The Vermilion Harbour
The Vermillion Harbour is the sole organized settlement on The Ruby Mount — a jagged coastal refuge nestled in a half-sunken caldera bay formed from a previous volcanic collapse. Perched on scorched cliffs and partly built into hardened lava tubes, the Harbour serves as the gateway to the molten heart of the island. It is a rough-and-tumble town of salvagers, miners, outlaws, and exiles, governed not by laws but by control, trade, and reputation. Resources are scarce, and survival is a daily negotiation.
Defences
Magitek flame turrets powered by geothermal conduits.
Cindershroud enforcers – elite survivalist soldiers trained in ash terrain warfare.
Natural defenses: treacherous cliffs, geyser fields, and ashfalls make siege nearly impossible.
Smoke signals and tremor sensors warn of attacks and eruptions alike.
Industry & Trade
Mining Export: Ruby glass, firesteel, magma gems.
Survival Trade: Water, tools, potion ingredients.
Illegal Trade: Soul-ink contracts, cursed relics, volcanic reagents, monster parts.
Smuggler Routes: Ties to black market guilds across the True Isles.
Infrastructure
Crater-tiered Layout: Built into descending volcanic terraces.
Lava Pipe Aqueducts: Recycled molten channels repurposed for thermal water and steam transport.
Partial Submersion: Some buildings are half-flooded with geothermal water; these host hot spring taverns, steambaths, and clandestine smuggler hubs.
Ashfall Tarp Systems: Retractable canvas roofs to protect from ash drifts.
Scav-Forge Complexes: Hybrid scrapyards and smithies that recycle everything from slag to old adventurer gear.
Districts
The Cindersteps – Main residential slum, built in tiers from shipwrecked hulls and lava brick.
The Glowing Fangs – Industrial zone, home to metalworks, forge pits, and the town’s only “bank” (a gem vault run by a ruthless gnome syndicate).
Brimshore Row – Docks, trade lanes, and black markets. Also houses alchemists, poisoners, and illegal trade peddlers.
The Molt – An underground tavern district built into old lava tubes, infamous for illegal fights, hallucination fumes, and gambling.
Kel’s Roost – The fortified cliffside keep of Magister Kel Varnak, visible from every point in town.
Assets
Massive geothermal power reservoirs.
Artisan-level smiths with expertise in volcanic alloys.
Information brokering (survivor stories, underground maps, lost expedition logs).
Secret healing spring beneath the Roost, guarded zealously.
Controlled stockpiles of food, water, and salvaged gear used for leverage.
History
Once a mere refueling outpost for volcanic prospectors, The Vermillion Harbour became a critical foothold when the Ruby Mount’s deeper gem veins were discovered. After S.T.R.E. bought out competing companies, they lost direct control due to constant eruptions and the rise of gang factions. Kel Varnak seized power during the last major eruption by taking over the supply caches and rebranding himself as the town’s “Protectorate.” Since then, rule has shifted from contract law to brutal loyalty.
Points of interest
The Red Gullet – A pit-fight arena where contestants battle heat-resistant monsters or each other in ash-drenched cages.
Varnak’s Vault – Rumored to hold stolen artifacts from lost expeditions.
Steamglass Chapel – A cathedral to Igna, an elemental of flame and renewal.
The Ember Market – An ever-shifting black market that appears only when three ash flags fly above the Molt.
Tourism
Minimal but extreme: thrill-seekers come for the challenge of surviving the volcano, diving into the magma pools (yes, there's a method), and earning the right to mark themselves with The Ruby Brand — a burn-scar tattoo awarded only to those who’ve survived a series of deadly trials.
Architecture
Perched within a collapsed coastal caldera, the town sits amid volcanic cliffs, sulfur vents, and magma-formed beaches of black sand and red crystal. Access is limited to aerial drop, sub-sea approach, or narrow mountain switchbacks.
Geography
Perched within a collapsed coastal caldera, the town sits amid volcanic cliffs, sulfur vents, and magma-formed beaches of black sand and red crystal. Access is limited to aerial drop, sub-sea approach, or narrow mountain switchbacks
Climate
Dry, sulfuric, and searingly hot. Temperatures range from 35 to 55 degrees. Storms of ash, hot winds, and occasional sulfur rains make visibility and travel unpredictable.
Natural Resources
Firesteel: An alloy formed by molten iron and volcanic mineral sediment.
Ashglass: Sharp, blood-colored volcanic glass used in weapons and trade.
Magma Gems: Crystals formed in pressure vents — can store or release magical energy.
Thermal Springs: Rare healing properties, unstable chemistry.
Volcanic Spores: Used in alchemy and illicit pharmaceuticals.
Alternative Name(s)
The Ember Maw - Scorchhold Dock - Ashwake Point
Population
Approximately 2,000–2,500 — swelling during volcanic dormancy seasons, dwindling when eruptions increase. Mostly humans, dwarves (deep-delvers), fire genasi, and tieflings. Some flame-kin and salamander kinfolk.
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
Characters in Location