At some point during the dawning of the Draconic Age, when the dragons and their noble leaders were at the height of their majesty and power, three magical portals were said to have been constructed. It is widely known that during this period, the humanoids were still at peace with the dragons and the appearance of the first humans had not yet come to pass.

The humanoids of that age saw the great wurms as scholars and teachers and the dragons respected these smaller beings and loved them as their dear children. The humanoids gave to their tutors many gifts in the form of gold, gems, artifice, mirth, music, song and a table of bountiful delights. Even the dragons came to realize that their larger size was in some cases prohibitive in performing certain intricate tasks and so came to rely on the much smaller humanoids for aid. Although they would later become enslaved to the dragons, the humanoids were once considered allies during these earliest years.

In order to assist their less powerful children, the draconic nobles created a number of artifacts known as the Runegates. These powerful devices would serve to unite the three major continents of Hyerune thus allowing for faster travel between locations. Each gate was stationary but opened a magical conduit between two points in space. Any being could simple step through one gate and instantly emerge half way across the globe through another gate. The effect was quite similar to the dimension door spell but with a much more extensive range.

The three Runegates are believed to be composed of a different metal. The Gold Gate is located in the central highlands of the Brynthian Empire. The Silver Gate is situated along the eastern shores of the Springwater Lake. The Brass Gate is found in the heart of what is now called the Blazing Desert. Each gate appears to be a large, metallic arch some ten feet in diameter covered in ancient draconic runes. Each gateway also once had a corresponding key that could be used to activate and deactivate the gate, though these keys are now lost.

Since the magical keys are now lost to time, the Runegates now sit in relative isolation. Some sages believe that the keys were not lost but rather intentionally destroyed in order to prevent the dragons from using the power of the gates against humanity and their allies during the Great Revolt. Others argue that the keys still exist and were merely placed in hiding and remain to be found.

Recently, a third argument has emerged. It is now claimed that the three Runegates may be activated in a different manner without the aid of the keys. An interpretation of the draconic runes seem to suggest that this alternate manner was established in the event that the keys would ever become lost or stolen. The exact manner as to how the gates can be opened once more is still unclear though it is believed that the method may involve the use of intricate tones or songs. When certain tones are emitted, it is believed that the Runegates will once again activate. The Artificers of Bediwyr, sages from the Imperial City of Primus and the magi emeritis from the City of Arcania have begun to work together in an attempt to unlock the secret of the Runegates.

Rumor: Though not as widely known, it is also believed that two more gates were also created. Ancient scrolls found hidden deep in the Dragonspire Mountains by explorers from Kadril have mentioned the existance of an Iron Gate and a Copper Gate. Where these gates may be hidden remains a mystery as they are certainly not in any obvious or open location. The scrolls do seem to given an impression that the Iron Gate and Copper Gates are linked in some manner to the Pearl Moon and the Onyx Moon.