The Principality of Gwynedd, Land of Mountains and Meadows, is a Changeling Kingdom in Cymru, the land mortals call Wales.
Overview[]

The snow-capped peaks of the Snowdonia Range inevitably draw eyes upward, and visitors may at first fail to see the loveliness of the gentle hills and vales that fall in grassy waves around the charming little towns and villages. But eventually, they will cast their gaze with pleasure on the clear rivers flowing over ancient stones and under romantic bridges watering endless flowered fields.
The principality's eastern border runs parallel to the Conwy River and the River Dee in the northeast, while the sweep of the Cambrian Mountains and the River Dyfi mark the southeastern and southern borders. The waters of Cardigan Bay, Caernarfon Bay, and the Irish Sea wash counterclockwise on Gwynedd's shores to form the principality's boundaries on the west and north. The Lleyn Peninsula and the Isle of Anglesey extend far out into these waters to provide a rich coastline for walking, fishing or sailing. Coastal towns such as Conwy, Bangor, Caernarfon, Tywyn, and Llandudno serve as popular resorts for any who love the sea and surf while smaller towns, such as Betws-y-coed, Ysbytylfan, Ffestiniog, Dolgellau, and Llanberis nestle deeper within the mountains and meadows. Gwynedd is also home to several enticing waterfalls and lakes, such as Swallow Falls on the Conwy River, Llyn Tegid, and Llyn Celyn.
The mountains, however, remain the chief attraction. Carnedd Llewellyn ascends just over 1000 ft near Llanberis, northeast of the shadows of Mount Snowdon, the tallest peak in Cymru. To the south, Cadair Idris glowers down upon Gwynedd, the Snowdonian Range joining the larger chain of Cambrian Mountains to form some of the oldest highlands in Britain.
No single Kithain rules Gwynedd today. The Cantrev of Snowdonia has two separate holdings: Mount Snowdon and Cwm Pwca, each in the hands of commoners. The residents at the two holdings each have their own agendas and while on friendly terms with each other and most Kithain of Cymru, they don't fraternize. If someone has to make a decision, most Kithain in the Land of Mountains and Meadows look to Gwilym the Seneschal.
What the people of Gwynedd really want is a return to the glory-days of Powys; most everyone in Gwynedd traces their roots to that lost land. When Powys fell, everyone who managed to survive the deluge fled to Gwynedd, hoping to regroup. Unfortunately, this didn't happen. Perhaps they'd lost too much hope or couldn't go on without their king. This was a time of terrible despair, the likes of which modem fae had ever seen. The closest thing the Kithain of Gwynedd have to any kind of guidance is from the seneschals of Snowdonia, who managed to endure through the Shattering, always choosing and training their successors well ahead of time. The current seneschal, Gwilym, hopes that a new high king or queen might appear in his lifetime, but prospects don't look good.
Cantrev of Snowdonia[]
See the article Cantrev of Snowdonia
Caernarfon[]
Within sight of Anglesey, the coastal town of Caernarfon has long dominated the northwest comer of Wales. In Roman times, it contained the fortress of Segontium. In medieval times, it served as an administrative center for Edward I and his successors. Caernarfon sits in a strategic position on the banks of the Menai Strait, where waters pour into Caernarfon Bay. The town also has a long industrial history in slate mining. Slate from near Caernarfon once had repute worldwide. The Inigo Jones Mine just outside the city still remains open for display and sales to visitors.
Caernarfon Castle[]
This impressive castle, built in 1238, dominates Caernarfon proper. Throughout the Middle Ages, it functioned as the seat of English government in Wales, and still remains the traditional coronation site of the Prince of Wales. Over 500 million viewers watched the grand pageantry in July 1969 as the current prince of Wales officially received his estate. Red sandstone, a deliberate imitation of the walls of Constantinople, joins with the rising cliffs to form the castle's base. Some sidhe and nobles view Caemarfon as a site of pilgrimage, believing the dates of the prince's coronation and the Resurgence to be no coincidence.
Carreg-y-Gwlch[]
Whether pooka joke or satyr legend, a number of "magic" goats supposedly live in these caves in the South Snowdonian range. They lure mortals into the darkness with promises of gold. In the morning, after a night of drunken debauchery, the unfortunate victims are butted out penniless. Of course, no evidence supports these wild tales.
Cwm Pwca[]
See the article Cwm Pwca.
Cadair Idris[]
This rock-covered hill rises above the pastures of southern Gwynedd. An old legend whispers that anyone who sleeps for a night in the mists of this craggy mountain will awake at dawn either a poet or a madman. Scholars among both the Kithain and the Rheibau ferch Llandona suspect Cadair Idris may be haunted.
Bryn Celyn[]

Bryn Celyn means "hill of holly" in Welsh, and that's exactly how this eyrie appears to mortal eyes. Bryn Celyn lies a few miles east of Ffestiniog, well off the beaten path. The hidden holly grove is home to a reclusive ghille dhu named Celyndra Rhys. In her mortal seeming, the ghille dhu runs an independent farm close by, but she generally prefers her solitude. However, when someone stumbles into her grove, she usually enchants and seduces them, purely for her own amusement. The grove itself bursts with magnificent berried holly bushes, but is otherwise not unusual in appearance. Celyndra's farm is also plain and simple; she keeps a few goats, sheep and hens,and is largely self-sufficient with a steady supply of milk and eggs, and vegetables from the garden.
A very few Kithain know of Bryn Celyn and its elusive mistress. If properly paid, Celyndra is a seer of some ability, although she is sometimes inclined to keep whole truths to herself.
Llandona Coven[]
See the article Llandona Coven.
References[]
- CTD. Isle of the Mighty, pp. 157-163.