Portals
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Theory
What is it?
Portals are common plot devices used in many science fiction or fantasy stories, either as a major plot element or as an inconsequential and convenient function. They are holes in time-space that allow easy travel from one place to another, breaking the barriers that confine time and space; it allows a character to travel either through time or across entire galaxies or, even, the Multiverse. They are normally stationary tears and can be used by anyone willing to pass through. They can appear in a variety of aesthetics, from 'windows', showing the world beyond, to swirling masses of colour with no discernible presence upon the other side. They are similar to the theory of Wormholes.
Schola Canon
Device
Portals provide a convenient explanation for the arrival of beings of such incredible differences, including species and origins. The portals worked in conjunction with the idea of the Multiverse, allowing the most amount of creative freedom available to any forum member wishing to create a character. Whether a character arrives at the Schola Draíochta willingly or unwillingly they will almost always use a portal to get to the Valle Dei Mondi. However, then came the question 'Why are there so many portals?' When combined with other problems, such as 'Why does everyone understand each other?', a new plot device was created in the form of the Bugs. Bugs allowed us to answer both questions, whilst still maintaining the easily recognisable portal plot device.
Bugs
- Main article: Bugs
Excerpt due.
Portal Grounds
- Main article: Portal Grounds
The Portal Grounds is a region of the Valle Dei Mondi in which there is a very high concentration of portals, leading to many, many existences beyond the confines of the planet Odin, extending across the Multiverse. The Portal Grounds is usually the first 'port of call' for anyone entering the Valle Dei Mondi, intending to reach either Breja or the illustrious Schola Draíochta. They are frequented by students or residents of Breja seeking solitude.
Major Schola Uses
Portals are used on the Schola beyond the Portal Grounds. Characters, such as Reimi Soulstar, Skrai, The Peacekeepers, Killian Hughes and Garrick Keigwin, all use portals extensively as part of their characteristics, whether it be practical for their species, useful for their goals, or key to their very existence.
Skrai, whilst using portals regularly to traverse through his vast empire that spans the Multiverse, also holds portals in high regard; they are often a major goal for him. It was his ambition to gain control of the Portal Grounds that led to the Second Invasion. He also held possession of the Dream Gate, which was destroyed at the climax of the war and caused Skrai's eventual defeat. Skrai also has the Gate Network, which is a complex interweaving of portals that allows travel throughout The Imperium planets and cities.
Reimi Soulstar, having studied the Dream Gate in the past, had made his own variety known as the Web Way, however it was the M.I.S.S. Bus that proved to be the greatest portal-based invention. However the portal-system borders on the concept of teleportation as the portal creation is designed to wrap the bus itself in the portal and push it into a nexus that requires plotted co-ordinates to navigate.
The Peacekeepers revolve entirely around the concept of portals and the Multiverse, drawing its ranks (characters) from various times and universes. Without portals there would be no Peacekeepers. They also use and navigate a nexus system, like the M.I.S.S. Bus.
Non-Schola Example
The most obvious example of a portal, though under a different name, is : Stargate, which uses a machine similar to the Dream Gate, to travel through the universe to other planets. The Chronicles of Narnia, starting with : The Magician's Nephew, used portals in a more fantastical fashion without direct reference to the word 'portal'. Many RPG video games, including : Eternal Sonata, : Enchanted Arms and : Atelier Iris, use portals either as plot device or convenient scene movements from one area to the next, including. They are so often used in this medium that they are rarely even explained! The : His Dark Materials series revolves around the Multiverse and the passage through worlds using grandiose portals.
Relevant Characters
Player Characters & Other Major Characters
All characters need to use portals to get to the Schola!
Non-Player Characters & Associated Characters
All characters need to use portals to get to the Schola!
Player Notes
Portals are a kind of convenient 'get-out-clause' that allow us to explain away the colonisation of the Valley by so many weird and wonderful characters. They are also one of the most recognisable and easily accessed concepts known to readers and players alike.
