Things Betwixt

Lore

A small dimensional rift that exists between Drangleic and the outside world, this seemingly peaceful limbo serves as a gateway between the two realms. It lies deep within a shadowy cavern and transverses an ancient forest rising from a subterranean lake. Three former Firekeepers reside here with their caretaker, offering guidance to the Undead who pass through on their quest to break the curse. The forest serves as a proving ground for visitors and hides a great many secrets for those willing to seek them out, but beware - while the main road is relatively safe, straying from the beaten path can lead to a terrifying end before your journey has even begun…

The former Firekeepers are sisters; their names are Strowen, Morrel, and Griant. As Firekeepers are often a target for Pyromancy and Hex materials, they have retired to this remote region for their own protection. Strowen is the cynical leader of the three. Morrel is more reserved than her sister Strowen and will contribute sardonic comments to conversation but tends not to start them herself. Like Morrel, Griant is disinclined to initiate conversations and tends to prefer throwing in her two cents while Strowen engages their many visitors.

The Sparkling Sisters Dyna and Tillo also reside in Things Betwixt.

The foes encountered here are:

• Kobold: These skittish, dog-like creatures inhabit the small meadow near the Fire Keeper's hut. Are these the Fire Keeper's pets, or simply a form of life native to the limbo that exists between Drangleic and the outside world?
• Undead Traveler: The Undead Travelers in Things Betwixt are all hostile. They are wearing imported clothing similar to what you have at the beginning of your journey. Their origins and motives are completely unknown - perhaps they have already hallowed?
• Ogre: It is possible that the rift between Drangleic and the outside world is a native habitat for the monstroud Ogres, but are beats like this simply born… or are they created?
• Falconers: A fierce band of mercenaries hired to compensate for the infamously timid domestic Volgen soldiers. In practice, they serve as bodyguards for the affluent elite, and they serve well, such that nobody dares scrutinize their backgrounds.

Theories

Things Betwixt is a Portal

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It's a portal, either back in time or into another dimension, making it some sort of trains-dimensional instability or hub of said portal. Perhaps its use is better described as time dilation rather than for travel.

It is a place outside of time, where you go after forgetting your old life and becoming hollow. It is the manifestation of a state of neither reality or consciousness similar to purgatory.

Drangleic exists in a sort of schism in time and space. You even have characters saying that time and space is fractured and warped (Which is how the Soapstones work, they leave a sign visible across the 'fissures' of time, essentially meaning every other player is an alternate timeline version of you). Given that Things Betwixt is said to be a nexus between Drangleic and the outside world, the whirlpool and altar would be the portal or bridge.

Things Betwixt is or is like Ash Lake.

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Ash Lake was supposed to be a "remnant of the time before the age of fire". It's basically a pocket of the past, untouched by time. "Things Betwixt" is likely another one of these places. Ash Lake though, is at the bottom of the world. But, the lake is said to hold up the entire world, so even if Drangleic is not the same as Lordran, it is still possible for both to be on top of Ash Lake.

The opening cinematic shows the cursed Undead throw himself into a whirlpool in some sort of lake, so it is possible that entering that portal transports him through the rift to Things Betwixt, which is thus another part of the world or possibly in an alternate reality or time. The trees here are also like those of Ash Lake.

Sources

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Milibeth Dialogue
"This is a limbo. A link between Drangleic and the outer world. Fair traveler, I know that you must have a story. Why else would you visit such a place? This lost, decayed kingdom."
After defeating the ogres near the coffin - "You have proven yourself to the forest. We have little to offer, except perhaps these. May they bring fortune to your journey, in some small way."

Kobald
These skittish, dog-like creatures inhabit the small meadow near the Fire Keeper's hut. Are these the Fire Keeper's pets, or simply a form of life native to the limbo that exists between Drangleic and the outside world?

Undead Traveler
The Undead Travelers in Things Betwixt are all hostile. They are wearing imported clothing similar to what you have at the beginning of your journey. Their origins and motives are completely unknown - perhaps they have already hallowed.

Ogre
It is possible that the rift between Drangleic and the outside world is a native habitat for the monstrous Ogres, but are beasts like this simply born… or are they created?

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