Originally, the term "portal" specifically referred to doorways leading to and from the city of Sigil, while "gate" was a more general term for any magical link between two locations.
Here's a breakdown of the distinction:
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Portal (Original Meaning):
- Exclusively connected to and from Sigil, the City of Doors.
- Implied a specific, fixed connection point related to a unique location.
-
Gate (Original Meaning):
- A broader term encompassing any magical connection between two points.
- Could refer to connections between planes, locations on the same plane, or other forms of magical transport.
Essentially, all portals (in their original, specific meaning) are gates, but not all gates are portals. The term "portal" possessed a more specialized application linked to Sigil. While the specific distinction might not always be strictly adhered to, this was the initial difference in meaning.
