Brindol
The Defacto Capital of Elsir Vale.
Location and Role
Brindol lies in the heart of the Elsir Vale, along the Dawn Way, a major trade route. It serves as a regional hub for commerce, defense, and politics. In Rescue at Rivenroar, Brindol is the home base and starting point of the adventure. It recently suffered a goblinoid raid, prompting the PCs to investigate further and uncover deeper threats.
Physical Description
- Architecture: Brindol is a walled town with sturdy stone and timber buildings, cobbled streets, and banners bearing the red lion of Brindol. It has a mix of residential quarters, merchant stalls, taverns, and government buildings.
- Town Walls and Gates: Thick walls surround much of the town. The main gate sees the most traffic and is guarded day and night.
- River Elsir: The river runs near Brindol, supporting trade and providing a natural defensive barrier.
Inhabitants and Politics
- Lord Eoffram Troyas: A progressive councilor pushing for reform and improved security after the goblin raid.
- Brindol Council: A mix of conservative and progressive voices overseeing civic matters.
- Guard Captain Kartenix: A brave soldier who was kidnapped during the raid.
- Jalissa, Thurann, and others: Citizens affected by the raid.
The citizens are shaken by the goblin assault but remain resilient. Many lost loved ones or homes in the recent raid. The people generally welcome adventurers but are wary of promises unfulfilled.
Tone and Atmosphere
Brindol is portrayed as a frontier bastion of civilization under threat. It’s a place of valor and tradition, now facing new dangers from ancient evils. The town’s atmosphere is hopeful but tense, with local leaders desperate to secure their people’s future.
City of Brindol: Expanded Locations Guide
INNS & LODGING
Chartrenn & Sons (Inn)
A well-run inn catering to merchants, dignitaries, and respectable travelers. Offers private rooms, secure stables, and polite service.
NPC: Mistress Allesa Chartrenn, widow-turned-innkeeper, quietly supportive of local adventurers.
Avandrian Hostel
Simple, clean rooms with communal meals. Avandra’s symbol carved into the doorframe.
NPC: Kelwyn Latch, a halfling priest who offers travel blessings and local gossip.
DEFENSE & COMMERCE
Axenhaft Security (Guard Service)
A mercenary company providing caravan guards and bodyguards.
NPC: Commander Dregan Ironfell, ex-military dwarf with a grudge against the Black March.
Shank’s Shivs (Weapon Shop)
“If it’s sharp, Shank sells it.”
A chaotic storefront filled with blades, some enchanted, some cursed.
NPC: “Shank,” a charming but paranoid figure, possibly a retired assassin.
Brindol Market
The bustling center of daily life with stalls, crier posts, and public debates. Nobles, adventurers, and pickpockets mingle here.
TAVERNS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Antler and The Thistle (Tavern)
“Where tales grow as tall as antlers.”
Warm and woodsy, packed with music, locals favorited.
NPC: Relna, half-elven barkeep with a rotating band of bards.
Ilya’s Cardhouse (Tavern)
Cards, drinks, and whispered deals, legal by a thin margin.
NPC: Ilya Varn, owner and peacekeeper with a glinting dagger.
The Red Door (Tavern/Inn)
Blood-red paint, underground vibe, popular with adventurers and outlaws.
NPC: Thorne of Veyl, a warlock barkeep with infernal tattoos.
MAGIC, LORE & KNOWLEDGE
Red Magic and Sundries (Magic Shop)
Sells scrolls, trinkets, and minor relics; inventory unpredictable.
NPC: Grentha Voss, retired battle-sorcerer, keeps a stuffed pseudodragon.
College of Ioun
An arcane university for historians, mages, and seekers.
NPC: Dean Caedra Amblecrown, strict and brilliant, guards sealed texts from Rhest.
Brindol Academy
Training ground for scribes, cartographers, and sages; affiliated with the worship of Deneir.
TEMPLES & SHRINES
Church of Bahamut
Fortress-like bastion of valor and light; paladins and clerics train here. Currently leaderless.
Cathedral of Erathis
Sanctuary of civic faith, justice, and city law.
NPC: High Canon Istera Vond.
Temple of the Sun (Pelor)
Open, warm, filled with humble prayer.
NPC: Deya Sunfall, hopeful elf healer.
Moondust Temple (Selûne)
Silver-domed, calm, and dreamlike.
NPC: Elyn Duskvale, moon-blessed seer.
Temple of Gond
Half forge, half chapel; prayers mingle with gears and fire.
NPC: Korrim Blackdraft, gnome artificer-priest.
TRADE & SPECIALISTS
Staghunter Outfitters
Outdoor gear, maps, traps, and monster hunter tools.
NPC: Varnis Coldwalk, grizzled one-eyed tracker.
The Anvil’s Whisper (Smithy)
Finest metalwork, rumors of silent enchantments.
NPC: Thargrin Stonebinder, an extremely well muscled dwarf for his age. He has piercing red eyes that were common to his line.
Alchemy by Adronsius
Smells of smoke and secrets, potions bubble near spellbooks. (Currently closed)
NPC: Adronsius, eccentric dwarf alchemist.
CIVIC & NOBLE ESTATES
Kaal Manor
Seat of noble power and wealth; symbol of Brindol’s elite.
NPC: Lady Ariena Kaal, master politician and matriarch.
Jarmaan Keep
Government center and home of Brindol’s ruler.
NPC: Lord Aaron Jarmaan, nobleman, diplomat, and secret war veteran.
Haskin Mansion
Faded estate turned records archive; creaky and full of secrets.
NPC: Librarian Trinn, ancient elf rumored to be over 400 years old.
Brindol Cemetery
Misty, ivy-choked, older than most cities in the Vale. Some mausoleums predate Rhestilor’s fall.
The Hall of Great Valor
War museum and memorial featuring relics from the Red Hand siege.
NPC: Curator Sertanian, old soldier and stubborn traditionalist.
