The Kingdoms of The Continent
The Continent is divided into many kingdoms, each with their own culture and customs. Most kingdoms on the continent are listed below, in order from closest to the Valley of Ribbons to farthest away. Please keep in mind that the further away from the Valley your character comes from, the more 'foreign' they may be considered. For example, a Nilfgaardian character would likely be treated as a spy, or with mistrust as to their intentions.
Local Kingdoms
1. Verden
A minor kingdom, separated from Cintra by the Yaruga river, ruled by king Ervyll of Verden. Ruled from the fortress Nastrog, which also serves as the kingdom's capital, the people of Verden are a hardy people, used to working in the swamps and marshes which are plentiful in the kingdom. The same people are known for having a hatred of the Dryads in Brokilon, for many have died to Dryad arrows. The village of Old Oak is located in, and officially part of Verden. The Ribbon, the river flowing next to the village separates the kingdoms of Verden and Brugge.
2. Brugge
Located on the other side of the Ribbon is the kingdom of Brugge. Once an independent kingdom, Brugge is now a vassal to the kingdom of Temeria. While Venzlav officially still rules his country, he takes his cues and orders from king Foltest of Temeria. The Old Road runs trough the country, connecting Brugge with Temeria and Verden, though much of it lies in ruins as the local population has scavenged the ancient road's stone for building purposes. Garren's Mill is part of the kingdom of Brugge.
1. Verden
A minor kingdom, separated from Cintra by the Yaruga river, ruled by king Ervyll of Verden. Ruled from the fortress Nastrog, which also serves as the kingdom's capital, the people of Verden are a hardy people, used to working in the swamps and marshes which are plentiful in the kingdom. The same people are known for having a hatred of the Dryads in Brokilon, for many have died to Dryad arrows. The village of Old Oak is located in, and officially part of Verden. The Ribbon, the river flowing next to the village separates the kingdoms of Verden and Brugge.
2. Brugge
Located on the other side of the Ribbon is the kingdom of Brugge. Once an independent kingdom, Brugge is now a vassal to the kingdom of Temeria. While Venzlav officially still rules his country, he takes his cues and orders from king Foltest of Temeria. The Old Road runs trough the country, connecting Brugge with Temeria and Verden, though much of it lies in ruins as the local population has scavenged the ancient road's stone for building purposes. Garren's Mill is part of the kingdom of Brugge.
Nearby Kingdoms
3. Kerack
Kerack is a tiny kingdom north of Verden, existing mostly just out of a city and some surrounding lands. It was founded by a once pirate and bandit leader named Osmyk. None of the kingdoms intervened when he declared himself king of the lands, for Temeria, Verden and Cidaris had no interest in them. The kingdom is still very young, ruled by Osmyk himself, this kingdom is mostly populated by the old bandits and pirates that followed Osmyk, along with the original local population. While they know better than to rob their own people, many cities in the vicinity of Kerack grumble about the increase in crime and smuggling operations since the kingdom has been established. The people of Kerack are also known to have a hatred for the Dryads.
4. Temeria
The kingdom of Temeria, ruled by king Foltest is one of the four major powers in the northern kingdoms. Also called ''The Pearl of the North'', King Foltest is known to be wise, just, and powerful. The kingdom is plagued by the Scoia'Tael however, and a contempt and hatred of elves has started to foster among the local population as citizens and merchants alike get ambushed and killed along the roads. Temeria's response to this has been to set up commando units to hunt down and kill the non-human rebels. The Blue Stripes, lead by Vernon Roache is one famous example. As a society the kingdom is very feudalistic, though the royal family only holds a small portion of land. The rest of the kingdom exists out of lands ruled by dukes, warlords, elders, princes and governors who form the State Council, run out of its capital, Vizima. The council obeys the king's orders, though has been known to fall into disarray in the past when king Abdank died and no heir was clear. The kingdom itself is widely considered rich, though its primary industry is still agricultural. Its people are generally considered polite, but very discriminatory toward non-humans.
5. Cintra
Cintra is known as a very powerful kingdom under Queen Calanthe's reign. Its wealthy enough to support its own standing army and has various castles and keeps. The duchty of Attre is also part of the kingdom of Cintra. Much of Cintra's wealth is gained from the Amell mountains, which has proven to provide a steady source of jade, jasper and other gemstones. The mines also provide a steady supply of marble, of which many of the kingdom's statues are made. Considering the close supply of marble, many of Cintra's people are known to look down on other cities in the northern realms.
6. Sodden
Ruled by King Alaric, Sodden is a minor kingdom with vast grasslands. Its moderately wealthy and has a small standing army. Its primary export is mead, which is consumed all over the Northern Kingdoms, and widely considered the best. Its people are known to be hardworking and carefree, enjoying their lives as much as they can. The king is loved by his people and throws regular feasts in his keep, often ending with half the attendees drunk.
7. Mahakam
The Mahakam enclave is an autonomous region settled between the kingdoms of Temeria, Aedirn, Lyria and Sodden inhabited by Dwarves and Gnomes. Mahakam is known for being very mountainous, and it's from here that most of the Northern realm import iron and steel. Its iron and steel are famous for their quality, unmatched by any other known kingdom in the world. Thanks to advanced gnomish technology present, their weapons are also famous and highly coveted by those who can afford to buy them. While technically a fiefdom to Temeria, Mahakam has maintained most of its independence, threatening to stop its shipments of iron and steel and flood their mines should anyone try to invade. Ruled by a council of elders, Mahakam is one of the only dwarven enclaves known in existence.
3. Kerack
Kerack is a tiny kingdom north of Verden, existing mostly just out of a city and some surrounding lands. It was founded by a once pirate and bandit leader named Osmyk. None of the kingdoms intervened when he declared himself king of the lands, for Temeria, Verden and Cidaris had no interest in them. The kingdom is still very young, ruled by Osmyk himself, this kingdom is mostly populated by the old bandits and pirates that followed Osmyk, along with the original local population. While they know better than to rob their own people, many cities in the vicinity of Kerack grumble about the increase in crime and smuggling operations since the kingdom has been established. The people of Kerack are also known to have a hatred for the Dryads.
4. Temeria
The kingdom of Temeria, ruled by king Foltest is one of the four major powers in the northern kingdoms. Also called ''The Pearl of the North'', King Foltest is known to be wise, just, and powerful. The kingdom is plagued by the Scoia'Tael however, and a contempt and hatred of elves has started to foster among the local population as citizens and merchants alike get ambushed and killed along the roads. Temeria's response to this has been to set up commando units to hunt down and kill the non-human rebels. The Blue Stripes, lead by Vernon Roache is one famous example. As a society the kingdom is very feudalistic, though the royal family only holds a small portion of land. The rest of the kingdom exists out of lands ruled by dukes, warlords, elders, princes and governors who form the State Council, run out of its capital, Vizima. The council obeys the king's orders, though has been known to fall into disarray in the past when king Abdank died and no heir was clear. The kingdom itself is widely considered rich, though its primary industry is still agricultural. Its people are generally considered polite, but very discriminatory toward non-humans.
5. Cintra
Cintra is known as a very powerful kingdom under Queen Calanthe's reign. Its wealthy enough to support its own standing army and has various castles and keeps. The duchty of Attre is also part of the kingdom of Cintra. Much of Cintra's wealth is gained from the Amell mountains, which has proven to provide a steady source of jade, jasper and other gemstones. The mines also provide a steady supply of marble, of which many of the kingdom's statues are made. Considering the close supply of marble, many of Cintra's people are known to look down on other cities in the northern realms.
6. Sodden
Ruled by King Alaric, Sodden is a minor kingdom with vast grasslands. Its moderately wealthy and has a small standing army. Its primary export is mead, which is consumed all over the Northern Kingdoms, and widely considered the best. Its people are known to be hardworking and carefree, enjoying their lives as much as they can. The king is loved by his people and throws regular feasts in his keep, often ending with half the attendees drunk.
7. Mahakam
The Mahakam enclave is an autonomous region settled between the kingdoms of Temeria, Aedirn, Lyria and Sodden inhabited by Dwarves and Gnomes. Mahakam is known for being very mountainous, and it's from here that most of the Northern realm import iron and steel. Its iron and steel are famous for their quality, unmatched by any other known kingdom in the world. Thanks to advanced gnomish technology present, their weapons are also famous and highly coveted by those who can afford to buy them. While technically a fiefdom to Temeria, Mahakam has maintained most of its independence, threatening to stop its shipments of iron and steel and flood their mines should anyone try to invade. Ruled by a council of elders, Mahakam is one of the only dwarven enclaves known in existence.
Distant Kingdoms
8. The Kingdom of Lyria and Rivia
Ruled by queen Maeve, the kingdom of Lyria and Rivia is one of the Northern kingdoms. Since the reunification of the two kingdoms, it's got two capitals. The kingdom is ruled from the city of Lyria during the summers, and from Rivia during the winters, with the royal family traveling between the capitals. Queen Mave is widely respected for being both wise and cunning. The kingdom's people are especially known to be racist toward non humans, with pogroms not being an unfamiliar thing. Lyria and Rivia can summon a relatively big army, though they're mostly famed for having the best crossbowmen in the continent.
9. Nazair
South of Cintra lays Nazair, reachable from the north only through a small pass between the Andell mountain range. It's a vassal state of Nilfgaard, though the kingdom became famous for its fierce resistance to the Nilfgaardian occupation and the subsequent uprisings. However as each rebellion was quashed by Nilfgaard, the populace of Nazair has started to adjust to their new rulers. Nilfgaardian soldiers still patrol the streets though most of Nazair's people who held thoughts of freedom were slain during the many uprisings. The country is also famous for its blue roses, which are purple at the edges of their petals.
10. Redania
The kingdom of Redania is one of the four major powers in the Northern realms. Rich from trade and agriculture, they've have many conflicts with the kingdom of Temeria, who is considered their main rival. King Vizimir II rules the kingdom, though his rule is heavily influenced by sorceresses who function as advisors. Known for having the best spy network in the world and can field an enormous army. The social structure in Redania is unique, as it is the kingdom with the largest number of noble families residing in it, and their nobles are often appointed as officers and commanders in their armies. The noble families are spread over the kingdom, each living in manors and estates, many possessing private armies. It's widely accepted that Redania fields the best cavalry in the northern kingdoms. As for industry, most of the kingdom's wealth comes from agriculture and trade with the wealthy city of Novigrad and it's often jokingly said that Redania is the granary of the Northern kingdoms. The city of Oxenfurt also lies in the kingdom of Redania, where many famous doctors, artists and scientists have studied.
11. Novigrad
With a population of around 30,000 people, the Free City of Novigrad is one of the largest cities in the north. Though while technically located inside the kingdom of Redania, the rich city is free to choose its own destiny. Hosting one of the largest shipping ports in the Northern Realms, the city is a heavy competitor of Kovir and Poviss. Its populace is known to wear colorful clothing and the streets are often filled with courtesans, thieves and beggars. The church of the Eternal fire has a strong presence in the city, as does its criminal underworld.
12. The Skellige Islands
Existing of six large islands and various smaller ones, each of the six islands has a clan that rules over it. These clans are generally ruled by a Jarl, who could be considered the warlord of the isles. Often an alliance between clans and/or wars result in a Jarl being selected. The people themselves are both traders and raiders, their superior longships capable of sailing far and even up river. Many of the Northern kingdoms frown on the people of Skellige and consider them to be too violent.
13. Aedirn
Aedirn is another one the four major powers in the Northern realms, known for their rivalry with Kaedwen over disputed lands between the two kingdoms. Its capital is Vengerberg, from which king Demavend III rules the kingdom. Being one of the most recent kingdoms to be settled, they had to fight the elves to move them from their lands in recent memory and still deal with stragglers hiding in their forests. It's no surprise that both the Scoia'Tael are very strong and active in Aedirn, and the local population strongly dislike the race. Funnily enough, the population is on very good terms with the dwarves, though while Aedirn boasts their own mines from which they extract Iron and steel, dwarves often work in them as well. Being one of the richest kingdoms thanks to their strong industry, Aedirn has excellent farm lands, a strong steel industry. In the capital, Vengerberg, the country's wool is all woven and hops are distilled and brewed.
14. Toussaint
Toussaint is a dutchy within Nilfgaard famous for its wines, whose grapes grow excellently thanks to the volcanic soil the farms are settled on. Toussaint is ruled by Duchess Anna Henriette and the dutchy has no army or milita of its own. Knight errants keep watch over its borders and towns, and are known to be very observant. Tradition is very important to the people of Toussaint, and they are therefore always held, no exceptions. Nilfgaard generally doesn't involve itself in Toussaint's affairs and rarely even crosses its borders.
15. Kaedwen
Kaedwen is the largest kingdom in the Northern realm, and second largest kingdom in the known world. Its capital is Ard Carraigh from which king Henselt rules, who is known to have a violent temper and pursuing radical policies toward non-humans. Its also well known for its city Ban Ard, which hosts a famous sorcery school. Its climate is known to be cold and the country contains many forests, Kaedwen quarrels often with Aedirn over the ownership of the Pontar Valley. West of Kaedwen lay the Blue Mountains, home to the Witcher keep of Kaer Morhen. Kaedwen has lost a great many people in their woodlands due to brutal Scoia'tael strikes causing great injury to its economy. The human population responded by killing assimilated elves and dwarves in their cities, causing more hatred from either side. Anyone who suggests peace is quickly called a traitor or elf-lover.
16. Kovir and Poviss
The kingdom of Kovir and Poviss gained its independence after King Radovid III tried to tax them. The people resisted and formed an army, which defeated the gathered armies of Redania and Kaedwen and allowed them to declare their independence. Kovir and Poviss is a kingdom of risk-averse merchants, geologists, miners and underestimated scientists. Priding themselves on their neutrality, they avoid getting involved directly in any conflict and seek to continue trade. This attitude is drawing more and more learned people toward it who want the autonomy this provides.
17. Nilfgaard
The Nilfgaardian Empire is the largest known kingdom in the world. Unmatched in power by any other kingdom, it's ruled by emperor Emhyr var Emreis and has expanded significantly under his rule. Many of its provinces are actually vassal kingdoms which are ruled either by stewards or kings, the latter of which surrendered to Nilfgaard in return for being allowed to remain king. The empire's inhabitants believe that the only 'true' Nilfgaardian citizens are born in the heart of the empire, while the citizens born in its provinces are not considered equals. Its main religion is the cult of the Great sun, which is prominently featured on their banners.
18. Zerrikania
Not much is known about the mysterious kingdom to the south eastern part of the continent. Most people live their lives in the northern realms without ever meeting a Zerrikanian, though people are happy to gossip about their famed tattooed warrior women who are skilled with sabers, hot climate and exotic creatures such as tigers.
8. The Kingdom of Lyria and Rivia
Ruled by queen Maeve, the kingdom of Lyria and Rivia is one of the Northern kingdoms. Since the reunification of the two kingdoms, it's got two capitals. The kingdom is ruled from the city of Lyria during the summers, and from Rivia during the winters, with the royal family traveling between the capitals. Queen Mave is widely respected for being both wise and cunning. The kingdom's people are especially known to be racist toward non humans, with pogroms not being an unfamiliar thing. Lyria and Rivia can summon a relatively big army, though they're mostly famed for having the best crossbowmen in the continent.
9. Nazair
South of Cintra lays Nazair, reachable from the north only through a small pass between the Andell mountain range. It's a vassal state of Nilfgaard, though the kingdom became famous for its fierce resistance to the Nilfgaardian occupation and the subsequent uprisings. However as each rebellion was quashed by Nilfgaard, the populace of Nazair has started to adjust to their new rulers. Nilfgaardian soldiers still patrol the streets though most of Nazair's people who held thoughts of freedom were slain during the many uprisings. The country is also famous for its blue roses, which are purple at the edges of their petals.
10. Redania
The kingdom of Redania is one of the four major powers in the Northern realms. Rich from trade and agriculture, they've have many conflicts with the kingdom of Temeria, who is considered their main rival. King Vizimir II rules the kingdom, though his rule is heavily influenced by sorceresses who function as advisors. Known for having the best spy network in the world and can field an enormous army. The social structure in Redania is unique, as it is the kingdom with the largest number of noble families residing in it, and their nobles are often appointed as officers and commanders in their armies. The noble families are spread over the kingdom, each living in manors and estates, many possessing private armies. It's widely accepted that Redania fields the best cavalry in the northern kingdoms. As for industry, most of the kingdom's wealth comes from agriculture and trade with the wealthy city of Novigrad and it's often jokingly said that Redania is the granary of the Northern kingdoms. The city of Oxenfurt also lies in the kingdom of Redania, where many famous doctors, artists and scientists have studied.
11. Novigrad
With a population of around 30,000 people, the Free City of Novigrad is one of the largest cities in the north. Though while technically located inside the kingdom of Redania, the rich city is free to choose its own destiny. Hosting one of the largest shipping ports in the Northern Realms, the city is a heavy competitor of Kovir and Poviss. Its populace is known to wear colorful clothing and the streets are often filled with courtesans, thieves and beggars. The church of the Eternal fire has a strong presence in the city, as does its criminal underworld.
12. The Skellige Islands
Existing of six large islands and various smaller ones, each of the six islands has a clan that rules over it. These clans are generally ruled by a Jarl, who could be considered the warlord of the isles. Often an alliance between clans and/or wars result in a Jarl being selected. The people themselves are both traders and raiders, their superior longships capable of sailing far and even up river. Many of the Northern kingdoms frown on the people of Skellige and consider them to be too violent.
13. Aedirn
Aedirn is another one the four major powers in the Northern realms, known for their rivalry with Kaedwen over disputed lands between the two kingdoms. Its capital is Vengerberg, from which king Demavend III rules the kingdom. Being one of the most recent kingdoms to be settled, they had to fight the elves to move them from their lands in recent memory and still deal with stragglers hiding in their forests. It's no surprise that both the Scoia'Tael are very strong and active in Aedirn, and the local population strongly dislike the race. Funnily enough, the population is on very good terms with the dwarves, though while Aedirn boasts their own mines from which they extract Iron and steel, dwarves often work in them as well. Being one of the richest kingdoms thanks to their strong industry, Aedirn has excellent farm lands, a strong steel industry. In the capital, Vengerberg, the country's wool is all woven and hops are distilled and brewed.
14. Toussaint
Toussaint is a dutchy within Nilfgaard famous for its wines, whose grapes grow excellently thanks to the volcanic soil the farms are settled on. Toussaint is ruled by Duchess Anna Henriette and the dutchy has no army or milita of its own. Knight errants keep watch over its borders and towns, and are known to be very observant. Tradition is very important to the people of Toussaint, and they are therefore always held, no exceptions. Nilfgaard generally doesn't involve itself in Toussaint's affairs and rarely even crosses its borders.
15. Kaedwen
Kaedwen is the largest kingdom in the Northern realm, and second largest kingdom in the known world. Its capital is Ard Carraigh from which king Henselt rules, who is known to have a violent temper and pursuing radical policies toward non-humans. Its also well known for its city Ban Ard, which hosts a famous sorcery school. Its climate is known to be cold and the country contains many forests, Kaedwen quarrels often with Aedirn over the ownership of the Pontar Valley. West of Kaedwen lay the Blue Mountains, home to the Witcher keep of Kaer Morhen. Kaedwen has lost a great many people in their woodlands due to brutal Scoia'tael strikes causing great injury to its economy. The human population responded by killing assimilated elves and dwarves in their cities, causing more hatred from either side. Anyone who suggests peace is quickly called a traitor or elf-lover.
16. Kovir and Poviss
The kingdom of Kovir and Poviss gained its independence after King Radovid III tried to tax them. The people resisted and formed an army, which defeated the gathered armies of Redania and Kaedwen and allowed them to declare their independence. Kovir and Poviss is a kingdom of risk-averse merchants, geologists, miners and underestimated scientists. Priding themselves on their neutrality, they avoid getting involved directly in any conflict and seek to continue trade. This attitude is drawing more and more learned people toward it who want the autonomy this provides.
17. Nilfgaard
The Nilfgaardian Empire is the largest known kingdom in the world. Unmatched in power by any other kingdom, it's ruled by emperor Emhyr var Emreis and has expanded significantly under his rule. Many of its provinces are actually vassal kingdoms which are ruled either by stewards or kings, the latter of which surrendered to Nilfgaard in return for being allowed to remain king. The empire's inhabitants believe that the only 'true' Nilfgaardian citizens are born in the heart of the empire, while the citizens born in its provinces are not considered equals. Its main religion is the cult of the Great sun, which is prominently featured on their banners.
18. Zerrikania
Not much is known about the mysterious kingdom to the south eastern part of the continent. Most people live their lives in the northern realms without ever meeting a Zerrikanian, though people are happy to gossip about their famed tattooed warrior women who are skilled with sabers, hot climate and exotic creatures such as tigers.