Ley Lines (Dragon Lines, Shining Paths, Holy Lines)

News

Backlinks (6)

The Aether

Magic

871 - Expedition to Jha'Daffar

Mthus Ryga (the Astral Sea)

Regios (Nabzu, Realms, Domains, Warrens)

Nodes (Astral Pools, Dragon Wells, Wells of Life)

Ley Lines (Dragon Lines, Shining Paths, Holy Lines) (updated 2008/09/15)

Ley Lines are the source of magic within Ambar. The extend in a vast, interconnected network that carries magic to nearly every corner of the world. Even the common man knows that magic exists, and may have limited knowledge of how it flows through Ambar.

The magic carried along the Ley Lines originates in the Astral Sea, a dimension "sideways" to our own that is oft described as a primordial ocean of magic currents. Currents of magic flow from the Astral Sea through Ambar, taking the form of Ley Lines that pass around and through the globe. These lines of concentrated magic energy are also called Dragon Lines, Shining Paths, Holy Lines, or Vortex Lines by various cultures. In the land of Istaria, at the edge of the world, Ley Lines flow through the air and cause incredible displays of colored lights at night.

Nodes

The direct intersection of two or more ley lines forms a Node--a place of great power and danger. Nodes are holes in the fabric of our world, through which beings may travel to and from the Astral Sea. Nodes are sometimes called "magic pools" due to their distinctive visual appearance, although some cultures interpret what they are seeing in different ways--the Baal describe Astral Pools as lakes of fire and the Alu describe them as bottomless chasms. Regardless of their appearance, even common folk recognize Nodes as places of great power and danger to be avoided. Ancient, terrible creatures dwell in the Astral Sea, and it is possible for them to reach through Nodes to nearby mortals. Wizards, on the other hand, seek out these places of power.

Practitioners of magic draw upon the magic of ley lines and Nodes for their arts. Most theists also recognize the role of the "holy lines" as the network that connects them to their deities, and priests often build their temples atop "holy sites" where their flows are especially strong and clear. Some magi are more selective than others in which Ley Lines and Nodes they draw upon.

Types of Nodes

Depending on the alignment of the ley lines that create a Node, some amount of magic energy will enter or escape Ambar through the node, or perhaps both. Nodes at which magic enters Ambar are especially powerful due to the additional influx of magic. However, influx nodes are also quite dangerous because Astral Beings can enter Ambar there, or influence those who visit such places. Nodes at which magic exits Ambar are quieter, more gentle places and their magic is particularly well-suited for working magic arts requiring precision or subtlety. In addition, Astral Beings find it difficult at best to "swim upstream" through an outflux node.

In common language, a Black Wizard is one whose magic taps influx Nodes, while a White Wizard only taps the outflux Nodes. This is not a designation of good or evil, but a more nuanced reflection of whether the magic wielded by the wizard is primarily based on raw, generally destructive power or precise, gentle power. Black Wizards draw upon vast amounts of raw, primal magic while White Wizards utilize precisely controlled flows, albeit of lesser strength. It is possible to draw upon both kinds of magic, but this takes a rare individual who can understand and maintain a balance between the two forces--most wizards gravitate in one direction or the other. The terms "Black Node" and "White Node" are also in common usage.

Shining Paths of the Astral Seas

The Astral Sea is often described as endlessly shifting, trackless mists. However, the path of a soul across the aether leaves a thin, thread-like tracery that can be tracked, and the paths of many souls leave a ribbon of silver called a "Shining Path" that forms a road through the aether. The Astral Sea is crisscrossed with countless shining paths, a vast network or web of roads through the otherwise trackless mists. If a traveler is careful to follow the paths he will more easily find Astral Pools (exits) and atolls amidst the mists.

Most magi agree that the Shining Paths are Ley Lines, for travelers naturally follow the currents of power. Others say that travelers create the ley lines. Frequently traveled paths tend to be wider, a fact that both sides say strengthens their view.