Silvertower
Silvertower (Formerly Sil'Vara in the Elven Age) is a historically significant city located on the southern edge of the Velvet Coast in Orienta. Renowned for its towering silver spire and rich academic heritage, Silvertower has been a center of knowledge, culture, and magic since its founding during the Elven Age. The city retains subtle influences of Elven culture, which distinguishes it from other cities on the Velvet Coast and often draws disdain from groups like the Order of Alerio.
History
Silvertower was founded in the early centuries of the Elven Age as the illustrious capital of the Kingdom of Lorintha, one of the most prominent Elven realms in Orienta. Under the wise and prosperous reign of King Eleran of Lorintha, the city became the epicenter of Elven culture, governance, and intellectual pursuits. Nestled along the southern edge of The Velvet Coast, Silvertower’s strategic location provided natural defenses and access to vital maritime trade routes.
The city’s name derives from its iconic Silver Tower, a monumental structure crafted from enchanted silverstone. This towering edifice served as both the royal palace and the heart of Lorinthan academia and magical research. Adorned with intricate runes and perpetually glowing with arcane energy, The Silver Tower symbolized the kingdom’s dedication to knowledge, magic, and enlightenment.
During its zenith, Silvertower was renowned for its elegant architecture that harmoniously blended with nature. Buildings featured flowing designs and organic shapes, constructed from materials that enhanced the city’s ethereal beauty. The capital was a vibrant hub of culture, hosting grand festivals honoring Lorin, the Elven God of Knowledge. Music, dance, art, and scholarly debates flourished, attracting visitors and intellectuals from across the Elven world.
The city’s institutions, such as the esteemed University of Silvertower, contributed significantly to advancements in magic, philosophy, astronomy, and the arts. Scholars from the neighboring kingdoms of Halentha and distant lands flocked to Silvertower to partake in its wealth of knowledge and academic excellence.
However, beneath the surface of prosperity, tensions were brewing. The Elven policies of supremacy and the exploitation of Human populations—particularly in kingdoms like Halentha, which relied heavily on Human slavery—fostered growing resentment among the subjugated peoples. While Lorintha maintained a less brutal regime over its slaves compared to its neighbours, discontent inevitably began to spread within its borders.
The outbreak of The Human Rebellion marked a turning point for Silvertower and the Kingdom of Lorintha. Alerio, a charismatic Human slave, ignited a widespread uprising that rapidly gained momentum. The rebellion was fueled by centuries of oppression and the desire for self-determination among Humans and other marginalized groups.
As rebel forces advanced, Silvertower faced internal strife. Human inhabitants, along with sympathetic Elves and Half-Elves, rose against the ruling Elven caste. The city’s defenses, unprepared for a large-scale insurrection, were overwhelmed. Amidst the chaos, the nobles in King Eleran’s absence, attempted to quell the unrest through diplomacy to no avail. The Silver Tower itself was stormed by the rebels, and many members of the nobility were captured or forced to flee.
The collapse of the Kingdom of Lorintha was swift and dramatic. The ruling Elven caste was dismantled, and leadership shifted to figures from the rebellion who sought to establish a new order free from Elven dominance. Silvertower underwent a profound transformation as the symbols of Elven authority were removed or repurposed. Statues and monuments were torn down or reinterpreted to reflect the new societal values.
Despite the upheaval, efforts were made to preserve the city’s vast repositories of knowledge. Scholars from all backgrounds recognized the intrinsic value of the libraries, academies, and cultural artifacts. Over time, following the fall of the short lived Imperial League, Silvertower restructured into a republic governed by an elected council, one that featured a unique tolerance for Elven culture. It is whispered that the nobles of Silvertower aided Elves fleeing The Elven Genocide and provided safe passage south. Indeed, many Half-Elves still reside in Silvertower to this day, much to the disdain of the city states to the north.
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