Ley Lines

Ley lines are ancient, invisible currents of arcane energy that flow through the fabric of the Kagoma System, connecting planets, moons, and celestial bodies in an intricate web of magic. These natural reservoirs of power are believed to have originated at the dawn of creation, tied directly to the Soul Stone, the mythical source of all magic in the system. Ley lines are fundamental to the Empire’s magitech advancements, the flow of magic, and even the stability of life itself in the system.

Nature and Properties of Ley Lines

Arcane Energy Currents

Ley lines are immense conduits of raw magical power that flow like rivers beneath the surface of planets and extend into the void of space. This energy is highly volatile but can be harnessed by skilled spellcasters, magitech engineers, or ancient artifacts.

Nexus Points

Where ley lines intersect, they form nexus points—places of extraordinary magical concentration. These points are often the sites of ancient ruins, powerful artifacts, or significant events in the history of the Kagoma System. The Eternal Empire has constructed major cities, temples, and magitech factories over nexus points to exploit their power.

Natural Phenomena

Ley lines influence the natural world, creating regions where magic is amplified or behaves unpredictably. In some places, they spawn phenomena such as arcane storms, elemental rifts, or zones where time and space are distorted.

Connection to the Soul Stone

The Soul Stone is thought to be the origin of all ley lines, with its immense magical energy radiating outward in a lattice that spans the system. The Eternal Empire claims stewardship over the ley lines, arguing that they are a divine gift meant to be controlled and utilized for the benefit of the Empire. Nobody knows for sure if this soulstone is real, or where its located.

Uses of the Ley Lines

Magitech Power Source

Ley lines fuel the Eternal Empire’s magitech infrastructure, including spelljamming ships, arcane factories, and defensive shields. Devices like Aetherium Crystals are often used to tap into ley line energy and make it portable. Cities built over ley line nexuses (e.g., the Imperial Capital on Avalon) can sustain enormous magitech constructs and support populations dependent on arcane conveniences.

Spell Amplification

Spellcasters standing on or near ley lines can draw from their energy to enhance their magic. Some spells may deal additional damage, have increased range or duration, or allow for more powerful effects. (In mechanical terms, a spellcaster on a ley line might cast spells as if using a spell slot one level higher). The Empire has developed rituals and devices to channel ley line energy into massive spellwork, such as planetary shields or world-altering enchantments.

Transportation

Some ley lines act as natural teleportation conduits, allowing those who understand their flow to travel great distances instantly. Ancient civilizations used ley line networks for interplanetary travel before the advent of spelljamming technology. The Empire uses ley line-powered teleportation gates to connect key locations across the system.

Ancient Knowledge and Artifacts

Ley lines are repositories of ancient, forgotten knowledge, their energy imprinted with echoes of past events. Those who can attune to ley lines may uncover visions of history, discover long-lost spells, or stumble upon powerful artifacts hidden at nexus points. Artifacts of Merlin, like Excalibur and the Holy Grail, are believed to have been created by channeling ley line energy.