Portal Spell

The Portal Spell is a short magic ritual that creates an inter-dimensional (or extra-dimensional) pathway between two geographic points quickly. The spell creates what looks like a tunnel and feels like a roller coaster, but it can transport goods and people thousands of miles in ten minutes. No one is exactly sure how the physics of the Portal Spell work, though magi-physicists like to talk about quantum mechanics and string theory. But after all, if we knew how the physics of the portal spell worked, it wouldn't be magic. It would just be physics.

Operation

A mage who wishes to create a Portal spell must:

• Calculate the dimensions of the Portal's pathway. There is a formula, but the mage must adjust it for distance, destination, number of traveler(s) and / or mass of goods.
• Calculate the precise geographical coordinates for the destination. The destination can be anywhere on Earth, so long as it is not magically protected against such Portals.
• Create a precise magical ritual circle, again using a formula, incorporating these calculations. The magic circle should touch a door, or something in shape of a door (such as a drawing of a door on a wall).
• Perform the ritual. Again, there is a formula. The ritual itself takes only a few minutes, but requires precise actions and the use of one's Focus.
• Maintain the magic until travel is complete.

Though the Portal spell's formula accounts only for destinations on Earth, magical scientists and engineers have theorized that the Portal Spell could be used for space travel. Such an endeavor would require enormous power, but might be accomplished with the aid of Sunstones and the work of several mages. Calculations would have to be extremely precise, and appropriate precautions would have to be taken. The Department of Integrated Services considers such an experiment too risky, and has, for the moment, denied permission for the attempt.

Impact

The Portal Spell greatly enhanced the United States' and her allies' ability to move troops and equipment in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. Indeed, several battles were won because of Portals. Lives were saved, on both sides, because of this technology, as it allowed the quick removal of wounded to hospitals (though most did not enjoy the trip).
The Portal Spell is also the driving magic behind the Interstate Portal System. The Interstate Portal System uses permanently enchanted portals and circles to link cities around the United States.

Utility

The spell allows a mage and several other people to travel from one place to another quickly and efficiently.

Inventor(s)

Most sources credit Embedded Mages in the Second World War with the creation of the Portal Spell. However, various historical reports attest that Clarity Bell used what was effectively a Portal Spell in 1852. As Granny Bell's Receipt Book is lost, however, we do not know how much, if anything, the modern spell owes to Clarity Bell.

Access & Availability

Technically, anyone with The Talent and sufficient knowledge of calculus, geography, and ritual magic can cast the Portal Spell if they have the instructions. The spell is not commonly taught in secondary school, but is often taught in magical engineering and ritual magic programs at universities. The workings of the spell have been published, but as they are complex, many have difficulty understanding them.

Complexity

The Portal Spell is difficult. The ritual requires precise and very advanced calculus just to construct the proper magic circle to create the Portal. Even a small error in these calculations could cause the spell to fizzle, misfire, or collapse with the travelers trapped inside. The circle must also include precise geographical coordinates; a small error here could open a Portal in the wrong place (including such inhospitable places as the inside of a cliff face or the bottom of the ocean). These calculations, and the creation of the proper magical circle, takes time. Because of these difficulties, the World War II embedded mages crafted semi-permanent circles etched in floors, which were later effaced when destinations changed.
The Portal Spell also requires a great deal of skill and power. Creating a Portal that will allow short-distance travel for three to four people requires more than the average magical training, or possibly the assistance of other mages. Activating such a Portal and maintaining it for the requisite travel time requires focus and power, and would require some rest after casting for a mage of average power; more powerful mages would rest a shorter time.
Because of the time, effort, skill, and power involved, most mages prefer to drive for shorter distances, or take the Interstate Portal System or planes for long distance travel.

Discovery

Embedded Mages crafted the Portal Spell in 1943, as a way to move troops and equipment quickly in the Pacific Theater. Some argue, however, that the spell was created before 1852 by Clarity Bell (see Inventor, below).