Location

Cinder Ford

Created by whisper in the wind

Cinder Ford sits along the Ashenmere River, a desolate crossing where volcanic runoff creates waters of deepest obsidian. The settlement's defining feature is an ancient stone ford whose weathered blocks glow crimson after dusk, illuminated by the suspended ash particles that drift perpetually through the water. This strategic location serves as both a practical waystation and a critical hub for the region's underground economy. The town's primary industries are the reconstruction and repair of the massive Dustwalk barges that transport goods throughout the realm, alongside a thriving operation in forging official documents—particularly the coveted Lawler toll papers that grant passage through restricted territories. Cinder Ford employs a network of Wokeen guides, tracker-merchants whose keen sense of smell allows them to detect Kor scouts long before they approach, providing essential protection for smuggling operations. The settlement functions as the bottleneck through which all contraband must pass; when the night locks of nearby Brim close their gates, vessels wait in the town's labyrinthine reed caves until passage becomes possible again. Twin siblings Joss and Kell, born in the distant port city of Deaddrik, command absolute loyalty from the townspeople despite their foreign origins. Their authority is unquestioned, largely because their fierce vendetta against the Lawler authorities runs deeper than any other resident's grievance, making them the perfect custodians of Cinder Ford's illicit operations.