Great Flood of Castival

Disaster / Destruction

A great flood destroyed the homes and lives of many of the people of Castival, lasting for almost a full week worth of nights despite the lack of any strange weather.

In the year 67 CR, Castival faced one of its most challenging natural disasters—a great flood washed over the town at night, surging forth from the life-giving river and the sea nearby. For a full week, the waters rose each night, destroying the city despite lacking any excess rainfall. The floodwaters inundated much of the city, paralyzing its bustling marketplaces, submerging homes, and disrupting the lives of thousands.
  The flood was precipitated by an unusually high tide, which prevented the river from emptying into the sea as quickly as it normally would. As the waters rose, the lower districts of Castival, particularly those closest to the riverbanks, were the first to be affected. The speed of the flooding caught the city off guard, and as the water levels rose, panic ensued among the population.
  The city's leadership, under the guidance of the then-ruling Councilor Aelius Varro, quickly mobilized emergency response teams. These teams worked tirelessly to reinforce embankments, evacuate residents from the most vulnerable areas, and provide temporary shelter and supplies. Despite these efforts, the flood caused significant damage to infrastructure and mass loss of life, including the destruction of several bridges and parts of the protective city walls. Those that managed to escape onto ships or further inland were forced to survive off the land, but were aided by the druids of the Circle of the Meadowedge.
  Amidst the chaos, the spirit of Castival's citizens shone through. Stories of heroism and solidarity emerged—neighbors helping neighbors, fishermen using their boats to rescue those trapped in their homes, and local merchants distributing food and water freely.
  Once the water fully receded, seemingly gone for good, the scale of the devastation became apparent. Much of the city’s ground floor levels were filled with mud and debris, and the economic toll was immense. Recovery and reconstruction efforts began immediately, funded by both the city’s reserves and contributions from nearby allies, who responded to Castival’s plight with aid and support.
  The Great Flood also prompted a reevaluation of Castival’s infrastructure. New flood defense systems were designed, including higher levees, better drainage systems, and advanced warning mechanisms. These measures were aimed not only at preventing such disasters in the future but also at bolstering confidence in the city’s ability to protect its citizens and assets.