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This article is an expansion based on a canon element. For canon information on this topic, follow the link to The Witcher Wiki: Silk Islands. |
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This article is undergoing extensive construction and/or rewriting. The present content may be subject to change. |
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This fan-fiction article, Silk Islands, was written by Witcher190 and Witcher017. Please do not edit this fiction without the writers' permission. |
The Silk Islands are an archipelago adjacent to Fabiola, covered mostly in tropical jungle, giving rise to harsh people unafraid of the wilderness. This is where Fabio Sachs and his companions in Fabio Sachs' last expedition in 1302 first arrived after being shipwrecked with their white ships on the coast of the island of Hawaiki, before the discovery of the Western Continent.
The Islands' original inhabitants, referred to as "Islanders," speak a distant dialect descended from Elder Speech. Originally, it was a kingdom of its own; however, for some time, the archipelago has been governed by Nordling-descended colonial forces from Fabiola. The Nordling-descended inhabitants, for their part, are informally known as Fabiolan Islanders.
History[]
Prehuman ages[]
TBA
First Conjunction of the Spheres[]
TBA
Arrival of Fabio Sachs' third expedition to the islands[]
Main articles: Fabio Sachs, Putnam Pitch
The story of how the Silk Islands were discovered started in the year 1300 when, after his divorce from the elf Aine, the Griffin Witcher and later founder of the School of the Crane, Putnam Pitch, sought the support of his best friend, the explorer Fabio Sachs, with whom he candidly shared the details of how he had reached that point in his marriage. The close relationship between them allowed for open discussions about what had happened before Putnam adopted the distinctive "romantic cocky rebel" attitude that characterized him in the early 14th century. This interaction with Fabio provided different perspectives to the witcher, which gradually, albeit unknowingly by Putnam, eroded his new attitude, making it less enduring and being also key for the future rise of the already mentioned school that Putnam would found.
But apart from discussing sentimental matters, they also talked about other things, and in this conversation, Fabio ended up sharing his exciting plan to carry out an expedition that, unknowingly at that moment, would become his penultimate and one of his most significant endeavors. Despite being nearly fifty years old and feeling aged, Fabio was motivated to explore the possibilities that life still held for him. With his children already independent and the unfortunate loss of his wife Erin, the academic perspective after settled down from his two previous expeditions, no longer satisfied his restless spirit. He was determined to prove his theories about what lay beyond the vast Great Sea and not spend his life speculating until he died. As for the money he had, he saw no better way to spend it than on such a risky venture. The wealth obtained from his two previous expeditions, along with wise investments that had paid off, had become too much for him to manage. He cared little about being labeled as crazy and that it would be considered suicide by everyone, including several royal courts. There were wealthy individuals who spent their money on more foolish and extravagant things that did not try to contribute or didn't contribute anything to the world. Besides, his children weren't in need of money as he had raised them well enough to manage on their own and live comfortably without his assistance. His daughters had successful businesses, and his only son, Putnam Sachs, was a renowned painter, with paintings that sold for a fortune.
Upon hearing the idea of the expedition, Putnam couldn't help but smile. Yes, it was utter madness. But without a doubt, he was in. He had sworn that he would go to the ends of the earth for Fabio, and he would. Too many failed relationships, romantic or otherwise, to allow himself to fail in this and leave his friend hanging. Especially knowing the significance of it all, whether they failed and perished at sea or succeeded, finding something and returning to tell the tale.
After that, two years passed—two years during which Putnam and Fabio saw each other occasionally as the explorer organized everything and Putnam continued honing his aquatic witcher skills by taking coastal contracts or protecting ships. He was preparing himself for what would undoubtedly be the adventure of their lifetimes. It was the month of March in the year 1302, specifically the 11th day, when it would finally begin.
At last, the long-awaited departure day arrived. The port was bustling with activity as Putnam and Fabio oversaw the final preparations for the expedition. The ships, two to be precise, white in color, based on designs that combined Redanian galleys with influences from Cidarian galleys, had been commissioned by Fabio. They were impressive in both size and design, loaded to the brim with supplies, crew (among them some members of other expeditions like the mages Istredd and Eberhatt), and tools for the journey. While most people, even within the expedition, considered this adventure to be madness, the payment was too good, and the spirit of determination and excitement in the air was palpable despite it all.
The morning was crisp and clear as the two friends stood on the deck of one of the ships, gazing at the horizon. The sails fluttered in the sea breeze as they bid farewell to the coastline they had known all their lives. As the ship sailed further away from the mainland, Putnam and Fabio exchanged a meaningful look, reminiscing about all the times they had overcome challenges together.
The days at sea turned into weeks and then months. The crew sailed through storms and calm waters, keeping hope alive as they pursued Fabio's bold vision. Putnam, on his part, was tireless in his preparations and in protecting the crew from various dangers, showcasing his skills acquired as a witcher adapted to the open sea. This marked the emergence of the more "Crane-like" Putnam, leaving behind the "Proto-Crane" era of Putnam before the formation of the witcher school.
In fact, due to one of these storms, they had to make a stop at the island of Basilia, the westernmost civilized place (specifically, west of the Skellige) known to both Nordlings and Nilfgaardians (more Nilfgaardians than Nordlings, it must be said). While it provided them with a rest and the opportunity to gather strength for the rest of the journey, it also caused further delays because the ships needed repairs. In Putnam's case, it turned out to be positive as it allowed him to renew equipment that had been damaged or worn out from defending against monsters, so he didn't complain.
During this time, the witcher defended the crew from all sorts of aquatic and aerial monsters, from some he already knew, such as nixas, drowners, and sea serpents, to others he hadn't encountered before but managed to handle and then study, such as ceireans, zatarans, ranamaris, and afancs. These monsters would later become part of the future bestiary of the Cranes and the collective work colloquially known as the Tome of Monsters. On more than one occasion, the expedition came close to losing Putnam, but his skill as a witcher, along with the proto-techniques and equipment he had developed and brought with him, that would become part of the school he would establish, even though it was still 79 years away, served him well.
During the nights, it was customary for Putnam and Fabio to sit on the deck, gazing at the stars and sharing stories. They reminisced about moments of laughter, challenges overcome, and how they had come to this point. Despite the uncertainty the vast ocean presented, their friendship and Fabio's determination kept their spirits united, and with faith that they would achieve their goal. After all, they had faced worse challenges before.
Continuing with the journey, the two ships pressed onward, navigating dangers and challenges in the uncharted waters. Supplies were carefully managed, and the crew remained focused on the goal ahead. As the months passed, Putnam and Fabio shared their determination with the rest of the crew, inspiring them to stay united and not lose hope.
But as time passed, nearing a year of sailing, provisions began to run low, and the crew's morale was inevitably affected. However, at the last moment, just when a mutiny was about to erupt, Putnam found a glimmer of hope on the horizon. They finally spotted land, an unknown island that could hold the key to the success of their expedition if it wasn't a mirage. This island turned out to be none other than Hawaiki, where, unbeknownst to Putnam, he would spend a significant part of his life. Excitement filled the air as the ships headed towards the shore, hearts brimming with anticipation and determination. In just a few hours, it would all be over. Fabio had been right – beyond the continent lay a world waiting to be discovered and explored.
Unfortunately, just as they were finally approaching the land in a calm and composed manner after almost a year of journeying, a sudden and unexpected storm caught them off guard. It caused the ships to run aground on the coast of Hawaiki, leaving them stranded there, at least for what seemed like a lengthy period of time, if not forever.
The four years in the Silk Islands[]
By the time they awoke on the shore, battered and scattered, they could observe the wreckage of the ships. They realized that even if engineers and builders had come (ironically, as a precaution for the possibility of having to stay in their newfound land for a while, Fabio had been wise in that regard), it would take a long time to repair them. They were forced, without a doubt, to explore the island and survive. And so it was, they had to spend four long years on the main of the Silk Islands before they could return home. This marked the beginning shortly after, of the first contacts between the natives and the Nordlings.
These initial encounters were almost deadly. In a curious way, they echoed how the Nordlings had received the elves and other non-humans upon arriving to colonize The Continent back in the day, but in reverse. Whenever they attempted to engage in conversation with the natives they came across, the kindest response they received was a barrage of stones, spears, or arrows – somewhat reminiscent to several members of the expedition, such as Istredd, Eberhart, Fabio, and Putnam, to a certain encounter in the Far North, but without the aid of Vallaryel to serve as a bridge between both worlds. In fact, on more than one occasion, the arrows found their mark, though fortunately, without any fatalities.
They settled along the coast, constructing the settlement that would later become the capital of Hawaiki and the rest of the Silk Islands, Elmia, named in honor of the man who would eventually be known as Saint Elmo. He had ensured under his guidance that the ships didn't fare worse despite the storm, and he was the first to show the initiative to survive and explore in order to return home as soon as possible, when everyone else was demoralized.
It wouldn't be until some of the aforementioned arrows from the natives inflicted seemingly harmless impacts on members like Putnam, Fabio, Elmo, Eberhatt, and other expedition members, that the dynamics between Nordlings and natives began to change for the better. And it was all thanks to Istredd and his concern for his friends and the rest of the expedition members. It turned out that these arrows were coated with a slow-acting indigenous poison that posed a lethal threat to those injured. Even for Putnam, who had the advantage of his witcher biology, things looked grim (though he would eventually assimilate and adapt to the poison, recovering as expected, but nobody could have foreseen this at that time given his condition).
Amid the growing concern over the effects of the indigenous poison on the injured, Istredd, driven by desperation and the desire to save his companions, decided to commit an act of recklessness. He chose to seek help from the natives in finding a cure. He knew that it was highly likely they would attempt to kill him, but he had no other option. Trying to haphazardly mix unknown plants in an attempt to find an antidote on his own would be foolish and could even be considered involuntary manslaughter depending on how one looked at it.
The only thing he knew was that they didn't understand Common. Relying on his extensive knowledge of languages, he attempted to use the Elder Speech to see if it might somehow open channels of communication. He was met with a barrage of arrows, barely able to utter a word. It wasn't until he recited a spell in the Elder Speech to protect himself that the attacks ceased and the natives looked at him curiously. Not because of the magic he had used, as they had their equivalent of mages and druids called a "ruānuku," but because of the language he had employed, which seemed both familiar and strange to them, since they spoke a distant dialect of the Elder Speech.
Using the power of the spell, Istredd successfully quelled the barrage of arrows from the natives and seized their attention. As the tension in the air eased, Istredd initiated a form of communication through a combination of gestures and sporadic words. His objective was to build a bridge of mutual comprehension, transcending the linguistic barrier that had initially divided them.
Despite the formidable obstacles at the outset, Istredd's persistence began to bear fruit. Slowly but surely, he managed to convey his purpose, earnestly expressing that neither he nor his companions were monsters; rather, they were individuals much like the natives themselves, with their own feelings, dreams, and aspirations. With a mix of carefully chosen words and heartfelt gestures, he conveyed his quest to find a remedy for the venomous effects of the arrows that had harmed his wounded friends and allies during the last attack. He emphasized that his goal was to prevent their deaths, as he held a deep respect and affection for them. In addition, he touched upon various other topics, seeking to establish common ground and a foundation of mutual understanding.
The natives, cautious yet intrigued by this outsider who seemed to speak in a language that was both familiar and strange, began to observe his actions with more curiosity than hostility. As Istredd demonstrated his unwavering determination, empathy, and eagerness to comprehend them, some of them started to embrace his presence and even apologize for their last attack. Concurrently, they cooperated in his quest to find a solution for the poison. It's worth noting that initially, these individuals were few in number, but their ranks grew as the mage's benevolence became increasingly evident to them.
As Istredd persisted in his efforts to bridge the gap between their cultures, his actions spoke volumes about his intentions. The barriers that had once separated them began to crumble, replaced by a shared sense of purpose and mutual understanding. Gradually, more of the natives came to recognize the authenticity of his mission and the sincerity of his desire to aid his friends and allies.
Through persistence and empathy, Istredd not only diffused the hostility that had marred their initial interactions but also forged a connection that transcended language and cultural differences. His willingness to engage with them on their own terms, coupled with his dedication to finding a remedy for the venom, ultimately swayed the majority of the natives.
It was a slow and delicate process, marked by frustrated attempts at communication and misunderstandings. However, as already mentioned, gradually, Istredd and the natives began to collaborate, and their cooperation improved over time. Eventually, they found an antidote when Istredd visited the local ruānuku after one of the natives suggested it. The mage swiftly applied it to save all the wounded individuals (with the exception of Putnam, who had healed on his own due to his witcher nature, developing future immunity).
The journey from initial hostility to successful collaboration was characterized by the perseverance of Istredd and the natives. Despite the language barriers and cultural differences, they managed to bridge the gap through shared goals and a mutual desire for the well-being of their companions. Through trial and error, they developed effective means of early communication, using gestures, simple words, and even the universal language of empathy until Istredd developed a dictionary of the language during those four years.
As the partnership flourished, it became evident that both sides were motivated by the same fundamental values: the preservation of life and the fostering of understanding. Istredd's determination to save his friends and allies, coupled with the natives' willingness to set aside their initial suspicions after witnessing the mage's goodness, laid the foundation for a harmonious relationship based on mutual respect during that period.
The first year was the toughest. Not only due to the initial conflicts with the natives and the longing for Nordling lands, but also the adaptation to an unfamiliar, hostile, and wild environment while they work on repairing the ships completely. A considerable part of the expedition ended up dying from various tropical diseases. Despite this, with Istredd's help in establishing a relationship of mutual respect with the natives, and as they gradually interacted more with their "new neighbors," things started to change. There were casualties among the Silk Islanders as well, since the Nordlings had brought diseases to which they had no immunity. However, the magic and knowledge (likely of elven origin due to the dialect they spoke) of the local ruānuku prevented further deaths among them.
It must be said, that none of them saw that as a punishment from the gods in the case of the Nordlings, and in the case of the Silk Islanders from Paparuda for interacting, but as a trial set, at least in the case of the Silk Islanders by the rival of their deity Paparuda, Martolea, who was believed to have "taken away" the tapairus from them in the past (the name by which they referred to the elves that arrived at the Silk Islands after one of their colony white ships deviated from its course toward The Continent and reached the islands) Overcoming these challenges was considered by the most religious individuals in both groups as a way to demonstrate their worthiness for deeper mutual understanding and interaction.
The second year proved to be better. The surviving Nordlings learned to adapt and make the most of what the island had to offer, thanks to both their ingenuity and the assistance of the natives. The latter guided them in various matters, such as hunting animals, cooking, using plants, and many more aspects. All of this took place in Elmia, as the settlement had evolved by that year into a hub of trade and cultural exchange between the two groups through barter. The Silk Islanders offered their aid and knowledge, and in return, the Nordlings provided products salvaged from the ships that intrigued the Silk Islanders.
This second year, out of the four that occurred, would also be one of the best for a simple reason. Many Nordlings who came on the expedition ended up forming relationships with native women (primarily those who were widowed due to their partners falling victim to attacks by the orange dragons). This, to a considerable extent, alleviated the loneliness and uncertainty they felt. In fact, it gave them a sense of home when the first mixed-race children began to be born shortly thereafter.
Putnam even managed to find a partner (or something resembling it, as they never clarified what they were). She would be one of the many who would wear down gradually the romantic, cocky rebel attitude he had adopted after the trauma of his divorce with Aine. She was the daughter of the local ruānuku and his apprentice, named Wai Oro Cretu, or Creti, as the Griffin witcher would affectionately call her. In fact, it would be Creti who would show him the yet-unnamed (by the Nordlings, it must be said, as the Silk Islanders referred to them as Ard Darh, translated from their dialect as Mountains of the Birds) Sachs Mountains. It was in this place that Putnam would spend the remaining years of his life in the Silk Islands before his return to the Northern Kingdoms, living in a house that Creti and he built together. Unbeknownst to him at the time, this is also where he would establish the fortress of the School of the Crane decades later.
The story of how Putnam and Creti met is rather straightforward. It all began with troubles caused by the presence of orange dragons on the rivers of the island. Putnam, driven by his sense of duty, stepped forward to confront these monsters and protect the inhabitants, both Nordlings and Silk Islanders. On a fateful day, an orange dragon attempted to attack her while she was fishing in the river, but Putnam intervened just in time, eliminating the threat and rescuing her from danger.
This act marked the turning point in Putnam's relationship with the Silk Islanders, which had been rather limited until that point due to the fear that his mutant nature might worsen relations between the Nordlings and the natives, fueled by concerns of fear and discrimination similar to what occurred in the Northern Kingdoms. Luckily, he was proven wrong. Putnam's intervention not only saved her life but also forged a connection between him and Creti, and by extension, with her people. As a result, he found himself drawn into the heart of their community, where he began to interact more deeply with the Silk Islanders. Over time, he endeared himself to them through his willingness to assist with their ongoing struggles against the monsters that plagued their island ( despite the limitations he faced with his weaponry and armor ) and had claimed the lives of many of their finest warriors.
However, it wasn't just Putnam's bravery that captivated Creti and, later, the rest of the Silk Islanders. His striking appearance, which combined his natural beauty, witcher nature, and his distinct charisma, made him stand out among them. People were naturally curious about his origins and unique abilities. This curiosity was most evident in Creti, who felt a special fascination towards Putnam, sparking an interest that went beyond his role as a monster hunter, and Putnam happily answered her curiosity.
Interestingly, also during this time, Putnam's appearance underwent some noticeable changes. The island's sun bestowed upon him a deep tan, while his beard and hair took on a sun-kissed, beachy blond hue. Moreover, many of the tattoos that Putnam later acquired to cover numerous scars, which would become quite eye-catching for many people in the future, were done during this era by Creti in the traditional style of the Silk Islands. This served as a means for both of them to better connect due to the language barriers they often faced.
And why were the Silk Islands named as such? The reason is rather simple: the Silk Islanders were far from being a backward people. A prime example of their sophistication was evident in their clothing, which showcased their departure of all the tribal clichés that you could imagine. Their clothing varied in length based on the season, with longer garments worn during the monsoon season to shield against humidity brought by the intense rains.
What's particularly intriguing is that these garments were crafted from a type of native silk worm thriving on the islands. However, their utilization of these silk worms extended beyond clothing; they also harnessed them for other purposes, such as dyeing their clothes with a spectrum of colors. This was achieved by collecting the "saliva" that these silk worms secreted in different colors, which served as a form of communication among the worms themselves.
Consequently, the name "Silk Islands" emerged, encapsulating the islands' intricate relationship with these silk worms and the culture of the Silk Islanders themselves.
The civilization of the Silk Islanders, in comparison to that of the Nordlings, was considered primitive in some aspects while advanced in others. Due to the lack of mineral deposits, for example, they didn't possess steel swords and had to rely on obsidian extracted from volcanoes. These obsidian blades were then enchanted by a ruānuku to enhance their durability. Additionally, they didn't have a monetary system and relied on barter for trade.
However, in contrast to these limitations, much like the Aen Seidhe did in the Northern Kingdoms, the Silk Islanders boasted beautiful cities that were fully integrated with nature. These cities were either inherited from the "tapairus" or built by them; their origins remained a mystery. Unlike the elven cities that were destroyed during Nordling colonization, these cities were gradually fused with the structures constructed by the Nordling and Dwarven settlers over time, as colonization began. This merging process resulted in a strikingly syncretic urban landscape, reminiscent of the one found in the Nilfgaardian city of Baccalà who mixed Barsamen and Nilfgaardian architecture, for example.
On the other hand, while they lacked the advanced navigation knowledge required to cross an entire ocean, they did possess the skills necessary to navigate between the islands and engage with other Silk Islanders living on them. Moreover, when sea conditions were favorable, they could venture to the Western Continent, which remained visible from Hawaiki on clear days without requiring telescopes due to its close proximity. During these visits, they would fish in the coastal waters, catching species of fish that were absent from the islands. These unique catches were then utilized for various purposes, showcasing the resourcefulness of the Silk Islanders.
In the second year of their stay, the Silk Islanders revealed the existence of a new continent to the Nordlings on a clear day while they were teaching the Nordlings about their fishing techniques, sparking Fabio's motivation to explore it alongside the remaining members of the expedition once both ships had been fully repaired. Tragically, during their first exploration of the Western Continent in the fourth year, Fabio and his companions succumbed to a mysterious illness after reaching what would later be known as Fabio's Cape. Simultaneously, the other half of the expedition, equipped with one of the repaired ships, returned to the Northern Kingdoms to share news of this groundbreaking discovery.
Despite Putnam's strong desire to accompany his friend on the exploration, Fabio directed him to join the latter group. Putnam's responsibility was to ensure their safety during the journey back, protecting them from potential sea monsters that might be encountered in the Great Sea, just as he did on their journey to the islands.
The third year of the expedition living in Hawaiki was the most easygoing. While they continued to repair the ships with the surviving specialists who had overcome tropical diseases and the assistance of Silk Islanders from both Hawaiki and other islands—skilled sailors who knew which woods to use for repairing the ships, based on the ones they used for crafting their boats—many unconsciously started to assume they would stay there. This sentiment was especially noticeable among those who had started families with the native women, as they began to consider it better to raise their children on the island.
Putnam, though without a family due to the characteristic witcher infertility, was among them. Without realizing it, he increasingly spent more time with the Silk Islanders, essentially becoming one of them. In fact, he even began speaking their language more or less fluently and was taught a martial art known as Mau Rakau, which was only taught to those warriors who held a significant place within the community. The Silk Islanders even gave him a nickname, not because they struggled to pronounce Putnam's name, but as a sign that he was one of them. They came to call him "Maka Suilean" (translated from the Silk Islands dialect as "the one with different eyes" or "the one with two-colored eyes," approximately).
The fourth year, initially, was similar to the third, until the ships were repaired and farewells had to be exchanged, along with the decision-making by those who had formed families in Hawaiki. Whether to stay or to leave. The final decision was to depart with their families and settle in realms like Cidaris, where due to trade, there were more foreign people and individuals of mixed origins. This choice aimed to avoid, as much as possible, the typical discrimination prevalent in the Nordling mentality.
Second Conjunction of the Spheres[]
TBA
Nordling Colonization[]
Main article: Fabiola.
Following the return of the surviving members of Fabio Sachs' expedition in one of the ships, news of the Silk Islands spread throughout the Northern Kingdoms. The potential for new resources and trade routes sparked the interest of both ambitious but labeled crazy nobles and merchants. However, the dangers of a long sea voyage (mostly) deterred large-scale colonization efforts initially.
It wasn't until the late 14th century that the situation began to change. The growing threat posed by the Nilfgaardian Empire in the Western Continent, which was finally confirmed as true and not a legend from Fabio Sachs' last expedition, forced the Northern Kingdoms to create an alliance between them and begin colonization efforts. This alliance eventually evolved into a confederation that united all the territories colonized by the different Northern Kingdoms under one banner. Their goals were twofold: to secure new territories before the empire did and to seek new sources of income to fund their armies in case of a new war. Additionally, the development of more advanced shipbuilding techniques, along with the already mentioned new route discovered by the Nilfgaardian Empire to the Western Continent, made travel to the Silk Islands less perilous and time-consuming.
These factors combined to create a wave of colonization in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Nordling settlers, along with dwarves and a smattering of other races such as gnomes and halflings, poured into the archipelago. The initial years of colonization were marked by conflict between the newcomers and the native Silk Islanders. However, over time, a grudging acceptance emerged, and the two cultures began to intermingle.
The Nordling colonies on the Silk Islands were never as prosperous or populous as those on the Western Continent. However, they did provide a valuable source of different goods and raw materials for the Northern Kingdoms and the confederation of colonies that they created, Fabiola. The Silk Islands were soon incorporated into the confederation after they were colonized, which was then renamed the "Confederation of Fabiolan Colonies and Silk Islands". The Silk Islands also served as a strategic waypoint for trade routes between the Continent and the Western Continent.
Locations[]
Atolls[]
- Tabor
Islands[]
- Avaiki
- Bresil
- Havaiʻi
- Hawai‘ti
- Havaiki
- Hawaiki
- Hybrasil
- Hiva
- Savaiʻi
- Sawaiki
Islets[]
- Ariki Islets
- Cook Islets
- Gaetano Islets
- Mesa
Other locations[]
TBA
Climate and geography[]
Silk Islands Map
The Silk Islands boast a predominantly tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and lush vegetation across the archipelago. However, the region exhibits nuanced climatic diversity, as certain islands situated farther north within the group experience a subtropical climate.
The archipelago's terrain is notably rugged, showcasing a dynamic and varied landscape owing to its volcanic origins. The distinct geological features contribute to the formation of multiple microclimates throughout the Silk Islands. These microclimates, influenced by factors such as altitude, proximity to the coast, and local topography, result in pockets of differing weather patterns and ecological conditions across the archipelago. It must be noted, however, that these microclimates are not as pronounced as those found on the other side of the Great Sea, particularly on the island of Basilia, which exhibits climates ranging from forests in the north to deserts in the south.
Language[]
The predominant language in the Silk Islands is the Nordling Common Tongue, more specifically its local variant. This linguistic form incorporates diverse idioms not only from the Silk Islander Dialect but also from the Zangvebarian and Nilfgaardian Languages (especially from the Nilfgaardian Overseas Provinces Dialects), owing to extensive trade relations. Subsequently, the second most commonly spoken language is the Silk Islander Dialect. This linguistic development is a consequence of the somewhat partial integration, fraught with various challenges, that occurred between the first Nordling and dwarf settlers and the original inhabitants of the islands.
Both the Nordling Common Tongue and the Silk Islander Dialect hold official status within the archipelago. Consequently, official communications, including proclamations from the vice-governor and various bureaucratic and state matters, are issued in both languages. Following these primary languages, there is the inclusion of, although not officially recognized, the Dwarvish language and the Gnomish language, spoken by the dwarf and gnome population. Additionally, various pidgins and creole languages have emerged from the diverse trade activities on the islands. However, it is important to note that these trade-derived languages, while prevalent in certain contexts, like Dwarvish and Gnomish, do not hold official recognition within the formal administrative framework of the Silk Islands.
Demographics[]
The Silk Islands typically house around 1.5 million people, with larger islands boasting higher populations. Hawaiki reigns supreme as the most populous island, with its regional capital, Elmia, leading the archipelago in population. Following Hawaiki are Sawai'i, with the city of Kiva, and Hybrasil, where New Novigrad is the most populated city.
The population composition is diverse. Approximately 150,000 are indigenous people, or islanders as they're called. The remainder consists primarily of people of Nordling descent, around 700,000, with an additional 250,000 being of mixed descent. Dwarves, gnomes, and halflings comprise around 150,000. Smaller pockets of Zangvebarian and Nilfgaardian traders (or their descendants) and other populations are also present. Additionally, refugees fleeing the grip of the Second Tuyotukian Empire in its conquered territory on the Western Continent, the colony of Shirotuki, have settled in the islands.
Hawaiki's population is approximately 375,000. Savaiʻi has a population of approximately 225,000. Sawaiki has a population of approximately 150,000. Hiva has a population of approximately 75,000. Hybrasil has a population of approximately 150,000. Avaiki, Bresil, and Hawaiʻi together have a combined population of approximately 150,000.
Goverment[]
Before the Nordling rule, the Silk Islands constituted a kingdom of their own, characterized by a complex hierarchical society with distinct classes. At its summit was a moi (king) who received counsel from a ruānuku (in the Silk Islander dialect, Ru´anu-kae), akin to a druid or mage for the islanders. Beneath the moi were several ranks of chiefs known as ali'i, followed by priests known as kahunas, and a loosely equivalent class of landowners and warlords known as konoes. The class comparable to peasants was referred to as the makaine.
After Nordling colonization, the Silk Islands became the personal fiefdom of what would be the vicegovernor of the Fabiolan Colonies and the Silk Islands. During the early days of colonization, the individual who would become the first vicegovernor claimed to be the true heir of the Silk Islander crown. He asserted that he was the grandson of one of the daughters of the moi, who had traveled to the Continent with the surviving members of Fabio Sachs' last expedition. This claim, though dubious at best, was enough to sow discord among the islanders. The kahunas, traditionally loyal to the moi, were split on the issue. Some saw the vicegovernor's lineage as a legitimate claim to the throne, while others viewed it as a blatant Nordling power grab. The ali'i, ever politically astute, sensed an opportunity to consolidate their power, and many pledged their allegiance to the vicegovernor in exchange for concessions and expanded influence. The makaine, confused and burdened by the upheaval, remained largely on the sidelines.
This internal conflict weakened the unified resistance against Nordling rule. The future first vicegovernor, with the support of some ali'i, used this to his advantage. He promised to maintain the islanders' traditions and way of life while subtly undermining the authority of the moi. Slowly but surely, Nordling influence crept in. The kahunas' power over religious ceremonies was diluted as Nordling missionaries spread their own faith. However, Silk Islander religions eventually survived, albeit in a diminished form, with only the cult of Paparuda from the Hawaiki island remaining more or less intact.
The process of conquest and assimilation was relatively peaceful. As such, Nordling kings, impressed with the fact that no large war had been initiated to conquer the islands, eventually granted the first vicegovernor his title and a top position in the confederation of colonies while maintaining the Silk Islands as his own territory to rule. Consequently, the first vicegovernor established a system of indirect rule within the Silk Islands that persisted after him. While the makaine remained largely on the fringes, the ali'i who had pledged allegiance were rewarded with increased autonomy in their own territories. This effectively decentralized the islands' administration, making it easier for the vicegovernor to maintain control in his personal fiefdom while overseeing the administration of the different colonies from the capital of Fabiola, Cherdian. He positioned himself as a mediator between the squabbling ali'i, ensuring none grew powerful enough to challenge his authority.
Economy[]
Before the Nordling colonization, the Silk Islands thrived on a foundation of subsistence agriculture and fishing. In contrast to the Nordlings' large-scale, often monoculture farms, the islanders prioritized diversified, domestic agriculture to ensure a steady food supply. This approach minimized risk and guaranteed their survival, even if one crop failed due to unpredictable weather or pests. Fishing in the abundant tropical waters surrounding the islands further supplemented their diet.
While subsistence formed the core principle of Silk Islander society, there were hints of trade and specialization within it. Certain islands and communities developed reputations for specific goods or skills. This specialization led to the emergence of fishing routes near the coast of the Western Continent and limited trade routes between islands, facilitated through a barter system where goods and services were exchanged directly. There is no evidence of a widespread currency system existing before the arrival of the Nordlings. The closest semblance was the introduction of shells by Putnam Pitch during his time with them, inspired by his experiences in the Far East alongside Fabio. However, this initiative was short-lived.
After Nordling colonization, monoculture farms were introduced, significantly altering the landscape of the Silk Islands. Sections of the ever-present jungles were cleared to make way for fields, replacing the diverse crops traditionally grown by the makaine. This shift increased food production for export but left the islands vulnerable to famine if a disease wiped out the singular crop. However, the jungle always tried to reclaim what was once theirs.
The struggle between the cultivated fields and the encroaching jungle presented new challenges for the Nordling colonists. Traditional farming methods used on the Continent, optimized for open plains, proved less effective in the tropical islands environment. Weeds sprouted with alarming speed, requiring constant vigilance and backbreaking labor to keep them at bay. Pests, unfamiliar with the introduced crops, thrived in the new abundance. The makaine, with their generations of experience cultivating the land in harmony with the jungle's rhythms, found their knowledge surprisingly valuable to the Nordling newcomers. Islands-specific techniques for weed control, natural pest repellents, and crop rotation adapted for the islands environment were adopted out of necessity. This unlikely collaboration, born from the struggle to maintain control over the ever-encroaching jungle, fostered a grudging respect between the islanders and the colonizers.
Other important aspects of the Silk Islands' economy, as implied by the name of the islands, were silk production and trade. Silk production became a mainstay of the islands economy, alongside certain crops, following Nordling colonization.
Notable Fabiolan Islanders / Islanders[]
- School of the Crane Witchers (mostly)
Image Credits[]
- Silk Islands Map by Thecorvus
- Silk Islands Flag by Pukeiart
Trivia[]
- The names of most of the islands are a reference to the different names of the mythical island from which all Polynesians would have departed before spreading across the sea to the different islands.
- Hiva is the name given by the inhabitants of Rapa Nui to the island from which they came.
- While Hybrasil and Bresil are a reference not only to the celtic themes present in The Witcher but also to a Fanon Map of the Witcher World that included the Western Continent and you can check here.
- Tabor is a reference to the Maria Theresa Reef.
- The name of a lot of locations are references to different polynesian gods and Ucranian places as a homage to the author of the original tale who is / was Ucranian.
- The name of the islets are a reference to the two explorers that discovered the Hawaii archipielago ( one being confirmed, James Cook ) and the other who is a debate, the Spanish explorer, Juan Gaetano, who is believed that he discovered the Hawaii islands by accident 200 years earlier. And in one cartographical map, he supposed even named the island of Hawaii as "La Mesa" ( The Table )
- Shiroi tsuki no kuni means "The White Moon Land" in Japanese.
Notes[]
- Witcher190 here, i am working on other articles on the site that need a rework or just a better structuring with the little time I have. Feel free to make the expansion, respecting the previous lore and adding yourself in the writer that, for that, check the following articles : Ezeld "The Parrot", Putnam Pitch and School of the Crane, and also the canon article about the Silk Islands in the Official Witcher Wikia ( i would remove this and protect the article once it is considered finished ).
- The main concept of the islands is to be inspired by Polynesia and Micronesia, in order to avoid Caribbean clichés as much as possible since The Witcher saga, one of its characteristics is precisely to subvert fantasy clichés and another Caribbean like region in a fantasy world, would be to predictable.