Bryn Shander
Bryn Shander is the largest city in the Northern Realms and was at one time the capitol of the Northern Kingdom. The city acted as the gateway, being one of the first cities people traveled through to reach many other northern settlements. At the same time, the city was also the lifeline of all other northern settlements.
The circular walled town itself was placed upon a hill, with snowy plains stretching in all directions save the mountains to the North. There were three gates: north, south, and east. City Hill sat just outside the wall to the northeast of the city.
Bryn Shander has been the sight of several events that were part of world history. Garenthar was said to have led the first farmers and travelers to the city (or nearby). In the early years of the Era of Troubles, when the Crisis of Giants was occurring, a massive siege was executed by Ice Giants, whom were repelled by a group of adventures supported by city defenders.
During the Imperial Wars of Aggression, Bryn Shander was the last holdout in the North, and only surrendered when the Overlord threatened to unleash an Edict. The Northern People are still unsure about the Empire's rule, but make up some of their hardiest soldiers.
Notable Structures
Inns & taverns
Bloodril's Snug Haven 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 adventurersLandmarks
The armory, located at the edge of the Market Square. Council Hall, the meeting place of the Northern Realms spokespeople. Market Square, a bustling marketplace located in the center of town and featuring knucklehead trout, scrimshaw, vegetables, reindeer meat, and handicrafts. Town hallShops
Blackiron Blades, a small shop and smithy north of the town square that made the cheapest weapons in the North. Rendaril's Emporium, the largest trade house in the city, famous for its fine merchandise that included dwarven weapons from the Dwarven Holds in the Amriels.Residences
Speaker's Palace, the private residence of Bryn Shander's Duke.Temples
House of the Triad, the city's temple dedicated to Tyr, Torm, and Ilmater. Shrine of Helm Hall of the Platinum Dragon, temple to Bahamut. The Hörgr Hof, the Northern Realms' chief temple to the deities. The Norse Deities are still worshiped heavily in the North and is the only place one could find common mention of them.Demographics
Human (66%), Halfling (21%), Gnome (5%), Half-Elf (3%), Dwarf (2%), Half-Orc (2%), Elf (~1%), Goliath (~1%)
Government
Bryn Shander is ruled by a City Council ruled by the Duke of the Northern Tier, Duke Ephrades.
The City Council handles most day-to-day issues relating to taxes, laws, organization. All decisions are subject to approval by the Duke.
Defences
Because of its defensive location, residents of surrounding settlements often took shelter inside Bryn Shander's walls during times of war.
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.
Infrastructure
Bryn Shander is the heart and mercantile hub of the Northern Settlements. People from all around surrounding settlements gather in the City to sell their goods, primarily consisting of scrimshaw made from the bones of trout and other fish.
Merchants from lands further south of the "Amriels" (Amriel Mountains) brought in goods that could not regularly be found in the North, such as spices, fruits, wines and hardwood lumber, from as far away as Keoland and Alithanar.
Founding Date
899 EoT
Alternative Name(s)
Jewel of the North, Northern Capital, Throne of the Snowlord
Type
City
Population
Approx. 1,500
Inhabitant Demonym
Bynderans; Shanderans; Bryn Shanders
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Comments