Lore:Dragon Bridge

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Dragon Bridge
Type Settlement
Continent Tamriel
Province Skyrim
Hold Haafingar
Appears in Arena, Skyrim, ESO
Dragon Bridge circa 4E 201
Dragon Bridge during the Imperial Simualcrum

Dragon Bridge is a lumber town located along the Karth River in the region of Haafingar, within the province of Skyrim. It is found down the road from Solitude. Dragon Bridge acquires its name from the eponymous Dragon Bridge, an ancient and ornate bridge decorated with dragon figureheads. The bridge, which predates the settlement by untold years, spans the Karth River, connecting the town to the main road through Hjaalmarch. Some scholars believe the two dragon skulls on the bridge are actually petrified skulls of dragons due to the difference in stonework detail between the bridge's stone and the skulls, while other scholars deride this as "poetic nonsense".[1]

Dragon Bridge is traditionally well-guarded because, while the Nords value its symbolism, it has also long stood as a strategic crossroads for the northern region, and the first line of defense for Solitude and the neighboring holds.[2] Despite the garrison, a series of caves beneath the hills surrounding Dragon Bridge have been used for various clandestine activities over the years, such as smuggling.[3]

History[edit]

In 2E 582, Dragon Bridge was attacked by the group of Reachmen marauders led by Vund the Stone-Shaper. He intended to destroy the bridge using explosive alchemical reagents. His plans were foiled by the local garrison aided by an adventurer, who killed Vund and his followers in the caves beneath the village.[4]

During the Imperial Simulacrum in the late Third Era, the town of Dragon Bridge was an active settlement. It was ruled by Princess Dorina and had a rivalry with Stonehills.[5] It was neighbored by several settlements, including Markarth Side to the south, and Solitude to the northeast.[6]

During the Skyrim Civil War, the town of Dragon Bridge was very active, as many soldiers from the Imperial Legion passed through the town on their way to the battlefield.[7] Local resentment toward soldiers grew with claims of harassment and that they abused their station to avoid paying for goods and services.[8] The villagers also feared that the strategic value of their historic bridge might lead someone to destroy it. This ultimately would not come to pass, but both Stormcloaks and Legion soldiers often scouted this critical Karth River crossing on the path to Solitude. During this time, the Emperor of Cyrodiil, Titus Mede II, planned a diplomatic mission to Skyrim, and the Penitus Oculatus were sent to make preparations, establishing their foothold in Dragon Bridge. They were led by Commander Maro, who spearheaded an investigation into the last remaining holdout of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim.[9]

In 4E 201, residents of Dragon Bridge were in fear of a nearby cave called Wolfskull Cave due to the strange noises and lights emanating from it. This fear led Jarl Elisif the Fair to send the Last Dragonborn to investigate the cave, where it was revealed that a large group of necromancers were attempting to resurrect and bind the spirit of Potema Septim. The necromancers and draugr were cleared out, quelling the fears of the townsfolk.[10] That same year, a bandit named Peladius arrived from Cyrodiil, disguised as a guardsman and using a false identity. Originally a member of the Crimson Dirks bandit gang,[11] Peladius hoped to learn the identity of an informant who had betrayed them, but his cover was compromised by a suspicious guard.[12] Peladius killed the guard and attempted to make it look like a suicide by throwing the body off the Dragon Bridge, but eventually confessed to his crimes when the Last Dragonborn began investigating the murder.[13] Seeking a warrior's death, he challenged the Dragonborn to a fight on the bridge and was slain in single combat.[14]

Gallery[edit]

  • Dragon Bridge circa 2E 582

  • (ESO)

  • One of the caves beneath Dragon Bridge

  • A dragon skull sculpture

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Guide to Western Skyrim: Haafingar — Imperial Surveyor Buntara Gravius
  2. ^ Aelvyd's dialogue in ESO
  3. ^ Dragon Bridge Smuggler Caves loading screen in ESO
  4. ^ Events of Crisis at Dragon Bridge in ESO
  5. ^ Dragon Bridge location and rumors in Arena
  6. ^ Map of Skyrim – The Elder Scrolls: Arena
  7. ^ Faida's dialogue in Skyrim
  8. ^ Azzada Lylvieve's dialogue in Skyrim
  9. ^ Penitus Oculatus faction in Skyrim
  10. ^ The Man Who Cried Wolf quest in Skyrim
  11. ^ The Crimson Dirks, v1 — Gathers-the-Coin
  12. ^ Guard's Note on Aldepius
  13. ^ Aldepius' Confession — Aldepius
  14. ^ Over the Edge quest from Alternative Armors - Steel Soldier Creation for Skyrim Special Edition
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