The Gate of Halemica

"It will stand above our great bay as a tribute so that all may know our might and her torch will point west, so that all may know from where we came."

— Dynasty King Caralcis

The Gate of Halemica, also known as the Gate of Thripia or the Halemican Chain, is the most famous monument of the city of Thripia and it's greatest architectural work. Designed by the Dynasty King Caralcis, a genius architect and mathematician, it is located on an island in the mouth of the bay and features an enormous statue in the likeness of his grandmother and founder of the city, Halemica the Great. The culmination of half a century's work, it serves a practical function as the fortress beneath the statue's feet raises and lowers a large bronze chain which prevents the passage of unwanted ships into the city.

Appearance

The Gate of Halemica is most famous for its large statue. Standing around fifteen stories tall, it is made of white limestone. The figure of Halemica herself is dressed in a flowing robe and wears a plumed helmet which rests at the back of her head; an invocation of the goddess Thenia. In her left hand, she holds aloft a torch, alight at all times, pointing west towards the sea. In her right she grips a sword which rests at her feet. The base of the statue is square with its walls sloped inwards. Small windows and openings are arranged on its surface, indicating its dual usage as a fortress. Behind the statue and the fortress, on the rest of the island grounds, is a large and partially walled off courtyard used for mustering garrisons and for military drills. Adjacent to the island, at each end of the mouth of the bay, are two round, thick towers built into the city's walls.

Function

A large and heavy bronze chain stretches between the two bay towers and the fortress beneath the statue. This chain, able to be raised and lowered as needed, acts as a barricade to prevent the entry of unwanted vessels into the city. The chain's center lies in the fortress and is attached to a round stone block suspended by thick rope above a pit. In this default position, the chain rests beneath the water and ships are able to pass safely over it. Should the chain need to be raised, however, such as during a siege, the stone block, normally locked into position by a switch, is dropped into the pit, dragging the chain down with it. By the time the block reaches the bottom, the chain has been sufficiently raised above the water. As well as this, the chain's two opposite ends are built into the foundations of the bay towers ensuring that it remains secure. When it is safe to lower the chain again, several men haul the block out of the pit with the other end of it's rope which is found in the courtyard. If the fortress has been infiltrated, this rope is cut, preventing the chain from being lowered again until order is restored.
In addition to the defensive utility of the fortress and chain itself, the statue of the Gate of Halemica serves as a notable attraction to the city. Many travelerss will sail from parts of the world far away to see Thripia's famous colossus. It doubles in function, however, not merely as a decorative piece of architecture, but as a beacon to guide ships into Thripia's bay. The interior is not completely filled, and a staircase allows access to a very small chamber within the interior of the torch itself. From here, watchmen can both scan the horizon for incoming vessels and ensure the light remains lit. Eventually, pyric glass would be added to the structure to make it easier to keep the torch flaming.

Significance

The Gate of Halemica represents, above all, the strength, wealth and ingenuity of the Thripian people. Its sheer magnificence is a point of pride for the city as is its near impenetrable sea defense. Moreover, the statue serves as an important link to the past. Halemica, the city's founder and first ruler, holds an almost mythical status and her torch outstretched towards the sea points towards the origins of her people and, by extension, the city itself. Her fusion in the statue with the goddess Thenia would also contribute to the Hero Cult of Halemica which existed for a time after her death. The statue is also a significant contribution to the legacy of Caralcis. Remembered fondly among academic circles as the finest architect in the city's history, and a great Dynasty King, he is known for designing the Gate, intending it to be both a significant protective bastion as well as a icon for the city, and other structures such as the Old Palace which was built by his son Apheron after his eventual death.

Alternative Names

The Gate of Thripia, the Halemican Chain

Type

Monument / Statue, Large

Parent Location

Thripia

Owning Organization

The Empire of Thripia