Chainbraidd Bridge - Formally Balcoth Bridge
Guardian of the Taurduin
The mighty Taurduin rages beneath the stoic pillars of Balcoth Bridge. A hundred years ago it became a lifeline to the far off lands of the Fodorwaith. But when Smaug the mighty was felled by Bard the Bowman, a darkness seemed to be unleashed, and not long after, the Knights of Easterling came upon Mirkwood and captured the bridge for themselves and their merciless master.Retaking and Foretelling Doom
With cunning, skill, and a little luck, the Traveling Minstrels recaptured the bridge and released its prisoners, Hagan Brandywood among them. But now they hear tell of a massive dark army approaching the Grey Mountain Narrows, with Balcoth the Conqueror at its head, and Talwart the Dragon Priest at his side. Would the the Minstrels defeat the army and save the town, or would they be forced to destroy the bridge, damning Summershaw but saving the north from the oncoming evil?Siege of Summershaw
See Main Article: Siege of SummershawArchitecture
The bridge is made in the old ways, extremely thick, with strong masoned walls, two towers which serve as watch outs and garrison posts for those manning the fortifications. A pair of portcullis' guard the entrance of each tower.
History
A serviceable bridge was built across the River Taurduin for heavier traffic 100 years before the days of Smaug the Dragon. The river runs deep and strong for fifty miles in either direction, and the bridge was constructed to help foster development into the Grey Mountains and beyond.
Over the ensuing years, a small village cropped up to service the travelers coming to and from various Wilderlands environs. This diverse enclave of folk, Hobbits, Dwarves, and Humans, would eventually be lead by Foznuc Chanbraid, who would go on to found the town of Summershaw on the west side of the river.
After the dragon Smaug was defeated, and the Battle of the Five Armies ensued, armored knights of Easterling were seen out and around the bridge and later the town. Shortly thereafter, they seized control of the structure and enforced harsh taxes (at one gold for passage) for all crossings. They claimed their leader was Balcoth the Conqueror.
Summershaw, and subsequently Greater Anghor beyond, slowly suffocated as travel dried up. Later, it would be the Traveling Minstrels whom would dislodge the evil knights and reclaim the bridge for the free peoples.
Type
Bridge
Parent Location
Owner
Related Report (Primary Locations)
