Newb Question: Where am I from?

At Tirsen's insistence  , I have been going over the history and maps of Travance in order to be better prepared to immerse myself in character.  From what I've read, the passage way across the Rift has only been known for six years.  Now, there is also something called a Rift Gate on the map of Travance.  Is the Rift Gate one of those gnomish teleportation circles mentioned in the history?  Also, since my character will be slightly older than six, is there some standard explanation of  how my character crossed the Rift?  Is it possible to be from this side of the Rift or must all human PCs have come from Kormyre (or other places like Coast Haven) originally?

--Rudolf
OOG: Larry Wile

Welcome!  I love when people read the old histories with the same intensity I did when I started playing. :)

The term "Rift Gate" actually just refers to that physical passage discovered what is actually, at this point, 11 years ago.  The history hasn't been updated, but the discovery basically corresponds with number of years ago the game itself was started up.  It does not refer to any gnomish device. 

While it possible for you to play a character from this side of the Rift, he would have had to have moved here with the colonies that came over 11 years ago or less - not before.  No PC race is indigenous to this side of the rift as far as I know. 

Hope that helps.

Also as a note, nearly all PCs who come across the rift do so in caravans that (conveniently) arrive once a month, shortly before the Baron's Feast (aka, the event)

Also note that the event taking place the last weekend in May is unique.  Check the announcement board for posts by Gallion (the screen name of the director, James) regarding the "Alt Event".

As an aside, it is possible to have come over as a child with the first wave of settlers in 1198 (1998 in our world) and grew up in Travance.  Someone who came with their family at 7 would be 18 now, for example.  I actually believe there are a few characters like this in the game right now.

More in depth and official answers can be gotten from Brendan, our new player officer, and Mary Beth, our atmosphere officer.

Markovia is its own unique situation - and quite evil.    I didn't include it as it really doesn't count as a "human" or any other playable race colony in that capacity.  If someone wants to be from there they really have to chat up the New Player Officer or the Storytellers for more info. 

And if you come from Markovia, you have to fight with two black swords and wear glow sticks.

Old School FTW!

And if you come from Markovia, you have to fight with two black swords and wear glow sticks.

Old School FTW!

Makes me almost glad that my character only passed through Markovia on his way to Travance the first time.