The Forgotten Prison -Act 1
The party starts their adventure in a covered wagon, the trip so far has been unremarkable other than it's length, it's been what feels like 3 days of travel but the sun has only set once. The air inside the caravan is thick with the stench of sweat and mead but this is a welcome alternative to the sterile heat of the direct sun. The parties wagon is tight but not as full as the rest of the caravan, it is considered the VIP wagon.
Some other travelers are in the caravan with the players, they pass the time by exchanging ghost stories of the desert, the players can eavesdrop on the stories with a high perception but the travelers don't want to directly interact treating the players like unwanted cargo.
Traveler 2: "Do you even remember the last time you saw night around here?"
Traveler 2: "Did anyone check on the children? His son is about the right age now isn't he?"
Traveler 1: "I checked with Marjorie but she just cries."
When the party decide to rest the caravan leader comes back to share a drink. He's dressed in worn leathers as if he were an adventurer in a past life. As the fresh air blows in the weight of the air is lifted and the parties sense of smell is deadened.
Traveler 2: "Nothing to hide the whispers of the sand"
Silas: "Stop with that nonsense, I don't need that tonight!"
The party is free to ask Silas any questions, he is overly friendly and accommodating. (Make up any answers about the trip or the destination as they're irrelevant at this point, if the party checks for deception they will find Silas is always truthful). If the party specifically asks about rations Silas will look uncomfortable but assure they will make it in time.
The next morning the party wakes up to a panic, the other travelers are arguing over supplies and who packed (the wind muffles sounds outside the flapping fabric of the wagon but a high perception reveals Silas is having a heated discussion with someone out front). If the party checks their supplies they will see all their water and rations are missing. If the party does not leave the wagon it will abruptly stop after a few minutes.
Outside the sun hangs directly overhead bleaching the barren landscape of all shadows. There is a large crowd gathering at the front of the caravan demanding Silas turn around, Silas is clearly flustered.
Depending on when the party comes out they may arrive partway through Silas' speech.
"I have heard what some of you are saying about these sands and I can assure you it's safe... on the right path."
Silas will then hold a vote of confidence to see if they should continue forward or turn back now, the crowd will agree with the party majority (Although this decision is ultimately irrelevant it serves as a great point to measure your party to see how they react for future encounters so be sure to record this).
Alternatively, if the party saw the trail of rations they could choose to go on their own to follow them.
Pass: The party is able to follow the trail of rations back to a slot canyon.
Fail: The party gets lost in the desert passes out and are found by wanderers and brought back to their village, they arrive starving.