Cauldron
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Cauldron (small city): Conventional; AL NG, Population 7,500 adults; Mixed 76% Human, 9% Halfling, 5% Gnome, 3% Dwarf, 3% Elf, 2% Half-elf, 1% Half-Orc, 1% Other
The city guard typically patrols in a team consisting of a sergeant and 4 privates. They carry halberds, short swords and a short bow. They can be easily identified by the city livery a watchful eye wreathed in flames painted on their breastplate.
Cauldron's buildings are tightly packed and build from volcanic rock and wood. Cobblestone roads form concentric circles around a small but deep lake of cold water which fills the volcano's basin. The town's sewage seeps into the lake requiring the local clerics to routinely purify the water. As the filth rolls downhill money rolls uphill. The regions nearer the rim of the city tend to be occupied by upper class families and elite merchants. The closer one gets to the center of town, and the often pungent odor of the lake, the shoddier the construction (some buildings are all wood) and the more dangerous the alleys.
50-foot-tall fortified walls of black malachite encircle the city. With four roads descending the volcano's slopes, becoming major thoroughfares that lead to other towns and distant realms. Most people get around on foot, although the town has its share of wagons and carriages, most owned by merchants and nobles.
Cauldron's major exports come from two sources: mines and plantations. Both industries are based in the hills surrounding the city. Obsidian and diamonds are the primary products mined. Plantations usually produce sugarcane and coffee.
While water is never scarce the fishing from the lake is modest and the local farms barely produce enough to feed the city. Therefore, some of the city's food is imported from farms and fisheries on the coast near Freeport.
