The Silverwrights Guild, also known as The Forged Hands, is one of Nova's most prestigious and influential factions, renowned for its mastery of silverwork and forging techniques. Silver is the guild's lifeblood—it flows through their veins in the form of meticulously crafted coins, jewelry, and weapons, and its value resonates deeply within the kingdom’s economy and culture. They are responsible for producing not just everyday items, but works of art that elevate silver into a symbol of power, status, and prestige.
The Forged Hands have perfected the art of crafting silver, blending traditional techniques with innovative methods, and are regarded as the finest smiths in the kingdom. From coinage to exquisite treasures, silver statues to ritual blades, their creations are sought after by nobility and commoners alike.
The guild is not just focused on production; it wields substantial political power, controlling the trade of silver across Nova and beyond. The influence of their silver masters extends into the realms of finance, craftsmanship, and military might, as silver’s importance in coinage and weaponry makes it an indispensable commodity.
The origins of the Silverwrights Guild are steeped in legend. According to the most popular tale, the guild began with a single craftsman, a master smith named Yelric Forgeheart, who discovered a method to create silver that was stronger and more malleable than anything known to the kingdom at the time. Yelric's work quickly caught the attention of nobles and merchants alike, leading to his formation of a formal guild that would unite the best smiths and silversmiths across the land.
The guild's roots lie in the artisan craft—as opposed to large-scale industry—meaning that each member is a highly skilled craftsman, not just a laborer. Yelric imbued the guild with a deep sense of pride in their craft, and the pursuit of perfection has been their guiding principle ever since. Over the centuries, the guild has expanded, establishing forges, workshops, and coin-minting facilities that span the kingdom.
At its heart, the Silverwrights Guild is a bastion of craftsmanship, where the pursuit of perfection in workmanship and quality is held above all else. The guild's motto, “Through Fire, We Forge”, embodies both their physical process of working with silver and their philosophical outlook on life and business. The Forged Hands believe that the struggle and heat of creation are necessary to produce something truly valuable.
This belief extends beyond their art—it's a central tenet of their dealings with outsiders and within the guild itself. To be valued within the guild, one must show resilience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the heat of their craft. They do not respect shortcuts, nor do they tolerate incompetence. It’s not just about the end product; the process is sacred, and only those who demonstrate mastery of the art of silverworking are granted the highest honors.
The Silverwrights Guild has a complex hierarchy, one rooted in skill, respect, and seniority. The guild is divided into various levels, each representing different aspects of their craft:
The Silvermaster: The highest title within the guild, the Silvermaster is the ruler of the guild, chosen based on a combination of wisdom, craftsmanship, and political maneuvering. They oversee all guild operations, making decisions that impact both the crafting and economic aspects of the guild.
The Forge Lords: These are the leaders of individual guild workshops and forges. Each Forge Lord oversees a specific aspect of silver production, such as coinage, jewelry, or weaponry. They are responsible for the quality of the work produced under their command and are often sought after for their expertise in a particular field.
The Silversmiths: These are the skilled workers of the guild. They are craftsmen who dedicate their lives to the art of silverworking. Some may specialize in jewelry, others in armor, while others may focus on ritualistic items or decorative arts. They represent the heart of the guild, and their work is highly respected.
The Apprentices: The youngest and least experienced members of the guild, apprentices are the students who serve under the Silversmiths. Their training is long and grueling, but it is through this intensive apprenticeship that they learn the fine art of forging, molding, and shaping silver.
The Coinmasters: A specific subset of the guild that focuses on minting silver coins, these guild members oversee the creation of official currency. They are highly political, as the control of coinage provides them with enormous influence within both the guild and the kingdom.
The Silverwrights Guild is known for its highly advanced and exclusive silverworking techniques. There are several key methods and innovations that set the guild apart:
The Hearth of Perfection: This is the guild’s most prized creation—a forge that is rumored to be able to heat silver to such temperatures that it can be molded into any form without losing its integrity. The Hearth is central to the guild’s success, and it is a symbol of their commitment to unmatched craftsmanship.
The Silver Tempering Process: This method involves heating silver to precise temperatures, then cooling it rapidly to form a structure that is both hard and malleable. This process is crucial for crafting weapons and armor that need to be both light and durable.
Sacred Filigree: An ancient technique known only to the Silversmiths of the guild, sacred filigree involves creating intricate, delicate patterns in silver using tools that are almost surgical in their precision. This method is most commonly used in jewelry or ritual items that are used in noble ceremonies.
While the Silverwrights Guild is primarily a craftsmanship organization, it is also deeply involved in the politics of Nova, largely due to its control over the silver trade. The guild is one of the most influential factions in the kingdom, with its wealth and expertise in silvermaking giving it significant political leverage.
The Silver Council: A council made up of the most influential Forge Lords, Silversmiths, and Coinmasters. They hold regular meetings to discuss the future of the guild, as well as how to handle relations with the noble houses, foreign traders, and other factions in Nova.
Guild and Nobility: The guild has strong ties with the noble families, especially those who rely on silver for their coinage or military weaponry. They have a reciprocal arrangement—nobles provide protection and resources, and in return, the guild provides luxury items and weapons. There is, however, tension between the guild and the merchant guilds, particularly the Vintners' Guild, as both seek control over trade routes and luxury goods.
Foreign Relations: The guild’s status as a master of silver makes it a valuable partner for foreign powers. Trade agreements and alliances are often brokered with other kingdoms or factions seeking to import Nova’s fine silver goods. The Silverwrights are known to be cautious in their dealings with outsiders, preferring to keep their cards close to their chest, especially in matters involving currency or military contracts.
The Silverwrights Guild is not just a crafting organization; it is a symbol of Nova's wealth, prestige, and power. Through their mastery of silver, the Forged Hands shape the very identity of Nova. Whether creating the kingdom’s currency, crafting weapons for royalty, or producing luxury goods for the wealthy elite, the guild’s influence stretches far and wide.
Their polished exterior hides a world of political intrigue and craftsmanship, where only those who are truly skilled and dedicated rise to the top. For a GM, the guild offers countless possibilities for plot development, from the creation of treasure-filled artifacts to the intricate political machinations involving their control of the kingdom’s wealth.