Desseer nods in approval and gives John a sidelong glance with an eyebrow raised, "Remember John, we are going to be facing some dangerous bandits. Let's keep our swords in their sheathes for now."
You make your way back to the merchant sector to gather any supplies you might need. Then within the hour, you are headed out of town towards the town of...
It will take a three-day ride to get to Cinder. From Drother, you go North by North West, taking the Vaught Canyon. Either going on top and being attacked by a Roc or other flying predators, or going into the canyon and dealing with acid pools.
Obsidian Bladegrass: Dangerous terrain, but can be harvested for magical weapons.
Sulfur Pools: Choking fumes and flammable vapors offer both hazards and opportunities.
Geothermal Vents: Used for smelting and heating, but unstable if disturbed.
You do think that a monolith might be near the volcano but you can't be sure until you try.
The Ember Walk: Formerly the central market. Now heavily guarded and controlled by the Craterlords, a bandit-baron group.
Coalroot Wards: Lower district where slaves labor in foundries and sulfur pits.
Ashspire Heights: Once noble territory, now gated and decadent, used by corrupt nobles and bandit lieutenants.
Scorchbridge: A shattered bridge connecting to trade roads—rebuilt with tolls run by bandits.
1. The Craterlords
Leader: Vrek Talshorn, an ex-military captain turned mercenary warlord.
Type: Bandits elevated to rule.
M.O.: Violence, taxes, extortion. Vrek keeps a tight leash on lower-ranked thugs.
Notable Trait: Vrek wears a half-molten obsidian helm fused to his face.
2. The Ashspire Compact
Type: Cabal of merchants and lesser nobility.
Leader: Lady Jorynne Vass, a cold-hearted economic manipulator.
Goal: Profiting off resource extraction and slave labor, selling Cinder’s wealth to foreign powers.
The People
Slaves/Laborers: Former citizens now forced into mining obsidian, harvesting alchemical materials, or crafting weapons.
"Freemen": Shopkeepers, artisans, and clerics too valuable to enslave—but tightly watched.
Resistors: Small pockets of rebellion remain, led by:
Ilra Thornfield, a one-handed priestess of Sarenrae, hiding in the old temple crypts.
Tannik Coldstone, a dwarf miner who has mapped secret tunnels under the Coalroot Wards.
Secret: They're funneling magical resources (volcanic reagents) to an arcane syndicate in Bolster.
1. Ashes of Rebellion
Premise: The PCs are contacted by Ilra to smuggle out children and recruit aid.
Challenge: Sabotage key supply lines while avoiding patrols and diviners in Ashspire Heights.
Twist: Ilra’s brother is now Vrek’s second-in-command.
2. The Fire Below
Premise: Tremors rock the town—something ancient stirs beneath the extinct volcano.
Hook: The miners have uncovered a buried vault linked to elemental fire or an imprisoned salamander prince.
Complication: The Ashspire Compact plans to use it to power war machines.
3. A Slave with No Chains
Premise: A masked gladiator, secretly a noble heir, challenges the Craterlords in public duels.
PC Involvement: They must protect him from assassination, uncover his identity, or possibly expose him.
Outcome: If he survives, he could unite the town under new leadership.
4. The Merchant’s Mask
Premise: A caravan from New Faces arrives, supposedly bringing supplies—but actually carrying a deadly artifact to bind a fire elemental.
Goal: Stop the ritual, intercept the item, and expose the Compact’s dealings to outside authorities.
Moral Choice: Destroy the artifact or use it to turn the tide?
Myriana listened to all that was going on and found that the woman, at least, was willing to join them. That the man was not was no real issue to her, he had his reasons and she respected that, and she had the distraction of Iris hand in her's as she they stayed close together. Occasionally Iris' touch brought a purr from Myriana's throat and she was quite content for the time being.
It wasn't until Iris suggested that they be captured to get someone inside the bandit camp. Myriana knew all to well what would likely end up happening to them and, while the idea of two exotic beauties such as themselve being ravished by bandits Myriana wasn't sure Iris had thought that part through. She did respond though by saying, "That would be workable nya, and I should be able to slide out of the bonds with little issue whenya the time time comes."
Myriana raised one eyebrow, and her ears flicked as a mischievous smile crossed her lips and she said, "But you do know what a bunch of bandits would likely do to two beauties like us nya?" She slipped behind Iris and one hand went to cup Iris' breasts while the other trailed claws down her dress gently towards her nethers, "Tow beauties like us nya, helpless before the whiles of vile bandits nya?" She stretched up on her toes so her lips could reached Iris' neck and she leaned in close as she said, "At their mercy, to use as they like nya," before gently biting her neck with her feline fangs. they weren't as sharp as her old vampiric ones were, but they were still noticeably longer and sharper than a human and she was careful not to puncture the skin. She let up after a moment and said into Iri's ear, "I'm game if you are Iris-chan."
She shivers at being manhandled by Myriana. Smiling at her needy claws.
She whispers out, "But we wouldn't be helpless and John would protect us. Wouldn't you John? I would be up to being tied up with you."
---
After hearing all the research Desseer did she asks, "So where are we heading now, to the waypoint?"
Desseer rubs his chin thoughtfully, "Jav'Urk didn't you say that there was an underground tunnel into the town? Where does that tunnel go?"
"Inflitration eh?" Ink says as he then speaks to Dresser.
'You think I could skulk around. A beggar knows the streets the best. Maybe a dog as well. I can assume both and see what I can find out.' He suggests as this was something he himself was great at.
<A great idea Ink. Have at it whenever you think best.>
"With so many enemies, kicking in the front door seems unwise. "
'Then I shall take my leave when it is best, probably under the cover of night.' the blob telepathically says as he then fiegns a stomach ache.
"Apologies I do not feel good. I shall take my leave"
Desseer nods, "Bratva be with you. If you feel better soon, you are still welcome to join us. "
Desseer rubs his chin thoughtfully, "Jav'Urk didn't you say that there was an underground tunnel into the town? Where does that tunnel go?"
She replies to Desseer with a bit of sweat on her forehead, "No there is no tunnel that we know about, I am sure there is but you could easily find an active tube as well. They had dug into the town. Made berms besides the pit traps. There are seven towers with 15 foot tall walls between them. They made it so no one could easily get in or out."
Concerned for her new party memebers she states, "Brother Svalt I could make you a tonic." She goes up to him and checks on him assuming he lets her.
He keeps zooming back and forth, collecting shineys. Soon Desseer's pocket is full of them.
Desseer regards The Sly with a raised eyebrow for a couple seconds before regarding John. "We will travel there simply for the initial trip. I'd prefer to know the way in case the worst happens."
"Ah," he says, turning to Jav'Urk. "I misunderstood your words. Well, let's make a plan once we get closer. There are a number of options at this point."
Ink will slip off.
Once successfully off he will turn into an Ooze and begins to survey the wall.
"On foot should be fine, though we will need some basic provisions for the trip. Can you handle that John?"
Myriana got the reaction she desired from Iris and giggled wickedly at the ideas that passed through her mind of what she would do to her pet right now if she was being very ambitious. This was neither the time or the place though she decided to not push things any further. Instead, Myriana brought a chair up behind Iris and, once she got her lover to sit, settled in on her lap and leaned back against her.
As they began to get their plan all in place Myriana's tail twitched occasionally as she still sat in Iris' lap and purred. She might have seemed asleep with the way her eyes were closed but she was still very much awake and listening. Finally, she began to speak and said, "Then we have a plan and Iris-chanya and I need to go get ourselves captured nya. We may want to leave our magical items behind; they will likely be takenya anyway so best to not take chances nya."
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"Yes, go on ahead I will get the supplies for traveling for ten days to be prepared. I will take Jav'Urk and figure out a travel method for her."
John is leading a horse with filled saddlebags. He carries an extra leather bag. Once with you he brings out a blue fluted bottle presenting it to Desseer. "Elven moon wine for the trip or when we rest. Its refreshing."
She enjoyed teasing and holding Myrianna on her lap. "Will do but not until we are closer. What will our story be? Two winged beauties..."
Before John leaves she waves him over and asks, "Could you possibly get staple food rather than rations. I can cook. Oh also spices."
Myriana's ears flicked as they were scratch and she said, "We should shift to our non-winged forms-nya. We can both do it, I'll help you understand how nya. Better they think we are normal people, not obviously magical winged ones nya."
Myriana considered a story for themselves and decided on one easily enough as she said, "I think we should pass you off as some kind of wealthy merchant's daughter and I can pass for your attendant nya. As to why we are out there on our own nya...," her fords trailed off as she tried to think on the story a bit more.
"Thanks John," he says with gratitude. "Let's save it for the way back."
One they are on their way, Desseer moves to walk next to John. "Did you want to take her to the place before or after?"
Myriana's ears flicked as they were scratch and she said, "We should shift to our non-winged forms-nya. We can both do it, I'll help you understand how nya. Better they think we are normal people, not obviously magical winged ones nya."
Myriana considered a story for themselves and decided on one easily enough as she said, "I think we should pass you off as some kind of wealthy merchant's daughter and I can pass for your attendant nya. As to why we are out there on our own nya...," her fords trailed off as she tried to think on the story a bit more.
She quickly offers an addition to finish the story, "I am the daughter of a wealthy gem merchant, Don Agratha. You are my attendant and we were attacked by monsters, an ogre and a group of goblins. Our guards were able to subdue the beasts but they all passed from their wounds. We could even have a 'hurt' guard still alive. John could take that role. What do you think?" You can tell her mind buzzes to life to solve the problem.
Myriana considered what Iris suggested and smiled happily as she said, "That should be good Iris-chanya!" Myriana rubbed her cheek against Iris' cheek for a moment and then added, "It might be best to not have John as an injured guardnya, they might well try to kill him nya and that would not end well nya."
Myriana continued to purr as she added, "Besides nya, they'll let their guard down more if we're alone nya." Myriana looked at Desser and John curiously. She was willing to compromise on this part of her idea but she really thought it would be a good way to handle the situation.
Desseer nods in agreement, "Yeah, them killing John would be the most reasonable thing for them to do in that instance. The larger the group, the more apprehensive they'll be. So, just the two of you is a good idea. As long as those creatures are natural to this area, the sob story is good too." He ponders, "It might be best to get you all in to get a look around, though it is very risky."
"I was referring to the place you went to stop being a ghost," he whispers back.
"If there is wildlife, I should be able to do some scouting as well."
Myriana liked the idea and decided that they had a workable plan as she purred in Iris' lap while her ears were scratched. That she was becoming even more feline like since arriving here was lost to Myriana but it did seem to be happening. The process had slowed down significantly lately, and her mind seemed to have reached an equilibrium point. but she was still oblivious to this fact.
Speaking up through her purr Myriana said, "Then Mistress and I will go get ourselves captured as soon as you want us to nya."
The group can see the town of ____ on the horizon after 6 days of walking. You estimate it will take most of tomorrow to get there. Iris has been cooking with her cauldron of wonders.
There have been very few bandit encounters. You met some goblins, a few wolves, and a wandering hill giant.
Desseer shouts to the goblins to get their attention. As he distracts them for those few seconds, he casts deep slumber on them. He then readies a hold person for any that target him with an attack.
The goblins weren't the biggest threat to them individually. Only their numbers made them any kind of a threat and even then, not much of one. A simple entangle spell was more than enough to hobble most of the little green bastards and made them easy pickings for any ranged attacks thrown at them.
When it came to the wolves, they were even easier. All she needed to do was fly just high enough that they couldn't reach her and plink them with cantrips from above. Sure, it took time, but it was effective.
The real challenge was the hill giant. He was far more dangerous to them but possibly useful too. She waited to see what Deseer would do and if he would try to turn the giant into an ally or kill it. Of course, part of that depended on the giant's actions and she stayed ready to slide through a crack in reality to get away from any incoming attacks.
Between sleeping and entangled goblins, they are dispatched easily.
Desseer notices Myriana take flight and does the same but doesn't venture far from John and their new legless addition. He casts a couple Hold Animals and Id insinuations to bring down the immediate threats.
The giant was an unexpected encounter and Desseer saw the opportunity right away. This could be a powerful pawn. So he dismissed his aaismar disguise and flew into the air to be level with the giant's face.
"I am the master of this group and many others. You will follow me," he declared with unwaivering confidence. "They do not follow me because I ask this. They do so because I tell them. Kneel!"" With that he casts suggestion and the weak mind of the hill giant is no match for Desseer's power. The hill giant, magically compelled, kneels obediently.
"Now, what is your name? I have need of your service."
The groveling hill giant responds weakly, "I am Omrak. How I serve?"
She nods in agreement with John.
On the trip she is holding Myrianna's hand or snuggling on her.
She makes all the meals, supplementing her stew with any good John had brought along.
In Desseer's true form, his platinum hair shines in the sun. "I have enemies in a city over there Omrak. I am going to punish them for opposing me. Follow me among my servants. I will tell you what to do later. Heed my words! Loyalty is rewarded."
Desseer then turns to look at Jav seriously, "You now see my true form. If you reveal this to anyone without permission, I will reveal to you that there are horrors you can experience worse than you have currently experienced."
Omrak follows faithfully.
She pales, then she replies, "I am one of your loyal servants."
Then she whispers to John, "So I did sell my soul to the devil."
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He smirks and states, "Not the devil but perhaps worse. I have been in his employ since my ressurection and I have had nothing but good interactions with him. But I also was a warlord who ruled with an iron fist when I was last alive."
"We will get you fixed and you can be my number 2. Desseer/Mendas pending..."
The group gets to a day away from the town and makes camp for one more time before getting ready to spring their trap.
"Plan D involves invisibility and killing a few at a time. Plan G involves Omrak tossing some boulders. And, Plan J is more akin to a head on assault," Desseer responds as if giving a grocery list.
Myriana was amused as she watched Deseer dominate the giant and earn a new minion for them. She was not overly concerned about fighting the giant if it came to it but gaining a minion with that much raw strength would be useful to them.
When they were at camp for the night Myriana sat once more on Iris' lap and let her witchy friend brush her hair while she purred contentedly. It was strange when she first purred, but Myriana had gotten used to it given how natural it was for her current body to do so. As they discussed what the plan was for after she and Iris "snuck" into the bandit camp, Myriana considered their own plans to get captured.
"When do we want to get captured nya? Should we try to get there early nya so it looks like we were traveling all nyaight or try to get there later in the day nya?" She rubbed her cheek against Iris' neck, messing up a chunk of the progress on her hair brushing, maybe intentionally, maybe not, it was hard to tell, before she added, "We also need to figure out how to handle our gear nya, it wouldn't do to have it takenya."