Tower of Ascension

• Population: ~1,500 Residents at any one time in each City.
• Nicknames: The Outposts
• Primary Race(s): Mostly Common Humanoids and Drow
• Location: The Winterlands
• Leadership: Mayor and Mirror Guard Captain
• Known For: Fortifications and Garrison
• Environment: Frozen Tundra
• Primary Industries: Self Sufficient with some Farming and Mining

Constructed in the the heart of the frozen tundra, the Gate Cities (Westgate, Eastgate, Northgate, and Southgate) stand as unyielding sentinels protecting the jewel of the realm, Wintershield. These fortified towns form a defensive ring in the West, each city positioned to intercept and deter threats from the hostile wilderness. United by purpose and bound by the icy grasp of their environment, the Gate Cities serve as both bulwarks of defense and hubs of resilience against the tundra’s dangers.

Founded during the Shattered Age of Feng, the Gate Cities are all protected by dwarven-crafted stone walls and thick double gates, reinforced with elven runes to protect against surprise assaults and illusion magic. These bastions are designed with perimeter watchtowers, their enchanted beacons visible for miles. Dedicated Garrisons conduct regular patrols in the wilderness. Each town is a self-sufficient stronghold, with heated underground passages, well-stocked granaries, and smithies producing weapons and armor to the local garrisons. The population consists of seasoned warriors, resourceful craftspeople, and hardened scouts, all trained to survive and thrive in the unforgiving cold.

Trade and communication flow steadily between the Gate Cities and Wintershield itself via an the Winter road and standing portals This cohesion ensures swift reinforcements and supplies are available in the event of an attack, allowing the cities to act as a seamless defensive barrier.

• Breach of the Ancient Dungeon and Sack of Westgate

Several Days after the ascension of the new Keeper of the Light in the year 15; the veil sealing the Ancient Prison of the old evils began to weaken. Daemons, Undead and other unnatural monsters spilled forth and overran the defenses of Westgate. Those trapped within the town fortified the barracks, Inns and other defensible buildings while awaiting reinforcements.

Heroically, The Pilgrims were able to push through and alert Wintershield of the danger. A response force from the city and the Valkenbane Academy were able to relieve the city and reinforce the magical barriers around the Ancient Prison. Eventually, the cause of the breach was determined to be intentional sabotage by Slave Mages of The Empire; who would eventually face their own upheaval after the assassination of the Emperor via an Arcane Explosive.

• Eastgate

• Southgate

• Northgate