The Broken Gate

Lore & Background

The gate functions as a filter for souls, separating the Bound—those trapped by their past sins or broken promises—from the free. It is said that only those who can confront their own fragmentation within the gate's shimmering field may pass to the other side. Many factions vie for control over its perimeter, believing that whoever holds the key to the Gate holds the power to rewrite the history of the Broken world. Yet, the gate remains indifferent to mortal ambitions, continuing its slow, rhythmic pulse that dictates the flow of time in the surrounding wastelands.

Reader's Guide

The Broken Gate is an expansive, open-air venue that defies conventional architectural laws, capable of hosting thousands of souls simultaneously without crowding due to its spatial distortions. Its history dates back to the era before the Great Severing, though its current form has remained unchanged for centuries as a monument to loss and transition. Unique features include the 'Echo Walls,' where visitors can hear faint whispers of those who have passed through previously, and the 'Shimmer Floor,' which shifts texture underfoot based on the emotional state of the traveler. The structure is perpetually bathed in an eerie twilight, regardless of the actual time of day. Notable events include the annual 'Convergence,' where factions from across the fractured world meet to negotiate truces or declare war within the gate's shadow. It has also been the site of several legendary duels and the mysterious disappearance of entire armies who stepped too close to the void.

Did You Know?

• The stones of The Broken Gate are said to be made from the fused remains of a thousand fallen towers.
• Time moves differently near the gate, often causing travelers to age faster or slower than those outside.
• No map exists that accurately depicts the interior layout of the gate, as it changes with every visitor's perspective.