The Bridge of Mourning

The Bridge of Mourning is supported by nineteen irregular arches over the River Grey. Houses and buildings crowd its span, like Old London Bridge. There are over two-hundred buildings, some over seven stories high. It is separated into two lanes, one going west and one going east. The gatehouse on the east bank is notorious for its displays of the City’s justice: the severed, wax-coated heads of criminals rot on spikes in the hot sun.

Sensations:

The rotting heads at the gatehouse, along with the emptying of the public latrines into the river, create a potent stench. You hear the sound of two chatting old aunties shouting at each other across the narrow lane. Nearby, an emptied bucket of night soil sloshes over the side of the bridge into the Grey. The sound of flowing water is constant.

Rumor:

The legend says that long ago, a pious king rode from the City to fight a holy war against the orcs. During this war, a false report of his death was reported to his queen, who leapt from a bridge in despair. When the king finally returned home victorious and learned of his consort’s death, he forswore Mythrys and also leapt from the bridge. It is said the king was cursed for his blasphemy and still haunts this bridge. It is for this sad story the bridge is named.

Special City Action:

• Seek the Cursed King: If you seek the Cursed King, you might learn the secret of his blasphemous immortality. Test Wands. On a success, the Cursed King approaches you and gives you a terrible choice. On a failure, you begin to think that he is merely a legend.