The Gatekeepers
Druidic Sect: Guardians Against Extraplanar Incursion
Primary Location: Shadow Marches; western Eldeen Reaches
Membership: ~1,000 (majority orcs and orc-kin) and dwindling
Symbol: Stylised dragon head tattoo (earned through heroic action); constellation Bahamut
"We, the Gatekeepers, protect the natural world from the forces that come from outside it, from those beings that slither in from the darkness beyond."
The Gatekeepers are the oldest druidic tradition on Khorvaire, and their theology is inseparable from their history. They exist for one reason: to ensure that what happened once — the incursion of the daelkyr — can never happen again. Their primary enemies are aberrations, extraplanar horrors, and the forces that would undo the seals binding Xoriat from the world.
Their view of nature is fundamentally protective — but not in the way the Wardens or Ashbound protect it. A village clearing a forest is a minor concern. A Xoriat manifest zone spreading madness through a community, or a daelkyr agent working to weaken a planar seal, is an emergency. The Gatekeepers revere Vvaraak as a prophet rather than a deity, and honour their draconic origin by maintaining strong relations with the Chamber. Siberys observatories established by Vvaraak and her Chamber colleagues allow Gatekeepers to monitor celestial movements and use enhanced divination magic to communicate across vast distances.
An inhabitant of the Reaches and the Shadow Marches might never encounter a Gatekeeper in a lifetime. Communities near planar seals are very much aware of the debt they owe the druids, and these are most often the source of new recruits.
Practices and Rites
Initiation requires swearing oaths in Vvaraak's name. A notable restriction: Gatekeepers vow never to use their magic to inflict disease, madness, or poison — not even against evil beings. Those weapons belong to the enemy.
At the start and end of each day, a Gatekeeper reflects on Vvaraak's teachings and gives thanks for the bounty of the world. Birth, death, union, and the completion of important tasks are all commemorated.
The annual seal-renewal ceremony is the most sacred rite. Each planar seal binding Xoriat must be renewed once per year or the magical weave holding it begins to decay. This daylong ritual requires senior druids to channel divine energy — all participants surrender their entire allotment of spells, channelling them into the seal. Because there are many more seals than senior Gatekeepers, travelling circles are assigned to rotating groups of portals and move continually between them.
The seals themselves take many forms: some are amulets that can be carried and stolen; others are tied to specific daelkyr, keeping those individuals bound in Khyber. It is said that one of the seals is a druidic bloodline, and it will last until the last member of the line is slain.
Membership and Hierarchy
Most senior Gatekeepers are occupied with celestial study and seal maintenance. Below them are initiates — experienced proved members — and aspirants who lead hunter groups (three to four combatants). Well over half the membership are orcs or orc-kin. The sect does not actively recruit; they travel through orc settlements hoping to set an example.
The closest thing to a leader is Saala Torrn, elder Gatekeeper of the Shadow Marches. She is said to carry the last words Vvaraak spoke to her first students, recorded in a mystic crystal passed down through generations.
The boldest Gatekeepers join the Maruk Ghaash'kala guardians in the Demon Wastes. A few dare the Mournland; some explore Xen'drik for clues to ancient wars against fiends.
Dress and Appearance
Deep red tunics, deerskin and rabbit fur trim. They favour axes and light leather armour. Many wear ornate bracelets and torcs — a taste of luxury inherited from their draconic teacher. The most honoured bear the stylised dragon head tattoo.