Caer Lethwin

Caerlethwin: The Fog-Crowned City of Cliffs

Carved into the face of a sheer cliffside and perpetually shrouded in a veil of mist, Caerlethwin is a vertical city overlooking a vast, dark lake. It is a place where mystery clings to the stones as tightly as moss, where streets wind upward rather than outward, and where the line between myth and reality is often blurred.

City Features and Architecture

• Vertical Layout: Caerlethwin is built into the cliffs themselves, with platforms, bridges, switchbacks, and elevators connecting homes, shops, and halls across dozens of levels. Stairs are steep, and many buildings are partially tunneled into the rock.
• The Great Fog: A natural mist constantly rolls in from the lake, limiting vision and creating an eerie atmosphere. Lanterns hang from ropes across the streets, and most buildings feature magically infused lights or mirrored lantern systems to help visibility.
• The Lake Below: Vast, silent, and black as ink, the lake at the base of Caerlethwin is both a source of water and superstition. Strange shapes have been seen moving beneath its surface.
• The Broken Spires: Jagged remnants of ancient towers jut from the cliffs above the city. Some say they were once watchtowers or arcane beacons. Now, they are home only to wind and birds.
• Stone Bridges: Dozens of stone bridges connect parts of the city across chasms and ravines. Some are new and sturdy; others, ancient and crumbling. Crossing them is often a test of bravery for newcomers.

People and Notable Inhabitants

• The Innkeeper: The party left their cart with a generous payment to this individual, trusting him to guard it while they explored the city. His discretion and loyalty are assumed but untested.
• Local Craftspeople: The city is home to numerous artisans, smiths, and tinkers. Thomas worked with the local blacksmith to forge his Big Ass Hammer and gauntlets, upgrading the forge itself with the help of his automatons.
• Merchants and Tailors: Elliot and Blaze commissioned custom armor from skilled local armorers, suggesting a modest but capable network of craftspeople accustomed to strange commissions.
• Mysterious Locals: Though not detailed yet, the fog and isolation of Caerlethwin lend themselves to secretive residents. There may be scholars, hermits, or even cultists hidden in its upper levels or tunneled homes.

Key Events in Caerlethwin

• Arrival: The party reached Caerlethwin via their cart and a magically summoned horse from Del, traveling from Thistlewhit.
• Cart Secured: The party paid a large sum to the innkeeper to keep their belongings and custom cart safe.
• Forging and Crafting: Thomas used the blacksmith's workshop to craft his signature hammer and gauntlets. Blaze received aquatic armor, and Elliot acquired new protective gear. Silas armored his canine companion.
• Acquisition of Bags of Holding: The party secured three Bags of Holding during this visit, allowing for better item management and preparation.

Atmosphere and Tone

Caerlethwin is not a city of joy or warmth. Its haunting fog, sheer cliffs, and strange acoustics create an unsettling mood. It feels like a place built for waiting—for something to return, or something to be forgotten. A city suspended between the past and an uncertain future.

Despite its gloom, Caerlethwin is a place of refuge and resources. For a party seeking to arm themselves, lay low, or disappear for a time, it provides both cover and craft. But its secrets are patient, and the cliffs have long memories.

Possible Future Threads

• What lies beneath the lake?
• Who built the Broken Spires, and why?
• What does the innkeeper truly know?
• Are there others here hiding from the same enemies as the party?

Caerlethwin waits.