Caerwynne Outskirts

The outer area of Caerwynne spreads outwards in a vast thriving countryside, gradually transitioning from fertile farmlands into the bustling, densely packed districts that cling to the towering city walls. Though this region lies outside the protective embrace of the inner city's walls, it feels like an extension of the capital itself. The wealth and culture of the inner city spill outwards, blending with the simpler rhythms of rural life

Vast fields of grain, orchards and vineyards stretch across the landscape to the south and east. Rolling hills alive with the movement of famers tending their crops. Crops of wheat, barley adn rye sway in the wind, golden hues painting the landscape in golden hues in the late afternoon sun. Rows of fruit bearing trees line roads, apples, pears, plums laden trees. Scenting the air when in bloom and a favourite excursion for the high society types. Vineyards twist across terraced hills with lush greenery crawling over trellises. Scattered throughout the farmland are small homesteads, thatched roofs and whitewashed walls. Modest yet exuding an air of quite pride. Surrounded by garden plots tended by the farmers extended families. Toward the north the farmlands transition to larger farmsteads marked with large tracts filled with the sounds of livestock. These farms and ranches supplying the city with food, forming the backbone of the capital's sustenance. The excess easily exchanged in the city's marketplaces.

As the land begins to transition closer to the city, the fields give way to the outskirts. A belt of small villages filled with cottage-style homes nestled up against the growing sprawl of the capital. This area characterized by compact, cobblestone streets, maintained houses and wooden shops with brightly painted signs. Here journeymen artisans and tradespeople live and work, their homes often doubling as their workshops. Bakers, Blacksmiths, Weavers and Woodworkers offering their wares to travelers and supplying the city's marketplaces with goods. A few smaller marketplace squares dot the area, usually further away from teh main roads and more of a farmers market than the centers of commerce within the city proper. Here the outer walls of the city weave in and around the area, the shifting of the walls further out as constant as the changing of seasons. The more of a demarcation of space and show of force than affording real protections, built mostly of interlocking wood with the gates long the main thoroughfares being woven with metals (copper).

Deeper behind the outer walls the buildings are made of more sturdy wood and brick, getting closer together but not quite cramped. The architecture is function, simple yet solid. The area still open enough to allow small courtyards and/or functional gardens growing herbs and flowers. The rooftops moss covered, ivy clinging to walls giving more of a quaint and natural charm. Multistory buildings with the craftsmen and artisans living upstairs and the fronts being shops and showrooms. Taylors, chefs, gem cutters, jewelers becoming interspersed with the blacksmiths and bakers. Larger markets regularly spring up where vendors display fruits, vegetables, meats creating a vibrant yet informal suburban like atmosphere.

Closer still to the city center, the walls no looming as a backdrop, the streets begin to narrow and become more densely populated. The buildings grow taller, though more practical and less adorned than the noble residences within the city. Mostly residential neighbourhoods with a mix of middle-class homes and small inns or taverns. More urban with stone foundations, timber framing and tiled roofs but still far from the lavish mansions peaking over the sentinels of the wall. Row houses and terraced building begin intermingle with the buildings, tightly packed often with n arrow alleys winding between. Plazas and public gardens offer spaces for markets and relaxation. These spaces often bordered by larger minor functionary and nobility home. Wrought-iron balconies overflowing with hanging flowers and vines, softening the urban landscape and hiding the dignitaries from the eyes below.

Just before the walls, the sprawl of the city tapers to a wide stretch of gardens only broken by ornate stone arches, lined paths and the main roads leading to the fortified gates. The gardens under the Lantern sentinels tend to be more developed, with gazebos, stages and amphitheatres, whilst between being a bit more sparse and even just long stretches of grass that ad hoc sporting events use. Everything in clear view of the watch patrols up on the walls and towers.