Altered Lore

Calida

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Calida

Calida is an ancient hot spring station and pre-Confluence human enclave located in the Strand Region of Caer Oorun, north of the marshlands and approximately 186 miles from Arkaster. The site was once a popular retreat for the fledgling Asgarthan population before being lost to The Tumult.

Pre-Confluence History

Calida functioned as a hot spring station during the pre-Confluence era. Scattered historical references detail its existence as a retreat destination for early Asgarthan populations. The city was built around hot springs where water temperature hovers around forty degrees Celsius.

Leocardius Sree and Waru Toowoom had lengthy discussions about daily life in the baths, debating whether bathing was a daily ritual or reserved for liturgical occasions. Historical records from The Sanctum contained scattered references to the station’s existence.

Geography

Hot Springs

The defining feature of Calida is its hot springs with water temperature of approximately forty degrees Celsius. The springs remain active despite the passage of centuries and the influence of The Tumult.

Location

Calida is situated in the Strand Region, positioned north-east of Caer Oorun’s central areas and north of marshlands. The site lies approximately 186 miles from Arkaster.

392 AC - Rediscovery and Excavation

November 392 AC - Discovery

In November 392 AC, Waru Toowoom led efforts to locate and excavate Calida based on information gathered from The Sanctum before his departure. The unexpected discovery of hot springs with the characteristic forty-degree temperature allowed explorers to potentially uncover remnants of the ancient city.

Expedition Establishment

Waru Toowoom instructed a small contingent to establish themselves at Calida to investigate the theory of the city’s location. Approximately forty explorers made a stop at the site, led by:

Mission Objectives

The expedition’s goals included:

  • Unearthing potential ruins of Calida
  • Setting up an advanced base for exploring the coastal regions of the Cierna
  • Conducting archaeological research on pre-Confluence settlements
  • Investigating daily life and ritual practices of ancient Asgarthan populations

Waru’s Experience

Waru Toowoom admitted that wading in the hot spring waters was incredibly pleasant, especially after long days trudging through the underbrush. He suggested his correspondent (likely Avkan ruun-Heshkari) would enjoy the experience as well.

Archaeological Significance

Calida represents one of several pre-Confluence human settlements discovered during the Rediscovery Endeavor. The site provides insights into:

  • Early Asgarthan population centers beyond the Peninsula
  • Pre-Confluence infrastructure and urban planning
  • Historical bathing practices and social customs
  • Human adaptation to different geographic environments

Challenges

The Tumult may have buried or erased all traces of human presence in the region, making excavation efforts uncertain. The expedition proceeded with caution regarding what might be recoverable from the ruins.

Relationships

  • Strand Region: Geographic region containing Calida
  • Caer Oorun: Province containing the Strand Region
  • Waru Toowoom: Led rediscovery efforts, established expedition (392 AC)
  • Leocardius Sree: Discussed historical bathing practices with Waru
  • Historians’ Guild: Provided scholars for archaeological expedition
  • Axiom: Provided prospectors for expedition
  • The Sanctum: Repository of historical references to Calida
  • Arkaster: Capital city approximately 186 miles to the south-west
  • The Tumult: Force potentially responsible for city’s burial and erasure

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