Seven Cities

Lore & Background

The history of Seven Cities is defined by the fall of the Old Empire and the subsequent fragmentation into warring tribes and petty kingdoms. Once a unified civilization under the rule of the Emperor, its collapse left behind crumbling cities, forgotten roads, and a landscape scarred by ancient wars. Today, the region is a powder keg of competing interests: the Union seeks to expand its influence, the Gurkish Empire eyes it as a strategic prize, and local warlords fight for control of its scarce resources.

Spiritually, the land is steeped in the remnants of Old Empire worship, with shrines to the Maker and other forgotten deities dotting the wastes. Magic is rare and unpredictable here, tied to the lingering echoes of the past rather than any imprisoned god. The people are hardened by the harsh environment, where water is precious and survival is a daily struggle. The region's name comes from seven legendary cities that were the heart of the Old Empire, now mostly ruins or lost to the sands.

In Their Own Story

The sun beat down on the red sand like a hammer against an anvil. Kurgan adjusted his helmet, the metal hot enough to burn skin through leather. Around him, the Iron Legion marched in silence, boots crunching over dry bone and stone. They were far from the capital now, deep in territory where maps ended and rumors began. In the distance, a heat haze shimmered above the dunes, hiding what lay beyond. No one spoke of the stories about the earth cracking open here, or the whispers that came when the wind died down. They just kept walking. The Empire demanded order, even if the land itself refused to be tamed.

Reader's Guide

Seven Cities serves as a crucial backdrop for understanding the magical and political scope of the world beyond the core trilogy.

While much of the initial narrative focuses on the Lands of the West, Seven Cities represents the source of ancient magic and corruption. It is where the Crippled God was bound, making it a focal point for the Grey Order's efforts to maintain balance.

Its role in the story highlights themes of imperialism versus indigenous culture. The Iron Legion acts as an occupying force, bringing civilization but also violence.

Why it matters: The fate of Seven Cities is tied directly to the survival of all lands. If the chains holding the Crippled God break completely, the corruption could spread globally. It provides context for characters like Bayaz and explains the origin of certain magical threats.

Did You Know?

• The name refers to seven legendary cities that were the heart of the Old Empire, now mostly ruins or lost to the sands.
• The region is a contested frontier between the Union, the Gurkish Empire, and local tribes, with no single dominant faction.
• Magic in this region is rare and tied to the lingering echoes of the Old Empire, not to any imprisoned god.
• Travel between Seven Cities and the Union requires crossing dangerous open oceans and hostile territories.