Demonic Gateways, also known as Hellmouths or Infernal Portals, are ancient and sinister structures scattered across the kingdom of Asiendal. These gateways serve as conduits between the mortal realm and the demonic planes, allowing demons and other malevolent entities to traverse the boundaries of existence. Their presence serves as a constant reminder of the kingdom’s vigilance and the ever-present threat of demonic incursion.
General Description:
Appearance: Demonic Gateways are typically constructed from dark, otherworldly materials such as obsidian, basalt, and cursed metal. They are often adorned with glowing runes and infernal symbols that pulse with malevolent energy. The gateways vary in size, from small doorways hidden in remote locations to massive arches towering over the landscape.
Atmosphere: The area around an active or semi-active gateway is usually marked by an oppressive aura. The air is thick with the scent of sulfur and brimstone, and a constant, low hum can be heard, emanating from the gateway. Plants and wildlife avoid these areas, leaving them barren and desolate.
History:
Creation: Demonic Gateways were created eons ago during the ancient wars between the forces of light and darkness. Powerful demon lords and sorcerers crafted these portals to bring their infernal armies into the mortal realm.
The Great Demon Wars: During the Great Demon Wars, these gateways were the primary means of invasion for the demon hordes. After the wars, many of the gateways were sealed or destroyed by the combined efforts of the kingdom’s greatest heroes, mages, and priests.
Current State:
Total Number: There are approximately 180 known Demonic Gateways in Asiendal.
Broken Gateways: Around 100 of these gateways are broken and no longer operational. They are little more than crumbling ruins, often avoided by locals due to lingering dark energies.
Operational Gateways: Of the remaining 80 gateways, most are dormant but intact. The larger and more significant ones are under constant surveillance.
Security and Vigilance:
Guardians: The most dangerous gateways are heavily guarded by legions of Asiendalian Paladins and Mages. These guardians are stationed in fortresses and encampments surrounding the gateways, ever vigilant for signs of activity.
Monitoring: Advanced magical wards and detection spells are used to monitor most of the gateways (the ones that are deemed dangerous). Any fluctuations in the energy or attempts to activate the portals are quickly detected and dealt with.
Significant Gateways:
The Abyssal Arch: One of the largest and most notorious gateways, the Abyssal Arch stands over 100 feet tall. It is located in the heart of a barren wasteland and is guarded by a dedicated legion of elite warriors and powerful mages.
The Cursed Doorway: A smaller but equally dangerous gateway, the Cursed Doorway is hidden deep within a forest. It is known for its cunning traps and illusions that mislead those who seek to find or destroy it.
The Infernal Bridge: Spanning a chasm filled with molten lava, the Infernal Bridge is a medium-sized gateway. It is constantly patrolled by paladins who have sworn oaths to guard it with their lives.
Inactive Gateways:
Appearance:The inactive gateways, though broken and crumbling, still emit a faint aura of malevolence. They are often overgrown with twisted, dead vegetation and inhabited by scavengers and dark creatures.
Significance: While these gateways no longer function, they remain a source of dark energy and occasional supernatural occurrences. Scholars and mages sometimes study them to understand their construction and the lingering energies.
Potential Threats:
Reactivation: The fear remains that some of the dormant gateways could be reactivated by malevolent forces or cultists seeking to unleash chaos. The kingdom’s vigilance ensures that any attempts are swiftly thwarted.
Surge of Demons: Even with heavy guarding, there is always a risk of a sudden surge of demons breaking through a gateway, necessitating quick and decisive action by the stationed forces.
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