History
Bryn Shander, the largest and most well protected of the towns, is
typically the first stop for travelers to the far north. Its large
stone walls, and heavy guard presence make it one of the safest towns
also.
With no shortage of things to see, Bryn Shander is a good resource hub for the party, plenty of places to buy and sell their loot and magic items, rest up after a long adventure, or just have a stiff drink and a warm meal.
Bryn Shander is also the main meeting place for the speakers conference, and a good chance the party will meet important NPCs here.
View From the Road
Traveling north along the Luskan trail, just west of Maer Dualdon, sits the walled town of Bryn Shander, the largest and most secure of the ten towns. Its walls of heavy stone, and thick mortar are reinforced with heavy timber. Guards are posted at every entrance to the city, and wandering patrols seek to ensure the citizens safety.
Thousands of street lanterns dot the dark landscape, spreading light along the narrow streets. Smoke billows into the air from hundreds of different chimneys, the smell of fresh breads and pastries mixes with the sound of hammers and shouting merchants. Even in the bitter cold the trade and commerce doesn't stop in Bryn Shander.
Inside each gate to the city sits a comfortable inn, waiting to welcome weary travelers with good food, warm beds and plenty of gossip. Merchant carts drag heavy ruts in the snow covered roads, delivering goods, or purchasing supplies to sell in neighboring towns.
Of all the ten towns of Icewind Dale, Bryn Shander is more alive and busy, even in the never ending night.
Snowflake Ratings
| Comfort | Friendliness | Services |
|---|---|---|
| ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ | ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ | ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ |
Places of Interest
Population and Politics
| Speaker | Guard Captain | Guard Lieutenant |
|---|---|---|
| Duvessa Shane | Markham Southwell | Javier Danaan |
Economics and Taxes
Being the largest of the towns, and typically the first stop for travelers from the south, Bryn Shander has always been an economic powerhouse in the Dale. Even today with the outside trade lanes cut off and travel between the towns reduced, they are still the largest trade hub in the region. Targos and Bremen both benefit from fish trade, and what is left of the traveling tradesmen continuously bring in supplies that keep the markets churning.
Every town has its struggles however, and the worsening weather continues to hamper trade routes, and more traveling merchants are finding themselves unwilling to move between towns as often. It's has put a damper on the local economy and the lowest among the townsfolk are starting to suffer for it.
Atmosphere and Architecture
Even though Bryn Shander is a couple hundred years old, the booming economy has allowed them to continue to keep up with their buildings. Many of the structures have been remodeled to be built out of stone instead of wood like many of the other towns. There are more stable homes and shops that are much more capable of withstanding the harsh weather that Icewind Dale has been experiencing over the last couple of years.
The atmosphere remains friendly, and spirits remain high in the town, as many of the townsfolk have been relatively insulated from the effects of the harsh winters. With stockpiles starting to dwindle and trade routes beginning to dry up, its only a matter of time before the attitude around town takes a turn for the worse, but as of now, the people of Bryn Shander are cheerful and upbeat.
Law and Military
| Population | Militia Veterans | Militia Troops |
|---|---|---|
| 1200 | 4 | 100 |
Travel Times
| Town | Travel Time | Town | Travel Time | Town | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bremen | 4 | Caer-Dineval | 10 | Caer-Konig | 12 |
| Dougan's Hole | 10 | Easthaven | 8 | Good Mead | 6 |
| Lonelywood | 8 | Targos | 2 | Termalaine | 6 |
