Bouncing ideas around is always good.
I haven't inspected the source code either, and am not planning to do so since I already spend many hours every day doing something similar (PS shall stay a hobby). However, I don't think the technical issues that have to be considered first; rather, what chances do you think your wish has to be heard? I understand you're concerned mostly with the BG trip, which I agree is a pain, and even a torture since the dark sticky wilderness thingy appeared. Yet, I believe that the long run (apart from the bugs) is exactly as expected for the current game balance.
I don't think that the BG frustration is actually due to the distance. It's rather the fact that... there's nothing to do there. A couple of chats with NPCs and bye. And then, there's a big empty map to cross. Well, there are a few mines, but they are empty. Maybe you'd forget about teleportation if the area becomes more lively.
Then, there is the redundancy issue. Setting up a teleportation network while there are plans for flying mounts, would it make sense? The ornate circles you mention are landing platforms for the flying beasts, I believe. These mounts would have a higher priority in the dev plans, as they are already mentioned and integrated in the setting (we just don't see them).
Then, you 'd still have to explain how the request wouldn't conflict with the economy as it is. The winch, the caravans, the flying beasts. Teleportation does exist, and it's now common knowledge that some staves allow it. But there must be a reason why it's not used in the economy. I'd bet that fact still has to be worked on, as the staves as a quick explanation for needed tools, and not from a pure setting perspective.
Finally, the issue of limiting teleportation to very few individuals. A high enough realm for the spell, and personalised tokens, is that enough? I would put heavy limitations on their use, if my word was worth something in the matter. Possibly dangers. Even carrying very little, if one can go back and forth at will between distant places, the consequences are drastic.
So I do think ideas are still needed before making a formal request. I used to use the bugtracker as well, but since I joined the forums, I prefer to submit ideas here first. They have time to mature. Some limitations I would suggest on the teleport would be:
- carrying capacity: either make the spell fail when too heavy (over 50%? 25%?), or use mana per kilo.
- discomfort, dizziness: temporarily reduce some stat after a jump, cumulatively. That way, the penalty is bearable when the spell is not "abused".
- danger: when 2 persons appear on the same spot at the same time (a very rare occurrence), they get killed.
- target error: make a test on stat/skill when the spell is cast. On failure, shift more or less the destination point. That could be fun near a cliff (like BG or the ring's edge). Well, that's not such a good idea; but too late, I wrote it already, eh eh.
- depletion: give the tokens a limited number of uses. Their quality lowers each time, until they become a pile of dust. That way, one has to carefully consider each time if he will teleport or use another mode of transport.
- cost: make the tokens really expensive; in resources, not only in tria; enough so that nobody can disrupt the economy with his magic.
Applying some of the above, I think, provides enough to keep things under control.
