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.