The Gateway Portals

The annals of Shiandria, the Dawn Lands, tell a tale of convergence and divergence, a history etched in the remnants of interdimensional gateways and the diverse cultures they ushered in. At the heart of this narrative lie the gateways, colossal circular structures crafted from an enigmatic, resilient material. These were not mere ornaments, but vital arteries of interdimensional travel, a testament to the ingenuity of a long-vanished civilization known as the Architects.   The Architects, shrouded in the mists of antiquity, were the master builders of these gateways, their purpose likely rooted in the desire to connect Shiandria to the vast tapestry of the multiverse. Their disappearance, however, left behind a legacy of mystery and speculation. What became of them, and why did they abandon their creations? These questions echo through the halls of history, their answers lost to time.   Over the centuries, the Gateways, though largely dormant, occasionally flickered to life, drawing diverse cultures to Shiandria's shores. The majority of these gateways, and the portals they housed, have fallen silent, their energies faded and their structures weathered by time. Only the Gate in the Western Woods remains consistently functional, a source of conflict and invasion. The Gate in the lands of the Emerald Folk stands as a relic of a bygone era, dormant for over two hundred years, its last known reliable activation a distant memory. Rumors of other active Gates persist, but these claims remain largely unsubstantiated.   The cultures that now populate Shiandria have established deep roots in this world, their cities and societies flourishing for centuries. The vast majority of Shiandrians, with lineages stretching back generations, are native to this realm, their lives inextricably linked to its fate. Their traditions, their beliefs, their very identities are woven into the fabric of Shiandria.   However, Shiandria is not entirely isolated. Occasionally, individuals arrive through temporary "flash portals," unpredictable rifts in the fabric of reality, or through the use of high-level dimensional or planar magic. These arrivals, though rare, add a layer of the extraordinary to the everyday lives of Shiandrians.   When the Gateways were active, they connected to diverse locations and time periods across the multiverse, bringing to the Dawn Lands a rich tapestry of cultures and knowledge. Now, with most Gateways silent, Shiandria stands as a world shaped by its past, yet constantly evolving, influenced by the occasional arrival of those who dare to traverse the boundaries of reality.

It has been reported by several adventuring parties that they several active portals remain in the Easter Isles, although their Gateway entrances are not of the usual build. There is a well known active Gateway, and the portal within, that is still active in the Western Woods. This Gateway is stuck in the heart of the Elves homeland like a thorn in the side of a beautiful poet. This portal is still connected to the homeworld of the Orcs and Catfolk. Most of the Catfolk refugees escaped through this active portal decades ago, but many Orc armies still try to push their way through.