Gildhaven world illustration - Fantasy theme
Fantasy

Gildhaven

k
kormole

A magical world under human rule. Will you stand with the empire or fight in the rising rebellion?


Author's Note: 1. The World of Gildhaven Welcome to Gildhaven, a world rich with magic, diverse kingdoms, and a simmering rebellion. As you step into this world, remember that it is one of contrasts—where ancient powers fight against the iron rule of an ever-expanding human empire. You are entering a land where the oppressed dream of freedom and the powerful struggle to maintain control. 2. Magic and the Empire Magic is a force feared and misunderstood by many, especially within the human empire. While the empire has thrived by controlling knowledge, technology, and the flow of power, magic still stirs in hidden corners of the world. Keep in mind, magic is not widely embraced by the empire's citizens, and those who wield it can be seen as a threat. 3. The Rebellion The winds of rebellion are beginning to stir. Many across Gildhaven seek to challenge the empire's dominance and free those under its rule. There are secret organizations, underground movements, and even those among the empire’s ranks who seek change. Your characters’ choices will shape the outcome of this rebellion, for better or worse. 4. Character Connections In this world, your characters' actions and alliances matter. How you interact with the people you meet, from the oppressed to the powerful, will have lasting consequences. Loyalty, betrayal, and the search for freedom will shape your journey. 5. Themes to Keep in Mind As you play, remember that Gildhaven is a world on the edge of change. The struggle between tyranny and freedom, power and the powerless, is at the heart of the story. Think about the ideals that drive your character—do they fight for their freedom, for justice, or something else entirely? 6. Expect the Unexpected The world of Gildhaven is full of mystery, ancient secrets, and strange forces. Be prepared to encounter things that challenge your character’s beliefs, test their morals, and force them to make tough decisions. In this world, nothing is ever quite what it seems.
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12 days ago
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Altheris

Altheris

A kingdom that values knowledge and intellectual pursuits above all else, Altheris is home to great academies, libraries, and universities where scholars of all races gather to study magic, history, and the natural world. Governed by a council of esteemed scholars, Altheris excels in magical theory, engineering, and medicine. The peaceful kingdom is filled with towering spires, each a grand repository of knowledge and magical secrets, attracting both admirers and intruders.

Ashenhold

Ashenhold

Once a center of spirituality and magical enlightenment, Ashenhold has been corrupted into a fanatical seat for the empire’s religious doctrine. Built atop a high plateau, it looms over the vast wasteland, symbolizing a twisted amalgamation of power and faith that incites fear among its citizens. The juxtaposition of its grand architecture against a crumbling undercity starkly illustrates the disparity between its glorious façade and hidden decay.

Brighthold

Brighthold

Brighthold is a bustling, vibrant district that serves as the heart of Silvergate's middle class, a mix of neat streets, artisan markets, and public squares. Residents, from merchants to scholars, embody a community rich in ambition yet bound by the surveillance of an oppressive empire. The everyday life harmonizes with the dreams of upward mobility, all within a well-organized, clean, and relatively peaceful environment.

Celestia's Grandeur

Celestia's Grandeur

The ballroom of the imperial palace, known as Celestia's Grandeur, is a sprawling room adorned with opulent chandeliers and intricately woven tapestries depicting the history of the realm. The atmosphere is alive with the soft echo of music and laughter, as elegantly dressed nobles twirl across the polished marble floor beneath the warm glow of enchanted, floating orbs that illuminate the vast space.

Drakemarch

Drakemarch

Nestled high in the rugged Ironclad Peaks, Drakemarch is a fortified mining town that serves as a vital artery for the Gildhaven Empire’s industry and military power. Its towering black-stone walls rise against the harsh, snow-capped mountains, a grim silhouette against the swirling mists. However, life here is brutal, as miners toil endlessly under oppressive conditions, fostering a simmering hotbed of rebellion.

Duskholme

Duskholme

Perched on the edge of the ominous Riftlands, Duskholme is a grim city defined by its concentric architecture surrounding a glowing magic rift at its center. This beleaguered settlement thrives on the extraction of arcane energy while constantly fortifying itself against the dangers that lurk within and beyond the rift.

Embergrove District

Embergrove District

The Embergrove District is a bustling hub where commoners go about their daily lives, a lively tapestry woven through narrow streets filled with market stalls and small workshops. Here, modest homes stand shoulder to shoulder, each one echoing the stories of the hardworking families that reside within. Despite the smoke and ash that swirl in the air, reminders of the oppressive forces that overshadow them, the district pulses with community spirit and resilience.

Emerald Forest

Emerald Forest

The Emerald Forest is a realm of ancient trees, their towering trunks stretching high into the sky, creating a magical canopy of green. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and moss, while the sounds of wildlife echo from within its depths. This forest is a living testament to nature's majesty, offering both beauty and mystery to any brave enough to venture into its embrace.

Eryndor

Eryndor

Eryndor, known as The Verdant Realm, is a kingdom renowned for its lush forests, rolling hills, and sprawling grasslands. Ruled by a dynasty of druids and rangers, the kingdom prioritizes the protection of its flora and fauna, maintaining a deep connection with nature. The people are skilled in herbalism, hunting, and animal taming, living in harmony with their environment amidst massive tree cities and sacred groves that serve as meeting places for powerful druids.

Firescar

Firescar

Firescar is a land marked by constant volcanic activity, signifying the ferocity and resilience of its proud people. This kingdom thrives amidst lava rivers and an ash-filled sky, ruled by a council of fire mages and blacksmiths. They master the forge's power to craft advanced and durable weapons, which are famed across the realms. The people of Firescar, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, are deeply spiritual, honoring deities associated with fire, lava, and molten rock.

Foyer of the Celestial Palace

Foyer of the Celestial Palace

The Grand Foyer of the Celestial Palace serves as an awe-inspiring entrance, where gilded columns stretch towards a painted ceiling depicting the celestial heavens. The marble floor shimmers underfoot, adorned with intricate mosaics that depict the history of the kingdom. A sense of grandeur fills the space, welcoming dignitaries and adventurers alike.

Gildhaven Empire

Gildhaven Empire

A sprawling human-ruled domain, the Gildhaven Empire stands as a symbol of both order and oppression. Its banners fly high over fertile farmlands, industrial cities, and fortified outposts, stretching across a vast and diverse landscape under the iron-fisted rule of its imperial family. While the capital, Silvergate, shines brightly, the darkness of oppression and the fear of magic loom large over its diverse populace.

Imperial Guard Room

Imperial Guard Room

The guard room of the imperial palace is a high-security area where the elite guards rest and strategize. The walls are adorned with intricate murals depicting past glories of the empire. A sense of vigilance permeates the air as the guards stand at attention, ready to respond to any threats to the state.

Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace of the Gildhaven Empire stands majestically amidst lush gardens and shimmering fountains, a testament to the empire's grandeur and prosperity. Its high towers reach towards the heavens, each adorned with elaborate carvings depicting the history of the realm. The vibrant colors of the palace's stained-glass windows tell tales of ancient heroes and legendary battles, inviting visitors to explore the richness of their heritage.

Imperial Throne Room

Imperial Throne Room

The throne room of the imperial palace exudes an aura of both majesty and authority. Grand columns rise to a vaulted ceiling adorned with intricate murals depicting the kingdom's glorious history. The air is thick with the scent of incense, and a plush red carpet leads from the entrance to the ornate throne, where the sovereign sits, flanked by loyal guards and wise advisers.

Imperial War Room

Imperial War Room

The Imperial War Room is a strategic hub filled with maps and plans detailing the realm's defenses and military operations. Ornate banners hang from the walls depicting heroic battles, and a grand table sits at the center, covered in miniatures representing troop movements and enemy positions.

Moonbrook Forest

Moonbrook Forest

A vast and enchanting forest that separates the bustling city from the towering mountains beyond. Moonbrook Forest is renowned for its thick, intertwined canopy that allows only scattered beams of sunlight to reach the forest floor, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The air is rich with the scent of damp earth and blooming flora, while the sounds of rustling leaves and distant calls of mystical creatures fill the air. This forest is a haven for both dangerous predatory beasts and benevolent spirits, where hidden enclaves of druids and nature spirits are said to thrive, guarding the secrets of the ancient woods.

Mossveil Swamp

Mossveil Swamp

A dark, boggy area near the southern edge of the Verdant Reach, Mossveil Swamp is home to dangerous creatures like crocodiles, giant frogs, and swamp serpents. Despite the hazards, it also contains valuable resources, such as rare mushrooms and medicinal plants, found only in such harsh environments. The swamp is also inhabited by several reclusive tribes who have adapted to the damp surroundings.

Riftforge District

Riftforge District

The Riftforge District serves as the heart of arcane industry, buzzing with the activity of workers who maintain the immense arcane extractors that dominate the skyline. The atmosphere is charged with magical energy, creating an environment where the line between the mundane and the extraordinary often blurs, leading to strange occurrences and unsettling phenomena for those who dare to tread here.

Royalspire

Royalspire

Royalspire is the beating heart of Silvergate’s aristocracy, characterized by opulence, power, and the looming presence of the royal palace. While its grand structures and elegant gardens exude beauty, the undercurrents of political intrigue and unrest reveal a more complex reality.

Sablemarsh

Sablemarsh

A dark, mysterious kingdom situated in vast, sprawling swamps and marshlands. Sablemarsh is home to various amphibious creatures, lizardfolk, and swamp-dwelling people who have learned to adapt to the harsh, waterlogged environment. The kingdom is ruled by powerful witches and shamans who draw their power from the murky waters and dark rituals. The people of Sablemarsh are skilled in herbalism, poisoncraft, and water magic, often trading their services with other kingdoms in exchange for valuable goods. The kingdom is known for its secrecy and its tendency to manipulate others from the shadows, often using assassination and curses to get what they want. Sablemarsh is a place of intrigue and danger, with rumors of ancient monsters lurking in the depths of the swamps.

Shadewarren

Shadewarren

Shadewarren is a sprawling, dimly lit residential area of the city, where the majority of the laborers and workers reside. Dense housing clusters gather around flickering street lamps, casting eerie shadows that seem to dance along the weathered cobblestones. Rumors of underground tunnels and hidden slums spread among the residents, whispering of a burgeoning resistance group plotting against the ruling powers.

Silvergate

Silvergate

Silvergate is the heart of the Gildhaven Empire, enveloped in a blend of grandeur and tension. Towering stone buildings encircle grand public squares, where the imposing Imperial Palace stands as the nexus of power. The streets resonate with the bustling life of traders, while shadowy alleyways whisper of rebellion, where hidden factions conspire against the empire's tight grip. Constant scrutiny from the watchful Imperial Guard heightens the atmosphere of secrecy and vigilance, creating an electric tension beneath the surface.

Silvermist Hills

Silvermist Hills

Silvermist Hills is a region of rolling hills blanketed by an ethereal, silver mist that often stretches into the distance, giving the landscape an almost dreamlike quality. The gentle undulations of the hills create a tapestry of soft greens and silvers, and the rising sun casts a surreal glow over the area.

Skyward Plateau

Skyward Plateau

The Skyward Plateau is a vast, elevated expanse that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. This majestic location is known for its vibrant flora, which blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors due to the unique magical properties of the soil. It is home to rare creatures and ancient ruins that hold the secrets of a long-lost civilization, making it a place of wonder and discovery.

The Ashen Glades

The Ashen Glades

A dense and eerie forest on the empire's eastern border, rumored to be home to ancient, forgotten magic. The empire views this area with suspicion, posting military outposts to keep it under control, though its depths remain untamed and dangerous.

The Azure Expanse

The Azure Expanse

To the east of Silvergate lies the Azure Expanse, a vast and mysterious body of water that connects the city to distant lands. Stretching out as far as the eye can see, it is both a source of wealth and danger for Silvergate, bringing trade, opportunity, and peril. The Expanse is renowned for its unpredictable currents, hidden islands, and whispers of ancient magic.

The Crimson Expanse

The Crimson Expanse

A scorched and barren desert on the empire’s southern edge, where old ruins hint at civilizations that predate the empire. Small nomadic tribes and rebel outposts hide among the canyons and oases, evading the empire’s control.

The Ember District

The Ember District

The Ember District is a vibrant yet decayed area in the heart of Silvergate, thriving on the heat of industry and passion. Known for its bustling trade in metals, coal, and gemstones, it serves as the hub for the city’s black market and underground activities, making it a haven for rogues and passionate creators alike.

The Fractured Vale

The Fractured Vale

The Fractured Vale is a desolate area surrounding the unstable Rift, where the very fabric of reality seems to warp and shift at will. The land is scarred by violent ruptures, with jagged cliffs and gnarled trees twisting unnaturally. Creatures that venture too close to the Rift have been known to lose their sanity, barking mad with eldritch whispers echoing in their minds. Travelers tread carefully here, for the Rift's unpredictable energies can manifest in strange phenomena, distorting space and time in unsettling ways.

The Gilded District

The Gilded District

The Gilded District is the heart of Silvergate's wealth and power, characterized by its lavish mansions, intricate public spaces, and extravagant shops. While it radiates elegance and prosperity, a darker undercurrent of political intrigue, rebellion, and hidden secrets courses beneath its polished surface. This district serves as a microcosm of Silvergate's elite, where power plays and alliances are forged as frequently as wealth is displayed, creating a landscape of constant tension where luxury and corruption reside side by side.

The Highroad Pass

The Highroad Pass

The Highroad Pass is a steep, narrow route through the rugged Ironclad Peaks, once a flourishing trade route now dominated by military presence. Guarded by imposing outposts and watch towers, it serves as a crucial artery for the empire, often witnessing clashes between imperial forces and rebels. The treacherous terrain is dotted with boulders and jagged cliffs, while the weather can shift from clear skies to fierce storms in the blink of an eye.

The Howling Pass

The Howling Pass

The Howling Pass is a narrow and treacherous route that slices through the towering Ironclad Peaks, known for its violent winds that can erode the sanity of those who travel through it. While the pass serves as a shortcut for the daring, it also attracts mercenaries and bounty hunters looking to capitalize on its natural cover. Rumored to harbor hidden caves and secret cults, the pass is as enigmatic as it is perilous.

The Ironclad Peaks

The Ironclad Peaks

The Ironclad Peaks loom ominously over the landscape, their jagged cliffs and shimmering mineral deposits a testament to the wealth they provide the empire. Amidst the harsh, frigid conditions, fortified mining towns like Drakemarch stand as bastions of industry, yet the threat of worker uprisings looms large in the shadow of imperial oppression.

The Ironward Quarter

The Ironward Quarter

The Ironward Quarter is a bustling, industrious neighborhood located at the edge of Silvergate, away from the pristine streets of the Gilded District. It is a place of hard work, struggle, and quiet resistance where laborers, artisans, and merchants thrive amidst the clang of metal and smoke from forges. The narrow, crowded streets host a close-knit community dreaming of rebellion against the empire's oppressive rule.

The Obsidian Cloister

The Obsidian Cloister

The Obsidian Cloister is a secluded and heavily guarded enclave reserved for the empire's most elite clergy and inquisitors. Inside its boundaries, one encounters an atmosphere steeped in dark secrets and whispered prayers, where a rigorous discipline governs every action.

The Obsidian Frontier

The Obsidian Frontier

The Obsidian Frontier is a rugged expanse that marks the western border of the empire, characterized by its wild and untamed landscapes. Gnarled trees and jagged rock formations dominate the terrain, creating an unforgiving environment where skirmishes with independent territories and warbands are a frequent occurrence. This borderland serves as both a protective buffer for the empire and a stark reminder of the lands still unconquered.

The Riftgate Market

The Riftgate Market

The Riftgate Market serves as the bustling trade hub of the city, drawing merchants and adventurers alike. With a vibrant assortment of stalls and shops, the market is alive with haggling and chatter, yet it remains under the watchful eyes of city guards who scrutinize the flow of goods to prevent the sale of illicit magical items, adding an air of tension to the lively scene.

The Shattered Valley

The Shattered Valley

The Shattered Valley is a desolate expanse marked by rugged terrain resulting from centuries of earthquakes and magical upheaval. This eerie land is scattered with jagged rock formations and the crumbling remains of ancient structures, with the earth beneath it appearing to shift and tremble as if it were alive. Though many stay away due to tales of restless spirits and dark magic, a few brave souls venture into its depths, driven by the allure of rare minerals, ancient relics, and the echoes of lost civilizations that still haunt this unsettling landscape.

The Shattered Wastelands

The Shattered Wastelands

The Shattered Wastelands is a desolate expanse filled with jagged rock formations, dry cracked earth, and remnants of ancient civilizations buried beneath the dust. Here, the air is thick with the scent of decay and the howling winds carry whispers of long-lost souls who wandered too far from safety. Survivors gather around the rare oases, scavenging for water and food amidst the bones of the past.

The Shimmering Docks

The Shimmering Docks

A sprawling harbor on the eastern edge of Silvergate, the Shimmering Docks buzz with activity as riverboats and steamships arrive daily, laden with trade goods from across the empire and beyond. Its vibrant markets overflow with rare and exotic items, enticing both locals and wandering adventurers alike. However, the docks are not without their problems; many areas are weathered and rickety, some parts submerged due to frequent flooding, while workers and dockhands inhabit ramshackle homes perched precariously on stilts near the water.

The Stonehold Ravine

The Stonehold Ravine

A deep, treacherous gorge that stretches for miles between Silvergate and the Ironclad Peaks. The ravine is notorious for its narrow passageways and perilous drop-offs, making travel through it a dangerous endeavor that often requires careful navigation or the use of rope bridges. Various hostile creatures, including wyverns and giant spiders, make their home here, thriving in the shadows. Whispers among adventurers speak of hidden caves that lead deep into the mountains, possibly concealing lost treasures or long-forgotten temples.

The Verdant Reach

The Verdant Reach

A sprawling agricultural heartland that feeds the empire, The Verdant Reach is characterized by its rolling fields that stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with quaint villages and bustling market towns. However, beneath its picturesque surface, a sense of resentment brews among the farmers, who are burdened by heavy taxes to support the wealth of Silvergate. Many secretly conspire to divert supplies to rebel factions, creating an undercurrent of tension within this fertile land.

The Verdant Ward

The Verdant Ward

Nestled along the city’s outskirts, The Verdant Ward is a district known for its lush gardens, expansive parks, and impressive botanical estates. The area is vibrant with rare plants, ancient trees, and exotic flowers, creating a serene environment that contrasts sharply with the stone and iron of Silvergate. Despite its beauty, the district harbors a dark side, built by those oppressed or marginalized, working under dangerous conditions to supply the elite with rare herbs and plants. Whispers of corruption linger, as the powerful seek to exploit the district's magical flora for their own gain.

The Warden's Quarter

The Warden's Quarter

The Warden's Quarter serves as the imposing headquarters for the Riftwardens and various imperial enforcers. Its heavily fortified stone walls tower over the surrounding area, casting long shadows that symbolize the fear and control it exerts over the populace. Within its confines, the air is thick with tension, as guards patrol the ramparts and the clanking of armor echoes through the stone corridors.

The Whispering Courtyard

The Whispering Courtyard

A small, tucked-away courtyard in Silvergate, surrounded by crumbling stone walls covered in ivy. At its center stands an ancient fountain carved with depictions of mythical beasts.

Twilight Marshes

Twilight Marshes

A dense, fog-covered swamp that stretches for miles to the west of Silvergate. The marsh is home to mysterious creatures and lost spirits, with a treacherous damp ground that can ensnare unwary travelers. Some believe it harbors ancient artifacts or the ruins of an old temple dedicated to forgotten gods.

Valkorheim

Valkorheim

A harsh, frozen land to the north of the Ironclad Peaks, Valkorheim is inhabited by rugged tribes who thrive in the extreme cold, relying on their strength and endurance. The kingdom is rich with resources like ice crystals and rare ores, and is home to arctic beasts such as mammoths and dire wolves. Ancient ruins beneath the ice hint at forgotten civilizations and lost magical powers.

This work includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC . The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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