Village Backdrop: Longbridge

A Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Compatible GM’s Resource by Creighton Broadhurst

A hotbed of intrigue and deception, Longbridge is claimed by not one but two noble lords. Sprawled across both banks of a wide, swiftly flowing river forming the boundary between the rivals’ lands, the village grew up at either end of a fortified stone bridge of ancient dwarven artifice. A no man’s land of sorts, the bridge itself is huge; scores of travellers cross it every day and several businesses have established themselves upon its span to service their needs. Informally led by Einhard Kochel these free traders do not pay tax or offer fealty to either lord and fiercely resist both nobles’ overtures.

Longbridge is in turmoil. Rumourmongers whisper bloody war will soon swirl across the span as one noble or the other seeks to settle the matter of its ownership once and for all. Others whisper of hidden stairs in the bridge’s pilings plunging deep below the riverbed to secret, noisome catacombs of great antiquity and of the foul, ageless creatures lurking within.

Notable Locations

1. The Longbridge: This massive structure dominates the village’s landscape and economy. Of ancient dwarven artifice is a vital component of the region’s trade network.
2. The Welcoming Hearth: Set upon the bridge, this fortified inn offers comfort, security and welcome. Einhard Kochel (its owner) is a charming, well-mannered host.
3. Rideth’s House: This three-storey building leans precariously out over the river. From her ground floor shop, Rideth offers advice, knowledge and spellcasting services.
4. Thread & Ball: Here the fugitive tailor Dricolen Thornhill (LN male halfling) mends travellers’ clothes while dreaming of again tailoring fine clothes for persons of note.
5. Maldrec’s: This general shop has suspiciously low prices.
6. North Tower: From the north tower, Donatus Trond watches over his lord’s domain.
7. South Tower: Warding the bridge’s southern approaches, it is here Rilla Omer has her seat.
8. The Merry Traveller: This raucous tavern is popular with travellers and common folk. It is open very late.
9. The Iron Fist: Owned by a retired mercenary, the Iron First is popular with off-duty men-at-arms.

Notable Folk

• Rideth Sehiatyn (location 3; N female half-elf wizard 5/rogue 3) Rideth dwells on the bridge and is widely regarded as an expert on the structure.
• Donatus Trond (location 6; LE male human rogue 3/cleric 2) Serving baron Hilduin Lorsch, Donatus is unpopular throughout Longbridge.
• Einhard Kochel (location 2; NG male human fighter 4/cleric 2): Rumoured to be fabulously wealthy the owner of the Welcoming Hearth plots to claim Longbridge as his own.
• Fruen Deadeye (LE female half-orc fighter 4) Owner of the Iron Fist, Fruen is secretly in league with Hilduin Lorsch.
• Hilduin Lorsch (LE male human fighter 5) Lord of Woodridge, Hilduin favours force of arms in his bid to control Longbridge.
• Rilla Omer (location 7; LN female bard 4) The bailiff overseeing Wido Gall’s interests, Rilla controls the south tower.
• Wido Gall (LN male human wizard 4) From his seat in Dulwich, Wido looks east with covetous eyes.

Praise for Village Backdrop: Longbridge

“…this village is yet another stellar example of why I stand by this statement: Creighton GETS relatively realistic, gritty fantasy.”

–Endzeitgeist (five stars + seal of approval)

“…a well crafted settlement ripe for a visit by the party…”

–Megan Robertson (five stars)

This village is part of the Gloamhold campaign setting but can be easily adapted to virtually any campaign.

Village Backdrops are short, richly detailed supplements that each present a single village ready to insert into almost any home campaign. Perfect for use as a waystop on the road to adventure, as an adventure site themselves or as a PC’s home, Village Backdrop present the details so the busy GM can focus on crafting exciting, compelling adventures. 

For free samples head over to Raging Swan's website.