BRINDOL
Brindol is the second largest settlement in the Elsir Vale. It is a small city with a prosperous farming community. It is a popular caravan stopover for those travelling the Dawn Way and the Elsir River.
The city is almost completely surrounded by a 20-foot-high wall of stone. The only stretch not protected in this way is the section along the river that marks the city's northern boundary. Two bridges cross the Elsir and connect the city with the river's far bank. The highest point in town is a hill nestled in the southeastern quadrant. Clearly the hill is where the wealthy live as it is dotted with manors and mansions. Atop sits a large, well-built keep of stone, its towers once rivaled by the spires of the nearby cathedral.
Orchards of apple and pear trees follow the river's winding shores, while broad grain fields and farmlands surround the town.
COMMON KNOWLEDGE
Brindol is the seat of the Jarmaath noble family, a position they claim to have held since the fall of Rhestilor some 200 years ago. The current ruler is Lord Kerden Jarmaath, but the aging lord has already begun the process of handing rulership to his daughter, Kaylee.
Brindol is a centre of trade with an abundance of food in surrounding lands. Many merchants make Brindol a place to stop and maintain warehouses here.
The city has almost fully recovered from the Battle of Brindol, except for a burnt out neighbourhood in the southern quarter. This was destroyed during the Battle of Brindol by the red dragon Abithriax.
The people of Brindol have recently turned away from the gods. They are bitter that the deities did not help them even when Tiamat herself arrived on their doorstep. They acknowledge that Bahamut is gone and none of the other deities seem to care. There are still small temples and shrines but the average person has given up on the deities here.
REGIONAL FEATURES
The Angry Giant Tavern (#9 on map)
This rickety establishment was built on the ruins of the high-class tavern known as the Craven Raven. That tavern was destroyed during the Battle of Brindol when giants crossed the river and smashed up buildings. In fact, three of the tables in this establishment are boulders lobbed by giants.
Axenhaft Security (#3 on map)
This large stone and wood building was damaged badly during the Battle of Brindol but was one of the first to be repaired and improved upon.
It was and still is run by Eldremma Axenhaft (female dwarf) who keeps a small contingent of fighters and warriors on staff, hiring them out as guards for merchants.
She also serves as a point of contact with adventurers and is not too pleased with Rocc establishing The Watchers and recruiting most able adventurers –especially as they are right across the street.
Brindol (Kayne) Academy (#11 on map)
A two story building (that was damaged and then repaired following the Battle of Brindol).
Most prestigious place of learning in the Vale. Founded and financed by huge grant given by wizard Lessiter Kayne (long since deceased), the academy offers courses in history, magical theory, geography, alchemy, engineering and culture. (It once had a finishing school too, but when Headmaster Damynda Rianthiar retired and moved away six years ago, the board of leaders left wished to disassociate themselves with nobility. the leaders of each faculty are known as 'Exarchs'.
There is on-site accommodation and students live in one of six nearby dormitories.
Most staff and many students here are members of the Candle Keepers.
Azilora - Exarch of History. Human wizard specialising in knowledge/history. Follower of Ioun and in charge of the library.
Lady Enora is a human wizard that specialises in storm magic at the academy.
- Hobs Hill Heroes Campaign. Jimithy the lightning cleric studied under Lady Enora after his magic abilities manifested during the Battle of Brindol.
- * Saving Strunheim Campaign. Velina Ironside, the paladin of glory and follower of Ioun, studied under Azilora.
Brindol Keep (#18 on map)
A squat, four-towered keep perched atop the central hill. Was badly damaged during the Battle of Brindol but has since been fully restored.
Although traditionally the home of the city’s ruler, nobles for years have preferred to dwell in their mansions on the hill, letting the old keep serve as a town garrison, hall and jail. However, since being refurbished, and to be safer, Lord Jarmaath has moved his family back into the keep. (See Jarmaath Noble House below).
In the garrison is a large temple of Erathis known as the 'Hall of Judgement'. Although not as well attended by the flock anymore, this still serves as a courthouse of sorts. Captain Lars Ulverth, as an Inquisitor of Erathis, presides over major proceedings, but his understudies handle most of the minor disputes.
The garrison of the Lion's Guard stationed at the keep is led by Captain Lars Ulverth (male human), an Inquisitor of Erathis. He strongly believes in keeping the peace and the importance of being civilised. Captain Lars already walked with a limp before the Battle of Brindol, but during the fight he was also blinded in his left eye by the hobgoblin Wyrmlord Kharn as he advanced towards the Cathedral of Pelor. Lars’ stubbornness has served him well over the years, most often his adamant refusal to compromise the funding, training, and pay for his soldiers. While this insistence has led to numerous arguments with Lord Jarmaath, the loyalty and morale of the Lion Guard is beyond reproach.
- Scales of War Campaign. Khazus spent a week operating as one of Captain Lars' underlings, presiding over several minor cases and doing other works required of the clergy, including keeping the temple clean. Cannel also spent that week here helping to train recruits and performing minor religious services. The Captain has a very positive attitude towards Cannel & Khazus.
Cathedral of Pelor (#17 on map)
Although still the most distinctive building in Brindol, the cathedral is no longer the most lavish or awe-inspiring. It suffered damage during the Battle of Brindol; the windows were smashed and the roof burnt, but the 100ft spires remain and the place is like a hollow shell. Head priestess Tredora Goldenbrow died on the front steps defending the temple, but all was to no avail as the people turned their back on the place following the war.
Currently, a devout few priests have restored one wing for accommodation and have restored some of the main sanctuary, only a part of which is under cover and the cathedral is open to the skies.
City Gates, Garrisons & Walls (#1 on the map)
All gates also serve as garrisons, housing 2 dozen guards comfortably (double that in times of need).
Cost to enter the city for merchants and large groups (including adventuring parties) is 1sp per person in the group.
The City Walls are constructed of large stones and mortar and date back to the days of Rhestilor.
The Eastern River Gate is for traffic heading into the city, so there are extra guards here and officials to collect tax. Little gets past the check point here, especially when garrison commander and Lion of Brindol, Doley Sarhorn the Diviner (female elf diviner wizard) is on duty. She has a very calming demeanor and claims that funds collected are for the safety of all the citizens.
The West Gate was totally destroyed during the Battle of Brindol but has been completely rebuilt. It consists of two square towers flanking a huge double wooden gate. The walls of the garrison have been rendered smooth with ochre-coloured plaster. The outward facing walls have been chiselled with pictures and accounts of the Battle of Brindol as a warning to enemies that would dare attack from this direction again.
The garrison commander (and Lion of Brindol) here is Verdalkin the Titan (male human) a huge and seasoned veteran that takes all duties very seriously.
The River Gates The western gatehouse was also badly damaged and has since been rebuilt. This gate is used for traffic leaving the city, so duty here is often regarded as a bit of a joke within the Lion Guard. The eastern bridge and gate is obviously used for traffic entering the city. Vesselin the Ugly (male human) is in charge of the River Gates and he is anything but 'ugly'. His nickname is a sarcastic one and Vesselin does not seem to mind. He is one of the current 17 Lions of Brindol. It is stated that several of the female farmers in surrounding lands make several trips to the city, just so they can converse with Vesselin, (hopefully on the way in and out of the city if they time their run right).
- Scales of War Campaign. Vitkin is based in the West Gate garrison. He has a little bit of a love/hate relationship with commander Verdalkin, but so do most members of the Lion Guard, as he is a hard taskmaster. Vitkin spent a week of downtime back at his garrison (5th-9th of Bony Moon).
The Laughing Manticore (#12 on map)
This brewery and taphouse has long since catered to the rich and wild. Members of House Kraal and rich merchants are often seen here. Well to do bards and adventurers often stop here too.
Long time owner is the dapper Rillor Paln (m human). It is a poorly kept secret that Rillor is involved with the Black Knives and perhaps even their master, but few act on this, as he was once also involved with Lady Verrasa of House Kaal before she died recently.
Poppof's Place
Poppof is a known wizard.
Red Magic & Sundries (#7 on map)
This tall, thin, multi-story building is the home and shop of the pair Immerstal the Red (human wizard), and Alandri (gynosphinx). Alandri used to go disguised as a polymorphed human, but during the Battle of Brindol her cover was blown as the two of them helped in the defense of the city. Today, Alandri spends time in both forms.
The ground floor is a well-stocked magic shop that Alandi mostly runs.
Prices are fair.
The Sewers
Brindol is famed for is sewer system. When the city was first built, dwarves also constructed a vast sewer system beneath the city. It is also said they created many secret tunnels beneath Brindol Keep too.
The streets of Brindol have many drains and some access grates into the sewers. There are several sewerage outlets along the riverbank.
Moans can be herd echoing from the sewers. Lord Jarmaath's predecessor had a 'sewer beast' placed within one of the cysterns of the sewers. This beast feeds on the trash and offal making the water that makes the river clean. Many now worry this creature is getting too big and will soon emerge from its cramped home.
Since the Battle of Brindol, goblins have been given the job of maintaining the sewers. But they don't seem to be too interested in their job. Ratlings were a little put out when the sewers were given to the goblins and reports are the goblins have tunneled everywhere. This could destabilise the sewers, but also means they are probably tunneling into places they should not be.
Shank’s Shivs - Smithy & Weapons Shop (#4 on map)
Proprietor Shank (male human) is an ex-bandit that served a ten year sentence in the dungeons below Brindol Keep, then spent the next 30 years establishing himself as a respectable business man. Today, this place is widely regarded as the best place to get weapons in all of Brindol.
Shank employs half-a-dozen smiths and holds the contract to supply the ‘Lions of Brindol’.
Shank is getting on now and is keen to sell his renowned establishment.
Shrine of Avandra (#8 on map)
This was much more than a shrine. It was a refurbished guildhouse from Rhestilor days. The impressive stone structure was mostly levelled during the Battle of Brindol however, and residents have been loath to contribute to its reconstruction, seeing it as a sign the gods abandoned them. This theory gained more weight as Avandra was goddess of luck afterall.
Southwall Slums
The fires from the dragon Abithriax swept down the steep hill and decimated this region during the Battle of Brindol. After the war, the goblin prisoners and refugees were sent here in the hopes they would repair the structures – they did not, but made hovels for homes out of what was left. Partial structures here, all bare the scorch marks of the war.
The Stone Wyvern Tavern (#2 on map)
Named after the petrified wyvern that dominates the inn’s common room. During the Battle of Brindol this establishment was burnt to the ground, but the wyvern still stood. It now dominates a completely new establishment built around the scorched statue.
The halflings (Yabs) that ran the inn could not finance or cope with losing their place. Trabalard Yab left what was left to some energetic ratlings that rebuilt the place and now run it as some sort of collective. Local luminary, hero and founder of The Watchers, Rocc the Warden, is frequently found in this establishment and many believe he helped fund its rebuild.
- Scales of War Campaign. This is the main establishment where Rocc drinks and as such the likely second home of most of The Watchers. Vitkin is very well acquainted with the ratling owners.
Temple of Sehanine Moonbow (#21 on map)
This modest-sized structure is breathtaking to behold. The clergy have spared no expense in the construction and repair of this temple.
High Mourner Mhiram (f half-elf) has been in charge here for many years. There has been much gossip about where she got the funds to both construct and repair the temple.
Sehanine’s clergy are the most tolerated of religions, as they perform a valuable public service (burial of the deceased). There was a friendly rivalry between this faith and that of Pelor’s prior to the Battle of Brindol but that has gone as has the influence of Pelor and religion in general in the city.
The Tumble Inn (#6 on map)
Once the The Thirsty Zombie, this rough and tumble establishment was sold around one year after the Battle of Brindol. The half-orc owner/seller now lives in a townhouse in the south ward.
The place is still a rough and tumble place despite being near the market and two guard garrisons. It is frequented by travellers and riverfolk.
Velorian’s Theater (#10 on map)
Concerts, dances, magic demonstrations, and scholastic debate are held just as often as plays and musical performances.
Owner is the beautiful Velorian (female half-elf), a retired adventurer who saw an opportunity to make money in the comfort of the city.
Members of her troupe served as spies during the lead up to the Battle of Brindol.
The Watchers Adventurers' Guildhouse & Stonedelve Smithy (#23 on the map)
This guildhouse is attached to Stonedelve’s Smithy.
Rocc (m gnome warden) and hero of the Battle of Brindol established this guild in the aim of attracting like-minded adventurers that wish to do good throughout the Vale. Like his original group of adventurers, Rocc has called this group The Watchers.
Rocc brought Kulkin Stonedelve (m dwarf) of Red Rock to the city to run the smithy. Quality is good and the prices are fair.
Eldremma of Axenhaft Security has not been pleased with this competition for the services of fighting and adventurous types.
- Scales of War Campaign. As members, some of the characters use this as a base when in Brindol. There is a second story sleeping dormitory for all members.
Place Name
Description
PEOPLE OF REALM
The people of Brindol are of the same mix as the rest of the Vale. The primary inhabitants are the humans descended from those that established the Kingdom of Rhestilor, though many also have Shentulkan inheritance.
Several halflings have settled in riverfront part of the city and many merchant travellers operate their barges around the docks. They are treated as a bit of an underclass, but are tolerated for the goods they bring and the entertainments they provide.
Some dwarves have made the city home, mostly working as crafters and merchants. (An intermixed relationship).
Some travelling elves can be seen in the city from time to time and the Tiri-Kitor maintain a permanent embassy here, following their alliance in defeating the Red Hand Horde.
Ratlings have long assimilated into Brindol life, taking on whatever jobs and roles have been needed. They were the most disgruntled with the goblins being accepted, as they saw them as competition for the many jobs other races did not like. Ratlings live throughout Brindol, but not in the wealthy areas (typically in 'The Hill').
Goblin prisoners and refugees were taken in following the Battle of Brindol much to the chagrin of many residents. They were tasked with maintaining the city's extensive sewers and restricted to live in the burnt section of town (the Southwall Slums) in the hope that the goblins would rebuild it; they have not and instead live in shelters and hovels throughout.
ADVENTURERS
Most likely adventurers in the realm.
GROUPS & ORGANISATIONS
The Black Knives
The thieves' guild of the city.
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- List any relevant classes/subclasses/kits/archetypes/feats/etc that suit the organisation.
The Candle Keepers
An organisation of sages throughout the vale, but mostly represented in Dennovar and Brindol, that seek to share their knowledge and keep this knowledge alive.
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- List any relevant classes/subclasses/kits/archetypes/feats/etc that suit the organisation.
Jarmaath Noble House
Probably the most influential noble family in the vale. The Jarmaaths claim to trace their titles back to the Kingdom of Rhestilor. The Jarmaaths are based in Brindol and the surrounding small towns pledge allegiance to the family. The family has grown very wealthy and has a tight leash over Brindol and beyond. Their military (The Lion Guard) serves as the city watch, regional law enforcers, house guards and front-line forces as needed.
Lord Kerden Jarmaath looks older than his 45 years of age. He led the people through the Battle of Brindol and was a strong supporter of The Watchers that helped during the battle. (He even helped Rocc establish his guild hall during the years of restoration following the battle). Although much revered, Kerden has grown weary of ruler-ship and has been preparing his daughter Kaylee for his position. This handover is not likely to go well, for although Kaylee is very lawfully minded, she has already shown glimpses of being fond of power.
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- List any relevant classes/subclasses/kits/archetypes/feats/etc that suit the organisation.
Kaal Merchant House
A very powerful and influential merchant house based primarily in Brindol, but with influence across the Vale. Although their stocks took a hit during the Battle of Brindol and with the recent death of the house head, Lady Verrasa Kaal, the house has been able to maintain a strong presence. It was rumoured that more than half of Brindol owed Lady Verassa money and/or favours. Many wonder whether the new leader (Verrasa's niece) Desislava will come looking for those debts. Desislava is shaping to be even more ruthless than her aunt.
House Kaal fields a military of around 70 warriors/guards. Most operate as guards for the house's residences, warehouses and caravans. A core group form Deisislava's elite guard.
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- List any relevant classes/subclasses/kits/archetypes/feats/etc that suit the organisation.
The Lion Guard
This the military of the Jarmaath noble house. They garrison the keep, patrol the lands around Brindol and serve as the core of the city watch. As such, they have a lot of influence. Their banner of a white lion on blue is in recognition of the lion symbol of ancient Rhestilor.
The Lion Guard fight with a relentless style. They are well armed, well trained and their morale is very high. They love their stalwart captain.
Motto: Ever vigilant.
Lions of Brindol
The most skilled and experienced members of the Lion Guard are awarded the title of Lion of Brindol. Currently, there are 17 serving Lions of Brindol.
Captain Lars Ulverth Commander of the main garrison and in charge of all defenses. (See Brindol Keep above).
Doley Sarhorn the Diviner Commander of the Eastern River Gate (see City Gates, Garrisons & Walls above).
Verdalkin the Titan. Commander of the West Gate (see City Gates, Garrisons & Walls above).
Vesselin the Ugly. Commander of the Western River Gate (see City Gates, Garrisons & Walls above).
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- Fighter - Warmain
- Weapon training: longsword, halberd, crossbow. Most wear chain armor and those without halberds have large shields.
All members of the Lion Guard gain the following 'fighting style':
Lion's Strike
Once per turn when you make an opportunity attack, you do so with advantage and deal an extra weapon dice of damage if you hit.
- Hobs Hill Heroes. Lawren of the Tiri-Kitor elf tribe stayed on after the Battle of Brindol as a member of the city watch for four years.
Tiri-Kitor Elf Tribe
(See the Blackfens for more information).
Caretakers of the Blackfens, where they patrol on the backs of giant owls. The Tiri Kitor came to the aid of Brindol when it fought the Red Hand and Huntmaster Killiar Arrowswift formed a strong friendship with The Watchers and Lord Jamaath. To this day, the elves of this tribe have a home in the city of Brindol and several travel between their march homeland and the city on the backs of giant owls.
The Watchers
This was originally the name of the small adventuring group that helped save Brindol during the Red Horde Invasion. They sabotaged the horde's move across the vale, organised alliances (such as with the Tiri-Kitor elves and the dwarves of the Hammerfist Holds) and then helped lead the defense of Brindol.
In the years after the battle, Rocc (the gnome warden who was almost crippled in the final battle) obtained an old shop and a smithy. He invited one of the first friends he made in Elsir, the dwarf Kulkin Stonedelve of Red Rock, to come to Brindol and work the forge. In time (and with money from Lord Jamaath), Rocc and Kulkin set up an adventurers' guild. Rocc wanted to train up the next Watchers, but also wished for there to be a lot more of them.
The Watchers' goals are simple: fight evil wherever it rears its head and make life safe for the people of all Elsir Vale. They do not seek fortune, though in time it is likely people will be very willing to pay for their services.
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- List any relevant classes/subclasses/kits/archetypes/feats/etc that suit the organisation.
- Scales of War Campaign. The characters are all early members of The Watchers. Each of them was recruited by Rocc or a contact of Rocc's.
Name
Description
GAME MECHANICS
Class & Concept Options
- List any relevant classes/subclasses/kits/archetypes/feats/etc that suit the organisation.