Caer Eirydd (kair ˈeirɨð)

Caer Eirydd is a walled city built on the banks of the River Conwy, strategically located to allow for easy access to the surrounding countryside. Within the walls, the city is well-maintained, with paved roads and sturdy stone buildings that reflect the grandeur of the kingdom.

The Great Hall of Mathrafal is a grand, two-story structure made of white stone and decorated with intricate carvings and colorful banners. This impressive building is where the king holds court and conducts his affairs of state. The interior of the hall is equally impressive, with soaring ceilings and an enormous fireplace that serves as the focal point of the room.

Caer Eirydd is not only a center of trade and commerce but also a hub of education and culture. The city boasts several schools and a university, where students can receive a broad education in a range of subjects, including law, theology, and medicine. The university is also home to a large library that houses a vast collection of ancient tomes and manuscripts, making it a popular destination for scholars and students alike.

Demographics

Caer Eirydd is a bustling city with a diverse population that reflects the kingdom's long history of migration and trade. The largest ethnic group in the city are the Ynyswr, the native people of Mathrafal who have lived in the region for centuries. However, the city is also home to many other groups, including Biegens, Inisir, Albannach, and Eots.

Government

Caer Eirydd is governed by a monarchy, with the king serving as the ultimate authority in all matters of state. The current king of Mathrafal is Owain ap Cynfyn. The king's power is balanced by a council of advisors, who help to manage the day-to-day affairs of the city. The council is made up of representatives from each of the city's districts, as well as prominent members of the city's merchant class. Together, the council and the king work to ensure that Caer Eirydd remains a prosperous and peaceful city.

Districts

The bustling marketplace of the Quarter of the Barddau (Bards' Quarter) draws traders and artisans from across Ynys, while the winding streets and secret alleys of the Ward of the Cudd (Hidden Ward) are home to a thriving underworld of thieves and smugglers. The Uchel Ward (High Ward) is where the city's wealthy and powerful residents reside, boasting grand mansions and impressive estates, while the Llethrau'r Afon (River's Edge) is a bustling hub of industry, with shipyards, warehouses, and docks lining the banks of the Conwy. Finally, the winding, tree-lined avenues of the Ward of Ystwyth (Delightful Ward) are said to be home to the city's most beautiful gardens and grandest estates.

The Quarter of the Barddau is known throughout Ynys as the premier destination for musicians and instrument-makers. The district is full of bustling markets and workshops where craftsmen hone their skills and create some of the most beautiful and finely-crafted instruments in the world. Here, you can find everything from lutes and harps to violins and cellos, each one carefully crafted by skilled artisans who have spent years perfecting their craft. Visitors to the market can also find a wide variety of accessories and supplies, including strings, reeds, and sheet music. And for those who are seeking something truly unique, there are always a few rare and exotic instruments to be found, brought by traders from distant lands.

Points of interest

One of the most famous examples of Ynyswr architecture is the Great Hall of Mathrafal in Caer Eirydd, which serves as the center of power for the kingdom. The hall is a grand, two-story structure made of white stone and decorated with intricate carvings and colorful banners. The interior of the hall is equally impressive, with soaring ceilings and an enormous fireplace that serves as the focal point of the room.

Another popular destination is the Coleg Cerddorion, a prestigious institution that trains students in the art of music, poetry, and storytelling. It is considered the center of bardic tradition on Ynys. The college boasts a stunning collection of ancient manuscripts and instruments, and the halls are often filled with the beautiful sounds of music and song. The college was founded by a group of renowned bards who sought to preserve and promote the ancient Ynyswr musical traditions. Today, it serves not only as a center for musical and poetic education but also as a herald's college, where students can learn about the intricacies of heraldry and the principles of honor and chivalry. Having your arms designed by the heralds of Coleg Cerddorian is a great honor and mark of prestige, as they are renowned for their skill and creativity in the field of heraldry. The college's graduates often go on to become bards, minstrels, or even diplomats, representing their kingdoms and spreading their musical traditions throughout the island.

Type

Capital

Location under

Ynys

Owning Organization

Mathrafal

Characters in Location

• Owain ap Cynfyn

Geographic Details

Location: Ynys, Northeastern Region
Latitude: 52.11 degrees North
Longitude: 67.29 degrees East

Routes

Land

Water