The Key to Titans Gate

The Legend

The Titans

Legend tells that the gods' first act was to create the Titans - giants of immense strength that built the physical world. Each built its own domain, be that the vast planes, mountain ranges, ice regions, or the oceans. Laboring constantly until their task was complete, only then did they retreat to a remote region known in prophecy as the Isles of the Fallen, and finally laid down to rest. But they did not awaken from their slumber and to this day remain there asleep... waiting.
Many still pray to the great titans, and it is said that these prayers are heard. Prophecy tells that the Titans will someday awaken and walk the world again. Their purpose will be determined by the circumstances under which they are roused from their sleep and what they awaken to. If they are displeased with what they find..... it is easier to destroy than to create.

The Key to Titans Gate

The Isles were sealed off from the rest of the world to protect the sleeping giants. This was done by a so-called Guardian of the Fallen. The Guardian fashioned a gate that was impenetrable, except with a small, but special key. Its design depicts two creatures with the heads of serpents, long protruding tongues and a shared fish tale. This key is said to open any lock of any kind that will ever exist. With the gate secured, the Guardian walked to the other side of the world, away from the Isles, and disappeared. Even the gods do know where its journey ended. Satisfied with its work, the Guardian curled up and fell asleep, encircling and protecting the key with its body.

Historical Basis

There is evidence of a magical key that fits the description outlined in this myth. It was a small, simple key. At one time it was owned by a renown thief, who was only known by the pseudonym Shade. It is not known where Shade acquired it but soon after her lock picking skills took a gigantic step forward for someone who, at the time, was relatively new to the thieving profession.
Her wealth grew rapidly as she managed to break into some of the most protected residences and other secured locations.
Her notoriety grew at the same pace as her wealth. She attracted the attention of national authorities and thieves guilds alike. One such guild, self-named as the 'Guild of Free Trade', eventually identified and tracked her down to a town in the northern reaches of Acaria - a freezing land that sits waist-deep in snow for most of the year.
A team was sent by the guild to capture her with the intent of acquiring the key and her treasures. Almost too late Shade realized her discovery. A chase ensued and after three days she was finally cornered in the snowy wilderness with only the mountains at her back. As the team of trackers and bounty hunters moved in they were ready for the final act. However, when the net was closed, Shade was gone. Impossible! Her tracks stop here - there is nowhere she could have gone. There on the ground was a key half-buried in a soft blanket of newly fallen snow - the one they were sent to find. For hours they searched for Shade, but she was gone.
The leader of the team returned to the largest port in Acaria and set sail for Fleet Haven, the capital city of Etrest, where the guild was headquartered. But the ship was attacked by pirates before it could complete its journey. They boarded and took control of the ship stripping it of the most valuable items they could seize before it sank from its damage taken in battle. The fate of the key is unknown. It could have been taken by the attacking pirates, or most likely, rest somewhere on the ocean bed. With its small size and lightness, it could even be hundreds of kilometers, or more, from the wreck site.

Item Type: Key (metal)
Dimensions: Finger length and thickness
Features: Double sea serpent design
Other: Always cold to the touch

Appearance & Attributes

The key is a metal of some kind and of relatively simple construction, with a distinctive design.

Given that Shade used it to open a full range of locks of very different construction and size, some have postulated that the key magically changes size and shape to match them.
Many believe that it must also disarm all traps associated with a lock - this is based on the complexity of some of the traps Shade bypassed with only a little experience.

Variations & Mutation

There are other versions of this legend with minor variations only.
However, one that originates in the far south of the world is virtually identical except it does not mention 'the gods'. Instead, it notes only one God creating the Titans. It is strange that a tale from so distant a location has just this one main variant detail.
More Western variations speak of the key opening doors to other worlds, where wondrous creatures exist. These creatures can be called upon to heal the world of all evil.

Cover art by: Kienvirak https://pixabay.com/users/kienvirak-11003985/
Key Image by: Tom Joseph https://unsplash.com/@tommytom1818