In the past, the tranquil island of Jewelhold was a beacon for miners and treasure hunters who were drawn to its abundant mineral and gem deposits. However, excessive mining resulted in a catastrophic chain of dormant volcanoes erupting, laying waste to the island's towns and cities. The survivors were forced to flee and Jewelhold was left abandoned.

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It wasn't until the great Tiefling purge that the island was repopulated. The intense heat emanating from the volcano provided the Tieflings with protection from other races who were less resistant to the scorching temperatures. Upon their arrival, the Tieflings were surprised to discover that the destruction of the island's former civilization had spawned a new sentient race. The Fel'dari are living statues made of obsidian rock and possess hearts of fire and the souls of the dead. They had already begun rebuilding their homes and structures from volcanic materials and welcomed the fleeing Tieflings with open arms.

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Today, Caldera stands proud as a city built inside a towering active volcano known as Camenisa's Cauldron, which was once believed to just be a mountain range of Jewelhold. The citizens of this unique civilization have used their ingenuity to create a thriving city despite the constant tremors, intense heat, and acid rain showers. The city's buildings are constructed like pyramids, crafted from cooled igneous rocks and obsidian, providing them with the strength to withstand the constant shaking of the volcano.

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Although the main peak is where the city resides, Camenisa's Cauldron has several peaks, including one that produces a strange blue magma that is cool to the touch. Scholars have been unable to determine why this peak produces this unique lava, but the citizens of Caldera love to collect it to cool down their homes.

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Caldera's armor and weapons are crafted from obsidian infused with fire, resulting in blades with fiery veins that are said to be the sharpest in all of Crius. The rise and fall of the Molten Mire tides has caused the citizens to attach their city to giant chains, allowing them to be raised and lowered in accordance with the lava tides. They can predict the rising tides thanks to the firebird flower that grows on the shore of the Molten Mire, along with carefully monitoring seismic activity, which provides an early warning system to the citizens.

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Despite the constant threat of eruptions, the citizens have developed a unique solution, using magical runes to activate the absorb elements spell around their structures, providing some protection from the intense heat and energy for their steam-powered city. Mining is heavily regulated after the first disaster that befell Jewelhold. Additional problems include the risk of unexpected lava flows and the potential awakening of the dangerous undead that dwell beneath the ground known as Dustmen, who were the corpses of those who were killed in the first eruption of Jewelhold and instead of embracing the new life of the Kel'dari, clung to their past life.

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The people of Caldera have developed special steam-powered ships that can endure the intense heat of the lava. Blaze Seeking, as it is colloquially known, is a dangerous profession, as eruptions can overtake a ship and dangerous creatures live in the Mire, making sailors take sailing seriously.

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Religions and cults like the Cinderborns have a strong presence in Caldera, often battling each other for territory and ideologies, fighting over the one true meaning of fire. The official religion and governing body of Caldera is Cregan Teth, who oversees the city from a tower overlooking the city, providing protection and aid, and keeping a watchful eye on seismic activity.

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Despite the challenges, the rich soil around the volcanoes has made farming successful, though citizens must remain vigilant on when to harvest due to the risk of a sudden lava tide or eruption. 

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Clerics in Caldera appreciate the intense heat of the region, which effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, making it one of the most sterile places in Veargreum. However, prolonged exposure to the constant smoke rising from the Molten Mire has led to the development of a unique vocal quality among the locals. This distinctive tone of voice is a result of years of living amidst the smoky atmosphere, which has left a lasting mark on the city's inhabitants.

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All in all, Caldera is a city unlike any other, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its citizens who have carved out a thriving civilization inside the heart of an active volcano.

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