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This chapter offers detailed information about the city-state of Bridgemoor. Given how crucial the political structure of Bridgemoor may become to the campaign, details on the Meritocrats and of Bridgemoor’s legislative system are included at the top of this chapter.
This chapter offers detailed information about the city-state of Bridgemoor. Given how crucial the political structure of Bridgemoor may become to the campaign, details on the Meritocrats and of Bridgemoor’s legislative system are included at the top of this chapter.
== The Meritocracy ==
As ''The Cloven Lands'' is a politically driven campaign with many families and factions to keep track of, the heroes may wind up becoming directly involved in the Meritocracy of Bridgemoor. This section provides information on the inner workings of the Meritocracy. If your players seem uninterested in such tedious matters, you only need to briefly skim this section so that you can fill them in on the broad strokes of the governmental system.
The Meritocrats are a powerful governmental organization that rules over Bridgemoor. The Meritocracy is divided into three tiers, each of which are further organized into committees and boards that run specific aspects of the city-state. The three tiers of the Meritocracy are the Meritocrats, the Tenured, and the Premiers. Many folk recognize an unofficial fourth tier of the Meritocrats: the Bureaucrats, who are not officially voting members of the Meritocracy but are advisors, assistants, and diplomats that work for the Meritocrats.
The Meritocracy is a powerful governmental organization that rules over Bridgemoor. Divided into three tiers of rank, each is organized into committees and boards that run aspects of the state. These tiers are: Meritocrats, the Tenured, and the Premiers. Many folk recognize an unofficial fourth tier of the Meritocracy: the Bureaucrats, who are not official voting members of the Meritocracy but advisors, assistants, and diplomats under its purview.
The Meritocrats are responsible for selecting the Bridge Commander and the Magister Superior, ranks that run the Bridge Knights and Magistrate. The former oversees public safety and domestic security while the Magistrate resolves any judicial claims, disputes, or responsibilities. Despite their legislative authority, the Meritocrats are beholden to these positions, able to be tried and arrested as any citizen. In theory. While this is meant to prevent corruption, appointments are usually made in lieu of quid pro quos, along with favors in legislation and enforcement.
While the Meritocrats legislate, and while it is true that they are responsible for installing the Bridge Commander and Magister Superior in their positions of power, the Meritocrats are legally beholden to the same standards as anyone else. In theory, this prevents corruption, as the Bridge Commander has the power to arrest any Meritocrat, even the Premier of Governance. Likewise, the Magister Superior has the legal grounds to convict anyone, even the Premiers.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|
===== '''Legislation''' =====
For any legislation to pass in the Meritocrat Senate it must do so with a simple majority vote, but a session is only legal if at least three-fourths of each tier’s members are present. Each tier possesses a weighted vote, giving some members more power than others.
'''Meritocrat -''' 1 vote
'''Tenured -''' 5 votes
'''Premier -''' 20 votes (25 if legislating their field)
'''Governance''' - 50 votes
|}
==== '''Bureaucrats''' ====
Bureaucrats are the oft forgotten staff of the Meritocracy. While not an official tier with any sort of voting power, governance ceases without them. Clerks, assistants, diplomats, and even informants, these individuals are considered to still be a part of the ruling class, even without grand influence. It is common to find aspiring university students striving to become a part of the bureaucracy.
==== '''Meritocrats''' ====
The first tier of influence within Bridgemoor, Meritocrats are officials with voting powers. These individuals manage the city’s legislative bodies and economic faculties, but are the least powerful of meritocratic ranks. To gain such a rank, a hopeful must complete a written exam and an oral defense of a proposed policy, which are graded on a simple pass or fail basis. Tenured Meritocrats oversee this process.
The Meritocrats always consist of 200 members, and a Meritocrat retains their seat for six years. Afterward, they must retake an exam, often updated to reflect recent history, or may choose a hopeful from the bureaucracy to replace them. If a Meritocrat fails this exam they may choose to retire, or take a job as a Bureaucrat, at which point a Primer will choose a potential successor.
==== '''Tenured''' ====
A Meritocrat must serve a minimum of two terms to gain the title of Tenured. At the end of their term, if they qualify, a Meritocrat may choose to take a new series of exams—those of increasing difficulty—and upon their successful completion, may assume their new title. A Tenured may serve in this role until they choose to retire or ascend to Premier status.
Tenured Meritocrats oversee committees of their peers and subdivisions of Bridgemoor society, such as meritocratic trade councils. They are more managerial than political, serving as go-betweens for premiers and lower ranking officials.
There are only ever 40 Tenured positions, and Meritocrats wishing to gain this status must wait until a spot becomes available. Even then, new Tenured are offered exams in [[order]] of seniority, leaving a fair bit of politicking to be done for less patient Meritocrats.
==== '''Premiers''' ====
The political elite of Bridgemoor, Premier Meritocrats are the closest thing to rulers that the city possesses. There are only eight premiers, each assigned a facet of city policy that dictates their responsibilities. They oversee related Tenured, but rarely deal with anything short of city-wide legislation personally.
The eight facets are as follows: finance, security, trade, diplomacy, religion, education, culture, and governance. The Premier of Governance retains a special place in the hierarchy, as they manage and support the other premiers, mediating disputes and dealing with high ranking foreign diplomats, or nobles. They are as close to a single monarch as Bridgemoor possesses.
When a premier retires they choose their successor from among willing, trusted Tenured. While this is tradition, there’s no law indicating succession, opening the door to odd choices.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Honorifics''' =====
Each tier possesses a specific title, or honorific.
'''Meritocrat''' - Meritocrat
'''Tenured''' - Counselor
'''Premier''' - Minister
'''Governance''' - Governor
|}
=== Meritocrat Eligibility ===
In addition to extensive testing an individual must meet certain requirements to become a Meritocrat. First, they must be a citizen of Bridgemoor and retain citizenship with no other sovereign nation. Second, they must possess a degree from the Meritocratium, have served with distinction in the Bridge Knights, or be a ranking member of the Trade Consortium, or any other official guild within the city. An individual may be granted special eligibility by a special council of Premiers, with at least three voting to support such a waiver of requirements.
=== The Magistrate ===
The Magistrate is the judicial apparatus that manages courts in Bridgemoor. The Magister Superior is the final word on the law, although a 90% majority vote from the Meritocracy can impeach the Magister Superior.
The Magister Superior appoints Junior Magisters and Local Magisters, and provided that they are approved by a simple majority vote in the Meritocracy, they serve their respective districts in Bridgemoor and tend to all judicial matters therein.
=== The Bridge Knights ===
The Bridge Commander, once appointed by the Meritocracy, oversees the executive branch of Bridgemoor’s government. The Bridge Commander appoints Captains that manage Bridge Knights and appoints Colonels that tend to the order’s administrative matters.
==== '''Bridgemoor Lore''' ====
Adventures may have an understanding of Bridgemoor, along with knowledge of its history and potential rumors. They may roll INT checks for the following information:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!DC
!Information
|-
|5
|Bridgemoor is a renowned city built upon an ancient bridge that spans the shortest width of the Great Chasm. It is rich in goods, culture, and wealth, and employs a system of governance known as the Meritocracy. It is the only place one can [[travel]] between Kendaria and Nalathesh.
|-
|10
|While grand, Bridgemoor is known to foster a great deal of nepotism and in its official ranks. It favors the wealthy, and makes a great deal of its income off exploiting travelers and merchants with excessive tolls. Yet, it is as fair a city as one is to find, and so long as an individual can support themselves, it boasts a high quality of life and near limitless opportunities. Citizenship, while hard won, is available to any.
|-
|15
|Rumors are rife with corruption among Bridgemoor Meritocrats and increasing tension between the current Bridgemoor [[Knight]]-Commander and the Meritocratic Senate, especially with Governor Arinwin. It is whispered that the tensions may be building to a militant conflict.
While the bridge itself is safe, details on the Underbridge, a massive series of sewers and puzzling waterways, lies beneath the city, and is filled with danger, forgotten folk, and even deadly, dangerous cults.
|-
|20
|The Underbridge Cult is only gaining power within Bridgemoor despite the iron fist of its local [[guard]], the Bridge Knights. Incursions of Inferno fiends are far-too common within the market places, and the people are growing restless.
With this fear, scholars and dissidents are rising, challenging the Meritocracy and actively protesting the Bridge Knights. Between it all, the governance of the city is struggling, and foreign (and may even local) powers are starting to circle, gaining interest in exploiting the unrest.
|}
== City Details ==
The following categories are more in-depth snapshots of the individual facets of Bridgemoor.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''How Large is Bridgemoor?''' =====
From gate to gate, the city spans approximately 20 miles, meaning it takes a full 8-hours of travel to reach the other side, something the innkeepers within tend to appreciate. 
|}
==== '''Academics''' ====
Bridgemoor places immense value on education and scholastic achievement. Home of the Meritocriatum, a large and famous university, local and foreign scholars alike flock to the city at the chance to hone their craft and receive funding for their projects. Those of a formal education are often sought out, rewarded, and promoted to the ranks of the Meritocrats, the ruling body of Bridgemoor, leading to keen interests in pursuing knowledge worthy of attention.
Smaller schools are common amongst the residential districts of the city, funded by individual Meritocrats, often to find talented youth and weed out those meant for more provincial careers. Despite intentions, this leads to even the poorest of Bridgemoor’s citizens being able to read, making way for some strange, if not fascinating, advancements in technology.
==== '''Citizenship''' ====
A vital aspect of Bridgemoorian life is access to citizenship. Any individual born in the city is a rightful citizen, but otherwise citizenship must be earned. Citizens benefit from exemption to tolls levied for entering and leaving the city, and are allowed to purchase the strictly regulated, and limited, land of Bridgemoor. They are also guaranteed rights to trials by local magistrates, and are eligible to join the bureaucracy and even test into the ranks of the Meritocrats. Non-citizens are guaranteed none of these rights.
There are multiple paths to citizenship.
'''Military Service.''' Five years of [[honorable]] service among the Bridge Knights.
'''University Graduate.''' Graduates from the Meritocratium gain the option to renounce their previous citizenship and become official Bridgemoor citizens.
'''Mercantile Exception.''' Joining the Trade Consortium and becoming a respected [[trader]] (gaining 1 rank in the Trader profession) grants the individual the ability to purchase citizenship papers for 2,500sc. This fee can be waived or reduced by a Meritocrat.
'''Laborer.''' Ten years as a laborer grants an individual the ability to take a citizen test on basic principles of Bridgemoor. If passed, they are granted citizenship.
'''Sponsorship.''' A Meritocrat may lobby the Citizenship Committee on behalf of an individual. So long as 10 other Meritocrats approve, citizenship is granted. This is a common path for individuals of note, such as skilled craftsfolk.
==== '''Culture''' ====
Forged from the diversity of Nalathesh and Kendaria, Bridgemoor’s locals retain beliefs and traditions from a myriad of cultures, those brought from their neighbors and far off visitors alike. Its people are vocal, and well-educated, fostering the spread of ideas and cultural touchstones, leading to multiple monthly festivals and events that celebrate strange, or even familiar, gods and cultures.
Referred to as Moorfolk, the people of Bridgemoor can be unruly, inspired by ever evolving ideas and advanced scholarship, and incensed by the ironic nature of the city’s feigned meritocracy. There are obvious disparities in economic classes, with merchants, militants, and Meritocrats reaping the benefit of local policies, and working class locals, such as miners and laborers, the last to receive consideration. Fortunately, there are as many willing to do good within the Meritocracy as those seeking personal gain, and a good many citizens brim with civil pride when confronted with the progressive nature of their governance.
Moorfolk are a clean people. With how tight the city districts can be, many are aware of how fast [[disease]] can spread, and with the access to regular clean water, bathhouses are commonplace, leading to a great deal of time spent grooming and on cleanliness. Unlike most cities of its size, Bridgemoor retains a pleasant scent, furthered by small [[Arcane]] trinkets that keep such luxurious standards afloat.
==== '''Military''' ====
While it can’t field a grand, mobile force, Bridgemoor retains a large garrison and guard in the form of the local Bridge Knights. Officially sanctioned by the city, the Bridge Knights patrol the city, its gates, the immediate surroundings, and oversee day-to-day enforcement. Under Bridge Commander Ser [[Kellion Blacksky]], they act as strict overseers, punishing even the most minor infractions with discipline and competence. They are well funded, with arms and [[armor]] purchased via the city’s immense wealth.
Bridgemoor retains multiple guardhouses throughout the city, each boasting a barracks, armory, and offices. Bridge Knights often live and operate in a single area for their career, becoming familiar with locals and forming relationships therein. Knight-Captains often become district sheriffs, overseeing their areas according to their personalities.
==== '''Politics''' ====
An oligarchic state, Bridgemoor is overseen by a ruling class of Meritocrats. These individuals oversee legislation and appoint major figures, such as the [[Bridge Knight]] Commander and Magister Superior, the executive and judicial authorities. These two positions are responsible for appointing a staff of captains and magisters, who then recruit and train day-to-day overseers. These practices lead to rampant nepotism within the city, with rare exceptions.
Meritocrats choose their successors, which further spreads the ideation of nepotism and dynasties within Bridgemoor.
==== '''Religion''' ====
Citizens are encouraged to pursue their own beliefs within the city. Several temples dedicated to specific pantheons or tenets can be found throughout Bridgemoor, along with unaffiliated houses of worship that offer a quiet, contemplative space for any belief system, such as the House of Alms.
==== '''Technology''' ====
With its proliferation of education and wealth, Bridgemoor is home to wonderful inventions. Mixing Arcane magics and medieval machinery, they are able to sustain the city despite a lack of local resources. The city’s depths consist of an intricate civil sewer system that feeds into dozens of “purification basins.” These are magical cauldrons that clean and recycle water, then pump it to various districts. Wealthy inhabitants have heated pipes in their homes, able to take hot baths on a whim, and make use of indoor plumbing. These inventions are commonplace, making life in Bridgemoor luxurious, if expensive.
==== '''Trade''' ====
Connecting Nalathesh and Kendaria, Bridgemoor acts as a major trade hub, able to facilitate, protect, and foster a goods exchange with little risk to involved parties. Due to both the high volume of merchants and its impartial political status, the city possesses one of the strongest economies in the region, with both an elaborate selection of foreign goods, and a mineral rich inventory for trades to purchase in bulk.
Bridgemoor accepts currency from any nation, with its toll stations able to exchange coins for writs of credit. These writs allow merchants, locals, and travelers to do business without conversions, acting on value that is then later redeemed at the same toll stations on leaving the city. Writs significantly cut down on theft, further encouraging fair trade.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Writs of Credit''' =====
These writs are furled scrolls, each marked with a unique seal imprinted with a touch of magic. Seals essentially act as fingerprints to the owners, making them difficult to forge, and may be signed over to individuals to be cashed in for their value in a specific currency. Each writ carries an assigned value that can only be changed at a toll house, or the central bank.
|}
==== '''Underworld''' ====
Bureaucratic crime in Bridgemoor is a common occurrence. With the Bridge Knights looking down, and magisters inundated with foreign and mercantile law, there’s little oversight of the wealthy as they manipulate the mercantile economy for their own gain. Overt, violent crime and theft of personal property is rare thanks to Ser Kellion’s iron discipline, but certain elements persist nonetheless.
Scholarly resistances are common in residential areas: dissidents that decry the Meritocrats via public protest and eloquent public lectures. These gatherings are peaceful, unlike the various sinister miscreants that support the counterculture from the bowls of the city. The worst of these violent groups are the Underbridge Cult, staging elaborate demonstrations and examples, going so far as to summon fiends from Inferno into the wealthier city sections.
==== '''Weather''' ====
Situated over the Grand Chasm, Bridgemoor experiences long dry periods, with mild winters, and long, hot summers. Clothing trends reflect this in light materials and sparse attire, more revealing in nature. Heat is mitigated by swirling gusts and winds that stem from the heart of the chasm, those that flow freely throughout the city. The proclivity, and ferocity, of these winds make hats and long hair left unbound a rare sight in Bridgemoor, and helmets need to be securely fastened lest they be lost over the city edge.
== Bridgemoor Districts ==
Bridgemoor is a massive city with an immeasurable wealth of opportunity for adventure and intrigue. While several districts are left free for you to develop your own spin or tales, there are several established areas and districts of note. Here you can find writeups on each, along with potential encounters and quests.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Insular Districts''' =====
These writs are furled scrolls, each marked with a unique seal imprinted with a touch of magic. Seals essentially act as fingerprints to the owners, making them difficult to forge, and may be signed over to individuals to be cashed in for their value in a specific currency. Each writ carries an assigned value that can only be changed at a toll house, or the central bank.
|}
=== Kendartown ===
'''''Read Aloud:''''' ''A series of wooden constructions sit within the [[shadow]] of Bridgemoor’s walls, a small town’s worth of inns and markets and housing just off the eastern Kendarian road. While carts, carriages, and mounts bring merchants onward toward the city, many stop to visit the charm of Kendartown. An idle ruckus of daily life echoes into small wooden patches and thickets, with the scents of local spices carried on a chasm-borne wind, rustling the canvas from nearby stalls.''
Situated just outside of the eastern tollgate, Kendartown is one of Bridgemoor’s two border towns, a collection of housing, inns, and small markets for those wishing for a degree of freedom away from taxes, tolls, and Meritocrats. While the land still belongs to Bridgemoor, the city only imposes property taxes on the inhabitants here, and allows noncitizens to settle outside the walls. This leads to only token enforcement, though, with Bridge Knights not required to intercede on behalf of noncitizens. It is common for farmers, small-time merchants, and adventurers to offload goods in Kendartown, though there’s a greater level of risk for counterfeit goods and crime without the iron watch of the knights.
==== '''Kendartown Locations''' ====
'''The Meritasscracy.''' A charming inn run by Dagan Barrowghast, a surly, retired dwarven Knight-Captain, the Meritasscracy is a common hangout for political dissidents and off-duty Bridge Knights looking to ease the discipline. The inn is strangely fortified, and at three stories is a popular stop for mercenaries and merchants. Dagan has the stats of a '''[[Ranger]]''' (CC chapter 4), and is well armed, wielding a Spirit Bow at all times (MCG chapter 7).
'''Kenmoor Market.''' While it pales in comparison to the city markets, the Kenmoor stalls are a strip of small merchants with semi-permanent stations that offer basic [[equipment]] and goods at a 20% discount from their standard prices. This market is unregulated, though, and there’s a 50% chance that the purchased goods are defective in some way. Food can be spoiled, [[weapons]] deal less [[damage]], or armor pieces can offer less protection. This is where farmers and small-time Kendarian traders often end up.
'''Antara’s Den.''' A small gambling hall, the Den acts as Kendartown’s political seat, liasoning with Meritocrats within Bridgemoor when the need arises. Antara Almadia, a sly, insightful [[human]] with a penchant for dry sarcasm, acts as the “Kendartown Premier”, resolving basic squabbles with the locals and handling magistrate and Bridge Knight business when the need arises. She and her band, the Denrats, fill in for a lackluster guard presence, but will acquiesce to higher authorities to avoid trouble. Players can gamble at the den, and also use Antara as an information broker, as she makes it a habit to keep up with local events. Antara has the stats of a '''[[Mob Boss]]''' (CC chapter 4), and employs, at any point, about one hundred Denrats, who have the stats of '''Bandits''' (CC chapter 4), with the occasional '''[[Bandit]] Marauder''' thrown in as a lieutenant.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Antara's Information''' =====
Antara has a beat on events in Bridgemoor, and can allude to shady dealings or events happening within the city. For 100 sc, she’ll provide a snippet of insider information on any major NPC or quest hook. She is vehemently anti-Bridge Knight, and has a special hatred against Ser Blacksky, but will only reveal this with CHA or INT checks of 15+ and if players purchase information. The same checks at a 20+ will result in Antara revealing that Ser Blacksky actively extorts her for personal payments to keep the Bridge Knights out of Kendartown and her Den, revealing a darker side to the Commander.
|}
===== Working for Antara =====
If adventurers are interested they can work for Antara. She will hire them as mercenaries and adventurers can track Denrats [[Goodwill]], but will only consider hiring them if they have at least +5 Social or +5 Underworld Goodwill. Adversely, if an adventurer possesses at least -3 Bridge Knight Goodwill, she’ll be more inclined to hire them.
Antara pays based on how much she likes her hires, and they earn a salary of 10sc per 1 Denrats Goodwill Every 7 days. Once an adventurer earns at least 5 Denrats Goodwill they may take their first rank in the [[Thug]] profession. If this rank is taken, that adventurer gains access to Antara’s information for free, and she will share her distrust and dislike of Ser Blacksky.
==== '''Gaining and Losing Goodwill''' ====
As a Denrat, there are multiple ways to gain Goodwill, and ways to lose it:
{| class="wikitable"
!Gain
!Action
|-
| +1
|Assist an underworld [[criminal]], Denrat, or steal from a city [[merchant]] undetected.
|-
| +1
|Assist an [[urchin]] in escaping harm or get away with a theft.
|-
| +1
|Donate 250sc in money or weapons to Antara’s operation (max +3 Goodwill every 7 days).
|-
| +3
|Assault or undermine the Bridge Knights.
|-
| -1
|Snitch to a magister or Bridge Knight.
|-
| -1
|Assist the Bridge Knights with an investigation or apprehending a criminal.
|-
| -5
|Actively undermine or assault Kendartown or a Denrat.
|-
| -1
|Annoy Antara.
|}
==== '''Kendartown Events''' ====
The following are events that can occur while wandering Kendartown and are meant to fill in as possible quest hooks or provide role playing moments for your players to get to know the locals and populace. [[Combat]] around Kendartown is unlikely, but can happen - especially with the lack of Bridge Knights.
{| class="wikitable"
!1d4
!Event
|-
|1
|A rather vocal scholar is criticizing the facism of the Bridge Knights outside the Meritasscracy and has drawn the ire of several off-duty Bridge Knights. Tensions are boiling over…
|-
|2
|A Kendartown local is being “gently” reminded of their past due debts at Antara’s Den by a group of 3 (1d4 + 1) Denrats.
|-
|3
|[[Thief]]! A Kenmoorian merchant calls for help as a thief makes off with some of the wares. If caught, the merchant offers an additional 25% discount on goods, and the players get a 10% discount on purchasing information from Antara.
|-
|4
|A magic item has started a bidding war in the markets. Roll 1d100. On a 50 or lower, the item is fake. On a 51-90, the item has an Essence Cost of 10 or less; on a 91 to 100 it has an Essence Cost of 20 or less. Bidding starts at 50% of the normal item cost. This event is repeatable every 10 (3d6) days.
|}
=== Eastbridge ===
'''''Read Aloud:''' From the eastern tollgate on, a spiraling cityscape of red and yellow brick buildings fill the grand bridge, filled to the brim of humanoids of every sort: [[dragonfolk]] and human, [[halfling]] and [[trollkin]], all caught amidst ever-swirling chasm winds. Tight robes of light material decorate the inhabitants, each taking its own vibrant shade from plentiful dyes. Here, the buildings and blocks are built high, closely knit, with valleys only large enough to fit two folk abreast.''
''Arcane lamps mark the stone ground of the bridge as the city of Bridgemoor is never without activity. Between endless travelers and persistent merchants, the song of Eastbridge is one of pioneering spirit: wealth and ambition, a buzz of excitement and the clink of coin amongst heated debates and excited conversations.''
Stretching from the Fortress of Merit to the eastern tollgate, Eastbridge is distinguished by its proximity to and heritages of coastal facing nations such as Kendaria, Nevna, Constel, and Forsten. It’s a wealthier district, housing more education centers and markets, and fosters a healthy amount of higher-class housing for Meritocrats and members of the bureaucracy. High profile organizations, such as the Trade Consortium and Fixers, do business here, and as such it tends to attract more mercantile travelers.
==== '''Tollgate''' ====
The tollgates of Bridgemoor are impressive defensive fortifications, with 40 ft high stone walls that extend the full width of the bridge. The gates themselves are enhanced with arcane-infused stone to resist siege weapons and offensive spells, and have a series of three portcullises that are controlled with interior mechanisms. The [[gateway]] itself is wide enough to fit four wagons abreast, and there is a perpetual garrison of 40 '''Bridge Knights''' (Appendix C) on duty and alert at their posts.
Passing the gate is free for citizens of Bridgemoor, but travelers must pay 10 sc per individual. An additional goods tax is levied at 1% of the total cost of for-sale goods, and upon payment, the owner will receive a writ of sale, which vouches for taxes paid. Without this, a 10% tax penalty is imposed by the magistrate for “smuggled” goods, enforceable by Bridge Knights. An INT/Forging check of DC 15 can create a passing writ of sale to fool anyone short of an expert magistrate.
The guards of the eastern tollgate only run patrols along the roads entering Bridgemoor from Kendaria, protecting merchants and traders, but otherwise keep themselves to city business, granting clemency to Antara and her Denrats.
Players may also trade any currency for a writ of credit, which if produced during a transaction with a Moorian Merchant will grant a circumstantial +2 to any checks made to negotiate prices to impress a mercantile NPC. At the end of every day, a Bridge Knight patrol, led by a Knight-Captain, will take stored coin to Bridgebank for safe keeping.
==== '''Eastbridge Market''' ====
A massive bazaar, the Eastbridge Market is a thriving treatise on mercantilism, with an assortment of luxury goods, foodstuffs, textiles, and raw lumber available in spades. Near anything can be found in this market, though it tends to cater toward middle-class and wealthier customers. All goods purchased from this market are 20% more expensive than normal, but have a 50% chance of being of superior quality.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Superior Quality''' =====
Superior goods and equipment bestows a +1 or +2 circumstantial bonus to its primary purpose. For instance, a superior weapon may grant a +1 bonus to attacks made with it, or a climber kit may give a +2 to STR/Athletics when scaling a cliff or spelunking.
|}
The Eastbridge Markets are heavily patrolled and theft is dealt with harshly. Magistrate tax collectors also make weekly inspections here, checking writs of sales, and cataloging goods. Successful merchants are levied with an additional 5% sales tax for profitable weeks, but are exempt for monthly property taxes.
==== '''Eastbridge Markets Events''' ====
The following are events that can occur within the markets. Combat encounters are incredibly rare here, as any violence is usually thwarted by the unyielding presence of Bridge Knight patrols. Quick combats of less than two rounds can escape notice, so long as no civilians report it.
{| class="wikitable"
!1d4
!Event
|-
|1
|A newly appointed local magister is struggling to convince a seasoned merchant to pay their weekly sales tax. Players can assist either side, with checks as described in Social Confrontation. Merchants will offer a 25% discount on their goods and guarantee superior qualities, whereas the magister will grant the players a writ of [[passage]].
|-
|2
|An ill-dressed, ill-kept cultist is preaching against the perils of vertical construction, concerned for the excess weight placed upon the Great Bridge. While obviously insane, the cultist will extol the Cult of Rust, chiding the ignorant consumers for their decadent ways. A DC 15 AWR check will reveal the beggar is more than they seem, and a DC 10 CHA check will convince the cultist to reveal that the like-minded gather at the Rustgate within the Underbidge.
|-
|3
|A magic item has started a bidding war in the markets. Roll 1d100. On a 50 or lower the item has an Essence Cost of 10 or lower; on a 51-90, it has an Essence Cost of 20 or lower; on a 91 to 100, it has an Essence Cost of 30 or lower. Bidding starts at 50% of the normal item cost. This event can repeat once every 7 (2d6) days.
|-
|4
|Skirmish! The Underbridge Cult is attacking the market, smashing stalls, stealing goods, and wrecking devastation. If this event occurs, see the accompanying Skirmish Encounter table. Assume that Bridge Knight patrols are distracted by a larger number of cultists.
|}
These encounters assume a party of 4, between levels 4 and 8. You may have Bridge Knights show up to aid players if the skirmish is too dangerous.
Players may simply run from these encounters with no reward or penalty. If they successfully fend off the cultists, a Knight-Captain will appear and award them 10 sc as a base, multiplied based on the encounter difficulty (x1 for easy, x2 for moderate, x4 for difficult, and x6 for deadly). For a difficult encounter, players gain a +1 Goodwill with Bridge Knights and Social counters, and +2 Goodwill for a deadly encounter. Additionally, a deadly encounter will reward players with a Writ of Passage.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Writ of Passage''' =====
Good for 30 days, a writ of passage grants temporary citizenship to a group of up to 10 individuals. This allows easy entry to the Fortress of Merit, and to pass the toll gates without paying the requisite tolls. Citizenship granted in this way is only partial and does not make someone eligible to become a Meritocrat.
|}
==== '''Eastbridge Market Locations''' ====
'''Belagar’s Emporium of Mystic Wonder and Bedazzling Bearings.''' Belagar’s Emporium sits at the sharp edge of a city block within the center of the markets, its four-story, yellow brick sandstone a staple of Eastbridge. An enchanted red door leads to a massive space within, where Belagar Stoneskean, a particularly persnickety trollkin [[mage]], runs one of the most successful esoteric shops in Bridgemoor. The space is immaculate, and Belagar is known to throw books, with deadly accuracy, at anyone who dirties his establishment. Belgar has the stats of a '''[[Mage (Greater)]]''' (CC, chapter 4).
The shop is run primarily by small, animated Arcane constructs, who are incapable of haggling and simply stare at customers until they pay what is asked. The exception is The Shopkeep, Belgar’s personal [[golem]], a hulking, massive creature constructed from iron. The Shopkeep has the stats of an '''[[Iron Golem]]''' (CC chapter 2), but is a sharp negotiator, with an INT of 4, and the personality of a hawkish, insightful merchant. It does most of the talking.
The Emporium sells magical goods to the public, including scrolls and common magical trinkets, such as those that autonomously clean floors, and self-heating bread knives. These common items are available in spades and are the majority of Belgar’s stock. For players, he has items of greater value.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Scrolls''' =====
The Emporium stocks 9 (1d8 + 5) scrolls. These scrolls refresh every 7 days, as they quickly sell out, and can be any Arcane spell of SPC 10 or less. Whenever you roll to refresh scrolls, you or your players can roll 1d100. If the result is 50 or higher, Belgar will have 2 (1d4) extra scrolls of SPC 25 or less.
If players possess a significant positive goodwill with Bridgemoor merchants or Meritocrats, Belgar will allow them to purchase [[Occult]] scrolls in addition to Arcane, which are drawn from the same stock.
==== '''Magic Items''' ====
Belgar does not create anything more than his common household items. He does, on occasion, procure an item for resale. Every 30 days, you or your players can roll 1d100.
1-'''25.''' No item.
'''26-50.''' 1 item of Essence 15 or lower.
'''51-75.''' 2 (1d4) items of Essence 15 or lower; 1 item of Essence 25 or lower.
'''76-95.''' 2 (1d4) items of Essence 15 or lower; 2 (1d4) items of Essence 25 or lower.
'''95-100.''' 2 (1d4) items of Essence 15 or lower; 2 (1d4) items of Essence 25 or lower; and 1 item of Essence 40 or lower.
These items last for 30 days and are considered sold by the end. You can use MCG chapter 7 for a list of potential items.
==== '''Books''' ====
Belgar stocks non-fiction books. Tomes of knowledge can be purchased for 20 sc, with each assigned an appropriate INT or CHA skill (such as INT/Arcana or CHA/Leadership). If a player consults their tome for at least 15 minutes, they gain a +1 bonus to the assigned skill check.
|}
'''Fixer’s Compound.''' A collection of sloped, adobe-style buildings sit within their own walled compound aside from the throngs of endless market stalls. A simple iron gate allows the curious to pass into the Fixer’s Compound. Guarded by sparse humanoids in light armor, the Fixers are psions that loan their services to adventurers and local organizations as guards, monster hunters, or investigators. While a valuable commodity, the Fixer’s here have a contract with the Bridge Knights that prevents them from investigating cases within sovereign territory. Still, their divining services are ever-popular, and the occasional merchant will hire an escort through the city to avoid less scrupulous magistrates.
This particular outpost is run by Efelias Starseeker, a [[Raedeen]], who tends to be rather hands-on in the Fixer’s activities. Efelias or one of their fixers can be contracted to [[divine]] information within the city, so long as it does not interfere with, or directly influence or affect, any meritocratic, Bridge Knight, or magisterial business.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Hiring a Fixer''' =====
A standard fixer service costs 150 sc. This purchases a one-time use of the [[Psionic]] spell, [[Far Sense]]. If there is any protection against Divining in the desired area, the spell fails, and the fixer will refund ½ the cost.
If Efelias is hired, the cost increases to 250 sc, but the range of the spell increases to 20 miles (the breadth of Bridgemoor) and she will attempt to break through protective wards. She rolls at a +9 against the relative WILL.
Neither a standard fixer nor Efelias will agree to spy on a reputable target.
|}
==== '''Trade Consortium''' ====
An alliance of merchants and skilled craftsfolk, the Trade Consortium is a powerful faction within Bridgemoor that primarily acts as a lobbyist to the Meritocratic Senate. The consortium pushes for lower mercantile taxes and improved trade rights, along with fostering trade with foreign nations via diplomatic and lucrative trade deals. Within the city, the consortium holds several acres of land where it retains its own private offices and compound.
For all of its bluster, the consortium is a private guild, and spends the majority of its time lining its own pockets. It’s run by a council of senior merchants, many of whom are tied to the bureaucracy or are Meritocrats themselves, each representing a specific trade or craft. Most minor guilds and merchants count themselves among its ranks, and goodwill with the consortium tends to boil over to the city at large. And so to does infamy.
Players can apply for membership to the consortium as merchants, though will be denied if their Goodwill is -3 or lower. Doing so requires they pay an upfront fee of 100 sc, then dues of 50 sc every 30 days. Joining as either automatically earns a player 1 Goodwill to Bridgemoor Mercantile factions and organizations. Players may also “donate” to the consortium to restore favor with Bridgemoor Mercantile, Aristocratic, or Social factions, at a cost of 750 sc per +1 Goodwill. This can only increase Goodwill in that category to a maximum of 2.
Joining the Trade Consortium is also one of the paths to citizenship, if players are interested in such a thing.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Merchant Benefits''' =====
As a member of the consortium, a player gains access to the Trader profession. They may gain their first rank by earning 5 Goodwill with Bridgemoor Mercantile factions ''after'' joining, or completing a consortium caravan run. Additionally, members can always find a merchant to sell goods to at a minimum of 50% of its value, adding an additional 10% to that sale price per rank they possess in the Trader.
|}
==== '''Bridgebank''' ====
Short of the Fortress of Merit, Bridgebank is one of the most well protected structures within Bridgemoor. Home to the city’s riches, including tolls and taxes, the bank is designed as a keep, with a large fortune’s worth of Arcane wards placed within the very walls. The bank is impenetrable against any divination or teleportation, and is guarded by elite Bridge-Knights, even possessing its own garrison. Nothing short of magical siege weapons can force open the bank’s doors.
Most citizens have some kind of wealth stored in the bank. Here, individuals can exchange writs of credit for raw currency of any type, and vice versa. They can purchase vaults, store wealth, and even take out loans for large purchases or to pay off debts. Bridgebank’s vaults are built into the foundations of the bridge itself, but all access to them has been cut off to them from the Underbridge. There are rumors of secret pathways inside from the sewers, but none have ever been found.
Heroes can store any amount of wealth at Bridgebank for no charge. In fact, the bank pays 2% interest on 500 sc or more stored within its vaults every 30 days, but uses this money to invest in local merchants and city-wide initiatives. If a hero attempts to withdraw all of their coin at once, have them make a LUCK check. The DC is 1% of the amount of sc they have in the bank. If they fail the check, then the bank does not have enough sc on hand to fulfill the hero’s wishes, instead giving them 25% of what they asked for.
=== Fortress of Merit ===
The seat of governance and power in Bridgemoor, this district takes form as a fortress in the center of the city. Complete with walls and defenses that contain the Bridge Keep, Legislative Chambers, and the Meritocratium, this area is heavily guarded by a perpetual garrison of Bridge Knights. The fortress courtyard is open to citizens during [[daylight]] hours, but passersby are forced to circumnavigate the walls, taking the road around.
==== '''Bridge Keep''' ====
The Bridge Keep is where the local guard is trained, supervised, and armed, and where the official command structure of the Bridge Knights lives and resides. The keep itself is designed as a defensive fortification, boasting Arcane-infused siege weapons, strong, high stone walls, and stores several months worth of rations at any time in the event of an invasion.
'''''Read Aloud:''''' ''A fortress unto itself, the Bridge Keep looms overhead, its pale, red stone taking shape as siege-worthy towers and heavy fortifications, catapults and ballista mounted as if to ward off an entire army. A perpetual clash of steel on steel echoes from within as Bridge Knights train against one another, chain rattling amongst the heavy-booted footfalls. Guards line the walls here, keeping constant watch, their vigil unyielding.''
Even citizens are disallowed access to the keep, with only Bridge Knights, Meritocrats, and invited guests allowed to stalk its halls. If they possess 10 or higher Goodwill with the knights, heroes may be invited within. Inside, they can purchase armor from the keep quartermaster, Madrik Ironside, a disciplined, no-nonsense [[Urkou]]. Madrik is an ancient fixture of the keep’s command staff.
{| class="wikitable"
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===== '''Bridge Keep Inventory''' =====
The Keep is well stocked with armor, available at a discount. Players can purchase medium or heavy armor from Madrik for 75% of its normal value. This armor is branded with the sigil of the Bridge Knights, though, and while wearing it the player acts as if they possessed the Goodwill, positive or negative, of the Bridge Knights with whoever they are dealing.
'''Available Medium Armor'''
Breastplate, Cuirass (Iron), Half Plate, Scale Mail
'''Available Heavy Armor'''
Chain Mail, Plate (Field)
|}
With 10 or higher Goodwill, players may also sign on as Knight Deputies, or hired mercenaries that may act with minor authority of Bridge Knights. Doing so, players receive a stipend of 50 sc every 7 days, though they must collect this in person at the keep. Should they gain another 3 points of Goodwill with the Bridge Knights, they may then take 1 Rank in either the Guard or Knight profession.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Knight Deputy Powers and Benefits''' =====
A deputy has limited power - they can arrest an obvious, overt criminal (such as an Underbridge cultist) or low-ranking citizen, or can directly interfere in a violent dispute on behalf of Bridgemoor, but they have no power over a bureaucratic member, an official Bridge Knight, a Meritocracy, foreign official, or other person of similar or higher rank.
A deputy benefits from Bridge Knight support, and has credibility with local knights over citizens, gaining a +1 bonus to CHA checks made on these individuals per 4 positive Goodwill.
Deputies are granted a deputy badge, a lesser sigil of the knights that lends their authority to relevant situations.
|}
==== '''Gaining and Losing Goodwill''' ====
As a deputy, there are multiple ways to gain Militant and Bridge Knights Goodwill, and ways to lose it. You may decided to extend these bonuses and penalties to other occupational categories as well, such as resolving a local dispute leading to +1 Militant and Mercantile Goodwill.
* Apprehend a criminal: +1 Goodwill
* Resolve a local dispute without violence: +1 Goodwill
* Aid a local or junior magister in their duties: +1 Goodwill
* Assist a Bridge Knight patrol: +1 Goodwill
* Overexert authority: -1 Goodwill
* Openly criticize, dismay, or besmirch the Bridge Knights or Ser Blacksky: -1 Goodwill
* Be caught committing a crime: -5 Goodwill
* Attacking a Bridge Knight: -10 Goodwill
==== '''Keep Cells''' ====
Beneath the keep are a series of cell blocks built into the Underbridge and sealed off from the sewers. These cells house hundreds of prisoners and fall under the purview of the Bridge Knights. They descend several levels deep, and are warded from both Divining magic and from teleportation. Prisoners here are treated with basic dignity—they are fed and aren’t beaten, but many don’t see the sun until the end of their sentence. For some, in the deepest [[darkness]], this means they never taste fresh air again.
==== '''Courtyard Gardens''' ====
Of all the wonders in Bridgemoor, few expect the courtyard gardens. An array of unique flora, the gardens of the fortress are built directly into the bridge foundations, with deep basins of natural soil where an entire ecosystem is grown from within. As the only official city “park”, the gardens are well tended to by primalists from the Westbridge Grove, full of natural magics that facilitate a thriving environment of small fauna. Birds and small mammals live their entire lives in the gardens, as the grounds stretch several miles within the central city.
'''''Read Aloud:''''' ''Glimmering pools of fresh water line the flagstone courtyard of the gardens, each lined with an array of colorful flowerbeds, all arrayed with perfect harmony in rows upon rows of unique foliage. Here, the walls of the fortress keep out the usual buzz of the city, replaced instead by the gentle lull of flowing water, birdsong, and the rustle of canopies within soft zephyrs. Cafes fill the garden passages as local officials, students, and Meritocrats pass the day in the peaceful haze.''
While pleasant, a majority of citizens pass through the courtyard because it shaves an entire hour off of travel between East and Westbridge. With as many folk as it sees, this makes the courtyard a common gathering place, where cultures collide and ideas spread in the shadow of the three major institutions of the city. Mercantile efforts are disallowed within, but over time several cafes and day-time lounges have sprung up, nestled between the small wooded grounds and constructed lakes, allowing a bit of nature to seep into the urban landscape. Many lobbyists and concerned citizens will spend their days waiting in the yard, hoping to catch a Meritocrat out for lunch.
==== '''Courtyard Garden Events''' ====
As one of the few “wild” places on the Moorian surface, there are some rare events that can occur within the gardens. Use these if you’d like to give your players new interactions in the city.
{| class="wikitable"
!1d4
!Event
|-
|1
|Scholarly Demonstration
|-
|2
|Accosted Meritocrat
|-
|3
|Strange Plant
|-
|4
|Skirmish!
|}
'''Scholarly Demonstration.''' A scholarly demonstration of young students are actively decrying the state of the Meritocracy and the iron-fist of the Bridge Knights, and knights from the keep garrison are growing irate. If no one interferes, things could get ugly. Use the '''[[Dragonfolk Scholar]]''' stats for the students, if necessary (CC chapter 4), minus the breath weapon unless they are truly dragonfolk.
If the scholars are assisted and are allowed to continue their demonstration, players gain +2 Goodwill with Bridgemoor Academics and +1 with the Aristocratic occupation.
If the scholars are convinced to stop, apologize, or disperse, players gain +2 Goodwill with the Bridge Knights and Militant occupation.
'''Accosted Meritocrat.''' An important Meritocrat is being loudly accosted by a laborer from Westbridge, insisting their family is starving under oppressive taxes. The Meritocrat is about to call over a guard.
If the laborer is aided, either by convincing the Meritocrat to listen or giving them at least 50 sc, players gain +2 Social Goodwill.
The laborer can be arrested by a knight deputy, or convinced to leave otherwise. Use the '''[[Charlatan]]''' stats (CC chapter 4) if necessary. Doing either leads to +2 Goodwill with the Aristocratic occupation.
'''Strange Plant.''' A local Primalist from the Westbridge Grove is stumped at a strange, poisonous plant growing in the gardens. If approached, they will explain that the plants are carefully regulated and this shouldn’t be possible.
A 15 INT/Nature or INT/Arcana will reveal that these plants have been tampered with by Occult magic. A 20+ of either check will also reveal this tampering took place recently, within the day.
Players can track down the one responsible, an [[Underbridge Cultist]], with a 15 AWR/Tracking, or an INT/Nature hiding in one of the wooded areas of the gardens. This can result in combat, or the cultist can be arrested. Use the '''Forest [[Witch]]''' stats (CC chapter 4) for this encounter. If not found, the next time players pass through the area, trigger event #4. If resolved, event #4 is removed (roll 1d3 for future events here).
If the cultist is taken in or resolved, players gain +2 Religious Goodwill, +1 Social, and +1 with the Bridge Knights.
'''Skirmish'''
The Underbridge cult has corrupted the local fauna and are causing chaos in the gardens, attacking Meritocrats and civilians.
{| class="wikitable"
!Difficulty
!Encounter
|-
|Easy
|1 [[Forest Witch]], 2 Wolves
|-
|Moderate
|1 Forest Witch, 2 Wolves, 1 Dire [[Wolf]]
|-
|Difficult
|1 Forest Witch, 3 Wolves, 1 [[Wilting Warden]]
|-
|Deadly
|2 Forest Witches, 2 Wilting Wardens
|}
Defeating the skirmish earns the players +1 Goodwill across the board in Bridgemoor. If the encounter is difficult or deadly, they instead earn +2. If the encounter is deadly, one of the witches possesses a Scorpion’s Sting Dagger (MCG chapter 7).
==== '''Meritocrats' Palace''' ====
The shining beacon of legislative governance, the legislative chambers house the whole of the Meritocrats, consisting of endless offices and wide, open chambers that can seat hundreds. The chambers are busy year-round, with committee meetings, diplomatic envoys, and legislative sessions circling in an ever-revolving circle of politics. The Chambers also contain judicial houses where magisters prosecute criminals and hold court.
'''''Read Aloud:''''' ''Sweeping, open verandas and marble textures form the grand halls and chambers of the Meriocrat’s Palace, a worthy tribute to Bridgemoor’s most hallowed institution. Here, the peace of the courtyard gardens merges with a sense of purpose as Meritocrats plan the future of their city, white-robed and busy as they flit from council to chamber. Floral colognes bathe the halls in pleasant scents and a visit is always good for an eloquent oration or two, blustering voices rebounded about the gilded interior of mural motifs and elegant architecture.''
The Meritocratic Senate, which consists of all voting members of the Meritocracy, meets on the first day of every month to discuss policies and vote on new legislation. These sessions are open to citizens and those with a personal invitation from a Meritocrat. Citizens and guests may even speak with approval or support from a Tenured counselor. Any number of committees, as there are dozens, can be found meeting in the chambers during daylight.
Heroes may move freely throughout the chambers if they possess a Goodwill of +5 with the Bridgemor Aristocrats, and even request to meet with particular Meritocrats. They will be expelled from the grounds by a Bridge Knight patrol if they have less than 5 Goodwill, unless they are citizens or are escorted by a citizen.
==== '''Joining the Bureaucracy''' ====
With all the political intrigue, heroes may be encouraged to get involved on a legal level. A player may become a Bureaucrat in multiple ways.
'''Official Sponsorship.''' A Meritocrat may hire a player as an aide or secretary, able to act in a semi-official capacity on behalf of that Meritocrat. This can grant exemption from tolls, grant access to off-limits areas in the city, or allow players to skirt minor regulations. Joining the Bureaucracy in this way gains the players +2 Goodwill with the Aristocratic occupation, but is usually a quid-pro-quo option, and supplies no real form of advancement.
'''Traditional Route.''' To become a standard Bureaucrat, the applying individual must be a citizen, then pass a basic civics exam. This test is proctored once every 15 days, and requires a fee of 25 sc to participate. To complete the test, players must pass any two of the following checks with a roll of 15 or higher:
* AWR/Intuiting to suss out answers.
* AWR/Eavesdropping or Perceiving to cheat off fellow testers.
* INT/Law to accurately answer questions.
* INT/Politics of Bridgemoor to accurately frame responses.
* CHA/Savoir Faire to overwhelm the questions with convincing nothings.
* CHA/Deceiving to make it sound like you know what you’re doing.
Test results are posted the following day. Passing earns the players +1 Goodwill with the Aristocratic occupation, and they may take a job as a clerk, aide, or secretary.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Do Heroes have Time for Jobs?''' =====
Depending on how you craft your myths, jobs can be a valuable source of roleplaying or resource gathering. They may not fit into a busy life of adventure, though. If your heroes’ adventure flow leaves them prone to large swathes of downtime, or your players are permanent residents of an area, it makes sense to hold down a job.
|}
As a Bureaucrat, players need to spend at least 4 hours every other day performing legislative duties. While practicing, a player can use a number of [[skills]] to, essentially, complete tasks and do their job. Any of the following skills can be used:
* AWR/Intuiting
* AWR/Eavesdropping or Perceiving
* INT/Law
* INT/Politics of Bridgemoor
* CHA/Savoir Faire
* CHA/Deceiving or Persuading
'''Skill Check of Less Than 10'''
Rolling below a 10, a player is unable to complete their tasks and gains nothing. If this is rolled five times within 30 days, the player loses their status, and loses 1 Goodwill with the Aristocratic occupation. If the player rolls a 1 on the check, they lose 1 Goodwill.
'''Skill Check of 10'''
On a 10, a player successfully completes their tasks to no real fanfare. They gain a base 5 sc for a day’s work, and if they roll over a 10 their salary becomes their ½ roll in sc.
'''Skill Check of 18'''
On a 18 or higher, a player  accomplishes their tasks with finesse. They gain a base salary of 10 sc, +2 sc per 1 over 18 they roll. If a player rolls an 18 or higher five times within 30 days, the gain +1 Goodwill to the Aristocratic occupation.
'''Skill Check of 25'''
On a 25 or higher, a player resolves a difficult scenario or attracts the attention of a higher ranking official. They gain a base salary of 30 sc, and earn +1 Goodwill to the Aristocratic occupation.
Only a total of 5 Goodwill can be gained as a Bureaucrat, and if a player gains that Goodwill they may take 1 rank in the [[Barrister]] profession. Additionally, if that rank is taken, a player becomes eligible to serve as a Meritocrat.
'''Magistrate Route.''' While difficult, a player can apply to become a junior magistrate. To do so, they must first be appointed by the Magister Superior. To earn this, players must have a minimum of +10 Goodwill with the Aristocratic occupation, have a clean criminal record in Bridgemoor, and receive a recommendation from a Meritocrat. After accomplishing this, they must be approved by a simple majority vote during a Meritocratic Senate, which may require lobbying if enough voting members oppose that players reputation.
This should be an ordeal, and unless the player possesses a minimum of +15 Goodwill with Bridgemoor Meritocrats, then they will need to lobby individual members or committees to ratify their appointment.
If successfully appointed, a player gains the following benefits:
* They may take their first rank in the Barrister profession, or they may take the next rank in that same profession.
* They gain a weekly stipend of 30 sc on top of the base pay they receive as a Barrister.
* They become exempt from Bridgemoor tolls.
* They gain a magister badge, a prominent sigil that they may use to wield authority.
* A player may choose to overexert their authority, granting them a favor with any corruptible NPC or higher-ranking official. Doing so grants the player special privilege, but also loses 1 Goodwill with the Aristocratic profession.
{| class="wikitable"
|
===== '''Magister Badge''' =====
A sign of rank, a magister badge is oft feared by criminals and citizens alike. Possessing a badge grants the wielder TA while negotiating with low ranking merchants and Bridge Knights within Bridgemoor. While visible, this player replaces their Goodwill stats with that of the Bridgemoor Aristocratic occupation, giving them credence with some, and dislike with others.
|}
A player may have their status as a magistrate revoked at any time by the Magister Superior. This only happens if, any time, their Goodwill with the Aristocratic occupations becomes negative, they are caught committing a crime, or they lose more than 5 Goodwill overexerting their authority within a period of 30 days.
==== '''Major NPCs''' ====
As the body politic of Bridgemoor there are a vast number of important individuals can be found in the chambers. These are some of the unique NPCs of note:
'''Senisalia Corifax.''' As the Magister Superior, Senisalia is one of the most important officials in Bridgemoor. She is a tall, thin dragonfolk with severe features, her scales red and sharp. She has delicate wings and curled horns. Senisalia has devoted five decades of her life to the magistrate, having tried thousands of cases, and is considered incorruptible. With a fearless reputation, she is unpopular amongst the Meritocrats, as she is as likely to bring charges against them as a criminal, but holds the favor of the people and several key Premiers, making her unimpeachable. She is ultimately fair, eschewing morality in favor of the law, and makes it a point not to interfere with politics. Not only a legal talent, Senisalia started her career as a Bridge Knight, having ascended to the rank of captain before becoming a magister.
'''Mefelicas Arinwin.''' Perhaps too young for his station, Mefelicas stands out as one of the strangest governors of Bridgemoor in recent history. Mefelicas taught at the Meritocratium for no more than ten years as professor of law and philosophy when he was [[chosen]] as the last governor’s successor. Having never served as a Meritocrat, and barely 4 decades old, his selection broke centuries of tradition and sent the city into a major upheaval. Soft spoken, calm, and insightful, Mefelicas nevertheless managed to whip the Meritocracy into shape, and in the five years since his appointment he’s managed to secure support from the major organizations and most of the Meritocratic Senate.
Mefelicas is a physically plain human of an average build and dark features, unassuming in his manner, and the last to be seen in a room. Until he speaks, that is. The Premier of Governance commands a rare wit and intellect, able to determine near any truth with an almost psionic perception. He possesses an iron will, seemingly unbreakable in the face of adversity. Mefelicas is neither a [[warrior]] or a mage, nor does he possess any hidden talents. He’s simply brilliant, able to get the better of any argument within moments.
'''[[Hyleth Othen]].''' Hyleth is an aged halfling and an immensely influential Meritocrat. You can find more in depth details in his relevant NPC entry, but his offices are located within the chambers as a Tenured, which tend to be revolving doors of high-ranking officials and official business. Not much happens in the city that Hyleth isn’t aware of.
==== '''Meritocratium''' ====
Known outside as simply as the Bridgemoor University, those within the city refer to the institution by its preferred title: the Meritocratium. Renowned for its schools of history, philosophy, and law, the campus is a complex compound of studies, libraries, lecture halls, and dormitories, complete with spiraling towers that constitute the tallest structures of Bridgemoor. Some of the most brilliant legal minds of the age hail from the schools of Merit, and the institution is largely seen as incorruptible, overseen as it is by scholars of philosophy and legal experts.  Many believe the university is the beating heart of Bridgemoor, even more so than the Meritocracy.
'''''Read Aloud:''''' ''Spiraling towers ascend near a dozen stories into the sky, each connected to a campus alight with hundreds of starry-eyed students looking ever-forward to the future. Halls and dorms litter more than a mile of stonework,  housing a faculty of some of the most brilliant minds of the age, teaching every scholarly endeavor from script to the arcane. Wide, open antechambers and lecture halls are always filled to the brim, welcoming any and all who wish to further their horizons.''
The university oversees thousands of students at any given time. Unlike most of the city, it welcomes non-citizens, allowing them to live in local dormitories and espouses an egalitarian approach to its acceptance. Still, there’s an obvious classist disparity, as only those with money can afford to pay tuition and keep up with a full class load. Those that graduate find an immense number of doors open to them, as the respect and skills that come with a degree are highly valued within Bridgemoor and beyond.
==== '''Attending the University''' ====
Players may register as students. To do so, they must choose a field of study: Arcane, Mercantile, Legal, or Civil. Each grants its own benefits, and a player may only participate in one field at a time. Once a field is chosen, a player pays the initial tuition of 1,000sc, and must take an entrance exam.  To pass, they must succeed a skill check relative to the field:
'''Arcane.''' INT/Arcana of 15+
'''Mercantile.''' INT/Economics 10+
'''Legal.''' INT/Law 15+
'''Civil.''' INT/History 13+
<nowiki>*</nowiki> Any test can be taken instead with CHA/Savoir Faire or AWR/Intuiting.
If successful, the player becomes an official [[student]] of the Meritocratium and gains +2 Goodwill with the Academic occupation. To make progress as a student, a player must attend classes for 8 hours every 7 days for an entire semester. There are 12 semesters in a year, each consisting of 30 days, and a student must pay 250 sc per semester they attend, with the first one included in their entry tuition. A player may choose not to attend a semester and keep their status as a student, but they must still pay the fees even though they do not advance that semester.
Heroes must make relevant skill checks to their field four times per semester. The target number to pass is 10 + the number of completed semesters. For instance, after completing 3 semesters, a passing check would be 13 (10 base, + 3 for 3 semesters).
A player must succeed 2 out of 4 checks to complete a semester. If failed, the player loses 1 Goodwill from the Academic occupation, and if they fail 3 semesters in a row, they lose their student status. Failing a single semester nets no benefits, and must be taken again. If a player passes a check by double the target, this counts as 2 successes, and they may pass the semester early.  
==== '''Arcane Field''' ====
As an Arcane student, a player needs to make an INT/Arcana check to complete a semester. For each successfully completed, the player learns either 1 Arcane cantrip or spell or may increase their Arcana skill by 1. Arcane classes are more expensive and cost 500 sc per semester.
After completing 4 semesters, a player learns two arcane cantrips of their choice. INT is their magic attribute for these cantrips.
After completing 12 semesters, a player is awarded with an Arcane degree, gains a +1 to their INT, +5 Goodwill with the Academic occupation, and becomes eligible to teach at the university or become a Meritocrat.
==== '''Scholarly Field''' ====
As a scholarly student, a player makes rolls based on the skill they used to pass their exam. This includes the CHA or AWR options. For every semester completed, the player may add +1 to a skill depending on their chosen field:
'''Mercantile.''' Appraising, Economics, Gossiping, Leadership, Persuading.
'''Legal.''' Deceiving, [[Empathy]], Forgery,  Intimidation, Law, Persuading.
'''Civil.''' Alchemy, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Cartography, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, History, Medicine, Military, Nature, Politics of [Any Region].
After completing 4 semesters, a player may learn an academic talent from the Skill Stack.
Info
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