The Gate of Kherawyn

Few travelers choose to enter Doriande through the northern passes—especially since reaching Waygate requires crossing the arduous, days-long trail through the canyon of the Arid Mountain.

Upon reaching the border, the first thing to greet them is the unblinking gaze of Kherawyn, guardian of the Gate.

This towering and imposing sculpture, carved from stone using the unmatched techniques of Doriande’s dwarves and adorned with precious gems from the northern mines, stands proudly on the facade of the greatest fortification in the known world. Tall, broad-shouldered, and shaped in human form, the goddess of protection bears a massive shield and a head-crusher mace, a silent warning to any would-be invaders of the stronghold’s defensive might—and the ruthless strength with which any assault will be met.

Her emerald eyes, glinting in the light of Nir, guard the watch-post nestled within her stone-carved head, while arrow slits are hidden throughout her magnificent silhouette.

Around her, smaller murals depict the heroes who repelled the two invasions of the past, each one seemingly ready to follow her command. Some are clearly later additions, meant to honor more recent defenders, as the gate itself was constructed before the second invasion.

The wall to which the gate belongs stretches between the sheer cliffs at the mouth of the canyon. Etched into its stones are arcane runes and divine symbols said to enhance its resistance to hostile force. Behind the gate lie secondary defensive walls, though it is believed no enemy would ever reach them.

Indeed, the entire city of Waygate was built to support and serve the defense of Doriande’s most crucial land border.

Constructing this unprecedented marvel demanded every resource the region could provide—from the ancient knowledge of the dwarves, to the protective spells of the elves, to the tireless strength of mankind.

The Gate bears the marks of the first great alliance that led Doriande out of fractured settlements and into a united nation.

Carved across its outer stone is a single, defiant phrase:
“Fear the Dorians.”