Roserun, named for the rose sigil of House Calderwyn, stands upon the banks of the mighty River Ere, whose waters once bound the length of the great Kingdom of Galdoria together before the fall.
When the King’s Bridge fell half a century ago, the humble wooden span at Roserun became the last dependable crossing for hundreds of miles in either direction. Trade caravans, pilgrims, and soldiers alike are forced through the town, and the tolls levied at the bridge have allowed Roserun to grow fat on coin even as the wider realm withered into ruin.
Yet Roserun’s prosperity is a fragile thing. The town lies within the Barony of Estania, a borderland of the fallen kingdom, hemmed in by the Undead Wastes to the south and cursed shadowlands to the north. By night, shambling dead and nameless horrors test the palisade walls and moat, and only constant watchfulness keeps the town standing. Its true salvation lies within the Chapel of Vigilance: the Helm Reliquary, a helmet of star metal, said to have been forged by the gods themselves, which wards the town against all but the strongest of the dead and the damned.
Roserun is governed by Sir Aldric Fenmere, Shire Reeve in service to Baron Roderic Calderwyn of Estania, a stern but practical ruler who knows that if Roserun falls, the river, and what remains of Galdoria, falls with it.
Points of Interest
Captain Kegar’s House
Dr. Hausman’s House
Spark & Fire Smithy
Sir Aldric’s Manse
Chapel of Eternal Vigilence
Ferryman Hans’ House
Gilroy Duren’s House
Roserun Stables & Livery
Warehouses
River Wharf
Water Mill
The Drunken Mule
Market
Bridge Blockhouse
Drawbridge
General Store
Roserun Fort
Keep
Guard Post
Sawmill
Notable NPCs
Sir Aldric Fenmere - Shire Reeve
Captain Kegar - Guard Captain
Sargent Beaufort - Guard Sargent
Dr. Hausman - Physician
Gilroy Duren - Rich Merchant/Trader
Lars Bitteriron - Blacksmith
Mardia Hollow - Tavern Keeper
Widow Lena - Owner of General Store
Stephen Trim - Stable hand
Freddie ‘Skipper’ Chals - Ferryman
Sargent Dera Beaufort - Guard Sargent
Priestess Mafferon - High Priestess of Aurelen, Lord of Light and Leader of The Vigil a band of fanatic cultist in Roserun
Town Rumours
The Helm Reliquary dims a little more each winter, and no one knows why.
Someone has been seen crossing the River Ere at night without using the bridge.
The undead in the southern wastes have begun to wear scraps of old Galdorian livery.
Dr. Phelps, the previous town doctor, has been seen in the streets at night, shambling around and groaning. He did not look well.
The bridge tolls are higher because a portion is secretly paid to “keep something asleep” beneath the river.
A ferryman swears the river sometimes flows backwards near the old King’s Bridge ruins.
The Chapel of Vigilance was built atop a far older shrine, not all of it consecrated.
A trader claims to have seen lights moving within the shadowlands, like a marching army.
Children born during river fog are said to hear voices calling them south.
The Baron of Estania is preparing to abandon Roserun if the wards fail.
Adventure Hooks
The Fading Ward – The Helm of Roserun is failing and with that the wards. An ancient text concern the relic is said to be in the ruins of nearby tower, perhaps that holds the key?
Beneath the Bridge – Something vicious stirs below Roserun’s bridge pylons, threatening to collapse the last crossing of the Ere.
The Shadow Envoy – A figure from the northern shadowlands seeks parley, offering peace at a terrible cost.
Toll of the Damned – Merchants vanish along the road south; their wagons return days later, empty and blood-stained.
The Unquiet Dead – A mass grave near the river has been disturbed, and the risen dead show signs of dark intelligence.
Relic Thieves – A cult attempts to steal or corrupt the Helm of Roserun during a holy vigil.
The Baron’s Writ – Baron Edric Vaelmont secretly hires the party to assess whether Roserun can truly be saved, or must be sacrificed.
Fog on the Ere – A supernatural mist spreads along the river, dragging travelers into a half-real realm of drowned memories.
The Vigil Breaks – For one night each year, the Reliquary’s power falters; something powerful knows this and is coming.