Bryn Shander
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. Common species dwelled here with a particular bend towards Goliaths, Humans, and Dwarves, as well as Tieflings who were outcast from their past homes due to prejudice.
Government
Like the rest of the towns Bryn Shander is run by an elected Speaker and protected by a voluntary militia.
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 mercenaries 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 far away.
Infrastructure
The circular walled town itself was placed upon a hill, with snowy plains stretching in all directions. There were three gates: north, south, and east. City Hill sat just outside the wall to the northeast of the city.
History
Bryn Shander was last of the Ten Towns to be founded. Only a single cabin stood in the town's location, used as a stopover by those traveling to other settlements of the dale. At some point, craftsmen began to sell scrimshaw outside the cabin, and other scrimshanders from other towns followed their lead.
The town expanded rapidly, and new buildings and trading posts were built in succession to accommodate all the new businesses. The traders brought with them their long-standing rivalries and feuds from their homelands and violence erupted. Eventually the folks of Bryn Shander settled their differences, which led to the system of representation that continued for years after.
Points of interest
Inns & taverns:
Shrine of Amaunator, a small place of worship to Amaunator, Greater deity of of order, the sun, law, and time. The Everlasting Rime has caused many to gather within its walls, making it quite busy.
- Bloodril's Snug Haven[16]
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 dwarvish weapons from Kelvin's Cairn and more.
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.
Founding Date
1133
Population
1,200
Location under
Characters in Location
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