First Gate

The First Gate is the reward for crossing the First Threshold, it is the access point to the rest of the campaign or adventure.

The Opening of the First Gate
The completion of the first threshold should open up the special world to the player characters. The players should be given a multitude of new options that they could use to pursue their quest.

The manner in which options open up can be determined randomly using the table below.


 * 1) Geographic/Travel opens up as methods of travel or permission to travel becomes available
 * 2) Networking/Connections open up as the players meet new people with similar goals
 * 3) Additional Special Power allows the players to take actions that were formerly out of reach


 * 1) Additional information allows the players to follow additional leads towards their goal


 * 1) Social power gained from popular support after their victory gives the character increased latitude and improved access to resources and information


 * 1) Military Power/Force becomes available to the Player Characters giving them the ability to address larger battles that would have proven too challenging


 * 1) Bureaucratic power is gained by friendship with bureaucrats who can open paths within the bureaucratic organization


 * 1) Skills/Experience allows the characters to accomplish actions previously too difficult It is important to realize that the world can open by new ability or information as surely as it can by travel.

Transforming the Map
By examining the Legend of Zelda series a curious Game Master can see how the same map can transform with new skills, with new items, with new social connections, with new special power such as spells or songs or similar. This is a powerful lesson that Game Masters should not neglect to learn and make use of in their games.