Caer Witrin

Caer Witrin is a quiet, snow-covered town of artisans high in the Southern Vashnars.

History

Caer Witrin was rebuilt by Lord Scarlatti and given as a gift to His affianced, Lady Selene. Shortly after the joyous opening of the town, Lady Selene fell ill, and it was discovered with Lady Mithraea's aide that loving One, even such as Lord Scarlatti, more than another was causing her travail. The engagement was then broken, but the town remains as a testament to the love of a God for a Goddess.

Geography

The town of Caer Witrin is located just off the Cyrenian Highway, high in the snow-capped Southern Vashnars and beneath the mountain from which it takes its name. The snow that often comes with such staggering elevation cloaks the town in a veil of serene natural beauty. However, nature takes not a second of break for aestheticism, and the pervasive cold is every bit as deadly as it would be elsewhere. The frigid winds that weave their way through the town are enough to kill a man should he be caught outside, and in the winter the snow blocks off the pass to the town, sealing it off from all but the hardiest adventurers. At the northwest corner of town lies the temple of Scarlatti, the Great Bard, God of the Arts and Lord of the Dance, the very same that was originally located in the Southern Vashnars.

Inhabitants

1. Allan, the writer
2. Anais, the ice sculptor
3. Anton, the astronomer
4. Christiane
5. Frida, the painter
6. An elderly florist
7. Inga, the furrier
8. Marianna, the perfumier
9. Percival, the innkeeper
10. Salai, Frida's apprentice
11. Salieri, the musician
12. Tobe, the woodcarver
13. An elderly toymaker

Culture

The locals of Caer Witrin are, naturally, of an artistic bent, and everyone seems to have devoted themselves to some form or another of the arts. They are friendly and helpful, moreso to visitors who have proven their goodwill over time. Of note are the town guards; they are some of the most well-organised in the land, rivaling those of the city-states. It is whispered that the place has a darker side to be uncovered, for those willing to dig deep enough.

Shops

Caer Witrin's shops vary widely in their aims and wares. Anais, the ice sculptor, sells ice blocks which she will carve for you into ice sculptures. Similarly, Frida, a painter, paints original masterpieces on request, and Salai, Frida's apprentice, can copy any existing painting. Frida also deals in the coloured inks commonly found througout the land. Inga, the furrier, deals in furs and snow shoes. During the day - when she is not engrossed in her night job as a mortician - Marianna, the perfumier, sells cosmetic products such as rouge, lipstick, eyeliner, and perfume. Tobe, the woodcarver, sells vials unique to Caer Witrin. Percival, the innkeeper is always ready and willing to provide a hot mug of cocoa, eggnog, or stew to excise a chill from the bones and raise the spirit. The flower shop of the florist sells a variety of local mountain flowers, from snow blossoms to edelweiss flowers. The toy store of the elderly toymaker offers delightful toys, games, and costumes to bring a smile to young and old alike. And finally, the Dejourdie Street music shop of Salieri, the musician is where one finds instruments a bard uses to perform.

Flora and Fauna

Amid the flower beds here, one may find such flowers growing as red roses, forget-me-nots, "loves-me-not" flowers, poppies, monkshood, and rhododendrons. Most populous, however, are the Vashnarian snow blossoms that grow in abundance throughout the area. Ingestion of snow blossoms results in hallucination and intense shivering, so visitors are warned not to eat any unless they are aware of the consequences and ready to stave them off. Animal-wise, the native snow leopards roam the area, and have been trained by Anton to assist the guards in their patrols of the town. However, under the influence of snow blossoms, one notices the presence of crystal spiders, creatures that do not ordinarily stand out to the naked eye.