The Gates of Capitol and the Krada Mines

The First Gate is said to be deep below the Imperial Palace and the reason for the location of the palace itself. According to this claim, the palace is intended as a sort of guard tower to keep The First Gate protected and ensure it stays closed. Others claim the idea of the palace as a fortress to protect such a portal as the utmost absurdity. Those that believe in the gate’s existence claim that it is deep. 

The Second Gate is also known as the Lost or Holy Gate. The so-called Second Gate because it is believed to be the second deepest of the three subterranean gates. Since this gate has been lost, the position of Archbishop of the Gate has been vacant thus making the Archbishop of the Holy City the supreme religious authority in the empire. If the gate were to be found, most expect the required quorum of the three city lords to quickly convene and install an Archbishop of the Gate. Such an action would greatly reduce the power of the Archbishop of the Holy City. It would also be an important step towards the coronation of the Regent as Emperor as two Archbishops are required. However, if the new Archbishop stood in opposition to the Regent, which is likely the case, there would be the potential for a civil war within the Empire. 

The Third Gate is the deepest and, in some ways, the strangest. The Third Gate is known to be located far below the Holy City and is said to feed the hot springs of the city and the many vents of the Krada Wastes. The Gate is surrounded by a massive fortress built by an exiled clan of Fire Giants. They dutifully guide the gate waiting for an apocalyptic battle in which they will earn redemption for long forgotten transgressions. Some claim to have seen the fortress and claim it is an overwhelming masterpiece of Fire Giant workmanship.

The Krada mines are so ancient that some claim the mines were worked by the gods themselves. The mines extend to unknown depths. Over the ages, countless battles have been fought above and within the mines themselves. It is said that during one of these battles powerful magic was unleashed of such power that the mines collapsed. The mines are well built and sturdy. Even thousands of years without maintenance has done little to degrade their structural integrity. Truly powerful forces would be required to cause the damage as seen in the Krada Wastes.