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--- twenty_portals [2015/11/12 17:46] – jims
+++ twenty_portals [2021/03/02 12:41] (current) – jims
@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 nearer portals to connect to ones far away.
-Throughout history, arcane scholars have drawn correlaries between the twenty
+Each portal is a horizontal region thirty feet in diameter.  While the portal
+itself is invisible, each location has been marked by a ring of stones -- three
+of which contain indents to house an activation gem.
+Throughout history, arcane scholars have drawn corollaries between the twenty
 portals and the [[twenty worlds]], and some have claimed that each of the
 [[twenty worlds]] has its own set of twenty portals. Oftentimes, the three
@@ Line 19: / Line 23: @@
 These portals are strongly tied to the [[Great Map]] and become disconnected if
 the map is dispersed -- which has happened at least twice (most recently in the
-year 1105).
+year 1105).  When this occurs, the portals will (eventually) reform at new
+locations.  However, in their natural state, they are difficult to see and can
+remain undiscovered for years, decades, or centuries.
-Currently, the wizard [[Kevin Arcana]] has obtained total control over the
+In recent history, the wizard [[Kevin Arcana]] discovered the location of the
-twenty portals, but is allowing their use by anyone who can pay 150 gold pieces
+portals and managed to perform some kind of epic ritual to limit their use.
-to purchase a one-use key gem.  These gems are pre-programmed with a particular
+He presented his work to the [[council|Council of Wizards]] in their final
-path -- taking the travelers (at least briefly) to each of the intermediate
+meeting in March of 1109.
-destinations.
-One unexplained((see "V2" campaign)) side effect of travel through the portals
+From that point until the year 1126, the portals could be used by anyone -- but
-is a significant (though fleeting) experience of pain.  Many have speculated
+only if they bought a special one-use key gem (which typically sold for around
-as to the cause or reason for this side effect, but nobody has satisfactorily
+gold pieces).  These gems were pre-programmed with a particular path --
-explained it -- and Kevin Arcana is suspiciously quiet on the subject.
+taking the travelers (at least briefly) to each of the intermediate
+destinations.  During this time, travelers experienced a significant (though fleeting) flash
+of pain whenever they used the portals.  This was because of a secret deal that
+Kevin had made with the Demon King of Pain, [[Gkîlarzzá]].  Once the demon was
+defeated and Kevin killed, this effect stopped.
-=== Effects on Teleportation ===
+Now the portals can be used by anyone with a key gem -- which can be purchased
+at any decent magic shop.  Prices vary -- but are usually between 25 and 100
+gold pieces (depending on the destination).
-There are two spells affected by Kevin Arcana's control of the Twenty Portals:
+Unlike during Kevin Arcana's time, the new generation of key gems only allow
-//Teleportation Circle// (5th level conjuration) and //Teleport// (8th level conjuration).
+for "one hop" travel.  Thus, to travel long distances often requires multiple
+gems.
-Both spells are limited in the same way: Any attempt to use the spell over a long range
+In addition, the portals act as permanent //Teleportation Circles// (per the 5th
-will be "short-circuited" by the portal network.  Instead of arriving at the intended
+level conjuration spell).  Wizards can record the sigil sequence for a given portal
-destination, the caster will instead arrive at the nearest portal.  Note that the pain
+in their spellbook by examining it with //Detect Magic//, //See Invisibility// or
-effect appears to be //more significant// when this "short-circuit" occurs.
+a similar spell.
 === Significant portal locations ===
-  * [[Rota_city|The city of Rota]]
+  * [[Rota|Near the city of Rota]]
-  * [[Neroth]], Kevin Arcana's home
+  * [[Neroth]], Kevin Arcana's (former) home in Southern Rota
   * [[Spindrift|The Spindrift Isles]] (Eastern Lendore)
-  * Midway between [[Edric_city|The city-state of Edric]] and [[Hookridge]]
+  * [[Backbone]]: Midway between [[Edric_city|The city-state of Edric]] and [[Hookridge]]
   * [[Lowland]]
-  * [[Larinday]]
+  * [[Kinander]]
   * [[Blanan]]
   * [[Mosaî]], "The Hidden Empire"
   * [[Arela]]
   * The [["Wall Islands"]]