Portal

Portals (or "Astralei Portals") remain one of the most iconic and least understood magical systems in Endros. They are imposing stone arches that resemble doorways, immaculate and untouched by the ravages of time and weather. They only awaken in the presence of the few who are permitted to pass. When a portal is active, the space within the arch shimmers and hums, revealing a gently rippling and waving ethereal vista. Runes often manifest along the archway during these activations.

Portal Usage

Passage through these magical gateways causes fatigue and drains one's energy. This fatigue is directly related to the distance being traveled, calculated by leylines and portal routes rather than by physical proximity. Due to its energy requirements, only individuals with sufficient mana can safely utilize portals; typically sorcerers and Chi users. Individuals blessed with Anointments or wearing special regalia may also have an easier time using portals. The toll on energy can prove fatal for commoners if done across great distances.

Moving supplies through portals incurs additional energy costs; often a substantial amount. This creates practical limitations on what can be moved through the network, though magical materials and Aethertech seem less affected. The passage itself occurs at speeds of roughly 40,000-50,000 kilometers per hour, and feels like flying without air resistance.

Portal Hubs

Portal hubs, locations that contain many portals, exist in Rune, Arcanus, Skywood, Meris, Onyx, and Starfell; areas that possess very high Aether concentration due to significant leyline convergences. These hubs represent the vast majority of portal activity throughout Endros, and lead to various trials and Dungeons related to the Saga System. Many Dungeon portals connect to deep Astralei sites rather than nearby surface locations.

Notable portal hubs exist across Endros:

• The Skyspire in Skywood (Adventurer Saga)
• The Gilded Atrium in Skywood Palace (Social Saga)
• The Warspire in Rune (Warlord Saga)
• The Beastmaster Pavilion in Rune (Beastmaster Saga)
• The Shadow Spire in Rune (Shadow Saga)
• The Cerulean Citadel in Meris (Naval Saga)

Portal Enchantments

Some portals exist in plain sight as notable landmarks, while an unknown number of veiled portals remain hidden from common view through powerful concealing enchantments. Most also possess an enchantment that gently compels visitors to depart after a short time, preventing the establishment of permanent settlements around them. Portal hubs are a notable exception, since these are intended for active use, leading to specific trials or exits of the Astralei's design.

Study of Portals

Portals often display runes, visual patterns, and unique aesthetics that help distinguish their purpose, nature, or destination. Older records classify these in elaborate ways. The Codex methods used to create them, however, remain unintelligible to Endrosian artificers. Attempts to study or replicate portal technology have universally failed. Some scholars speculate about the existence of additional portal types beyond the commonly known classifications.