I've begun writing a story about all three of my worlds (Luminne, Piensor, and Ainran), and how they are connected through portals. Each world has two portals, one portal for going to another worlds, and each world has one 'key', or object that powers the portals to keep them running (like in the 100 Cupboards trilogy).

The plot is that these portals have been destroyed long ago (some seven years, as of now), and now, since the keys (a sword, a shield and a crest [helmet]) haven't been replaced during that set time, the worlds are slowly falling apart.

So, a character from each world (being in at least one story; and along with two companions) need to find the keys and replace them before everything goes nuts and out of control. But, I want to have them interact (face-to-face) and go through the worlds together to find the keys, and such. But I have no idea how to go about that since the portals are down.

I thought about a way of communication between worlds, so it might be how the characters find out about each other. I came up with a sort of stone near where the portals are located, with a design on it. I'm open to any suggestions how to change it or chuck it altogether.

Thank you for your time!

Maybe when they first discover the portals, they could possibly find stones of some sort (this is just my idea, you don't have to use it) that enable them to see the other worlds on it's surface--with a screenlike quality?? I'm just suggesting, you can chuck my idea if you want too

I like it, actually. Would it be just for communication?

I had thought about some temporary transportation thing, which would enable the heroes to travel to the other worlds, but it's not good enough for normal use like the portals are.

But I like your idea, though. I might use it (it's better than my lump of a rock with a strange design). If it is OK with you.

The heroes would have to find the keys, first, though, in order to use the gems. I like the idea, but finding the keys would be key.

Hmm... what do you suggest they do? I realy want them to interact face-to-face.
(I know I'll probably sound really ignorant, but what does cobha and deus ex machina mean?)

I don't know. I was going to use a character who can go form world to world and 'guide' the MCs to each other (looking different for each character). And that would be how they find out that there are other worlds (of course all three know of Earth, since the worlds have housed people from Earth).

I can't wait either. I've got the first chapter done, and a sort of prologue-y prophecy-ish writing, which isn't the best, but it gives a good overview of the plot.

I'm glad you've enjoyed them.

I like Evening L. Aspen's Idea, is there a greater being? Like god or gods or something?

Yes. God is in all three worlds (even if not mentioned). I don't really feel comfortable having false gods in my stories. Why?

I see. I like that idea.

Yeah, physically in the same place. Maybe the person who created the portals could have made 'emergency' portals in case something happened to the originals? The emergency ones wouldn't work as well as the others, but it could get the characters from place to place (maybe have negative side effects)?

For the guide, no. Yes, he is kind of like that, just someone who can take himself to each world, give the characters nudges or advice sometimes.

OK. So, deux ex machina is a bad thing. I didn't think it would be like that (for the portals). But thanks for telling me, so I know to avoid it in the future.

Maybe the "god" thing could arrange a meeting of some sort??? like they go to sleep and go to where the gods are and meet each other?
Evening L. Aspen had a good idea

I don't know. Like I said, I don't feel comfortable having false gods in my stories. I like the dream idea, and I had thought the characters would have dreams giving hints of what will happen to their worlds and fuzzy images of the keys for their respective worlds.