Silverymoon
Silverymoon—known as the Gem of the North—is a city of legend. It stands as a beacon of high culture, magical learning, and enlightened civilization in the heart of the untamed wilderness. Where Neverwinter is famed for the skill of its hands, Silverymoon is renowned for the depth of its mind and the beauty of its spirit.
To travelers from the Sword Coast, it is a place of wonder: a city where magic is woven into the very streets, where elves and dwarves walk alongside humans as equals, and where the pursuit of knowledge is considered the highest calling.
Overview: The Myth Drannor of the North
Silverymoon was consciously founded to emulate the lost elf city of Myth Drannor, aspiring to create a utopia where people of all goodly races could live in harmony, protected by magic and governed by wisdom. It is often described as the most welcoming and beautiful city in all Faerûn.
- A City of Learning: It is the foremost center of magical study and general scholarship in the North, home to legendary libraries and conclaves of mages.
- A City of Integration: Unlike human cities with segregated districts, Silverymoon’s citizens live together. It is common to find dwellings shared by humans, elves, dwarves, and gnomes, with architecture that blends seamlessly into the natural cliffs and trees.
- A City of Defense: Its safety is maintained not by grim walls alone, but by a powerful elven mythal (a permanent magical ward), a chivalric army, and an order of wizard-defenders.
History & Timeline
The Early Foundation (c. 637–1230 DR)
- 637 DR: The city is founded around the Moonwell, a sacred site for followers of the goddess Selûne.
- c. 754 DR: The great wizard Elminster Aumar aids in establishing the city’s early defenses and its reputation as a haven.
- 1230 DR: The ruling council invites the moon elf Alustriel Silverhand—one of the famed Seven Sisters and a Chosen of Mystra—to become High Lady. She accepts, beginning a reign that would define the city for over a century.
The Silverhand Era (1230–1369 DR)
- Under High Lady Alustriel, Silverymoon enters its golden age. She forges the Knights in Silver, strengthens the Spellguard, and turns the city into the scholarly and diplomatic heart of the North.
- 1325 DR: Silverymoon becomes a founding member of the Lords’ Alliance, allying with Neverwinter, Waterdeep, and other northern powers.
- 1369 DR: After 139 years of rule, Alustriel steps down to focus on forming the Confederation of the Silver Marches. She appoints her trusted advisor, the human mage Taern “Thunderspell” Hornblade, as her successor.
The Modern Age (1369 DR–Present)
- 1371–1409 DR: Silverymoon fights valiantly alongside its allies during the Orc Wars against the Kingdom of Many-Arrows.
- 1480s DR: The Confederation of the Silver Marches dissolves under external pressure and internal strife, but Silverymoon itself remains strong and independent.
- 1491 DR: Taern Hornblade still rules as High Mage. Silverymoon remains a pivotal, stable power in the Lords’ Alliance and a key eastern ally to Neverwinter.
The Cityscape
Silverymoon is built on both banks of the clear, swift-flowing River Rauvin.
The Moonbridge: The city’s most famous landmark is this magical, invisible bridge of force that spans the river. It is stable and safe, but unnerving to cross for first-time visitors who see only the churning water below their feet.
Northbank: The older, more organic half of the city. Buildings are carved into cliffs or built around ancient trees. This area houses the Vault of the Sages (a vast library), the House of the Harp (for bards), and the Conclave of Silverymoon (a society of wizards).
Southbank: Slightly more formal, with elegant spires, the Hall of Scribes, and the barracks of the Knights in Silver. The Tower of the High Mage rises here.
The Mythal: An ancient, powerful elven magic field that envelops the city. It deters evil creatures, suppresses hostile magic, and can grant enhanced abilities to the city’s defenders.
Politics, Power, and Defense
Government: Silverymoon is ruled by the High Mage, advised by the Council of Seven (three elected citizens, three appointed experts, and the commander of the Knights in Silver). The current ruler is High Mage Taern Hornblade.
Defense Forces:
- The Knights in Silver: The famed, chivalric standing army. They are well-trained, idealistic, and known for their shining armor.
- The Spellguard: An elite order of wizards and sorcerers charged with the city’s magical defense and policing. All arcane spellcasters residing in the city must register with them.
- The Myth Drannor Mythal: The city’s ultimate magical shield.
Diplomatic Relations: Silverymoon is a cornerstone of the Lords’ Alliance. Its primary allies are Neverwinter, Waterdeep, and the dwarf holds of the Sword Mountains. Its relationship with Neverwinter is one of mutual respect and solidarity; both are “Gems” committed to civilization in a dangerous land.
What This Means for You
For adventurers on the Sword Coast, Silverymoon represents several key things:
- A Sanctuary: It is one of the safest places in the North to rest, resupply, and escape pursuit. Violence is fiercely punished, and the city’s guards are both capable and just.
- A Source of Knowledge: If you need to research an ancient relic, identify a strange magic, or find a sage who understands aberrant lore, Silverymoon is the best place to go. Its libraries are unparalleled.
- A Center of Power: Quests from the Lords’ Alliance or from the Conclave of wizards often originate here. It is a place to find prestigious, high-stakes employment.
- A Cultural Wonder: For characters from more rough-and-tumble places like the Sword Coast frontier, a visit to Silverymoon can be an awe-inspiring experience of what civilization can achieve at its best.
Traveling to Silverymoon from Neverwinter is a long (nearly 500-mile) and dangerous journey east, but for many, the destination is worth the perils of the road.
Back to Mention: Return to Neverwinter Lore Related Lore: Neverwinter’s Ancient Alliances, Factions, Sword Coast