The Silver of Duvik's Pass

The discovery of silver ore in the Wyrmspine Mountains above the town of Duvik's Pass has turned the small farming community into a boomtown.

You may all go to the Underdark. I will go to Duvik's Pass

— Owen Stonetoe, owner, Silver Pass Mining Co.

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Mining and Refining

The silver found in the Duvik's Pass region of the Wyrmspine Mountains is largely found in lodes deep in the mountains. There are little to no superficial deposits washing down the Silver Claw, so there is not much call for placer mining in the region. Currently, there is one mining operation taking place in a large underground cave wich was discovered within the last five years. This operation is being spearheaded by the Silver Pass Mining Co, which is owned and operated by Owen Stonetoe, a former dwarven soldier turned prospector. He brought nothing but his mining knowledge with him when he came to the The Pass looking to make his fortune, so his operation is manned for the most part by humans who look to him for his dwarven expertise.

The mining crews include not only the strapping mining-pick wielding sort but also a few mages which Owen has tasked with helping prospect, assaying, as well as making sure the mines maintain safe levels of breathable air. Mages are also very useful in defending working crews from the odd party of kobolds that might find their way into the tunnels.
Once the ore is collected, it is brought down to the town for refining and trading. The Black Yard, outside the northern wall of the town proper is where most of the refining and silver working takes place.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Coin, Jewelry, and Valuables
Silver is viewed as moderately valuable to most races and cultures in Ysandria. It is pleasant to look at, easily worked, and unlike iron, it doesn't rust. Many cultures have, for these reasons, taken to use this metal to mint currency, produce jewelry, and adorn relics and works of art. Coins made of silver are worth 1/10 of a gold piece.

Weapons and Equipment
It is widely known that certain monstrous creatures, like lycanthropes and vampires, are vulnerable to weapons that are coated or made from silver.
Armor, if worked and treated correctly, can be made out of silver, which gives the wearer of such armor protection from electrical attack.
Silver is widely used to make the holy symbols carried by clerics and paladins throughout the land.

Distribution

Trade & Market

The discovery of the silver deposits in the Serpentoil Mountains has increased trade through The Pass nearly tenfold in the last 5 years. The silver is coming out of the mines in such abundance, the Sameliund Empire has recently closed a deal with the Pass Council to exclusively purchase bars used for minting their currency from Duvik's Pass. With the increased amount of trade traffic, more and more merchants and artisans have also come to town to make their living here.

Type

Metal

Value

(in coins) 1/10 gold, or 10 copper