Ivybridge
Setting for the scenario On a Hot Summer's Day, for party 2nd-4th level, Tortured Souls 8. Swamp.
Ivybridge is a small but strategically significant village located along a tributary of the River Lygol. Though it appears picturesque and peaceful, it is heavily influenced by the presence of Duke Athelric d’Wray, who controls trade and taxes with an iron grip. Due to its position at the last deep-water channel before the river shallows, Ivybridge acts as a critical trade hub for the Willowdales region and the Norditch lands beyond. However, its prosperity comes at a price—nothing happens without the Duke's knowledge, and every transaction benefits his coffers.
The Ivy Bridge – A grand stone bridge covered in ivy, the namesake of the village, serving as a key crossing point.
The Market Green – The village’s commercial heart, bustling with merchants and tax collectors.
The River Docks – The main trade port, where goods are offloaded under the Duke’s watchful eye.
The Militia Barracks – A stone-walled garrison that houses the Duke’s armed enforcers.
Geography & Layout
Ivybridge lies in a fertile valley, surrounded by rolling meadows, woodlands, and winding streams. The tributary river, flowing from the east, deepens into a navigable channel at Ivybridge, allowing merchant ships and cargo vessels to dock at the village. Beyond the bridge, only shallow-bottomed boats and barges can continue upstream. A stone bridge, ancient and covered in creeping ivy, spans the river at the village’s heart, giving Ivybridge its name. The main road leads from this bridge into narrow cobbled streets, flanked by half-timbered houses with thatched or slate roofs. A market green serves as the village’s trading hub, while the river docks handle larger shipments of goods. To the east, wooded hills and winding trails lead towards the Sarpath Mountains, while to the west, the river widens into marshlands before joining the larger Lygol waterway. The Duke’s manor house, a fortified residence atop a low hill, looms over the village, ensuring he maintains control over all affairs.Culture & Way of Life
Despite its beauty, life in Ivybridge is defined by taxation, restriction, and quiet resentment. The Duke’s control means that all trade is taxed, and no one enters or leaves without militia oversight. Though farmers, fishers, and craftsmen go about their daily lives, there is an underlying sense of caution—one wrong word or unpaid toll can lead to harsh consequences. The village, however, thrives on trade, and merchants from Norditch and the Willowdales frequently pass through. The market is lively, selling fine wool, river fish, handcrafted boats, and rare herbs from the surrounding forests. Local festivals are subdued, as gatherings must be approved by the Duke’s agents, but traditions persist in quiet defiance of his rule. Rumours persist of smugglers and rebels who use secret paths through the woodlands to evade the Duke’s control. Though no open rebellion exists, many whisper of discontent, and travellers often hear hushed complaints about the Duke’s ever-tightening grasp.Population & Society
Ivybridge is home to roughly 200 residents, the majority of whom are humans, though halflings and a few dwarves also live within the village. Most people are farmers, traders, or craftsmen, but there is an unusually large number of soldiers stationed here due to the Duke’s influence. The Duke’s enforcers, numbering around 30 trained men, patrol the village in dark green and silver tabards, ensuring order and collecting tolls. Wealth is concentrated in the hands of the Duke and a handful of merchants who benefit from his favour, while most villagers struggle to make ends meet. Those who resist or fail to pay their dues are often arrested or mysteriously disappear. Though outwardly quiet and obedient, Ivybridge’s people are not truly loyal to the Duke—only afraid of his power. There is a growing unease among merchants and townsfolk alike, as they question how long his reign of control will last.Summary
A quaint but oppressed trade village, Ivybridge serves as a vital link between the Willowdales and Norditch but is held in the iron grip of Duke Athelric d’Wray, whose taxes and control stifle its people’s freedom. ------Notable Locations
Type
Village
Location under
Included Locations
Characters in Location
City League: 40mi (2d / 1.4d / 2d / 2.6d / 1dd)
Eldmere: 20mi (1d / 0.7d / 1d / 1.3d / n/a)
Willowbrook: 15mi (0.8d / 0.5d / 0.8d / 1d / 1.5du)
Defence
None Ruler
Burghermeister (local elected) Suzerain
None Population
120 Race Mix
N5% Class Mix
F2 MU- C2 T1 Wealth
1 Source of Wealth
Farming / Trade Garrison
0 (loyal to crown) / 0 (county horse) Constabulary
5 (civilian law enforcers) Religions
1 Notes
Average, mixed alignments
Comments