Kethira-720TR-Harn-Kaldor-Oselbridge

Oselbridge (trading post)

From "In Genin's Footsteps" by Julian Verdreth, 715 TR:

That last half-mile is visible from the trading post at the Oselbridge, and the merchant, Grunda of Tyune, knows most of the Pagaelin in the area on sight. He has made it known that he will not deal with warriors who prey upon travelers within sight of his post.

Thus, the Oselbridge is a fairly safe place. The bridge itself is a four-arch stone design. The river is a bit under a hundred feet wide and often deeper than a man’s height. There is no useful ford for many miles in either direction; for practical purposes, the Oselbridge is the only crossing. Before the bridge was built, this was still the only practical ford.

Many people set up camp just east of the trading post and stay for a day or two, gathering their breath. Violence is not permitted here, either among the Kaldoric natives or the Pagaelin. This is enforced by their own customs as well as Kaldoric law. Therefore, the tribesmen can be dealt with here in somewhat greater safety. However, political tensions are rising about the place and you should remain well clear of taking the side of either the merchants or any Kaldoric troops that may be present.

The Macullok tribe of Pagaelin, just to the south of the bridge, are becoming wealthy barbarians; they trade with Grunda, then trade those goods with other tribes for furs and hides with which to buy more metal tools and weapons. Of late, they have become increasingly erratic, and there are rumors of them adopting some strange new barbarian faith.

The actual crossing of the Osel River is merely a matter of paying the toll and walking across a bridge forty yards long. As an event, it is negligible. As a symbol, it is potent. The land north of the Osel can be claimed reasonably well controlled by the Army of the Oselmarch, under Lord Firith. To the south of the Osel is land over which Kaldor has only the most tenuous control.

It is no exaggeration to say that between Varden and Oselbridge lies land over which Kaldor and the Pagaelin constantly fight, but that between Oselbridge and Meldun manor in Chybisa is simply Pagaelin land.

There are several buildings of the Oselbridge trading post, covering about a quarter-acre. The stables can hold about a dozen horses and varies from nearly empty to nearly full. There is a small smithy, mostly used by the seasonal ostler. A narrow catwalk runs around the perimeter of the palisade, providing a platform for defense if needed. Ladders of lashed-together branches provided access yet are easy to dislodge.

The main two buildings are towards the water, for the warehouse and the mercenaries’ quarters. The trader’s quarters are a little closer to the front. Between the two is a smaller building for temporary accommodations that isn’t much more than a raised piece of floor with a roof over it and wattle-and-daub walls. Better than being out in the rain, but not much.

People

Grunda of Tyune (merchant)

Grunda's first duty is to the trading post. He's not directly concerned with the safety of travelers but doesn't allow any fighting between them and the natives.