Crossings Cave

A large capital city buried deep underground within a large network of caves.   The site was chosen to take advantage of the passage under the mountains, and as the passage proved itself, the city grew, which, in turn, created a stronger hold on the passage, and so on. The caves are great for crossing the mountain range, but are filled with strange magic. Creatures who linger longer than 48 hours risk finding themselves affected by the latent magic. To this end, Jarl Tibotea Longmane enforces a strict 2-night visitor policy to prevent outsiders from becoming afflicted. The city is extremely fortified; the gates at Utdall's Toll are double-thickness, reinforced with metal bands, augmented with a portcullis and is always manned. Nothing goes in or out without the watch's knowledge or permission   Crossings Cave is one of the oldest cities still in existence. This capital is older than living, and possibly even recorded, memory, and is in impressive condition. Although signs of wear and time may still be apparent on buildings and structures, the capital is well taken care of and cleanliness is clearly a priority. It feels lived-in, but of a respectable quality in every regard. The capital's fundamental elements are all accounted for and well attended to.   Outside of the Utdall's Toll, the entrance to the capital proper, several locations can be found as off-shoots of The Blue Passage.   Crossings Cave does not employ its own military force, as they have no outwardly interests. The local law enforcement is robust enough to maintain the city's own defense. Crime is an uncommon issue, with only theft or mild violence happening from time to time. Best to keep an eye out, just in case   Nobility is granted through blood. Status and title are hereditary, passed down by birth or through marriage. Positions were likely originally awarded to the ancestors of current nobility by a powerful individual, perhaps to reward or purchase loyalty. See Nobility of Crossings Cave .   Culture within Crossings Cave is shaped simply by their environment and current events. the locals are standoffish, or perhaps hard on the outside, but can be friendly if you get to know them.   Being underground, Crossings Cave doesn't really follow a solar cycle, and so there is no noticeable difference between day and night activity in the caves. Locals typically work in 6-hour shifts, which are varied around the clock and may not exactly line up with each other. The exception being visitors, whose stay is reliant upon the 48-hour timeframe, and are unused to the perpetual work cycle of the locals. Visitors may find it difficult to conduct business, as each shop or service dictates their own hours, often with little regard to each other.