Gates

Anchor Gates, Shadow Gates, and Veilslides are but some of the names these mysterious constructions are known by. They were created in the early days of the First Era, it is believed that they use leylines to form paths between the gates that cut the distance between the linked gates by up to 75%. They were used for rapid travel across large distances or impassable terrain, while most records of them are lost now, they are considered extremely valuable and dangerous if one is found within a country as it provides a means of instant access between gates.
Many wish to learn how to make or control the gates to keep them from opening unbidden or to open them as needed to anywhere they desire. The fear of damaging one of these finite relics is too great to let anyone just try random experiments even if they might be better off not having such a looming threat.

Utility

The ability to travel between two points regardless of distance or terrain is incredibly useful and doing so in a shorter time in a straight line disregarding any and all terrain that could slow or block your progress. It is a dream for any explorer but a frightening prospect for anyone trying to defend territory for an army could appear into your territory out of thin air.

Access & Availability

It is rare to gain access to one of the known gates as they are heavily monitored. Should one be found out in the world it would require knowing how to read the words on the gate to call forth a projected image of the world with all active gates that can be linked. Once the link is established the image vanishes and the gate opens and will remain open until something passes from one side to the other.

Complexity

These gates are extremely complex, to the point if one is destroyed they cannot be replaced. Even the Draz Tyran no longer has the knowledge of how they were created, or by who.