Bryn Shander (Br [in] sh [and] [ur])
Bryn Shander
The first stop for most visitors to Icewind Dale is Bryn Shander, a walled town perched atop a cold, lonely, wind-lashed hill. Bright lanterns suspended over narrow streets twist in the wind and add flecks of color to the town's otherwise drab surroundings.
The friendliness in this settlement has dwindled of late. Auril's unyielding winter has greatly reduced the number of visitors to Bryn Shander, and local trade is suffering for it, eating away at the locals' sense of humor and goodwill. Still, there is no safer place in Icewind Dale to spend coin or spend the night.
The walls of the town stand some 30 feet high and are defined by two concentric rings of upright wooden poles, the gap between them filled with dirt and rubble. The outer ring of poles rises above the top of the wall, providing a rampart for defenders stationed on the wood-planked walkway. The wall's hinged gates are 15 feet tall and can be barred from the inside with iron-banded wood beams. These gates are closed when it's dark outside-which is to say more often than not.
Demographics
All manner of folks who sought to find a life for themselves settled in Icewind Dale, from fishermen, fur-trappers and merchants, to mercenaries, criminals, and other less-reputable types.
Defences
Because of its defensive location, residents of cities east of Bryn Shander often took refuge within the city walls during wartime.
The town's security was overseen by its sheriff and their deputy. They maintained a small town guard of twenty militiamen and could rally a force of about 400 in dire times of need. Additionally, the sheriff was granted powers to hire on adventurers to complete any tasks that ensured the safety of Bryn Shander's people and secured its trade interests.
Industry & Trade
Bryn Shander was considered the heart and mercantile hub of the Ten Towns. Folks from all around the surrounding settlements gathered in the Tenth Town to sell their goods, primarily consisting of scrimshaw made from the bones of knucklehead trout.
Merchants from the lands south of the Wall brought in goods that could not be found in the Frozenfar, such as spices, fruits, wines and hardwood lumber, from as far away as the Heartlands.
Points of interest
Inns & taverns
- Bloodril's Snug Haven, a more sultry inn that charges by the hour rather than for the full evening
- Faelfaril's Inn, an old and drafty boarding house
- Geldenstag's Rest, the longstanding inn that lacked a bit in the way of luxury and convenience.
- Hooked Knucklehead, the inn preferred by craftsmen and business people alike
- Kelvin's Comfort, a tavern that was popular among caravaneers
- Northlook, the inn that catered to sellswords and adventurers
Landmarks
- The armory, located at the edge of the Market Square.
- Council Hall, the meeting place of the Ten Towns spokesmen.
- Market Square, a bustling marketplace located in the center of town and featuring knucklehead trout, scrimshaw, vegetables, reindeer meat, and handicrafts.
- Town hall
Shops
- Blackiron Blades, a small shop and smithy north of the town square that made the cheapest weapons in Ten Towns.
- Rendaril's Emporium, the largest trade house in the city, famous for its fine merchandise that included dwarven weapons from Kelvin's Cairn and more.
- Residences
- Speaker's Palace, the private residence of Bryn Shander's speaker
Geography
The city was the only one of the Ten Towns not located on the shores of either Maer Dualdon, Redwaters, or Lac Dinneshere. Instead, it was located on top of a hill south of Kelvin's Cairn.
The Eastway connected the city to the town of Easthaven in the east.An unnamed trail connected the city's North Gate to the village of Targos, and the Caravan Trail left the city to the southwest towards the Spine of the World, where it was called the Ten Trail.
Bryn Shander in a Nutshell
| Friendliness
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Services
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Comfort
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