Arcane Pathways
Within Port Haethwy - The grand capital of Verdant Realm sits the main station for transportation system spanning the northern continent.
It was created a long forgotten era ago, visionary engineers came together to create a remarkable magical transportation system spanning the world from east to west, north to south. At that time, magic was a raw, untamed force, capable of both wonders and dangers. Over the years, the process has been refined and perfected, resulting in a much safer and efficient system.
The core of this system is built upon a unique rock construction with a towering 10-foot base. Extending from the base are two spans, each spanning approximately 30 degrees. Connecting the spans is a metal structure adorned with strategically placed runes of both dwarven descend and arcane. The full width of this structure measures 30 feet in diameter, with a total circumference of 95 feet. Pillars are erected 50 feet apart from each other.
At the stopping points along the trail, the pillars are closer, positioned at intervals of 15 feet, and connected by carrying bases at 5-foot intervals. As the trail runners activate the system, the cars lift off the bases and float on a magical cushion. It initiates the magic bridge, connecting the current pillar to the next. With increasing speed, the bridge extends over multiple pillars.
Upon coming to a full stop, a series of bridges are extended to passengers and cargo workers, allowing for smooth embarkation and disembarkation. These bridges reach approximately 15-20 feet, ensuring safety for passengers and crew.
When the trail operates at its highest speed, it can cover distances of 200 to 500 feet per turn, with the magical field expanding to a similar 15-20 feet. Creatures within this zone may experience a mix of lightning, levitation, and telekinesis. Additional effects like antimagic fields, force cages, reverse gravity, whirlwinds, flight, and wind walking may also occur. Each effect contributes to the operation of the trains, lifting the cars and adding propulsion.
Within the 20-foot bubble around the 30-foot trail, permanent structures can echo and create anomalies. These structures are promptly removed. In densely populated areas, the trail is heavily shielded. When the trail passes through mountains, extensive efforts are made to maintain a smooth and well-maintained path. Over time, the trail both smoothens the rock and causes cave-ins, which are quickly repaired.
As for creatures and other temporary structures, stories abound of unfortunate beings caught in the trail's path. Carcasses, cleaned skeletons of creatures, and other debris are found charred to a crisp. When the trail stops at various ports, any organic matter or debris picked up along the way is expelled. The effects leave a path of destruction, burning, electrocuting, levitating seeds, and blowing them away with gusts of wind. Trees, bushes, and other vegetation have their edges carved by the tube of destruction following each engine.
In regions where the trail ventures into the frozen north, efforts are made to anchor the pillars on solid ground to prevent misalignment. This might involve finding firm ground at lower elevations or placing large boulders above the snow. In some cases, the snow may cover the trail, and when the next trail runner passes through, the snow is instantly vaporized or turned to steam. Multiple passes may lead to the creation of a snow tunnel that surrounds and engulfs the trail.
Stations are designed with an open space between the platform and cars. Walkways are extended when the cars come to a stop. To mitigate residual energies, a magical power alleviator is attached to the engine to redirect any potential harm away from passengers and crew.
Discovery
The archmages of the ages hired the dwarves and anyone else willing to work for gold to construct this system.
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