Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #308

Settlements and Sites of the Four City-States #308 

November 5th, 2023 

• Number: 308 

• Name: Deep Dive on a Site of Interest:  The Gateway Complex – Part 7 

• Location: Western Gold Mountains northwest of the City-State of Carasta 

• Population (approx.): 51 (Administration) 

• Brief: As the Gateway Complex aged and grew, so did the complexity of managing the increasing day-to-day population (of both staff, visitors and detainees) and the politics of the number of Guilds involved. In addition, some Guildmasters pushed for the site to contribute more to the economy than simply knowledge, perhaps by reopening the mines underneath or somehow exploiting the visitors passing through or currently detained. Two centuries ago, the participating Guilds met and decided to create the position of Administrator, usually an appointed scholar, diplomat or politician. As well as internal matters, as the region becomes more aware of the Complex, they must deal with eternal concerns as well. Most recently, word has reached the administration that a specific faction of the old Ta’arnan Legions of the Ironwall Territories has taken an interest in Nuan Malie, specifically assigning some sort of religious significance to the Gateway and those who transited the portal in the past. No overt action against the site is expected but farmers and foragers on the downslopes have spotted Ironwall Legionnaires scouting the area. Seers also suggest that the Sentinel (#127) is now aware of the Complex. 

• Petquen (Quen) Stonepetal, 260, male Firbolg is the Administrator for the Gateway Complex. His build is like an oak tree, tall and majestic. He is into grooming and keeps his gray and light blue fur trimmed and brushed. Quen wears business outfits most days but then changes into overalls and colorful shirts for downtime. Quen doesn't believe in using weapons to settle disputes. He believes in using martial arts to protect himself and others. 

• Quen is a thoughtful administrator and keeps people happy in disputes. He loves to talk and uses his hands to gesture and help make his point. He has an efficient staff that helps him get to the heart of the various problems. Every Friday, Quen hosts a meeting where anyone can come and discuss their issues. His Doom is to be “consumed by his work” in some unknown fashion, but Quen enjoys his position and has come to terms with the pronouncement. 

• Quen lives with his wife, Keytris, 250, female Firbolg. She works as his assistant most days. She also loves to play with their many grandchildren (when visiting family in the south). Her Doom is to “fall to the shimmering darkness” but neither have any inkling what that might mean. Quen and Keytris live in a large cave with many smaller rooms. They also have a vacation home several days away in Tenmala. Twice a week, Quen meets up with Farcan Farflower, 173, male Firbolg, to get an ale at the Bronze Tiger Inn. 

• Geography: The offices of the Administrator and his staff can be found on the upper levels (Up 2) just south of the main gate and the overlook (location 9 see below). Meeting rooms and the Complex library are on the main level below, connected by the elevator. Quen and Keytris’ quarters are on the topmost upper level (Up 4) in an area of caves retaining most of their natural appearance (location 10 see below). The new outpost of the Ironwall Teritorries (#61 location 11) is only 30 miles downslope and west of the Gateway Complex. Quen’s home of Tenmale (#57) is about 50 miles due south.