Gates of Yates

Purpose / Function

The Gates of Yates is a semi-enclosing, grayish black and green wall on the North-West limit of Gaioor that doubly serves to block tsunamis and filter the sea water into fresh.

It is how a wall, becomes known far and wide, as a gate.

— Zsuz the Braid

Design

Non-Keanian Style

It was the style of the Hornkin to build their structures with a simple frames and complicated exteriors. By contrast, the gate is a single, solid mass composed of an unknowable and unsampliable material.
It is ideally positioned to resist the flood waters, as the wall bends concavely around longma like a bowl. That way, it has extra strength when the flood forces itself against the gate.

There are no grove markings anywhere, so it does not appear to have been sculpted either.
Might be it was all melted together? Otherwise, I would have to say it just materialize.

Entries

Hills at the Ends

The 'Yate' is a term originating from the Keanian Language which refers to the end of the Bad Step; before opening up into the Cold Swamp.
In their time, this opening connected to a small valley with modest hills on either side which would in the future comprise the ground for Gaioor.

Yatei Hill

The northerly hill kept well managed for the higher end residences thoughout the elder cycle.

Tyr Hill

The westery hill crowded over with hundreds of old fishing boats during the dry season and left vacate during the flood.

Sensory & Appearance

Sea Wall

On approach, it looks to be a black wall that turns two hills into one; with several tree trucks distantly crowning the top. The Gates of Yate predates modern man's existence and given its abilities, was never meant as a defensive line.
Regardless, it projects an imposing aura on those who approach, and perhaps it is this feeling of impregnable invincibility that discourages Gaioor's enemies from testing them in the first place.

Denizens

First Arrow

A general of High Command responsible for training and equipping specially chosen recruits in ranged weaponry. They also hold direct responsibility for maintaining and operating the war wands on the Gate and works closely with the First Shield in this regard.

Special Properties

Water Purification

When the rushing sea water crashes over the gate, newly made fresh water empties through the black stone itself and into the Longma Basket on the other side, where the fresh water collects and is distributed throughout the city.

Alterations

War Wands

Five giant wands mounted at the top of the wall and capable of launching molten projectiles all the way to the painted beaches.
It has been a matter of historical policy to retaliate against tribal raids on fishing vessels by attacking the beach communes from far away.

Tourism

Dam Market

Every year, permission is given to special vendors to set up their stalls and wares, where buyers can browse through for three days at the top of the wall.

Type

Dam

Parent Location

Gaioor

Environmental Effects

The gate's existence permanently blocks the sea from reaching the cold swamp.