Bryn Shandar
The biggest city in Ozbiard is Bryn Shandar, 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 Ozbiard 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
| Human | 66% |
| Halfling | 13% |
| Dragonborn | 11% |
| Goliath | 4% |
| Other | 7% |
Government
Bryn Shandar is the capitol of Ozbiard, and it's power reaches over the rest of Ozbiard. The government of Bryn Shandar is a reflection of who the people feel most protected by, mages. The strongest mages are put head of the council and lead the city together. They are given the title of "Iceborn". The strongest of those mages is seen as the head of discussions and the public's figure. They are also the one to make announcements and often are given the most credit. When an Iceborn is taken down by a lesser mage they are seen as unfit and must step down. The current Iceborn are: Samantha Hallaw, Brise Taller, Darduik Redminer, Fhaornik Ianlee, and the strongest iceborn Theodre Erwarin. Each settlement outside of the capitol have head speakers that represent their settlement.
Points of interest
The Creaking Fiddle: Tavern
Owner is Eleanor Astley. The tavern is a wooden simple building, with a yellow tile roof and roughly hewn wooden furniture. It contains a large open floor with pillars and tightly packed tables and chairs. They often pair boar and brandy for their meals.The Northlook: Inn and Tavern
The Northlook is the establishment most frequented by mercenaries and adventurers, and as such it’s the rowdiest and most dangerous place to stay in Bryn Shander. At the same time, its taproom is the best spot in all of Ozbiard to get leads on profitable ventures, along with the latest news and rumors. The inn’s proprietor, a retired sellsword named Scramsax, knows full well the cycles of an adventurer’s life. He often cuts a break for customers who are between jobs, allowing them to stay here on credit and then presenting them with a bill inflated by interest charges to be reckoned with as soon as they make their next payday. Those who don’t settle their accounts discover that the old mercenary still knows how to handle a blade, and that he doesn’t take “later” for an answer. Stuffed and mounted on a plaque above the hearth in the common room is a battle-scarred knucklehead trout named Ol’ Bitey, who pulled many fishers into the icy depths of ocean before it was finally caught by a human rogue named Kintyre and her companion, a human druid who called himself the Maverick. They hauled Ol’ Bitey to the Northlook in the hope of having it cooked for them, but Scramsax bought it from them and had it stuffed instead. Years later, some prankster wizard cast a spell on the stuffed fish so that it turns and snaps at any creature that comes within 5 feet of it. Occasionally, seemingly at random, Ol’ Bitey sings the following verse instead: "There’s a place I like to go, Farther up the river’s flow; Where it is, I do not know; Must be under all that snow."The Ol' Buckle: Blacksmith
Owner is Don Lancer. The blacksmith is a wooden and sprawling single story building, with a brown shingled roof and shiny hardwood floors. It contains piles of scrolls and books on the counter and along the walls and a large horned anvil.The Frosted Cauldron: Alchemist
Owner is Enna Sylvaranth. The alchemist is a brick simple building, with large windows and finely-crafted furniture. A cat serves as a mascot and greets customers. It contains a number of crates stacked along the back wall and glass beads cover the doorway.The Night's Owlbear: Jeweler
Owner is Robert Redfield. The jeweler is a adobe simple building, with a tanned wooden roof and tile flooring. It contains a small wood oven and various display counters with gemstones.The People's Watcher: Magic Shop
Owner is Elysande Benson. The shop is a sprawling single story building, with a white shingled roof and well-made wooden furniture. It was once a barracks, and has a collection of arms and armor. It contains a taxidermied bear near the entrance and stained glass windows.Vicky's: General Store
Owner is Vicky Barton. The general store is a timber framed single story building, with several shuttered windows and a pillared curved-roof entryway. It contains a high vaulted ceiling and shelves full of souvenirs.Temple of the Sun: Valorian Church
House of Thorns: Brothel
Owner is Vaina Mellerelel. Ozbiard has a shortage on woman thanks to the bitter cold. To make up for this, a brothel containing feminine looking men was created to satisfy the troubled population. The owner Vaina is a business woman that saw an opportunity and took it. The owner sits in a regal chair from an old noble's house like it's their throne. The inside is decorated with expensive furniture and bright colors to contrast this dull winter. Rooms are full of large beds on the floors covered with soft fur blankets. Anyone can stay as long as they pay for a partner whether they just use them for companionship or other means.
Type
Capital
Population
39,858
Owner/Ruler
Additional Rulers/Owners
Owning Organization
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