Aftermath at Highbridge Gate

The fight ended in the dust of Highbridge Gate; five town guards lay disarmed or dragged off by their superiors, and the field is littered with broken spears, a torn banner, and the crunch of mail underfoot. The party has time before the city watch arrives to gather what they can. They find a mixed coin pouch from the captain, battlefield potions still warm to the touch, a magically-tinged shortsword and a protective cloak slipped off a lieutenant, and a handful of mundane but useful items: badges that could buy safe passage or stir trouble, keys that open municipal doors, and salvageable armor parts for a willing smith. The tattered standard will speak loudly if presented back in town, while the scrap and battered chain shirt are practical rewards the party can either sell or refit. These spoils suit a level five band: a couple of usable magic items that change the balance in fights ahead, reliable consumables to survive the next encounter, and mundane goods and tokens that push forward roleplay and social possibilities.