The Magical Aristocracy

As magic's power entrenched itself in the Kingdom of Riverhold under Valthorien's reign, an unsettling division began to manifest. While King Orrin Valthorien embraced magic, the majority of the old aristocracy struggled to grasp it. Desperate to maintain influence, they hired accomplished mages, leading to a new kind of aristocratic power structure where magic became an instrumental tool of dominance.

The corridors of power in Riverhold were once the realm of pedigree and politics. Yet, in the wake of House Valthorien's ascendancy, the arcane's shimmer began to touch every facet of governance. But not all were adept. The old aristocracy, shaped by traditions and ancient lineages, found themselves floundering in this new world of spells and enchantments.   House Valthorien, with its deep roots in magic, was the exception rather than the rule. Many noble families, disconnected from the teachings and natural affinities that gave rise to magical prowess, were unable to harness the power that now dictated dominance. Their solution was to acquire what they could not cultivate. Gold-lined pockets attracted numerous skilled magicians to their banner, offering their magical expertise in return for prestige and protection.   King Orrin's court, a magical marvel in itself, showcased the grandeur of magic. Yet, beneath this facade of opulence, the elite realized that to retain their influence, they needed to control magic's spread. Strict regulations, licenses, and exorbitant fees for arcane schools were imposed. This ensured that magical training remained largely within the grasp of the elite, creating a socio-political environment where power wasn't just about lineage or wealth but controlling the very fabric of magic itself.   The druids, already disheartened from seeing magic turned into a political weapon by the Valthoriens, were devastated by this new stratification. Committed to their ancient ethos, they initiated clandestine teachings, ensuring that the magical essence they revered wouldn't become a plaything of the elite.   As the years passed, the rift grew wider. The elite, heady with the might of their mage-mercenaries, and the commoners, resentful of their exclusion from this new world order, viewed each other with deepening mistrust. It was evident that the seeds of upheaval was planted in Riverhold. The magic, with a promise of unity and progress, now threatened to tear the society apart.   The Great Houses:
House Valthorien
House Ebonwood
House Silverfang   Previous event