Edrin Hale – The Bridge Guard
Edrin Hale – The Bridge Guard
Role: Gatekeeper / weary soldier / reluctant guide
Faction: None (formerly the King’s army, now just stuck here)
Location: The Bridge of Kernath
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Description
A broad-shouldered man in a half-rusted cuirass and a heavy wool cloak that’s seen too many winters. His beard’s more grey than brown, his eyes sharp but tired. The kind of soldier who’s survived too long to believe in orders or gods.
He keeps the bridge out of habit more than duty. The royal banner that once hung by the gate is torn to rags, and the man sitting beside it doesn’t look like he’d stop anyone if he really wanted to.
When you approach, he straightens just enough to look official, then sighs.
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Opening Dialogue
> Edrin: “Hold there, traveler. You’re crossing into Kernath.”
He gestures at the valley beyond — a smear of fog, broken roofs, and the shadow of the old abbey.
“Not much left worth crossing for.”
He studies your face, then the letter in your hand.
“You’ve got the look of someone who’s already made a mistake. But it’s not my job to stop you, only to warn you.”
“Past this bridge, you won’t find law, gods, or mercy. Just the kind of quiet that gets inside your bones.”
He steps aside.
“Welcome to Kernath. You’ll wish it had stayed forgotten.”
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Personality
Grimly kind.
He’s not cruel — he just knows hope dies faster than hunger. Talks like someone who’s seen too many good men vanish beyond that valley and never come back.
Speaks slow, uses dry humor.
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Motivation
Edrin isn’t guarding the bridge for anyone anymore.
He used to serve the Crown but was left behind when the valley was cut off. Now he warns travelers simply because no one warned him.
He’s seen people cross, and some come back days later — changed, pale, whispering to themselves.
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Hidden Truth
He was one of the last soldiers stationed at the Abbey before it fell fifty years ago — a young recruit then.
He doesn’t remember how he survived the fire, only that someone dragged him out.
He fears that he’s already part of whatever curse still lingers in Kernath.
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Optional Player Interaction
If you show him the letter:
> He frowns.
“That seal... Haven’t seen it since the day everything burned. If you’ve got that in your hand, you’re already part of it.”
If you offer him coin:
> He shakes his head.
“Keep it. Money won’t help you in there. Maybe a clear conscience, but I doubt you’ve got one of those either.”
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Quest Hook: "The Forgotten Watch"
Edrin mentions that an old comrade of his — a monk named Orren — still lives deeper in the valley.
He suggests you find him if you want answers about the letter.
> “If the dead sent you a message, Orren’s the only one mad enough to read it.”