The World of the Silver Kingdoms

The Silver Kingdoms

The four mountain realms making up the Silver Kingdoms have supplied most of the silver used in the known world for centuries. Silver is the primary fuel for large sorceries, so a continuous demand made the Silver Kingdoms prosperous. At the time of the Red Plague, all of the Silver Kingdoms were ruled by mages with noble blood. To the east of the Kingdoms is the land of Micha, named after the Goddess of mountain forests that is widely worshiped in the region. South of the Silver Kingdoms are lands made up of wide plains.

The Red Plague probably came from the south, and swept north and east over a period of months. During this time, there was widespread panic, and the small armies of the four kingdoms were quickly overwhelmed. The borders were closed within a few weeks of the trouble, but the plague spread east into Micha and further to other countries. Little is known of what happened after the borders were closed, as message birds stopped returning and no refugees could arrive with recent news.

Micha

Named for the Goddess of mountain forests, Micha is a wealthy kingdom with large areas of rich farmland. Six noble families control fiefdoms within Micha, and make up the governing council that advises the king. Micha has rich iron mines, but produces very little silver, so grand sorceries and large magics have become extremely rare since the border closed.

In recent years, the magic protecting the land have faded, and it is deemed time to force the issue of the closed border and reach out to the Silver Kingdoms with a diplomatic mission. Before the Red Plague occurred, it was common practice for countries to exchange hostages from noble families. These hostages would be adopted into their host families, and could return to their homeland at some point in the future.

Because of the Red Plague, noble hostages remain in Micha… and one of these will finally lead the diplomatic and trade mission to the Silver Kingdoms.

Magic

There are various types of magic, but the best known sorceries require large amounts of silver to be consumed. These sorceries could create flying castles, magic weapons, or create life. Lesser magics, such as witchcraft and hedge magic, do not require the destruction of silver, but are far weaker. A third type of magic has to do with special tattoos. With training and concentration, beneficial effects can be gained from these tattoos. The most common tattoos are used to increase stamina or improve healing in some way.