The Gates of Gades

Overview

The Gates of Gades, are more commonly known as the Pillars of Hercules, and are a series of columnar basalt ridges that mark the entrance to the Principality of Gadeira from the Atlantia Planetia Plains. The Pillars are said to have been created by Hercules to celebrate his success in gaining the Cattle of Geryon and securing the area from Geryon's Maze (Group) of MInotaurs.

Physical Form

The Western Reach is entered through a narrow causeway between two basalt ridges. The causeway is itself a rocky path over a partially underground waterway. It remains accessible to non-wheeled vehicles, and can be navigated by mounted travelers but is very narrow in many places. The two highland- peaks form a band of highland that is only 3 to 5 km in width across the base of the Upper Reach of Atlantis.

Legendary Source

With the Amputation of Hephaestus's Hand, the Island Continent of Atlantis was formed. The God was wearing the Ring of Gyges at the time - its power to give invisibility being used by him to place the lands prior to the overlaying amputation taking hold. In the process, the Ring lost the main gem in it's setting, and was itself changed to a band of Basalt across the base of the left little finger.

The Gem - a Green Emerald - continued to emanate a divine aura of invisibility and would later be harnessed by the founders of Gyges City, on the Gygax River that separates the Western Reach from Atlantia Planetia. The end result being an unknown city sitting as the gateway into Cadiz. Over time another city was founded near to the previously built but long forgotten Gyges City. There arose a City dedicated to the Ranger Class and their mission in Atlantis, called Gydes City.

Today this now twin city of Gyges and Gydes guards the entrance to Cadiz.

Hercules, after completing the labor of Geryon's Cattle, blasted a hole through the Ring as stepped onto Atlantia Planetia before deciding to leave the Continent after shouting: "Non Plus Ultra" ("Nothing further beyond") A statue was placed at the location.

Purpose / Function

The Broken Ring of Gyges acts as a natural barrier to any would be invading force moving onto the peninsula. It acts as a natural choke point for land-based movement, and is monitored by Rangers and Druids in the area to ensure that the Peninsula is safe.

Alterations

There are said to be hidden observation points and elevated positions for archers and even ballistae on the cliffs of the Gates of Gades, but they are hidden from view by both camouflage and magic. The over-causeway - the rocks that form parts of the Gap Roadway through the Pillars is formed in part by Runic Magic and is said to be trapped in key places. 

History

The border between the Plains of Atlantis and the Principality of Gadeira was long contested with a Maze of Minotaurs at the command of Geryon keeping the Principality apart from the Plains through their dominance of the area. The Arch-devil Geryon maintained a large herd of Red Cattle, guarded by Cerberus's brother, Orthus, a two-headed hound, and the herdsman Eurytion.
(Source: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Herakles/cattle.html)
The Broken Ring of Gyges remains the territory of Giant Orthyan Double-Headed Dogs, Minotaurs and followers of Geryon, making it a challenging area to traverse on land.

Gates of Gades - Pillars of Hercules into the Sun Crater Jungle

RUINED STRUCTURE
99CY

Founding Date

unknown

Alternative Names

Pillars of Hercules, The Broken Ring of Gyges, The Gades Causeway

Parent Location

Western Reach

Owner

Prince Gadeiros

Ruling/Owning Rank

King

Owning Organization

Principality of Gadeira

Hercules Pillar Statue