The Gates of Damascus breaks new ground for the Dark Ages setting, both historically and geographically.It explores medieval Syria, with two domains, Raqqa and Amman explored in detail. Unlike the essentially Eurocentric perspective of many Dark Ages supplements, it's not written in the manner of a "visitor's guide" but rather with Syria, and characters hailing from Syria, as its focus. While it can't comrehensively explore the multilayered history and culture of so ancient and turbulent a reason, it very effectively conveys a sense of how complex they are, and gives the reader the starting points to look for more information. The book also explores the genesis of the Ikhwan, better known to long-term Masquerade and Dark Ages players as the Web of Knives. For Storytellers looking to set all or part of their chronicles in Syria it contains everything needed "out of the box" - maps, a diverse range of NPCs, political, historical and cultural information. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Syria or in the history and politics of the Assamite clan.