Cindershroud
The Cindershroud is the martial backbone and enforcement arm of Magister Kel Varnak’s regime. Neither a standing army nor a traditional guard, it is a hybrid force of soldiers, survivalists, and former criminals—hardened in the ash-choked wilds and volcanic corridors of The Ruby Mount. Ruthlessly trained and fiercely loyal to Kel, they enforce order through fear, firepower, and unyielding discipline. They are not defenders of the people—they are executors of the law, guardians of resources, and predators of disobedience.
Structure
Supreme Command: Magister Kel Varnak (absolute authority)
High Scorch: 3-member war council, each oversees a key division:
The Emberwardens – Internal policing and rations enforcement
The Pyrestalkers – Field operatives, ash scouts, and survivalists
The Smeltguard – Elite heavy infantry and relic enforcers
Shroud Sergeants – Command smaller strike squads (called “Embers”)
Cinderborn – Rank-and-file soldiers and survival enforcers
Ashmarked – Recruits or low-ranking initiates marked by trial
Culture
Discipline over freedom, loyalty over sentiment, and utility over emotion
Members ritually burn their names during initiation and adopt codenames tied to fire or volcanic events
Rewards are based on resource control, survival merit, and execution efficiency, not kills or glory
Promotion requires surviving a task in the Ashwilds without backup
Public Agenda
Enforce Kel’s law and ration systems
Guard resource depots, magma gem mines, and vaults
Suppress insurrection, regulate black markets, and eliminate rogue factions
Serve as living proof that only the strong and loyal thrive
Assets
Three Forward Bastions carved into lava cliffs, each serving as training, storage, and staging grounds
Magitek rebreathers, geothermal-forged weapons, and reinforced ashsteel armor
Exclusive access to hot-spring healing facilities, magma-forged vehicles, and tactical maps
The Flare Vats – alchemical vats used to enhance soldiers’ heat tolerance and strength
History
Founded during Kel Varnak’s rise to power, the Cindershroud were originally a mix of loyal miners, outlaw survivors, and former gang enforcers. Over time, they were reshaped through brutal training, field culling, and volcanic rites. The name "Cindershroud" comes from their signature uniform cloaks—soot-black and ember-fringed—that trail smoke when worn in battle.
Military
+- 450 active members
Divided between city enforcers, volcanic patrols, and tactical reserves
Can field war-beasts trained in geyser zones, like ash drakes and emberhounds
Siege methods include geothermal breaching charges and controlled ashfall manipulation
Technological Level
High in volcanic engineering, alchemical augmentation, and survival magitek
Low in academic, divine, or arcane sciences (purposefully suppressed)
Operate under a “functional brutality” philosophy: if it works, use it; if it fails, bury it
Foreign Relations
Hostile to outside governments, guilds, and any religious groups
Tense tolerance toward black-market traders as long as tribute is paid
Actively sabotage S.T.R.E. scouting efforts or any return missions to reclaim Vermillion Harbour
Laws
Disobedience is branded and punished by exposure to the Ashwilds
Theft of rations = death or trial by eruption pit
Worship of gods = exile or public branding
Cowardice in duty = demotion to "Ashfeed" (disposable frontline troops)
All Cindershroud must take the Oath of Ember Silence—no disloyal speech beyond command ranks
Trade & Transport
Use magma sleds, steam-bikes, and ash-skiffs for terrain navigation
Resource caravans guarded under strict secrecy and route shifts
Employ underground lava tunnels as smuggling and troop movement corridors
Education
No formal education—knowledge is tactical, survivalist, or combat-focused
Training in volcanology, endurance alchemy, terrain psychology, and kill protocol
New recruits learn literacy only if promoted to command roles
“Order in Ash. Strength in Flame.”
Alternative Names
Ashcloaks - The Flamebound
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Leader
Founders
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Gift economy
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members