Technology

Portals
The most important technology is hyper-portals; the only means of faster than light travel and a convenient means of connecting an orbital station to a castle on a planetary surface.

Travel between worlds is possible in two ways. Firstly, space travel is slow and takes years even with advanced navigation and the effects of relativity. The second method is through hyper-portals, of various kinds. Deep space hyper-portals allow spaceships to pass through. On the planetary surface, portals are surrounded by fortified structures known as castles and allow people to pass directly through to another linked portal. All portals are in pairs and need to be constructed as a pair, then one end is transported through space. Dolphins and other aquatic beings use underwater portals. Wood Elf portals are often hidden deep in ancient forests.

Traveling through a portal is both physically and mentally exhausting, especially for the first time. It is normal to have a medical check up before entering and after passing through a portal, due to the stresses involved.

Launching into planetary orbit is expensive, so a ground to space portal is the preferred way to access a space station. All portals require an energy source, some use solar and wind power. Not all planets have fossil fuels. Not all planetary surfaces are habitable by humans.

Most portals are guarded constantly by a strong military force with security checks at each end.