Dusthaven - The Last Stop

Distance from Thornspire: 7 days south through the Bone Desert
Population: ~2,200 (45% Human, 25% Orc, 20% Dwarf, 10% Halfling)
Government: Elected Mayor with a Council of Guild Representatives

Overview

Dusthaven is built on the ruins of an ancient city, using bones of massive creatures as building materials. The frontier town mentality means everyone works together to survive, and the famous Bone Market is where scavengers sell artifacts from the deep desert. The city is heavily fortified against sandstorms and desert predators.

Culture & Society

Pragmatism rules in Dusthaven. The elected mayor and guild council make decisions based on what helps the community survive. Everyone has a job to do, and social status comes from usefulness rather than birth. The city attracts outcasts, adventurers, and those seeking a fresh start.

Notable Features

• The Bone Market: Where scavengers sell artifacts and curiosities from desert ruins
• The Great Wall: Massive fortification built from ancient creature bones
• Salvage Yards: Where expeditions sort through recovered materials
• The Last Call Cantina: Famous tavern where mercenaries gather

Trade Specialties

• Salvaged Artifacts: Ancient items recovered from buried ruins
• Bone Crafts: Tools and art made from creature remains
• Mercenary Services: Experienced fighters for dangerous jobs
• Last-Chance Supplies: Equipment for deep desert expeditions

Key NPCs

Mayor Gareth Bonehammer

Race: Human | Role: Former mercenary turned politician

Pragmatic leader who earned his position through competence rather than charisma. His mercenary background helps him make tough decisions, and he's respected for always putting the city's survival first.

Wants: To establish Dusthaven as the premier base for deep desert expeditions.

Salvage Queen Ursa Ironscrap

Race: Orc | Role: Leader of salvage expeditions

Tough orc who leads the most dangerous expeditions into ancient ruins. Her crews have the highest survival rate because she never takes unnecessary risks, but she's found more treasure than anyone else.

Wants: To discover the location of the legendary Lost Vault mentioned in ancient texts.

Bone Carver Pip Whittle

Race: Halfling | Role: Master craftsman and artist

Creates both practical tools and beautiful art from the bones of ancient creatures. His work is sought after across all the cities, and he can identify the origin of any bone fragment.

Wants: To carve a masterpiece from the bones of a living dragon.

Tavern Tales from The Last Call Cantina

The Bone Carver's Vision (Direct Lead)

Pip Whittle carved a bone that showed him visions of a great treasure buried beneath the Titan's Ribcage formation.

Lead: The treasure is real, but it's guarded by the undead remains of the titan whose bones form the landmark.

The Deep Desert Expedition (Direct Lead)

A wealthy collector in Khemset is funding an expedition to the Screaming Peaks, seeking artifacts from the buried empire.

Lead: The expedition leader, Captain Voss Grimwald, is recruiting experienced adventurers at the cantina.

The Mayor's Secret (Clue)

Gareth Bonehammer has been acting strangely, making decisions that hurt the town's interests. Some suspect he's being blackmailed.

Clue: The mayor is being controlled by a mind flayer that survived the ancient empire's fall.

Adventure Opportunities

• Investigate the treasure beneath the Titan's Ribcage
• Join Captain Grimwald's expedition to the Screaming Peaks
• Uncover the truth behind the mayor's strange behavior
• Lead salvage expeditions to dangerous ruins
• Defend the city against desert predator attacks

Specialized Services

• Artifact Identification: Determine the origin and properties of found items
• Expedition Planning: Route planning for dangerous salvage missions
• Bone Working: Custom tools and weapons from creature remains
• Mercenary Contracts: Professional fighters for hire