Rugalov Village
by Brian Caraway(Trading and Border Village of the Grand Duchy of Karameikos)
Who Rules: Lord Vlad Lutescu (LN hm F3[Noble Warrior kit]).
Who Really Rules: Duke Stefan Karameikos III.
Population: 650. Rugalov Village serves more as a waystation for trading caravans coming from and going into the Empire of Thyatis, but is slowly growing as trade between the two nations remains brisk despite the political climate.
Major Products: Fish, trade.
Armed Forces: Rugalov Keep lies across the Rugalov River, acting as the main point of entry for traders and travelers going to or from Thyatis. Rugalov Keep is primarily focused on collecting tariffs and taxes on caravan trade, so the 350 troops remain fairly close to the trade road, and the road and bridge between the keep and the village is heavily patrolled. 40% of the troops are cavalry (F3, medium warhorse wearing chainmail and carrying spear, longsword, shield and shortbow), with the remaining soldiers are on foot (F2 in scale mail and shield, longsword and crossbow). The vast majority of troops stationed here are Traladaran.
Local Laws: None in addition to the Duke’s Law.
Notable Mages:
Mariah of Biazzan (NG hf W7) is a Thyatian-born mage of Alasiyan descent. A native of Biazzan, she spent her youth as an adventurer before retiring with her husband to raise a family and runs a small potion and scroll shop. She is a classic beauty with dusky skin, raven-black hair, and an enticing smile (Chr 15, Com 17). She appears far younger than her real age and is quite popular in town thanks to her willingness to aid the town with her magic.
Teralenor Brightflower (N em F2/W2) is a Callarii elf who makes a good living as a master of caravan guards and a mercenary. He has a reputation for thinking quickly on his feet and for his quicker longbow.
Notable Churches:
The Trader's End, temple to Asterius; Father Nico (LG hm C7). Being a worshipper of Asterius, Lord Vlad has recently completed construction on a small but beautiful church dedicated to Merchant King. Father Nico is a middle-aged, portly man who has a penchant for good food and friendly conversation.
The Prophet’s Rest, temple to Al-Kalim; Prayer Leader Ahmed Al-Omar (LG hm C7). This is a temple and school dedicated to the Eternal Way. Constructed in the Ylari style to serve the growing community of Alasiyan traders and artisans (from Biazzan and Ylaruam), it has a lot of space for future expansion. It follows the more cosmopolitan thoughts and teachings of the Preceptor faction. Prayer Leader Ahmed is a dynamic speaker in his mid-thirties. He sees to his growing flock and helps Lord Lutescu smooth over any cultural issues.
The Sisterhood of the Sword, temple to Valerias; Sister Ramana of Kerendas (NG hf P9). This is a fighting order dedicated to Lady Firehair. Hoping to expand their influence beyond the Empire, they have recently established a small walled enclave in Rugalov. A few Karameikan women have sought training here. The staff has also begun sending envoys to Specularum and points beyond in hopes of finding some interested students among the cities less fortunate. They maintain a large chapel to Valerias, in the Thyatian style. Sister Ramana runs the facility, aided by several Thyatian female adventurers who journey together or alone in between their time as teachers.
Shrines to: Petra, Ilsundal, Mealiden, Koryis.
Notable Rogues’ and Thieves Guilds: There are no known thieves’ guilds in Rugalov but both the Kingdom of Thieves and the Iron Ring are rumored to have agents in place to keep an eye on the caravan traffic.
Equipment Shops: Full, year-round.
Adventurers’ Quarters: For such a small community, Rugalov has a large number of inns and taverns to service a large number of traders and caravan traffic.
The Singing Robin (inn and tavern); This is one of the most popular inns in town. Famous for its dark, nutty beer it has several richly appointed rooms for rent as well as a popular “party room” on the ground floor. (excellent/expensive)
The Hunter's Home (inn and tavern); Frequented by hunters, traders, Foresters, and adventurers, The Home has a rough-and-tumble style of service, but its regulars swear by it. (good/moderate)
The Cheerful Concubine Tavern (inn, tavern, brothel and festhall); (average/expensive)
Important Characters:
Ilya Brebanovich (LN hm F5) is the husband of Mariah, devout worshipper of Halav, and proud father of four. Two of his sons have recently been Sheared and are seeking their fortune as adventurers. He is a powerful swordsman (Str 18/69) but has channeled his efforts into becoming a well-known smith. He specializes in blades but can work on several different kinds of arms and armor.
Lanius Trentium (NG hm R3) is a Forester from Thyatis. Three years ago, at the behest of the Vyalia clan, a handful of Foresters built a moderately sized rooming house just north of the village. Ostensibly a base for hunting, travel, and relaxation for Foresters who are “off-duty”, the Green Manor is often used by Foresters who seek to keep Vyalia lands free of raiding humanoids. Rumor has it that the Foresters and their Vyalia sponsors are seeking the location of a green dragon lair in the thick woods north of Rugalov. Lanius is often employed as a messenger, guide, and huntsman on the Karameikan side of the river.
Important Features in Town:
Local Lore: There are always caravans looking for warriors and adventurers to accompany them on the journey west to Specularum, which tends to be dangerous due to raiding bands of goblinoids out of the Dymrak Forest along the Eastron Road.