Caiir

Hidden in the northern Rock Plains, Caiir is as far from Ghoulwood as the Cairn can be without leaving their homeland. The superstition-driven distance from the tragedy of their past is lost on some of the younger generation, but the town is established enough to prevent a mass exodus.
A key to being accepted in Caiir is to both understand the tragedy of Ghoulwood and to offer something to the city to pay respects to their loss. Most travelers simply offer gold, goods, or food, but those looking to call Caiir home must undergo the Ritual of Flame.

Ritual of Flame

A ritual completed by each Cairn reaching adulthood, lest they be forbade from returning to the city, or by those sympathetic (or deceitful) long-term guests, the Ritual of Flame is an evocative, painful, and thought-provoking experience.
Surrounded by townsfolk, ritualists first strip down naked before being given simple robes. The townspeople then spread ashes across their robes as they circle the town before turning towards the Flame of Caiir. The townsfolk will then brandish their burn marks, typically on the back of their left or right hand, and hold it up to the light of the Flame of Caiir, a magical flame that never goes out.
There, the Chieftain will recount the tragic happenings at Ghoulwood and emphasize the importance of standing by and protecting one's loved ones. Of loyalty. Of loss and of love. When the speech is finished, the ritualists must hold their hand to the back of the Flame and silently endure the pain.
Ritualists complete the ceremony in one of two ways: when they utter sounds from the pain or when the skin on the back of their hand is charred and ashen.
If a Cairn fails the ritual by making a sound, they are given another opportunity once their hand has healed. If they fail the second time, they are given until the next dawn to leave the town.
Outsiders who wish to accomplish the Ritual of Flame are given the one chance. While they won't be driven from Caiir should they fail, their reputation was precede them in such a way that Caiir will no longer be as hospitable as they once found it.

Districts

Karikoho

The outer ring of Caiir, Karikoho circles The Flame and houses everyone in the city. It is densely packed and the structures are mostly constructed of stone and petrified wood, that it may never burn down. An additional benefit to this construction is that the buildings are cozy in the often frigid air of the Cairnbrow Mountains.
Dotted among the houses and inns are a couple of particularly well-visted establishments.

The Rolling Stone

Zaumagh's Simple Store

Gazak's Greathammer

The Dented Pauldron

Thavarin's Threads

Mante'ah

In the middle of town, and where the Ritual of Flame takes place, is Mante'ah. The focal point of the district is a stone stage built around a petrified tree, which long ago was broken in two. At the jagged top of the broken tree burns a flame which, legend has it, was ignited from the embers of Ghoulwood.
It is a sacred location, and one the Cairn use to commune with the dead and worship their gods. Outsiders can get a glimpse of Mante'ah from anywhere around it, but getting close to the stage is reserved for those who have gone through, or are going through, the Ritual of Flame.
The Cairn believe that the Flame of Caiir will burn as long as they are welcome to call the Rock Plains home.

Type

Town