BROADBRIDGE | INTRIGUES OF BROADBRIDGE p1 [FREE]

INSIDE THE WALLS

Having got out of the deep dungeon, returned from the dragon hunt, or completed an important order of the king, the heroes need rest. Uncomfortable sleeping bag in a hastily set up camp only adds bruises in the night; food taken for the journey loses its taste on the third day, and you can't feel your feet from the continuous walking. But it's not so in the city. A warm bed, tasty hot meals, and long days of spending gold in the shops of local craftsmen. Though even here there are problems, of which the heroes may become a part.

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.

HEART OF TRADE

Broadbridge is a town located near the largest trade routes of the region. It attracts not only residents of neighboring settlements, but also people from the farthest corners of the country.

Trade. Settled down on crowded trade roads, the town welcomes new guests. Especially those who have a couple of gold coins in their pockets. The local market provides an opportunity to buy the necessary things for ordinary people, while the craftsmen up the hill sell their skillfully crafted goods not only to rich patrons, but also to guests from the distant areas. The local port only contributes to this.

Faith. As a sign of deep submission, the town has a temple in honor of the deity - the patron of trade. Honoring him with a donation for the temple is a sign of high culture and good manners of a traveler staying in the local area.

Safety. "Swordsmen of Holden", brave local warriors, nestled in the old fortification within the town boundaries. They not only ensure order in the "lower" districts of the town, but also keep it safe from external threats. 

RELIABLE LEADERSHIP

Broadbridge is headed by Earl Oliex Callister. He and his family spend most of their time in a castle, from where they manage the affairs of the region.

A strong leader. Cunning Oliex Callister is a worthy successor of his dynasty; at least he used to be so. Rumors about his passion for the dark arts have reached many locals, despite the fact that no one has seen witnesses to the ritual for a long time. And few would dare to say a word to the Earl- after all it is he who owns Swordsmen of Holden, known for its blind loyalty to the employer.

In reality, Callister is really fond of dark magic due to his advisor, the seer Noeh, who foretold his power and greatness if he let the voice of young, evil gods into his mind. Several farmers witnessed the bloody ritual of sacrifice and told the others about what they saw. Callister found them and those who were particularly vivid in spreading this information among others. He executed them himself, at Noeh's order.

OLIEX CALLISTER
* Earl, mayor of Broadbridge
* Master of deception and intrigue
* [hidden] Wants to comprehend the forces of dark magic
* [hidden] Blackmails his own wife

NOEH
* The mysterious magician and seer
* Ardent follower of the Evil Gods
* [hidden] Wishes to gain true, behind-the-scenes power in the region
* [hidden] Does not really have the ability to predict the future 

A worthy heir. The only heir to Oliex, a son named Nathar, is not a role model as he is described by the crooked local bards. The cruelty-prone 16-year-old boy begins adopting violent dark rites from his father. Ignoring his mother's advices, Nathar feels more and more power in his hands.

With each day, Nathar gets more attention from seer Noeh than his father. She saw a much greater potential in him. His talents and abilities will make him a ruthless and uncompromising ruler, a worthy heir to the dark arts. But his father is young enough, and Nathar does not like to wait long, especially when it comes to more power and control.

NATHAR CALLISTER
* Heir to the Callister dynasty
* Ruthless, cruelty-prone
* [hidden] Wishes more power
* [hidden] Plans to kill his father

Exemplary mother. Aurella, who became Oliex's wife at an early age, is an exemplary mother for many in the region. By organizing lavish feasts with prominent people, she maintains her reputation as a great help for her Earl. Only Aurella's close friends know that things are not going well in her family. But there is nothing she can do about it - marriage to the Callister dynasty for the military assistance is the only thing that saves her own family from enemies.

Callister knows that Aurella betrayed him and found a lover - one of the eminent traders. But no glory will save him from the Earl's wrath - just one word and his head will lie at Aurella's door. He knows that her feelings for him are still strong, so he demands unconditional obedience to his orders. She needs to maintain her reputation, establish connections with the guests, and continue to play the role of an exemplary mother and wife.

AURELLA MOONBORN
* Earl Callister's faithful wife
* Tactful and quiet
* [hidden] Wants to save the life of her secret lover
* [hidden] Hostage of her family

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