Glossary
[An encyclopedia of some of the novel's most important terms and information about the novel's setting can be found in this chapter. The details will be updated over time rather than being fully disclosed here. Additionally, be aware that this might include some minor spoilers.]
Common Terminologies
1. Voidspawns
Humanoid silhouettes, writhing masses of darkness, or hideous shapes with claws, tendrils, or glowing void-light eyes are all examples of voidspawns, which are fluid, ever-changing beings without a set form. They have a visceral, terrifying presence that changes depending on their surroundings or the fears of their prey.
2. Star-Eaters
Massive, somewhat serpentine or draconic beings, star-eaters have bodies of swirling void-energy that resemble a night sky devoid of stars. They have semi-corporeal forms that alternate between solid and gaseous states. They have sharp eyes with "teeth" made of void-light that absorbs energy from stars. If their eyes are visible, they have a pulsating, unsettling radiance, and their presence warps reality by producing auras of light warping or gravitational anomalies.
3. Realm-bleeds
When void-energy seeps into Ninegates, realm-bleeds appear as rifts, distortions, or anomalies at gate sites. These rifts can produce dissonant hums, chilling mists, shimmering black veils, or gravitational ripples, among other visual and aural effects. They can be as minor as Voidspawn incursions or as serious as Star-eater breaches.
4. Void Tremors
Gate instability and void-spawn breaches are frequently associated with void-tremors, which are seismic-like disturbances that show up as tremors, stone cracks, and pulses of black mist.
Overview of Information
The Nine Gates
The nine gates are enormous portals with rune carvings that link Ninegates' hub-realm to nine different realms, each with its own environment, culture, and metaphysical characteristics. These gates, which are guarded by gatekeepers, are living structures driven by starlight magic rather than just being doors. Each gate serves as a hub of secrets, power, and conflict and is essential to both Ethan's transmigration and the mystery of the story.
First Gate:
The Crystal Spire
Realm: Aetherion, the Realm of Eternal Light
Description: The First Gate is situated in a polished alabaster plaza and is a tall arch of translucent quartz that pulses with gentle radiance. It leads to Aetherion, a world of crystalline citadels that float and are illuminated by the constant light of day. Residents are able to glide between spires as the sky changes with gravity and shimmers with auroras.
The Second Gate: The Emberfall Arch
Realm: Pyrehold, the Realm of Forged Flame
Description: A blackened iron gate wreathed in smoldering embers; the Second Gate stands amid volcanic craters in Ninegates. Pyrehold is a scorched wasteland of lava rivers and obsidian forges, where ash storms rage. Forge-cities are suspended above molten seas by massive chains.
The Third Gate: The Verdant Threshold
Realm: Sylvareth, the Realm of Whispering Roots
Description: A gate of twisted vines and living wood, the Third Gate is overgrown with moss and glowing fungi. Trees move through the dense forest-realm of Sylvareth, creating labyrinths with their roots. The canopy is illuminated by bioluminescent vegetation, and time seems to flow.
The Fourth Gate: The Tidecarved Portal
Realm: Aquoryn, the Realm of Endless Tides
Description: A coral-encrusted gate rising from a flooded basin, the Fourth Gate shimmers with seafoam. Sunken cities, bioluminescent trenches, and floating islands supported by whirlpools are all features of the oceanic realm of Aquoryn. Unpredictably shifting currents can leave travelers stranded.
The Fifth Gate: The Stormhewn Gate
Realm: Zephyrant, the Realm of Endless Gales
Description: A gate of jagged stone lashed by eternal winds, the Fifth Gate stands on a cliff in Ninegates. Zephyrant is a sky-realm where lightning creates crystalline tempests and there are floating islands and citadels made of storm clouds.
The Sixth Gate: The Mirrorveil Arch
Realm: Reflectra, the Realm of Mirrored Truths
Description: A gate of polished obsidian that reflects distorted images, the Sixth Gate is unnervingly silent. Reflectra is a maze of mirrored surfaces, including floors, walls, and ceilings, where reflections are brought to life. The lines between illusion and truth are blurred.
The Seventh Gate: The Bonecarved Threshold
Realm: Necrofell, the Realm of Silent Bones
Description: A gate of petrified bones etched with glowing sigils, the Seventh Gate looms in a desolate valley. In the wasteland of ash deserts and skeletal monoliths known as Necrofell, ghosts linger in perpetual turmoil.
The Eighth Gate: The Starwoven Portal
Realm: Celestara, the Realm of Fallen Stars
Description: A gate of shimmering threads that pulse like constellations, the Eighth Gate floats above a crater. Celestara is a void-like world with nebulae and drifting star fragments, where gravity is implied.
The Ninth Gate: The Shadowrend Bastion
Realm: Abysscara, the Realm of Devouring Shadows
Description: A crumbling fortress-gate of black stone, the Ninth Gate leaks shadows and hums with dread. Abysscara is a pitch-black abyss where writhing monsters eat stars. Sanity deteriorates and gravity distorts.
Power Systems
1. Magical Power System: Starlight Magic
The main magical system in Ninegates is starlight magic, which gatekeepers use to guard the nine gates and neutralize threats. Inspired by mythic archetypes and actual astronomy, this "hard magic" system has well-defined mechanics that guarantee logical realism.
Source: The constellations in Ninegates' sky serve as channels for cosmic energy, which is where the starlight magic originates. Through mental concentration and the visualization of celestial patterns, gatekeepers can access this energy through rune-inscribed artifacts such as blades and amulets.
2. Magical Power System:
3. Void-Energy Realm-Specific Magics
The multiversal diversity is further enhanced by the distinct magical systems found in each of the nine realms and the four prison realms. Although secondary, these systems add complexity through their interactions with void energy and starlight.
Examples:
Aetherion (First Gate): Starlight perception is enhanced by light magic, but there is a risk of sensory overload.
Pyrehold (Second Gate): Starlight blades are tempered but made volatile by fire-soul magic.
Third Gate Sylvareth: Sap-magic causes visions but also heals.
4. Divine Power Structure