The base aura of the mountain is +2. Most areas within the mountain itself and the caldera run from +3 to +4 in strength. Places of importance have auras up to +6. Exceptional places run higher. It is important to think of the mountain as all one aura. The various increases in aura are like deep spots within a pool.
A general rule of thumb, though there are some notable exceptions, is that the deeper within the mountain you journey, the higher the general aura. At the same time, the aura at the edges of the mountains, i.e., the gates, the outer caldera, etc., are weaker while the center has a more powerful aura. A good example of this is the vis source.
The Mountain is riddled with regiones. These have a variety of power levels, sizes and gradients. They follow an intricate geometrical pattern, that is only beginning to become clear to the Magi. It does seem that the mountain is constructed almost as one large planetarium.
Many regiones in the mountain change in strength and size due to a variety of astrological factors. The entire mountain is linked to the celestial spheres in some strange and probably unique way. From the regions to the rooms, all is patterned on the heavens. Do not confuse this with the heavens now, or even next year. Instead the mountain follows a different frame of reference. Recent discoveries suggest that the mountain is based on a different Astrological Age. Perhaps the key lies in Precession.
It is important to remember that since all the regiones of the mountain are interlinked, being part of a greater whole, they can be considered an ecosystem. Upsets and disturbances can ripple out and have disturbing effects somewhere on the other side of the mountain. This has happened before, usually to the detriment of the characters.
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Last modified: Tues Nov 17, 1998 / Jeremiah Genest