Information on GATEs

[Alyssa Snow]

What are GATEs?

GATEs are establishments built around Althanas in response to several world-threatening events. They are comprised of specialists from around the world but generally from their immediate region. They operate independently of local government and religion as a form of emergency military power. While there are currently four GATEs around Althanas, they all maintain a network of communication and cooperation. Each GATE has a single lead known as the Gatemaster who handles primary operational management and direction of each facility. Each GATE can have different focuses or themes depending on the situation or needs deemed necessary.

To the general public, GATEs are a form of sanctuary, learning, and protection. At the center of each GATE is an academy and the main building to which everything within their walls revolves. These academies house research facilities, classrooms, courtyards, training grounds, offices, libraries, and numerous other facilities. Each GATE also has a housing facility and a barracks which are usually located adjacent or near to one another. Otherwise, the GATEs resemble many other medium to large sized cities with INNs, bazaars, shops, and other common buildings.f

GATE Structure:

GATEs are staffed by specialists of various occupation. Staff members are indicated by a standard uniform and insignia. The insignia always resembles doors or gateways in some manner but vary per each GATE. GATEs have one Gatemaster who is supported by a small group of Administrators. Within the GATEs, positions of interest have earned themed nicknames which personnel have adopted as standard despite being informal in assignment. For example, Administrators are often called Guardians. Lead scientists, generals, professors, and similar ranking specialists are often referred to as LockSmiths. And the students, trainees, cadets, assistants, or general members enlisted are either called Locks, Keys, or Picks. Generally, Locks are the more reliable or studious types. The nickname Key is often reserved for prodigies or those with innate talent. Picks are typically those who are known as troublemakers or those who remain capable in unorthodox ways. Newer cadets and those who have yet to establish report are often lumped in with the other Picks.

GATEs have several departments to facilitate their operation. Some GATEs prioritize certain departments over others. Each GATE has a military branch, research branch, and support branch. Military branches focus on defense of the institution and are treated like formalized mercenaries around the world. They work with local governments to execute odd jobs, provide military assistance, and resolve potential threats to Althanas.

The research branches have several responsibilities. They develop new technology or magical solutions to threats and problems around the world. They also maintain records, archives, and teachings of the past through their libraries and archeological museums. The research branch also tries to anticipate, predict, and plan for all occurrences of the next major threat to Althanas or its people.

The support branch is also diverse in its function. They are responsible for providing medical aid to areas impacted by disaster. They also serve as laborers, craftsmen, and engineers who assist in rebuilding efforts or bringing the products invented by the research department to life. The support branch also consists of teachers, speakers, and politicians to help mitigate more sensitive intelligence matters.

Members within the GATE typically fall under one of the three branches, but certain specialists have roles in several branches to best make use of their skills.

Membership and Responsibility:

To become faculty at a GATE, there are two methods. The first method is how the majority of initial staff came to be; one’s reputation must precede themselves. Many of the current faculty were specialists in their own fields of work but after the Great Calamity, they were uprooted from their lifestyles and called to a greater purpose. Their morals shifted their skills toward the protection and recovery of Althanas and its people. With that common interest, they banded together and formed the initial groups referred to as the Core Collective, Final Guard, and Last Bastion. Some staff were adventures without a cause who were renowned for their efforts or were pivotal in the darkest hour.

The second method of entry and far more common after the establishment of the GATEs, is through application and processing. Many of those who now reside within the GATEs were victims of the Calamity and sought shelter, food, and medicine. Some lost their families or homes with no recourse left to them. Those victims were accepted through processing and are granted temporary residence or permanence based on assessment by faculty.

Others actively sought out the GATEs with the desire to contribute to their cause. Many of these submitted formal applications for acceptance and were subject to assessment and trial. Those who met the standards set by the current faculty were enlisted as Cadets where they would receive formal training in a field of their choice. These Cadets are often referred to by their thematic nicknames of Locks, Keys, and Picks.

On the rare chance, some members were added based on the recommendation of members with high merit. While still processed formally by the recommending individual, these special cases have an opportunity to skip or minimize their training regiment as GATE Cadets. Sometimes even finding themselves advising the GateMasters directly as a member of the Administration.

Once enlisted as a member of the GATEs, personnel are granted a uniform and instructed on the responsibilities of their membership. First and foremost, all members of GATEs are to put the safety and wellbeing of Althanas and its people before themselves. This value is held at the highest priority despite the direction and the authority of their superiors. Secondly, members of the GATE are to protect and enrich the lives of those who reside within its walls. The specialists who comprise the GATEs are the backbone of Althanas. Aside from those two primary responsibilities, staff are given roles and responsibilities catered to their strengths by the GateMaster and Administration. It is the belief that those strengths need to be nurtured and grown into specialties which cannot be easily replaced. No one person will ever be considered a “Jack of All Trades” and those that strive to become one always struggle to find their place at the GATEs. Sometimes resulting in demotion to resident, permanence as a cadet, or relocation and severance from the GATE.