@Jdogg247 I would roll with it and let the PCs establish this little society as their hub, let them establish an emotional connection to the people there, and then I would introduce the BBEG of the campaign who comes with his army because the king hasn't paid the annual tribute to him.

When he realizes the PCs killed his vassal, he demands tribute from this nascent democracy or he will kill everyone, forcing them to abolish all their welfare as they beg the PCs to help before they starve.