twokingdom

Twokingdom is a fictional realm that appears in the role‑playing tabletop game series *Shards of the Realm*, published by the independent game studio Mythic Horizons. The setting was first introduced in the game’s core rulebook in 2015 as part of its extensive worldbuilding framework.

Geographically, Twokingdom is situated on a vast, temperate island continent named Valera. The shoreline is dotted with low hills and heavily forested coastlines, while the interior features rolling plains that give way to a central mountain range known as the Ironspine. The climate is generally mild, though the higher elevations experience cooler temperatures and heavier snowfall. This diverse geography supports a variety of ecosystems, from pine and oak forests to tundra in the north.

The political structure of Twokingdom is a dual monarchy, comprising two ruling families that share power through a ritualistic council known as the Hearthbind. Each monarch governs a distinct territory: the eastern domain, emphasizing agriculture and trade, and the western domain, focused on commerce and science. The dual monarchy is intended to maintain balance and prevent the overconcentration of power. Conflict between the houses—particularly over succession rights—forms a recurring narrative theme in the game’s campaigns.

Culturally, Twokingdom is known for its strong emphasis on mythic storytelling and songcraft. The people celebrate a yearly festival called the Fall of Lights, during which they perform elaborate plays, honor ancestors, and repair the ancient “Stone of Unity”—a remnant of the kingdom’s pre‑dual history believed to grant stability to the realm.

In addition to its political and cultural framing, Twokingdom provides a setting for adventures involving elemental spirits, underground guilds, and emerging technology. The game’s designers describe it as an archetypal “balanced fantasy world” that encourages both cooperative and competitive play styles.