Magical Mechanics & Vortices
This page contains the text of a book that can be found in game and is IC knowledge.
There are two main sources of magical power on Avlis. One supplies all mortal arcane magics, and the other supplies all the deities with their magic so they may in turn supply their priests.
These sources are actually energetic vortices. There are two vortices: the Mortal Magic Vortex and the God Magic Vortex. The physical location of these vortices is hard to place. They are invisible sources of power which permeate Avlis and all the surrounding planes. It is known that the Mortal Magic Vortex originates on the plane of Ysgard. This is a relatively new development with the ascension of Andrinor as the god of magic.
It is not known where the God Magic Vortex originate.
The origins of the vortices are important for determining the nature of magic and the events on Avlis. When the Mortal Magic vortex originates from a goodly plane, for example, Avlis is generally at peace and goodness is able to flourish. However, sometimes the Vortex can be shifted to an evil plane like the Nine Hells, as it was during the Great War. During this time period there was much evil and bloodshed on Avlis.
For a long time the origin of the voritces was uncontrollable. However, with the ascension of a god of magic, control of the origin now rests with him. Andrinor can change the origin of the Mortal Magic Vortex at will. The God Magic Vortex, however, is still random.