2. The Conjunction

2.1. Causes

It is not known what caused the Conjunction. The Council of Mages was caught somewhat by surprise, so it was clearly not a Council action, though this does not rule out individual research by one of its members.

Also, the experimental hypershunts being performed near Earth probably contributed to the weakening of the dimensional fabric between the two universes.

2.2. Open passages

There are two known "open" passages, which may be traversed by anyone or anything. The first connects a remote part of the Arizona desert to an equally remote part of the Ruthanan desert, north-east of Kabnar. The other connects part of the Alaskan wilderness to a cave in the forest, about twenty miles east of Broniu, in Ostvern. (This has caused some local climatic changes in both areas.)

2.3. Closed passages

There are a great many "closed" passages; these require a skilled mage to be used. Typically, an Astral Traveller will be paid to take a group between the worlds; all spells directly related to travel between the two worlds are cast at one tenth difficulty (level and power point cost) while travelling within a passage.

2.4. The Pit

The Pit, which lies on the Grey Plain in western Quar, is thought to be unique among dimensional gates in that it has only one fixed end. The other end flails randomly across dimensions, spaces and times. This would not be useful, since anything passing through would be scattered and destroyed, except for the fact that the gate may be locked into any desired position by a "gate-control key". It is not known how many of these devices exist, though the head of the Council of Mages and the chief Witchfinder are thought to possess them.

The key, thought to appear as a twisted branch, is laid across the opening of the gate. This prevents the random flailing. By expenditure of magical power and strong visualisation, a powerful mage may then force the gate into the required position.

The Pit itself is under a fifty-foot high obsidian tower, and appears to be a normal well. Only by staring into it does its nature become apparent.