The Trydentai: From Quick Name to Ardinock's Most Intriguing Criminal Faction

Like many things in home games, the Trydentai started as a quick idea I had to come up with on the fly during my first-ever homebrew session. My players were approaching a group of thieves, and I needed a name quickly. So, without much thought, I threw out "The Trydentai." This name came to me because the first group was near water and I was thinking of something like a Trident Tattoo they would have.

Little did I know that this hasty creation would become one of the most important factions in my world of Ardinock—a group I've worked with the most over the course of multiple stories.

The Trydentai started as a small-time bandit gang, but the concept of this faction evolved quickly. The idea of them being more than just common thieves appealed to me. What if, instead of being a typical group of bandits, they were an organized collection of arms dealers, presenting themselves as mere robbers while stockpiling weapons for something bigger? That was the hook I needed to turn them into a morally grey faction with a much grander purpose: to prepare for the great war they believed was inevitable.

A Faction Rooted in Self-Interest

One of the key ideas behind the Trydentai is that they are self-serving opportunists. While most factions in Ardinock have a clear ideological or political alignment, the Trydentai are focused solely on profit. They’re not just thieves—they’re building an empire of their own, cornering the black market for weapons and arms. Their goal is simple: when war comes, they will be the ones in control, selling to all sides, making fortunes, and perhaps even influencing the course of battle through their weapons trade.

But it’s not just about money for the Trydentai. They’re driven by the belief that they can capitalize on chaos. They’re not instigators of conflict, but they’ve positioned themselves to thrive in it. They don’t care who wins or loses; their business is ensuring that whoever has the gold can get the weapons they need to wage war.

The Origin Story of the Trydentai

The Trydentai is a band of former thieves who have transitioned into arms dealers, specializing in weapons and illicit goods. Led by the cunning and hardworking Loxodon named Ahmbank, they have established a formidable underground network. Initially posing as petty criminals, the Trydentai have gradually amassed power and influence in anticipation of an impending conflict in Ardinock. Their main focus lies in procuring and vending weapons, gradually monopolizing the arms market throughout the continent of Constane.

They trade in both conventional and enchanted weaponry, offering their services to the highest bidder, without pledging allegiance to any particular faction. Despite their criminal origins, they have evolved into a well-structured and professional organization, resembling more of an underground enterprise network than a mere gang of felons. While they have a broad perspective, the Trydentai's immediate objectives are driven by opportunism. Their leader, Ahmbank, strategically positions them to amass wealth and seize authority over the arms trade once the anticipated major conflict erupts.

Expanding Beyond Ardinock

While most of the factions in The Ardinock Chronicles are based in Ardinock, the Trydentai are unique. They operate out of Constane, the continent to the north, giving them a far-reaching influence that extends beyond the borders of Ardinock itself. This connection to another land is important because it offers players the chance to explore Constane and delve into the Trydentai’s deeper operations when the story eventually leads them there. It’s a gateway to larger, world-spanning conflicts and provides a faction that exists in both Ardinock and beyond.

This makes the Trydentai not just a key player in Ardinock’s politics but also a faction that connects the entire world. When players need a link to something bigger or want to explore international intrigue, the Trydentai can be the perfect group to get them there.

Why the Trydentai Work as a Faction

I’ve always loved the idea of bandits and thieves’ guilds in fantasy settings. Everyone loves a faction that operates in the shadows, pulling strings for personal gain. The Trydentai fit that mold, but with the added twist that they’re not just common criminals—they’re business-minded arms dealers who are always one step ahead, preparing for the day when the world descends into chaos.

The Trydentai provide the perfect morally grey faction for players to interact with. Whether they’re seeking them out for weapons, getting tangled up in one of their schemes, or facing them as an enemy, the Trydentai are always a guaranteed problem for any DM or player in the world of Ardinock. They can be allies or adversaries depending on the needs of the story, but they are never to be trusted fully.