Portals

Each portal consists of a large circle, exactly 30 feet in diameter, marked on the ground with intricate runes and symbols. At the heart of each portal's operation is a grid of specialized crystals, each attuned to a specific frequency. By setting these crystals in particular combinations within the grid, the portal's destination is determined, linking it to a corresponding portal elsewhere in Dort.

To activate the portal, a user must input the correct crystal combination, aligning the portal with its destination. Once activated, the portal creates a shimmering gateway, through which any person or object within the 30-foot circle can instantly travel to the designated location. The crystals, however, have a limited lifespan and can only sustain a certain number of transports before they expire and need replacing.

Due to the resource-intensive nature of the portals, cities and organizations controlling them impose a fee for outgoing transports. This fee helps maintain and replenish the crystal grid, ensuring the portal's continued operation. Incoming transports, however, incur no charge.

After each use, the portal requires a short rest period to reset and recharge, typically necessitating a wait equivalent to a short rest. This cooldown period ensures the stability and safety of the portal's magic.

The transfer process of the Crystal-Guided Portals is both swift and precise. When a departure portal is activated, it not only opens a gateway to the destination but also sends a unique arcane signal to the receiving portal. This signal serves two crucial functions: it prepares the receiving portal for incoming travelers and ensures that the area within the portal is clear of any obstructions or individuals.

Upon receiving this signal, the destination portal emits a soft, pulsating light and an audible tone that alerts nearby individuals of an impending arrival. This warning system gives anyone or anything within the portal's area ample time to clear the space, thereby preventing any accidents or injuries upon the travelers' arrival. Additionally, the destination portal momentarily creates a protective barrier around its perimeter, preventing any inadvertent entry until the transfer is complete. This integrated safety measure ensures that the process of teleportation is seamless and safe for both departing and arriving parties.

Through this sophisticated combination of magic and mechanics, the Crystal-Guided Portals manage to provide a secure and efficient means of transportation, essential for maintaining the harmony and flow of travel in Dort.

These portals have become vital to the economic and strategic infrastructure of Dort. They enable rapid movement of goods, people, and even armies, reshaping the dynamics of trade, diplomacy, and warfare. The portals' control points are often heavily guarded, and access is closely monitored and regulated.