Bryn Shander

Bryn Shander was the biggest of the Ten Towns and was known for being a trading center in Icewind Dale.

Geography
The city was the only one of the Ten Towns not located on the shores of either Maer Dualdon, Redwaters, or Lac Dinneshere. Instead, it was located on top of a hill south of Kelvin's Cairn.

The Eastway connected the city to the town of Easthaven in the east. An unnamed trail connected the city's North Gate to the village of Targos, and the Caravan Trail left the city to the southwest towards the Spine of the World, where it was called the Ten Trail.

Description
The circular walled town itself was placed upon a hill, with snowy plains stretching in all directions. There were three gates: north, south, and east. The City Hill sat just outside the wall to the northeast of the city.

Defenses
Because of its defensive location, residents of cities east of Bryn Shander often took refuge within the city walls during wartime.

14 Century
In 1351 DR, the Ten Towns were attacked by the barbarians of Icewind Dale. With the aid of Drizzt Do'Urden and Bruenor Battlehammer, the horde was defeated at the gates of Bryn Shander. Some years later, the town was besieged by the forces of Akar Kessell, until a reinforcement of dwarf troops led by Bruenor as well as a unified horde of barbarians under Wulfgar arrived. Around 1356 DR, Bryn Shander was under the leadership of spokesman Cassius.

15 Century
In the fall of 1466 DR, the drow warrior Tiago Baenre defeated the returned demon Errtu on a plain outside Bryn Shander, endearing himself to the city. In commemoration of that event, a statue of him was erected on that spot, which consisted of a wide black circle. The statue depicted Tiago with a sword and shield. The plaque read: "On this spot did Master Tiago slay the demon. And the snows will cover it nevermore."

In the late 15 century, sometime after the War of the Silver Marches of 1485 DR, Bryn Shander was attacked by a group of frost giants led by Drufi. The giants attacked the city looking for Artus Cimber expecting to acquire the Ring of Winter. The attack was thwarted by the city's inhabitants with the help of adventurers.

Notable Locations

 * Inns & taverns:
 * Bloodril's Snug Haven
 * Faelfaril's Inn
 * Geldenstag's Rest
 * Hooked Knucklehead
 * Kelvin's Comfort
 * Northlook
 * Other:
 * Armory, located at the edge of the Market Square.
 * Blackiron Blades, a small shop and smithy north of the town square that made the cheapest weapons in Ten Towns.
 * Council Hall, meeting place of the Ten Towns spokesmen; located near the southern wall of the city.
 * House of the Triad, the city's temple dedicated to Tyr, Torm, and Ilmater.
 * Market Square, a bustling marketplace located in the center of town and featuring knucklehead trout, scrimshaw, vegetables, reindeer meat, and handicrafts.
 * Regis's House, a house briefly lent to Regis by Cassius.
 * Rendaril's Emporium, the largest trade house in the city, famous for its fine merchandise that included dwarven weapons from Kelvin's Cairn and more.
 * Speaker's Palace, the private residence of Bryn Shander's speaker.
 * Town hall

Appearances

 * Novels:
 * The Crystal Shard
 * The Last Threshold
 * The Companions