Gatekeepers

The following page contains spoilers. Read at your own risk. "Private Note. It's undeniable that operations at Cascade are being monitored by external forces. This much the Cascade Executive committee have been permitted to know. Exactly who has been infiltrating our communications, and to what ends, remains unknown." - Dr. Derek Manse

The Gatekeepers, also referred to as GK in GATE emails, are a mysterious, occult mercenary group who serve as antagonists in Abiotic Factor. They are first encountered as enemies starting in Reactors, but a lone Gatekeeper Jotun corpse can be found in Cascade Laboratories and the Sister of the Unlost can be met before entering the Security Sector.

Lore

It is currently unknown where or how the Gatekeepers were founded. The Gatekeepers recruit from around the world, regardless of background. Presumably, the main criterion is a prospective recruit's ability to see "beyond", or in GATE staff parlance, "crazy enough to stare at an IS head-to-head". Their primary tasks were to capture IS and eliminate potential threats to GATE itself. While the Gatekeepers ostensibly work alongside regular GATE staff, their eccentric behavior and occult trappings tend to make even the sternest scientist feel uncomfortable near them, let alone working with them for prolonged periods of time.

Despite their official role as hired help for GATE staff, the Gatekeepers control access to the Shadowgate facility in Finland, which not even senior GATE administrators are allowed to visit without express permission. As a result of their secrecy, several members of the GATE research staff believe the Gatekeepers to have their own agenda.

Story

The player first glimpses the Gatekeepers during the initial elevator descent into the GATE facility, as several Neophytes and a Chieftain escort the subdued Behemoth along a subterranean access road. Although several survivors make references to the Gatekeepers, none are seen any of the early sectors.

After unlocking the Security Sector, the player gets their first glimpse of a Gatekeeper, the Sister of the Unlost, who provides only a few cryptic hints before leaving.

When the player reaches the Hydroplant, they come across Defense Team member Jonas Conti, who mentions the Gatekeepers have pushed through the dam, past the Order soldiers, and down to the Reactors.

Upon reaching the Reactors, it becomes apparent that the Gatekeepers have begun indiscriminately killing anyone they come across, whether Order or GATE employee. A. Cahn speculates GATE has ordered the Gatekeepers to "clean up" after the massive containment failure, eliminating everyone at the Cascade facility regardless of affiliation. The player fights through Gatekeeper forces at the Dusk and Mist reactors - the latter being the site of a stand-off between entrenched Order and Gatekeeper fighters.

Once the player makes it to the Cloud reactor, they hear a Gatekeeper Jotun taunting the Order soldiers. Despite fierce resistance from both factions, the player successfully reactivates the Cloud reactor and gains access to WG-Intrados, which contains a portal leading to the Shadowgate facility, the Gatekeepers' headquarters.

On the advice of Cahn, the player fights their way through the Gatekeepers' defenses and breaches the Shadowgate facility proper. There, they disable the restraints on IS-0117, allowing it to escape back to its home anteverse. Immediately after the super creature's escape, the Gatekeepers retreat to the now-freezing Residence Sector of Cascade and, allegedly, begin working to use to the Dark Lens to escape into another universe.

Ranks

Currently, there are five known ranks/variations amongst members of the Gatekeepers.

The Tested

See Also: Neophyte

The Tested, more commonly referred to as Neophytes, are the Gatekeepers' initiates. They have both a Hardlight shield and an assault rifle, and are first encountered in Reactors. Although they have not yet been inducted into the higher ranks of the Gatekeepers, many have served as Neophytes for years, and a few for decades.

The Spear

See Also: Chieftain

The Spear, more commonly known as Chieftains, are the Gatekeepers' unit leaders. Unlike the Neophytes, Chieftains use a high caliber hand-gun in addition to their Hardlight shield. Chieftains are promoted from Neophytes who have proven themselves as well as passed a test of three "Gateways".

The Abyssal

See Also: Mystagogue

The Gatekeeper's shamans, usually referred to as Mystagogues. Unlike the other Gatekeepers, Mystagogues are able to constantly hover in the air, and are supported by varying numbers of laser-shooting Mystagogue Eyes. In combat, they throw fireballs at their enemies.

The Hexen

See Also: Witch

The Hexen, commonly referred to as Witches, are the most lightly-armored of the Gatekeepers. Unlike the other ranks, Witches use jump packs in addition to their Hardlight shields, and are armed with shotguns. Witches are recruited from those who possess certain talents and a desire to seek out knowledge, and are further enhanced and trained at GATE Cascade Synaptic Labs. They are only encountered at Shadowgate.

The Bulwark

See Also: Jotun

The Bulkwark, more commonly referred to as Jotun, are heavily enhanced soldiers fielded by the Gatekeepers. In addition to their considerable armor, Jotun use a Hardlight shield as well and are armed with a heavy machinegun. Jotun are drawn from Neophyte volunteers who undergo the experimental, and some say unethical, procedures in return for greater strength.

Named Members

• Da'at (Mentioned by Janet in Mist Reactor.)
• Fane (Named in G. Kelly's "Cubes" email.)
• Tajik (Mentioned by George in the "Guns and Chalk" email.)
• Chalice (Mentioned by Bridget Badwell in the "Your Runes?" email.)
• Pyre (Named in T. R. Enderson's "IS-0117" email.)

Unlost

An apparent sub-faction of the Gatekeepers marked by green-accented clothing and gear, the Unlost are not hostile to the player. In Reactors, they have a camp set up on one of the supports nearby the Dusk and Gale reactors, with several tents and a parked technical.

• Sister of the Unlost
• Jotun of the Unlost
• Mage of the Unlost
• Unnamed Chieftain