Leylines

The Leylines of Magic, also called the Fieldic Leylines, the Aethereal Strings and the Lifeveins, are powerful currents of magical energy that flow through the deep underground of Tyrrell. They are the source of the Field, and are their influenced has greatly affected all life across the planet's surface.

The Leylines are symbiotically linked with nature, their strength enhancing the impact of natural phenomena like accelerated plant growth, storms and more abundant wildlife. In return, these ecosystems reinforce the overall stability of the Leyline, giving it an 'anchor' of sorts, allowing for more Fieldic energy to be drawn, and feeding back into the system.

The Elderkin, biologically capable of drawing strength from the Field, have built their greatest cities above and within areas where the Leylines and the Field are strongest, leaving Leyline poor lands to the ranks of the Lesserkin.

## Physical Effects

### General Form

The Leylines themselves are described as 'rivers' or 'winds' of great Fieldic energy that flow deep within Tyrrell's crust and upper mantle (though some do run closer to the surface). They, like the Field they generate, are invisible to mortal eyes, though the effects they have on the world can be felt and measured, similar to radiation or magnetism.

The most obvious physical effect is the generation of Aurite, glowing amber crystals of condensed Fieldic power. Aurite only forms in relative proximity to a Leyline, where the Field's energies are at their densest.

### The Gates

As the Leylines weave across the world, they intersect at various points, creating areas of extreme Fieldic power. In some rare cases, where the largest Leylines intersect and run very close to the surface, great formations called the Gates can be found. Only nine of these Gates have so far been documented, though a tenth is rumored to exist.

The Gates are the seals of the Forgotten, dark and twisted beings of ancient Tyrrell. Legend states that the Elderkin of old locked the Forgotten and their strange magic in the realm beyond the Gates, shunning them from the world they desire. Throughout the early Second Age, nine of these Gates were found and opened, unleashing dark horrors from within. Each time, they were fought back by Elderkin heroes and the Gates resealed with even stronger spells.

Mechanically, the Gates themselves are still poorly understood by scholars and religious figures alike. Some believe they are actually the sources of the Leylines, though this is nigh-impossible to prove.

## Destruction

As the Leylines and the Field are closely tied to nature, rapid unnatural input or change that damages the local environment can have serious effect on the stability of the Leyline and the strength of the Field. Since the War of the Dawn and the subsequent rise in industry, these changes have been felt more and more by the Tyrrelli population.

### Weakening of the Local Field

Industrial pollution and battlefield damage to the natural world can contaminate the Leylines, causing the Field of magic to weaken or lose stability. As the Field weakens, the power of magic dwindles, making it more challenging for mages and magical creatures to access and utilize their Fieldic abilities. This weakening can have wide-ranging consequences, affecting everything from healing spells to elemental manipulations.

### Environmental Impact

These natural disturbances not only affect the Field but also create significant environmental repercussions. When Leylines are polluted, they no longer support the vibrant growth and life that is typical of areas around and above them.

This can result in barren landscapes, withering magical flora, a reduction of Aurite veins and disruptions of ecosystems. The consequences also extend to the Elderkin, who rely on the Field for their health, strength, stamina and longevity. Elderkin above a weakened Leyline are more prone to disease, damage and exhaustion, and may have their lifespans shortened if they remain there for too long.

### Snapping

If the environmental impact is too great and occurs too quickly, the Leyline running beneath can snap. When a Leyline snaps, it completely severs the connection it had to the world above. This creates catastrophic consequences for the surrounding area, leading to a near complete absence of the local Field. The effects can be devastating, causing widespread ecological imbalances and catastrophic shifts in the local environment.

### Vulnerability to Dark Forces

Ever since the rise of industry and subsequent global weakening of the Field, Tyrrell has become more vulnerable to the influence of dark forces, like those associated with the Forgotten. Some believe these malevolent beings are encouraging human industrialization, as the destabilization of the Leylines weakens the seals of the Gates. They say if the Leyline network falls too far, the Forgotten will return in force and thrust Tyrrell into darkness once again.