Attributes
Featured NPCsTray GalundTorek the CruelThe BlackfistCaitlynMarcus GalundCraig Galund
Chapter Number2
TitleBirth of an Empire
Primary Locationriver-city-castlecliff
Dm NotesThis chapter sets the moral tone of the Galund rule — mercy over slaughter, trade over war. Admond's agreement to court Caitlyn is the seed of the ch-12 wedding. Note that Caitlyn is a Hesh descendant, which becomes a major plot thread. The city has strategic value as a port and trade hub. The refused Northfork harbor request pays off in ch-02 (Redshields send thanks). Party used siege tactics during assault; the DM should note which specific tactics they employed for later continuity.
Detailed NarrativeThe party assembles for the assault on River City, coordinating knights, footmen, archers, and mages against a fortified but weakened garrison of mixed-race defenders led by the city's king. The heroes are tasked with direct action during the siege — scouting, neutralizing enemy mages, and breaking through to the keep. On the steps of the keep above the cliffs, the party faces the city's NPC champion group (Torek the Cruel and his lieutenants: the Blackfist, Char the Sorcerer, Sylar the Rogue, and the priest Merric) in a decisive battle. With the champions defeated and the city taken, Tray Galund renames it Trayalon. The party then governs the aftermath: captured forces are shown mercy, the emissary from Northfork seeking harbor to attack the Redshields is turned away, merchants and economy are prioritized over pure military buildup, and Admond agrees to court Caitlyn, the captive daughter of the former lord and a descendant of the Hesh line.
EventsSiege and capture of River City (CastleCliff)City renamed Trayalon after Tray GalundAdmond Galund agrees to court Caitlyn, Hesh descendant and daughter of the former lordNorthfork denied safe harbor to attack the Redshields — Trayalon stays neutralGalund forces show mercy to captured defenders, establishing reputation for just rule
SummaryThe Galund brothers and their allies execute a multi-pronged siege of River City (CastleCliff), overcoming its champion defenders in a climactic battle on the keep steps. After victory, the city is renamed Trayalon in honor of Tray Galund, and the party makes the first foundational decisions of the new empire.
Campaign Idfounding-of-trayalon-gallund-river-empire
Campaignfounding-of-trayalon-gallund-river-empire
Locationsriver-city-castleclifftrayalon
RewardsControl of River City / Trayalon and its strategic portHalf-level advancementChoice of weapon or trinket upgrade for each PCFoundation of the Gallund River Empire established
Player CharactersFreespirit BastionDuncan SarkranaAdmond GalundSolomon