frp

Scattered across the world are twenty portals – each one connected to three “adjacent” portals. Logically, these portals are arranged as the vertices of a dodecahedron. However, physically, they appear at “random” locations on the map – oftentimes skipping nearer portals to connect to ones far away.

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 inter-world portals¹⁾ are lumped into the same category and referred to as the “Ninety-nine portals”. Where this term comes from is unknown and was most likely coined for poetic reasons.

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). 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.

In recent history, the wizard Kevin Arcana discovered the location of the portals and managed to perform some kind of epic ritual to limit their use. He presented his work to the Council of Wizards in their final meeting in March of 1109.

From that point until the year 1126, the portals could be used by anyone – but only if they bought a special one-use key gem (which typically sold for around 150 gold pieces). These gems were pre-programmed with a particular path – 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.

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).

Unlike during Kevin Arcana's time, the new generation of key gems only allow for “one hop” travel. Thus, to travel long distances often requires multiple gems.

In addition, the portals act as permanent Teleportation Circles (per the 5th level conjuration spell). Wizards can record the sigil sequence for a given portal in their spellbook by examining it with Detect Magic, See Invisibility or a similar spell.

• Near the city of Rota
• Neroth, Kevin Arcana's (former) home in Southern Rota
• The Spindrift Isles (Eastern Lendore)
• Backbone: Midway between The city-state of Edric and Hookridge
• Lowland
• Kinander
• Blanan
• Mosaî, “The Hidden Empire”
• Arela
• The "Wall Islands"