseus' Post.png|thumb|Odysseus' Post.]]
A section of [[The Crossroads]] where [[Odysseus]] usually occupies. It is small compared to other areas, only consisting of a short path of planks, a wooden table with a piece of purple fabric, and a silver foundation with inscriptions marked on the perimeters of its top. This foundation holds a pot filled with liquid and an assortment of lit wax candles.

=== Hypnos' Corner ===
[[File:LC - Hypno's Corner.png|thumb|Hypno's Corner.]]
An area of [[The Crossroads]] reserved for [[Hypnos]]. This section is demarcated by a collection of six tall pillars surrounding a tiny patch of dark stone flooring. This patch of stone and the tops of the pillars are all surrounded by a field of [[Poppy|poppies]], which are the flowers known to symbolize '''sleep'''. 

Three [[Shade|shades]] can be seen always accompanying Hypnos as he sleeps in the middle of this area. Two of them hold a makeshift hammock, also littered with poppies, for Hypnos to sleep comfortably on, and one of them stands guard behind him, constantly.

=== Hecuba and Gale ===
[[File:LC - The Unfinished Pets.png|thumb|Hecuba and Gale.]]
Behind The Cauldron's space, in the beginning of the game, there is an area dedicated to [[Hecate]]'s two pets: [[Hecuba]] and [[Gale]]. Hecuba is a '''dog with black fur''' wearing a silver collar and bronze bracelets on its front paws. Gale is a '''polecat with light brown fur''' wearing a green rope collar. They often go out to scout the area and perform other errands for Hecate.

Unfortunately, after unlocking '''The Hot Springs''', they completely vanish from the entire game. Since the [[The Olympic Update|Olympic Update]], Hecuba can be obtained as [[Melinoë]]'s fourth [[Animal Familiars|Animal Familiar]], found later in the [[Fields of Mourning]], and as of the [[The Warsong Update|Warsong Update]], Gale can become Melinoë's fifth and last animal companion after finding her in [[Mount Olympus]].

=== The Pathway to the River ===
[[File:LC - The Pathway to the River.png|thumb|The Pathway to the River.]]
Below [[Melinoë|Melinoë's]] Tent, there is an area which is mostly empty, save for a few mushrooms, stones, and a large gate with a red rune painted on it guarded by two tall [[Shade|shades]]. [[Eris]], when visiting [[The Crossroads]], will usually occupy this area .

In the beginning of the game, by trying to engage with the gate, it is understood that the '''River Cocytus''', the body of water that runs through [[The Crossroads]], has '''flooded''', and therefore, it is impossible to traverse beyond the gates.

The gates only get unsealed after performing an '''incantation''' at The [[Cauldron]] to unlock '''The Fishing Pier'''.

== Unlockable Sub-Locations ==
=== The Fated List ===
{{Quote|The last will of the Three Fates, those reclusive determiners of all that is to come, is now under the Princess of the Underworld's care.|[[Narrator]]}}
[[File:LC - The Fated List.png|thumb|The Fated List of Minor Prophecies.]]
An area of [[The Crossroads]] where [[Melinoë]] may check the predictions the [[Fates]] weaved for her journey. Once unlocked by concocting the '''Fated Intervention''' incantation in The [[Cauldron]], [[Fated List of Minor Prophecies/Hades II|the list]] will be placed to the right of it over a small ring of stone. The list itself and its decorations float above the ground, and around them, plants and mushrooms grow. A fortune teller crystal ball floats on a pot with liquid behind the list, and on its right, is located a small cushioned seat.

After concocting the '''Doomed Beckoning''' incantation in The [[Cauldron]], [[Moros]] will usually stand by the list.

=== The Garden ===
[[File:LC - The Garden.png|thumb|The Garden with six plots of soil.]]
An area of [[The Crossroads]] where [[Melinoë]] may plant the [[Seeds|seeds]] she finds during her runs when using the '''shovel'''. This area is located below '''Odysseus' Post''' and, once unlocked by concocting the '''Flourishing Soil''' incantation in The [[Cauldron]], the garden can be progressively developed by concocting more spells; at first unlocking two additional plots of soil ('''Rich Soil''' incantation), then another additional two ('''Verdant Soil''' incantation).

Occasionally, [[Odysseus]] will walk by the garden to check on the plants.

=== The Hot Springs ===
{{Quote|A small spring draws its heat from deep within the earth, its waters so pristine and pure that they can cleanse the body and the soul.|[[Narrator]]}}
[[File:LC - The Hot Springs.png|thumb|The Hot Springs.]]
An area of [[The Crossroads]] where [[Melinoë]] may unwind alongside a guest of her choosing. The Hot Springs are unlocked after concocting the '''Rite of Vapor-Cleansing''' incantation in The [[Cauldron]], and may be used after offering '''[[Bath Salts]]''' to a potential guest.

The Springs comprise a round green-glowing pool of warm water that has the [[River Phlegethon]] as its heat source. Thick slabs of light-colored stone partially covered with grass make the flooring around the pool and five pillars draped in leaves and blue fabric adorn the edges of the area alongside stones marked with the same symbols seem in Melinoë's Tent's ritual circle. [[Shade|Shades]] can be seen floating around the warm water with towels around their midsections as if about to submerge themselves, despite most likely not being able to feel the heat.

Once the Hot Springs are used, in-game time is fast-forwarded to the equivalent of traversing '''12 chambers'''.

===Artemis' Glade===
A small glade where the faintest bit of moonlight can shine in to illuminate it and the magnificent deer statue resting there, the goddess of the hunt [[Artemis]] can sometimes be seen there filling the quiet of the crossroads with her serene singing voice as a silent invitation for the princess of the dead to join in

=== The Fishing Pier ===
{{Quote|Liquid lamentation flows through the River Cocytus, yet even in such hopeless waters, certain creatures learn to live and thrive.|[[Narrator]]}}
[[File:LC - The Fishing Pier.png|thumb|The Fishing Pier.]]	
An area of [[The Crossroads]] where [[Melinoë]] may unwind alongside a guest of her choosing. The Fishing Pier is unlocked after concocting the '''Rite of River-Fording''' incantation in The [[Cauldron]], and may be used after offering the '''[[Twin Lures]]''' to a potential guest.

The Fishing Pier comprises a short wooden dock with a wooden square archway. The '''River Cocytus''' surrounds most of the area, and on its surface, multiple lily pads float about. On the edges where the water meets the ground of [[The Crossroads]] there are sprouts of weeds and moss that make the scenery.

Once the Fishing Pier is used, in-game time is fast-forwarded to the equivalent of traversing '''16 chambers'''.

=== The Taverna ===
{{Quote|Fleeting is the sense of hope or joy within the Crossroads, yet what little may emerge is often concentrated in the small taverna there.|[[Narrator]]}}

[[File:LC - The Taverna.png|thumb|The Taverna.]]
An area of [[The Crossroads]] where [[Melinoë]] may unwind alongside a guest of her choosing. The Taverna is unlocked after concocting the '''Rite of Social Solidarity''' incantation in The [[Cauldron]], and may be used after offering '''[[Ambrosia/Hades II|Ambrosia]]''' to a potential guest.

The Taverna has a design that is reminiscent of [[House of Hades|the Lounge]] in [[Hades (game)|the first game]]: There are four tables distributed about the space, each supporting sets of plates and cutlery alongside a floating star-shaped candle. There's a pot held over a bonfire in the center of the Taverna, and on the left, back side, there is a bar structure made of a hollowed-out tree trunk and a wooden counter, where a [[Shade|shade]] stands behind.

Further in the game, once the incantations '''"Summoning of Personal Insights"''' and '''"Summoning of Historical Travails"''' are completed, both the '''[[Record Keeper]]''' and the '''[[Learned Sage]]''' [[Shade|shades]] will occupy the Taverna, respectively.
	 	
Once the Taverna is occupied, in-game time is fast-forwarded to the equivalent of traversing '''20 chambers'''.

===The Broker's Shop===
{{Quote|After ever-scheming Chronos claimed the House of Hades, Shades of the Dead residing there all scattered to the ends of the earth.|[[Narrator]]}}
[[File:LC - Broker's shop.png|thumb|The Broker's shop.]]
A place in [[The Crossroads]] where the [[Wretched Broker]] will reside when the '''"Summoning of Mercantile Fortune"''' incantation is completed in The [[Cauldron]].

The Broker's shop is much more quaint, if compared to the way it used to be in [[Hades (game)|the first game]]: The broker does not sit behind a counter like he once did, and the luxury before provided by the [[House of Hades]] is completely gone. Even so, the Broker's business does not seem to have waned a bit, if the piles of [[Darkness|darkness stone]], golden coins, and [[Nectar|nectar]] the Broker floats beside are taken into account.

Just below the Broker, a small wooden pier holding a chest can be seen. The chest is [[Obol_Points#Charon's_Stash|Charon's Stash]], and it can be used by [[Melinoë]] to order special items by spending [[Obol Points]].

== Trivia ==
*It's possible that the Crossroads are meant to represent concepts such as [[wikipedia:Limbo|Limbo]] or [[wikipedia:Purgatory|Purgatory]]. Places which are said to exist somewhere between the [[Greek Underworld|afterlife]] and the [[Surface|physical world]] much like how the Crossroads are described as being.
**It may also be a reference to the legends of the [[wikipedia:Fairy_ring#Cultural_references|fairy rings]] said to be gateways leading to the [[wikipedia:Fairyland|realm]] of the [[wikipedia:Fairy|Fae]] and the origin of all [[wikipedia:Magic_(supernatural)|magic]] within the known universe.
*When [[Melinoë]] returns to The Crossroads after fighting an [[Chronos|end boss]] from either route, a group of six small [[Shade|shades]] will follow her in a line.

{{Nav locations ii}}

[[Category:Locations]]