Ley Lines, Arcane

"The arcane flux beneath the surface of the world..."

Situated at various points spread amongst the world (but primarily in the west), ley lines form from deposits of arcane energy, or Eret Si'Nu. The energy is attracted almost magnetically to specific spots lying just beneath the surface of the world. They form lines that crisscross each other at nexus points, where the ley lines are deemed most powerful, and are highly sought after by the various mages and arcane casters of the world.
Traditionally, ley lines are apparent alignments of landmarks, religious sites, and man-made structures. The pseudoscientific belief that these apparent lines are not accidental speculates that they are straight navigable paths and have spiritual significance.
The idea of ley lines as magical, mystical alignments is a fairly modern one. One school of thought believes that these lines carry positive or negative energy. It is also believed that where two or more lines converge, you have a place of great power and energy.
Some believe the lines represent the flow of Eret Si'Nu that has seeped into the very earth itself, and as such, hasn't been fully tapped (thus forming deposits).
Druids and other divine casters also often attempt to harness the power of the ley lines, with some even going so far as to erect monuments at the nexus points where several lines converge. Standing stones are a common representation of such monuments, and many are imbued with intense arcane (and spiritual) energies. It is said that such monuments often mark the bridge between our world and the spirit or fey world.
It is also told that restless spirits of the dead are sometimes trapped and tied to such nexus points along the ley lines.
Ironically, the strongest collection of ley lines exist in the north of Hariel Majour, where magic is currently heavily suspect by the populace and "controlled" by Hex Chain. The crown of Wyeth is seemingly obsessed with discovering and controlling the nodal points where the lines are the strongest. What the king plans to do with this power is yet unknown. Perhaps he simply doesn't want it falling into the wrong hands.
Other large nexus points include several in Hariel Minuta, with a particularly dense nexus in The Horta, where it is protected by the native Kelti.
It is suspected (though unconfirmed) that a major nexus of ley lines lies at the heart of the Boorka city of Sage. Perhaps this is why they seem to be so powerful, especially on their home turf.

IN GAME EFFECTS

This section is a pretty loose work in progress...
Ideally, ritual magic would be the most effected by the proximity of nodals, ley lines or standing stones. Certain schools of magic should also be more "sensitive" to their presence. Things that pierce the veil between worlds. Summonings. Planar related or adjacent magic. Things of that nature.
Perhaps it creates a random boon, generated from a chart of possibilities. I shall generate a roll chart that includes some play test options. Things like "the spell is cast as if one spell level higher," or "spell duration is increased by 50%." There should also be a risk of gaining a negative effect. From simply wasting a spell slot to actual physical harm done to the caster or possibly nearby beings.
Also, I'd like to introduce the concept of "assisted rituals," with several casters working in tandem to acquire a spell effect possibly beyond their individual strengths. Perhaps for every additional caster, the spell ritual in question is cast one level above the spell slot spent, with only the primary caster losing a slot (or possibly all casters sacrificing a slot, whichever feels more balanced).
Additionally, could standing stones act as a spell focus? Would spells cast at their location trigger some sort of arcane alarm, warning the keeper of the stones to the presence of intruding mages or outside druids?
Could nodals assist divine casters in communion with their gods?

Purpose / Function

Arcane attractors and sites of accumulated deposits of Eret Si'Nu. Spells cast along ley lines or at their nexus points increase dramatically in potency. Ley lines may even be traversed by those who've discovered the manner in which to utilize their power. In the employ of the trained mage, the lines can be utilized as a means of nearly instantaneous travel between points along the subterranean grid comprised of the arcane network.

Architecture

At most major nodal points, some form of rock structure or monolith typically stands, manmade and reeking of arcane energy. These stones are jealously guarded by the druids of the north, but in Hariel Majour, many of them have fallen into the hands of Hex Chain.

History

It is surmised that the phenomenon of detectable ley lines began with the coming of Mount Celene, for she is from whence all arcane magic sprung. Prior to her arrival, the only supernatural energy flowed from the nature spirits who once ruled the world. The druids still worship these quasi-elemental spirits, and some of their standing stones predate the arrival of Celene.
It is hard to put an exact date on most nodals, as both arcanists and druids keep secrets from outsiders, especially when it comes to their fonts of power.
Some think the streets or roads or paths (whatever you choose to call them) within which the Eret Si'Nu flows may have been carved out by the spirits of nature with the very formation of the world. These conduits are suspected to have attracted (as if magnetically) the arcane mana leaking from Celene, creating veritable rivers of subterranean magic, just waiting to be tapped.
Ley lines and their associated standing stones were highly valued by the arcanists and druids of previous ages, such as Lumeria, though their exact usage is mostly a mystery.

Alternative Names

The Great Road of the Art

Type

Spot

Parent Location

The Known World

Owner

Clarent Wyeth

Owning Organization

Hex Chain