Before the Goblin War

Tyrluk was never known for its hospitality. Its residents, shaped by years of brigand attacks and unscrupulous merchants, were distrustful of outsiders. Visitors were begrudgingly tolerated, often directed to camp on a disused farm at the village's northern edge, equipped with firepits, wells, and old barns. The local lord, Suldag the Boar—a larger-than-life figure known for his hard-drinking and roaring laughter—offered a boisterous welcome to those who dared seek him out. Otherwise, the villagers were curt, if not outright hostile, to strangers.

The village was a practical stop for caravans, offering the services of Charn the Smith and Oglul’s Cartworks, as well as Silturr Shadowshield’s renowned pony ranch, which supplied high-quality mountain mounts to the Purple Dragons and others with sufficient coin. Tyrluk’s most curious feature was the Bowshot Run, a mysterious arrow-straight path in the forest west of the village. It was thought to be the remnant of an ancient temple approach but now served as an archery range.

The Goblin War and Its Aftermath

The peace of Tyrluk was shattered in 1371 DR when goblin raiders and ghazneths descended upon the village. Most of the inhabitants fled to the nearby hills, leaving their homes and businesses to be sacked and burned. By the time the attacks subsided, Tyrluk had been reduced to ruins. Only two buildings remained intact: a black stone structure with a towering chimney and the Old Man’s Face, a dilapidated wooden roadhouse.

Despite the devastation, the resilient people of Tyrluk returned to rebuild. Living in tents provided by the Purple Dragons, they have begun reconstructing their lives amidst the charred remnants of their once-thriving village. The survivors, mostly 1st- and 2nd-level warriors hardened by their frontier lifestyle, are wary and reticent. Strangers are met with gruff responses and redirected to the Old Man’s Face for any inquiries.

The Old Man’s Face

Before the war, this cold and unwelcoming roadhouse served as the village tavern and eatery. Its carved signboard—a smiling old man’s face—was the most appealing aspect of the establishment. Inside, outsiders found little warmth, with locals favoring each other over strangers. Meals consisted of strong beer, hearty roasts, and spiced vegetables, with the local Purple Dragon garrison providing the inn's only reliable business.

Now, the Old Man’s Face is one of the few remaining structures, serving as a hub for those rebuilding their homes. Though still unfriendly to outsiders, it endures as a symbol of the villagers’ determination.

Legends of Tyrluk

Tyrluk is steeped in folklore, most famously the tale of the Blue Blade, a gallant brigand who stole from the wealthy and charmed travelers in Cormyr. While the Blue Blade has not been seen in decades, the legend endures, embodying the independent spirit of the region.

A Village Reborn

Tyrluk’s people remain staunchly independent, shaped by hardship and a mistrust of the outside world. Visitors are advised to tread lightly, respecting the villagers’ boundaries and their ongoing efforts to reclaim their lives. The journey through the Storm Horns continues, but Tyrluk stands as a testament to the resilience of those who call it home.