The Northern Realms: A Diverse and Fascinating Region in The Witcher

The Northern Realms are a collection of human kingdoms in the Continent, the setting of The Witcher. They are located in the north of the Continent, and they are bordered by the Empire of Nilfgaard to the south, the Sea of Skellige to the west, and the Korath Desert to the east.

The Northern Realms are home to a variety of different cultures, races, and religions. They are a diverse and fascinating region, and they offer a lot to the game in terms of lore, history, and gameplay.

The History of the Northern Realms

The Northern Realms have a long and rich history that spans centuries and involves many wars, alliances, betrayals, and revolutions. The region was originally inhabited by various human tribes that migrated from the south and east after the Conjunction of the Spheres, a cataclysmic event that brought magic and monsters to the world.

The tribes gradually formed kingdoms and provinces, such as Redania, Temeria, Kaedwen, Aedirn, Lyria and Rivia, Kovir and Poviss, Cidaris, Verden, Cintra, and others. These kingdoms often fought among themselves for land, resources, and influence. They also faced external threats from the elves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, and other non-human races that lived in the region before the humans arrived.

The Northern Realms also had to deal with the expansionist ambitions of the Nilfgaardian Empire, a powerful and ruthless state that originated from the south. The Nilfgaardians invaded the Northern Realms several times, starting from the First Nilfgaard War in 1263 to the Third Nilfgaard War in 1272. The wars were brutal and devastating for both sides, resulting in millions of casualties and massive destruction.

The Northern Realms managed to resist the Nilfgaardian invasions with the help of mages, witchers, and other allies. However, they also suffered from internal conflicts and divisions that weakened their unity and stability. Some of the kingdoms were conquered or annexed by Nilfgaard or by other northern states. Some of them rebelled against their rulers or declared independence. Some of them were plagued by civil wars or social unrest.

The Gameplay of the Northern Realms

The Northern Realms are not only interesting from a lore perspective but also from a gameplay perspective. The region offers a variety of quests, locations, characters, and activities to explore and enjoy. Some of the highlights include:

• Visiting the royal cities of Vizima, Novigrad, Oxenfurt, and Tretogor, where you can witness the political intrigues, social issues, and cultural diversity of the northern kingdoms.
• Exploring the vast and beautiful countryside of Velen, where you can encounter bandits, monsters, peasants, druids, witches, and other inhabitants of the war-torn land.
• Traveling to the snowy mountains of Kaedwen and Aedirn, where you can discover the secrets of the ancient elven civilization and the mysterious Lodge of Sorceresses.
• Venturing into the haunted forests of Angren and Brokilon, where you can meet the dryads, werewolves, leshens, and other creatures of the wild.
• Participating in the famous horse races of Cintra and Cidaris, where you can test your skills and win prizes.
• Playing Gwent, a popular card game that pits you against various opponents and challenges your strategic thinking and luck.
• Collecting trophies, armor sets, weapons, books, cards, and other items that enhance your character and gameplay experience.

The Northern Realms are a rich and rewarding region that offers countless hours of fun and entertainment. They are not just a backdrop for the main story but a living and breathing world that invites you to explore and interact with it. They are not just a place to visit but a place to live in.

The Conclusion

The Northern Realms are a fascinating and diverse region that offers a lot to the game in terms of lore, history, and gameplay. They are a place where you can experience the best of The Witcher, from the political intrigue of the royal courts to the bloody battles of the battlefield. If you're looking for a region that is both challenging and rewarding, then the Northern Realms are the place for you.