Though Tar-Baphon's invasion scattered the people of Lastwall, survivors have begun to rally around their ruler, Watcher-Lord Ulthun II. The destruction of his nation, however, reminds Ulthun of his family's origins. His grandparents fled from violence in Nidal, arriving in Lastwall as refugees. They laid down roots in Vigil, and Ulthun was born there in 4690 AR. From an early age, Ulthun nurtured a passion for literature and history. But after forming a habit of defending other children from bullies, Ulthun grew certain that it was the duty of the powerful to protect the vulnerable. He then dedicated himself to becoming one of Lastwall's crusaders and a paladin of Iomedae, the goddess of righteous valor, justice, and honor.
In 4709 AR, however, his plans were eclipsed. Though Ulthun was only 19, the Precentors Martial of Vigil's War College elected him as the Watcher-Lord of Lastwall. Despite his youth, his tours of service in Belkzen proved Ulthun's unparalleled commitment to the crusaders' virtues. For the subsequent decade, Ulthun led his people with the backing of his advisors in the Precentors Martial. The people of Lastwall celebrated Ulthun as a measured ruler dedicated to social advancement and vigilant defense of Lastwall's borders. Though still a romantic at heart, Ulthun refrained from mingling with the suitors that flocked in Castle Overwatch's courtyard to vie for his attention.
During the 10th year of Ulthun's rule, Lastwall faced a calamity. In 4719 AR, Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, broke free from his prison in Gallowspire. Craving vengeance against the nation that oversaw his imprisonment, Tar-Baphon detonated a shard of the Shield of Aroden in Vigil and then set his hordes of undead across the entirety of Lastwall. In Vigil, Ulthun fought valiantly alongside the crusaders that had once trained him. He intended to die with his old comrades, in accordance with the vows of self-sacrifice he had made to Iomedae over a decade past. But a group of heroes convinced Ulthun to stand down, reminding him that his greater duty was to his suffering people. Ulthun fled his collapsing nation in the aftermath of the battle, vowing to one day return, bring an end to Tar-Baphon, and rebuild his home.
Almost a year has passed since the fall of Lastwall. After several months of journeying, the last of the Watcher-Lords has arrived in Absalom empty-handed, just as his grandparents had once arrived in Lastwall. The government of Absalom has helped Ulthun to establish a makeshift embassy in the Precipice Quarter, a neighborhood previously known as Beldrin's Bluff that was nearly annihilated by an earthquake. Ulthun revitalized the Precipice Quarter, building a community for refugees grieving the loss of their home. With each passing week, new mercenaries, crusaders, and adventurers arrive, all seeking to assist the survivors of Lastwall.
The displaced ruler now gathers his strength in preparation for the reclamation of his home. Ulthun provides shelter to other refugees, spins stories to win over new allies, and negotiates to secure the materials and transportation they'll need for the coming war. Yet, a surfeit of doubts lies underneath his efforts. Even as Ulthun wonders if the fall of Lastwall grew out of his own shortcomings, he questions the righteousness of a deity that would allow her people to undergo such severe suffering. But, with each day, Ulthun pushes past his doubts, as the return of Tar-Baphon presents a threat to all people.
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