Separating the Azure empire from The Wastes is The Gate. This defensive gatehouse serves at the only way in or out of The Waste and is guarded by the Azure Empires finest soliders, all who have sworn their lives to the defence of the High Kings people. 

Built by the High Kings of the past, The Gate is known by peoples of the Azure Empire. To be a gate guard is an honour and guardsmen are often treated with the highest respects and given provisions and shelter wherever they go. It is tradition for many of the Noble families of the Azure Empire to have at least one family member serving on the gate and many have two or more. 

The latest captain Ser Reginald Royle is not from a great noble house, nor is he the son of a rich merchant or celebrated general. He arrived at the Gate as a boy recently orphaned by a Skuttler attack on his parents wagons. The Gate became his new home and he served loyally as a guardsman for 23 years before being promoted to quatermaster, 5 years later the current captain was killed on a patrol and Reginald found himself leading the Gate himself.