Waystone Network
The Waystone network was constructed during the Mage Wars, though why and by whom is not known. Even the exact age is in debate, as some Waystones are thought to pre-date High Tower. One theory is they were created as a training network by an early guild of Wayshifters now lost to history.
Description
Each Waystone is a Magical Artifact that takes the form of a large standing stone. These are usually roughly-hewn, but natural stones have been found. The stone itself is surrounded by a henge and together creates a Ritual site. While only the central stone is itself enchanted, the precise placement of the henge pieces is vital to make the enchantment work. At least four stones are required, placed equidistant from the center, and usually aligned with the cardinal directions. Most sites have eight or more stones, with the average number being five.
Usage
Any one waystone can take the user to any other waystone. They can also be activated remotely. Touch is required, and the stone can generally only move a single person or small number of people. An animal can be transported through if it is held or tethered in some way to the traveler.
None-mages can access waystones with the aid of a special control rod, itself an enchanted item. Special charms have also been found that take the holder from one stone to another specific stone. Individuals with only an extremely limited magical ability can activate a waystone using any gem they hold. A mage who is familiar with the use of the stones need only touch it with their hand an invoke the proper magics.
History
Exactly who built the waystones and when is unknown, though dating of some sites indicates a network may have existed as early as two hundred years before the establishment of High Tower, putting their creation sometime in the Age of Darkness. They were definitely constructed after the Fall of Roads, though given the difficulty of fixing dates within this murky period it is unlikely any exact course of events will ever be known. It is believed construction happened slowly over a long period of time, and that new Waystones were being installed as late as 3500 B.G.A..
In any case, by the mid First Chaotic Period, the network existed with tens of thousands of nodes all across the known worlds. It is believed whoever constructed it meant for it to be a secret, as no known nodes exist within inhabited settlements. Settlements were sometimes built around them many centuries later, but they were always placed in inconspicuous, out of the way areas.
