A magic portal provides access to another world or dimension, from closets that lead directly into Narnia like those described by Philip Jose Farmer’s…
A magic portal provides access to another world or dimension, from closets that lead directly into Narnia like those described by Philip Jose Farmer’s “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”, to gateways leading into otherworlds or connecting two different locations on Earth. Their workings may be mysterious and unpredictable – sometimes created intentionally while other times by pure chance; either way most portals tend to work for good and their creators or intended purpose.
Portals are two-dimensional areas created by mage or creatures to explore other dimensions; typically circular with an orbit radius up to 15 feet but sometimes square or rectangular in shape. Visible only to those who created them, intangible portals cannot be damaged in any way and objects do not pass through, even those made of stone or fire. Creatures cannot physically block portals with their bodies – instead, they must use flying mounts or spells such as fly or teleport to escape its effects.
A portal’s creator can take active control of its destination through active concentration, which requires one standard action. When concentration ceases, the portal returns to random drift until another action reactivates it with similar concentration. A specific direction portal may also be created and controlled at an increased cost compared with random portal creation and control.
Some portals are shaped to represent specific symbols or items and act as gateways into specific environments. Examples include the Ouroboros, Brighid cross in a circle, Pentagram, Tao and Sun wheel; other shapes may also be utilized.
Sometimes portals feature keys which allow the user to select their destination. While such portals may seem convenient, these instances of transportation typically only transport individuals – not their clothes or equipment.
Portals are marked with frames or arches of some kind so that creatures do not accidentally walk into them. A Detect Magic spell can reveal whether they can transport creatures currently, as well as its strength of effect; an analyze portal spell provides further details such as size, shape and kind of magic they radiated upon creation.
If a creature touches the outer surface of a portal, they must make a successful Will save or be subject to its magical energy, drawing power from them in order to power itself. A successful dispel (such as from Greater Dispel or other dispell spells) causes it to become inoperative for 1d4 rounds; if it contains a Spell Gate Seal then one such dispel also destroys it.