Shadow Ports

Among the ruins and various expected items, we also discovered a black, stone plinth of some kind, engraved with various ancient runes and symbols. The senior members of the exhibition became very excited upon seeing it, and are currently arguing about whether or not to activate it. I do not know what it is; it seems like carved stone to me. Though it undoubtedly has presence I'm not sure what the significance is here. Surely there are other, more interesting, things to be found in the rubble?

Alys Spireling, archeological student

Utility

Shadow Ports are used to transport creatures and objects over long distances. When a creature stands on an active Shadow Port, their body dissolves into shadow and is sucked into the Port, appearing in another location and reforming above the second Port. 
There are a few legends about misfires, especially with ports that have been buried for a long time, that ended with the users dissipating into nothingness, or becoming shadowed figures left roaming the area in which they were trapped. This makes some skeptical about using them, even to explore and discover. Some are also skeptical about using anything connected even remotely with Voidamancy, for fear of losing their mind, or going insane.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing technique has been lost to time.

Access & Availability

Shadow Ports are now extremely rare, but it was a commonly used technology during the Mage Era, and many still exist in ancient tombs and cities that were abandoned or destroyed during the Epoch of Peril, though only those well versed in history or archeology are likely to recognize them, or know what they are capable of.

Complexity

Shadow Ports require gems infused with Void Energy, and a paired Port in another location in order to operate.

Discovery

Shadow Ports were created during experiments conducted by Voidmages during the Mage Era.