Aiudara Gate Network

Hidden spaces
Breath
Hidden spaces

Hiding right behind the light
Our domain
You can see
Window opening
To our domain
And you can see
Our domain is hidden
Right behind the light
Time is the message for you
But you can see into our domain

Give us a sign to cross the divide
Moving up to
Our domain
Ask the secret question
Who or what remains
Hiding right behind the light
See
Oh you can see
Hidden from your eyes
Hiding right behind the light

Elf gates, or aiudara as the elves call them, are magical local transportation devices located in Kyonin, across Golarion and on Castrovel. Some elves only use the term aiudara, as they consider the term "elf gate" to be vulgar.Elf gates appear as sculpted stone arches, and when activated instantly transport anyone to another specific elf gate.

History

The aiudara network on Golarion is believed to have been created during the Age of Legend by the legendary elven hero Candlaron the Sculptor, inspired by the magical non-elven gate that linked the two planets, beginning with the portals known as Alseta's Ring.

The secret of their creation was lost when Candlaron vanished through a mysterious archway. He also created the Sovyrian Stone, and used the artifact to power all of the elf gates. The Sovyrian Stone is a massive Anima storing gem that it is believed that is hidden in one of the Mage towers connected to the Anima Ley Lines network.

The creation of the aiudara network on Castrovel was also allegedly established by Candlaron.

Some of the largest Sovyrian cities such as El and Telasia contain multiple aiudara that can help transport elves all across Castrovel with ease. However, due to the return of many elves to Golarion and to a subsect of Castrovelian elves moving to Ukulam, Sovyrian has seen a notable decline in population and some gates have become unused and fallen into disrepair.

Travel

Elf gates are activated using a key, which can be a physical token but might also be a password, piece of music, spell, or stellar conjunction. Some gates have multiple keys, each linked to another specific elf gate. Most elf gate keys have been forgotten over the millennia, and, therefore, some elf gates have been abandoned. All gates can be activated by the The Crown of Castrovel.

Only the first traveller in a group needs a key; the rest can follow to the same destination. Travel through an elf gate is instantaneous, and because of this, elf gates represent a significant part of the elves' historic power, as it allows them to move people and goods with incredible speeds across vast distances.

A gate can lead to another specific elf gate, or to a hub that connects several possible locations. The system of elf gates is sometimes referred to as the aiudara network.

Elf gates do not allow travel between planets or planes, unlike the incredibly ancient or naturally occurring portals that they resemble. These interplanetary portals predate the elves, and perhaps even all life in the solar system.