BROADBRIDGE MAPS #1 | INTRIGUES OF BROADBRIDGE p2 [FREE]

INTRIGUES OF BROADBRIDGE

You never know where and when the adventure may begin. Sometimes it can happen where you least expect it - for example, in a quiet settlement near popular trade routes. A seemingly unremarkable town on the giant map of the world can be an intermediate point in the big adventure of heroes, or just a place where they can sell the loot from another one ancient tomb. Gradually, rumors and new acquaintance help the heroes learn the web of fates of the locals. And standing up for one of the sides may bring them a good reward or maybe - an influential ally.

TOWN DISTRICTS

Broadbridge is divided into several parts, each of which has its peculiarities. 

DOCKS DISTRICT

Port. Here, the workers serve ships arriving and departing from the town. The work is hard and demanding, but in case of arrival of a renowned guest it is very profitable. That's why for the service of such a "depthless pocket", as the locals say, several labor unions are fighting, two of which stand out especially:

1. "Shigord's people", former sailors of the lost kingdom, are known for their adventures in the whole world.

2. "Iron Hands," local young workers who were recently involved in criminal activities.

Often there are bloody fights between them, but usually the guards do not react to it in any way. People in the castle believe that such competition only improves the quality of service in the town, leaving only the strongest. 

LOWER LEVEL

Market squares. A wide stone road leads to one of the many passages inside the town. The western entrance is intended for merchants and farmers of the low, local level. A small fenced market is enough for them to satisfy their needs. For traders who have better things to offer, there is a gates from the east. A large market for local animals, ore, and small goods is waiting for them within the town.

The entrance to the town is carefully guarded. At all gates, there are watchmen, and the gates are closed at night. Near the western gate, there is a gallows with corpses of murderers and thieves who were found guilty for their crimes.

Peasant villages. Peasant villages are located along both sides of the town. The soil around the town is fertile and the forests are full of animals, so the locals tolerate a high land tax. Among the common people, there is also tension for the most profitable lands and places on the best stalls. But no success here is possible without admiration not only to God, but also to its spokesman- a priest of the temple called Harrot who often acts as a judge in such disputes.

Shadow organizations. Between the cramped peasant huts, there are taverns, an integral part of the life of local residents. There, in the far corners, the members of the Silver Chain criminal gang discuss their plans. Finally, the wind of change has blown in their direction - tension is growing between the town's nobility, and a storm is about to break out. And no one will look at the ordinary people who no longer want to stand behind their masters. The presence of their members in the "Swordsmen of Holdem" gives hope for support with weapons and supplies in case of seizure of the power in the town.

Swordsmen of Holdem. Nestled in an old fortress, the walls of which have seen many battles, several hundred brave warriors serve the entire town, and especially their employer - Earl Callister. But even he cannot appreciate the strength and intelligence of his mercenaries, who have long understood that the Callister dynasty is no longer authoritative in the town. Having the power of weapons in his hands, the leader Holdem is in two minds and doesn't know what future allies to choose. On the one hand, there is a priest of the temple Harrot - a man of God, and with his patronage, the leader can go far and bring glory to his family. On the other hand, many of his advisers want to unite with the Silver Chain - the web of their influence is extremely wide; a life is not enough to understand the depth of its possibilities. 

HOLDEM IRONBEAR
* Head of Swordsmen of Holdem mercenaries
* Experienced strategist
* [hidden] Wants to gain power over Broadbridge by force
* [hidden] Prepares a conspiracy against Earl Callister

MIDDLE LEVEL

Town square. The central place for wealthy locals and visitors. Here, the one can exchange goods, negotiate new deals, and stay for a night or two in the famous guest houses. And while the market squares down the hill are the place for everyday rumors, on the town square, the one can hear gossip from far corners of the region concerning many influential people.

The square itself and the entrance to it are carefully guarded. The ragamuffins and idlers are immediately thrown away by the guards.

Artisans. The basis and pride of the Broadbridge trade is its artisans. Skillful treatment of leather, ores, forging of weapons of any complexity and many other things attract the attention of even the most sophisticated guest. The mint with a gold coin with a portrait of Earl Callister has been opened here recently. 

Broadbridge encourages its craftsmen, so many artisans from all over the region are fighting for the right to be in the Earl's influence. Not all of them compete in a fair manner, weaving plots against each other and inventing shameful stories that are widely discussed at local feasts.

Temple. The largest temple of the God of trade in the local culture attracts the views of all travelers from afar. The one who donates a coin to it will find the great luck. Priest of the temple named Harrot is a widely known voice of God. Having devoted himself to service from his early age, he gained doubtless authority in the town. Earl Callister does not miss a single word in the priest's speeches and listens to him with great attention and even fear.

Near the temple, the trials are held, in which the priest often takes part. The god is very close here; so many people would not ever lie in front of the almighty.

Harrot knows what is going on in the court of Callister. Looking at it with disapproval and sympathy for Aurella, the earl's wife, he does not hurry with actions and waits for the right moment. Changes are about to break out in the confession, and the place of the High Priest in the region is about to become vacant. The place will be taken by the one who has many strong and influential friends. Harrot carefully observes the intrigues and rumors to get a loyal ally just in time and support his endeavors.

HARROT
* The priest of the town of Broadbridge
* Imperceptible observer
* [hidden] Wants to find a strong and powerful ally
* [hidden] Pinballs between honest service and building a career in the confession

UPPER LEVEL

Nobility. All the Earl's confidents - his personal advisers and masters - live here. Callister selects people who are exceptionally loyal but have their own opinions concerning the questions he is interested in. Some of the confidents serve their count's dynasty for many generations, receiving numerous privileges for this. But if something happens to such advisers (perhaps with someone's help), they will be replaced by people from another house.

Castle. A stone road runs from the fenced and well-guarded area to the castle, past several watchtowers with particularly vigilant and skillful archers. The count's family lives inside the castle, with several houses for personal servants. Callister family is guarded by warriors who were personally selected by the Earl's military advisor and do not leave the castle for a single moment, especially in the tough times for the town.

In the castle, Callister holds feasts for his companions and distinguished craftsmen and merchants. Here, he also solves controversial issues that require his personal decision and attention, passing his fair verdict. Priest Harrot also attends such proceedings to add more weight to the Callister's words.

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