Caer Cwm
Although similar in design, the citadel at Caer Cwm is half the size of that found in Caer Cadwin. Even more unlike its western neighbor, Caer Cwm supports a small force of paladins, monks, and priests who are all devoted to Thyr. A training ground for new recruits and converted holy men, Caer Cwm’s fortress sits upon a high cliff several hundred feet above the sea. About a fifth of the Daanite population resides in the stronghold, while the rest of the residents live in fortified stone homes atop the cliff overlooking the seas north of Ynys Cymragh.
After Daan’s return from Irkaina, a number of Hyperborean deities took root on Ynys Cymragh, nowhere more so than here at Caer Cwm. A follower of Daan’s took holy vows to Thyr while on campaign, and before departing on the crusade to free Tircople, founded in the citadel an order of holy priests and warriors to the god of law. Those orders remain based in the fortress to safeguard several holy artifacts of their god and send forth their best to protect and preach throughout Ynys Cymragh and beyond. Statues of Thyr are found throughout the town, and it seems that not a single soul intentionally skips worship services.
The residents of Caer Cwn fish along the small peninsula to the southeast and bring back their daily catch to the docks where they trade with other Daanite merchants for goods such as fruits and vegetables from elsewhere on the island. Many blacksmiths of Caer Cwm are extremely talented, but they are rarely willing to trade their wares to outsiders. They spend most of their time working on gear for their paladins and warriors to ensure their protection with well-crafted armor. Work and trade are all performed in the name of Thyr to ensure that the monks and warrior-priests of the citadel are well-fed and equipped. In return, the paladins of the fortress patrol the region and dispatch raiders and skirmishing humanoids.
Cantrefs under the protection of Caer Cwn are spread over the coast and into the Powyn Mountains. The paladins of the citadel take their responsibility to their folk seriously and do not tolerate any threats to the peace of their lands.
A council of seven natural-born residents of Caer Cwm who have taken vows to Thyr uphold laws, try criminals, and decide matters of varying importance. By tradition, three paladins, two priests, and two monks hold seats on the Council of the Seven, with each chosen for a period of seven years by signs and portents shown to the council by Thyr himself. One of the paladins is also chosen as lord of the citadel and serves until the portents declare a successor.
More than a third of the settlement’s residents can take up arms, from the paladins and soldiers of the citadel down to the battle-seasoned fishermen within the village. Surrounded by 30-foot-high, five-foot-thick walls at the top of a high cliff peak, the town is nigh impregnable. Each paladin is trained in lance and sword, and is an expert at fighting upon horseback. Any small group facing 50 to 100 Caer Cwm paladins in full armor baring down on them is likely to bolt.
Settlement
Caer Cwm, Town of
Type
Town
Owning Organization
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