Hexmazes

Intro

Pseudo-architectural growths represent one of the fundamental properties of the world of Hexpanse. Their ubiquitous and seemingly random nature reflects both the underlying principles of magic and our ability to influence it. First discoveries of PAGs were made already in the first decade post exodus, by scouts, looking for convenient areas to settle. They were mistakenly identified as artificial ruins at that time. The expeditions soon followed only to be stopped by vicious traps and dangerous monstrosities. Up until the end of 1st century p.e., the success of hexraiders was limited. The biggest settlement, Cradle, situated in what is now known as a calm seismo-arcane area, had the least dangerous PAGs known and thus attracted more attention both from local population and would-be adventurers from other towns. Rapid growth of the power levels of successful raiders (now known to be a part of Emergence phenomenon) lead to subsequent establishment of Triumvirate and unification of Hexpanse under its rule.

The typical PAG, especially in calm seismo-arcane areas is easily mistaken for artificial ruins. The peculiarity of the stonework will not fool the competent stonemasons and dungeoneers however, as it does not appear to be purpose-built. Other easily apparent features that distinguish PAG from actual ruin include the maze-like pattern of chamber connections and random furnishing (the famous examples include spiked chairs and solid stone featherbeds). Depending on local landscape and biome, PAGs may feature patterns resembling outdoor gardens and parks, greenhouses, pools and ponds. The size of the PAG, the amount and placement of traps and monster inhabitants, depends on arcane seismoactivity of the particular area.

Additionally, some growths may feature library-type chambers, however, the books in most cases are completely fake. In a few instances where the actual books were found, they are either undecipherable or are shown to not contain any meaningful information. The two most notable exceptions are The Spellbook, that now resides in Arcane Council's museum and Principia, available in the Triumvirate library to researchers. There are other less prominent examples still under study.

The most disturbing and dangerous property of PAGs is their apparent sensitivity to the combined consciousness of the local sentient population. The patterns and items in the originally discovered PAGs were sufficiently different from the ones common to our own material culture which added to their misidentification as ruins. The subsequent growths, especially those on top of our settlements, incorporated new patterns and quirks. Tragically, the settlers, that survived the growth, were incorporated as well, which led to catastrophic consequences for rescue operations. It is now believed, that the pre-arrival PAGs are left from the previous inhabitants of the Hexpanse that failed to understand the danger.

The understanding of the seismo-arcane nature of the Hexpanse, that has been achieved in the recent years due to dedicated efforts spearheaded by Arcane Council and eager support from other members of Triumvirate has significantly improved our standing in this strange and wonderful world. The advances from the society's side allow us to realize our full potential. The Emergent are at the forefront of our battle to subdue, control and use the world around us. Tamed PAGs serve as proving and training grounds and as a source of valuable materials and arcane artifacts. The PAGs are controlled and contained and the warding, developed by Arcane Council, allows us to settle even in unstable areas.

The Extrusions of Magic

The world of Hexpanse now remains largely unmapped as most of the concerted cartography and research efforts were established less than a century ago. However, already many interesting examples of the wondrous and rich possibilities are already found (and harnessed). The most typical arcane features of the landscape are the Magical Extrusions. Before they were identified as results of a singular process, they were considered wildly different and puzzled may minds. The process consists of two stages. First is the accumulation of magma relatively close to the planet surface in a compact area. As the current theory suggests, magical properties of the planet core charge the magma with various eldritch emissions that can, in certain conditions, amplify and thus create a wild magic outburst. Most of those are mild and dispersed, but in case of an extrusion it can reach the surface with enough energy to cause flora and fauna corruption and monstrous spawns. An interesting example of such an event is the Enchanted Forest, sitting on top of what is now called Runerock volcanic caldera, about 20 miles south of the path between Cradle and Red Hill that goes through the Cockatrice canyon.

Arcane seismology

The classical findings in the fields of geology and eldritch studies, that were brought within books and heads of the exodites, traditionally were completely separate and unrelated. This is no longer the case for the world of Hexpanse. Unique properties that are believed to be the result of an eldritch core at the center of our planet, produce wondrous and beautiful interplay between geological and arcane processes. A whole new field of study thus was born and is being actively developed with the utmost support of the Triumvirate. Listening stations are established across the controlled territories and the warding is incorporated in all buildings being constructed in towns old and new. The geoarcane effects are being harnessed for energy production etc., enabling enormous feats of engineering.