Pinch

Event
5/19/17 - 1/5/18

The Pinch is a physical and social period in Sigil history. The spawn rate of portals abruptly declined. Some permanent portals closed. These physical changes lead to substantial social changes, because the economy and health of the city heavily depended on portals. By itself, Sigil doesn't produce enough food, water, or basic materials to sustain its population. Trade, travel, tourism, and religious pilgrimages are key economic drivers, and the Pinch drastically hurt them all. As the Pinch continued, the shortages and inflation lead to civil unrest and tension among the 15 Factions. War seemed likely.

However, the Pinch ended after the Maelstrom appeared and Hornwood vertices could also be used to travel to and from Sigil.

The transformation of Sigil into Sigil Station during the Sixth Reset seems to be a direct response by the Lady of Pain to the Pinch. Notably, the transformation started months before the problems with portals started, suggesting that the Lady had foreknowledge.

Throughout the Pinch and afterwards, some new portals spawned and some permanent portals remained open. However, the Pinch marked a significant diversification of Sigil logistics to include both portals and starships, including spelljammers.