Goliad

A closely-walled city amid sprawling fields and scattered farmhouses, Goliad is both the seat of power for the Duchy of Brandiar, and a war-time refuge for the nearby farmers. Only 2,500 people regularly reside within the walls, but its stated population of 3,900 includes the many farmers who rely on it to be home base and a shelter.

Twice battered, Goliad serves as a testament to the teachings of Ilmater, the god of endurance and suffering, simply because it continues to exist. When the Witch-King proved victorious at the first battle at the ford, Goliad was nearly flattened and its people sent fleeing across the land. But they returned and rebuilt— only to have it attacked again when the armies returned for a rematch. This time, though, the good guys won.

The people of Goliad received considerable assistance pulling their city back together for the second time. The Church of the Bountiful Harvest will soon be completed, and it is sure to be one of the most impressive structures in the region, a symbol of the unyielding will of the brave people of Goliad and all Brandiar.

Demographics

Demographics: Human (78%), Halfling (12%), Dwarf (6%), Half-Elf (1%), Half-Orc (1%), Elf (1%), Gnome (1%)

Government

The town of Goliad is Brandiar's Ducal Seat, and as such, is the home of Dormythyrr, regent of Brandiar. While Dormythyrr administers the Duchy, Count Bramm Jarmaath is lord of the town and county. The two men get along very well. Count Bramm Jarmaath is a lean man with a short, well-trimmed beard, graying hair, and wrinkles that don’t quite belie his thirty-five years. Wisely admired as a just and fair ruler.

Defences

Captain Lars Ulverth, Captain of the Guard

The leader of Goliad's Guard is an imposing man with a pronounced limp in his left leg, the remnant of a wound received in a tragic battle with an ogre in which his lover was slain. Lars has stubbornly refused offers to have the old wound magically healed. His innate stubbornness has served him well over the years, most often in his adamant refusal to compromise the funding, training, and pay for his soldiers.

Industry & Trade

Goliad's main industry is the importing and exporting off food and drink. The Duchy of Brandiar is the breadbasket of Damara, although the Halfling Downs produces more per square mile. Most of the Duchy's goods travel through the city, and from here, down the Goliad River to Lake Mogodor and Heliogabalus (which has an insatiable need for Goliad's production).

Guilds and Factions

The Damaran Merchant's League has a major guildhouse here.

Important People

• Count Bramm Jarmaath, Count of Goliad

• Captain Lars Ulverth, Captain of the Guard

• Friar Dugald, High Priest of Chauntea and hero of the War against Zhengyi

• Tredora Goldenbrow, Cleric of the Triad

• Lady Verrasa Kaal

• Immerstal the Red - Wizard

• Odo Bulsara - Enchanter

Architecture

Locations

Goliad Keep Kaal Manor Teskerwill Manor Haskinar Mansion Cathedral Square Goliad Market Church of the Bountiful Harvest Shrine of Yondalla Ilmater's Rest (Temple of the Triad) Goliad Academy The Laughing Manticore (Inn) The Silent Glass (Inn) The Stone Wyvern (Inn) The Craven Raven (Tavern) The Thirsty Zombie (Tavern) Quirks and Knot (General Store) Charles's Scabbard (Blacksmith) Shank’s Shivs (weapons) Mandal's Tonics (Alchemist) The Marvelous Anklet (Jeweler) Axenhaft Security (mercenaries guild) Red Magic and Sundries (Magic Shop) Velorian’s (Playhouse) Discreet Departures (coffinmaker)

Type

Town

Population

3,900

Owner/Ruler

Dormythyrr

Owning Organization

Duchy of Brandiar