A Monstrous Night Below IC

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

Xorgid expounds on the situation.

"Two nights ago, we were confronted by a goblin named Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood, who asked us for assistance attacking the loggers. We attempted to elucidate that humans require wood for their domiciles, but he immediately departed with displeasure. We thought we should warn the loggers, and then eventually ended up here. We would prefer a peaceful solution, which may prove challenging. Notwithstanding, I think the diviner's skills would be better utilized investigating Jenneleth's location."

Spoiler: OOC

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Action:
Bonus Action:
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Movement:
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Spoiler: Notes

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Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jenneleth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner

[Xihirli]

"I will put together a search party," Carman says dismissively. "I am sure we will find the millers' airheaded girl in the arms of some dashing traveler."
Andren stands. "Say that again, you pompous little prick!"
"What? Do you know her or something?"
While Andren fumes, Darius returns to the subject of the New Mire.
"Whether this druid is related or not, I offer you the same I did to the diviner."
"Oracle," she corrects.
"If you can stop the flooding, one thousand gold coins to you all. A princely sum, I'm sure. The New Mire is just that – once fertile farmlands turned to flood plains, with no clear cause. I shouldn't be surprised if the trouble lies somewhere in the Patchwork Hills; after all, the farmland itself has been settled a good many years and has always been fertile. If you can get this druid to move to the Thornwood where the forests aren't good for logging anyway, another three hundred. That should cost less in the long run than keeping men-at-arms with my loggers."

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

Xorgid isn't sure what to make of this Mr. Carman. He seems to have a very short fuse. Xorgid ponders this briefly and then looks to Andren,

"I believe that finding Jenneleth is more urgent, but if you think this search party would be enough, my friends and I could try to help with the druid and the New Mire."

He then waits for Celia to weigh in before committing to any course of action.

Spoiler: OOC

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Action:
Bonus Action:
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement:
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

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Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jenneleth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire

[JNAProductions]

Celia looks to Andren. She looks back to Mr. Carman. "The flooding happened a while ago, yeah? No one's in any urgent danger from it? Then why are you acting so laissez-faire about someone who's gone missing? Do you not like her? Do you just not care?"

She finally faces the oracle. "What can you do to help find Jelenneth? She might be in danger, right now-that's our priority."

[Xihirli]

Andren looks touched at Celia’s prioritization of Jelenneth.

Darius looks furious.
"Well, if you won’t keep to business that concerns me, I hope you can at least grant me your absence."

The oracle ignores him.
"I’m not powerful enough to scry on her or anything of the sort, but I can speak to my goddess to a limited degree. She may be of help."
"Oh! Sometimes when her teacher wants her to head to Thurmaster early, or bring something with her, he could contact her even from his home! Can you do that?" Andren asks.
"I am afraid not. Seeing her teacher may be the fastest way to find her, if we can’t track her otherwise."

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

Xorgid likes the idea of going to Thurmaster. We could finish our original task, and see if Tauster knows anything about Jennelth's disappearance.

"Perhaps we could help by going to visit Tauster. We could see if he has heard anything from Jenneleth or could contact her. That way you can keep everyone here to help with local search parties. Mr. Carman, once this is finished, we can help with New Mire and the Lyrchwood."

He then looks again to Andren, "Perhaps it would help if we took her book to Tauster, or if you know of anything else that could help us, we could take that too."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action:
Bonus Action:
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement:
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jenneleth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire

[Xihirli]

Andren put a protective hand over the book.
"I... don't think I should let this out of my sight until I can give it to Jelenneth. Sorry."
His eyes well up a little. "But... thank you. Both of you, so much."

[JNAProductions]

"You could come with us, if you want to," Celia says. "It might get dangerous, though."

She moves next to Andren as they walk out of the buttface's mansion, and hugs his leg. "She'll be okay. We'll get her back to safety."

[Xihirli]

Andren doesn't seem to know what to do. He pats Celia's head.
"Thanks, but... I'm not good out there. I'll just slow you down. I uh... I do know something that might help you out. A guy with a river barge is staying at the Baron. He was trying to hire Garyld to go with it as a guard. Maybe you could talk to him, he's going to Thurmaster so you could get a ride there and get paid for it, too."

[JNAProductions]

"A good plan. Xorgid, Sundew, any objections to that?" she asks.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I'm good to move on to meet this riverman.

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

Xorgid briefly considers killing the man to take the spell book, but decides that he is going to try to be a better aberration. Plus, Celia wouldn't be happy with him. He likes the idea of riding a boat to Thurmaster.

"Yes. Employment as guardians and transportation to our destination would be most welcome."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action:
Bonus Action:
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement:
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jenneleth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Sounds like a plan," the wheelbarrow finally says, rocking up and down to suggest a nod. "Search party checks things here, we continue to Thurmaster and ask around. 'D think that Andren might be covering for himself, but it'd have been easy not to admit he was with her yesterday. We can probably trust him."

Carman was every bit as unpleasant as they feared, so Sundew has been content to sit still in thought while their teammates do the talking. They could also let the kids ride around in the self-propelled wheelbarrow, as long as they and Celia were playing around. Still, some parts of the conversation were interesting or suspicious, and as the party moves out of earshot it now seems like the time to bring it up. "Curious, that curse thing. Could be something pouring in upriver or something damming it downriver... Makes me wonder if maybe that beaver rivalry had something to it after all. Also, anyone catch that oracle's name?"

Spoiler

Show

Going to try to read the room at a couple of points:

Insight to guess whether Darius knows something about Jelenneth that he's not letting on: (1d20+4)[24]

Nature to guess how a forest might turn into a swamp so quickly: (1d20-1)[15]

Insight to guess why the Oracle is here (like, is she only here because Darius paid her? Or is she a cleric of a good deity who might be up for adventuring herself?): (1d20+4)[18]

[Xihirli]

The oracle was not far behind them, and actually approached them as they exited the gate.
"It was wise to remain silent, friend mimic. I am not sure your host would have taken kindly to... anything. Talia Silver-Eye."
Close up, you can see that her eyes could be mistaken for a very light blue, but are in fact silver.
"You said someone was missing?"

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

On the way to the barge, Xorgid looks at the Oracle. He truest give her more information about Jelenneth, but is afraid she might not be the most observant person. But she does seem interesting.

"Yes. Jelenneth, the millers' daughter. Anything you can see about her would be advantageous. Otherwise, would you like to accompany us to Thurmaster?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Action:
Bonus Action:
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement:
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Sundew is startled to realize that someone followed them, but is relieved that Talia is so quickly okay with talking to mimics.

"She was last seen at the Baron of Mutton," Sundew adds to Xorgid's explanation. "Sounds like she meant to sneak back home in the night, and was lost then. Except she forgot her spellbook. So, we need to either explain why she brought it in the first place or forgot it, or what made her leave in such a hurry that her boyfriend didn't notice, or I guess why he would lie about it..." One of the wheelbarrow's handles twists around to massage what passes for Sundew's forehead right now. "More I go on about it, the more I don't know where to start. 'M just hoping she went to Thurmaster and has no idea anyone's worried."

[JNAProductions]

"I've a hunch that that's not the case," Celia comments. "But I really hope I'm wrong and you're right, Sundew."

[Xihirli]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Sorry for the wait; I was recovering from some vaccines.

"While I'm flattered by your offer to join you, I think my talents would be put to better work searching the area for any trace of her with the divinations of my goddess. That way we are able to search multiple avenues. It astounds me that you strangers in these lands are willing to make these people's struggles your own so quickly, and warms my heart. For that reason..." Talia looked to the gate the second before it swung open, Andren pushed out of it by a manservant.
"I'll attempt to track down Jelenneth free of charge."

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

Xorgid agrees that it is strange that we are helping these people with no chance of payments for ourselves, but he's learned to trust Celia and Sundew, so he instead says goodbye to the Oracle.

"We desire to bequeath you serendipity and success in your prognostications. Perhaps we will reconvene subsequently."

He then turns to Andren.

"Is there any further assistance we can provide for you here before we disembark?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action:
Bonus Action:
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement:
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire

[Xihirli]

"No, thank you. Thank you so much," Andren said. "I'll keep looking around here, and make sure the town's keeping an eye out for her."

[JNAProductions]

Celia darts over and hugs the oracle's leg. "Thank you. And Andren-we'll find her. I promise you."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Or Talia will, or she'll just turn up," Sundew adds. They decide not to introduce the possibility of some wild animal finding her first. "Won't let her go un-found, is the point."

"Toward that end, next stop is the Baron of Mutton ourselves, right? To meet the guy? Maybe we can ask around while we're there, see if there are any other rumors about that night."

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

Xorgid nods at Sundew's suggestion. He's a little concerned walking into the tavern with just the three of us, so he looks to Andren and Talia.

"Would either of you be agreeable to accompanying us to the drinking establishment and providing introductions? We've been attacked before for our appearances."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action:
Bonus Action:
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement:
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire

[Xihirli]

"Right!" Andren says. "I live and work there, so... follow me."

He shows you all to a tavern that has what appears to be low traffic typical for a busy day, as the workers of the town have already broken their fast and headed out.
Andren nervously waves to the people looking at all of you funny and on to a table of a few people playing cards. One, a pot-bellied man nearing his fifties, appears nervous, though not about the game. Andren steps up to him.
"I think I've found some people who can help you with your problem."
"Ah, you've found guards for my... ah..." he trails off seeing the party. "What are they?"
"This is Xorgid, Sundew, and Celia," Andren introduces you all. "They're on the way to Thurmaster and I think they'd be perfect to protect your barge!"

The merchant looks to you all uncertainly.

[JNAProductions]

Offering a smile, Celia says "I know, we're not your ordinary guardfolk... But we've got the skillset you'd need to keep everything safe. Take your time, if you need to-talk to us, and you'll find we're not really all that different. Xorgid's probably the most out there, but he's a good person-just thinks a bit oddly."

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

Xorgid raises an eyebrow at Celia's comment, but realizes that she is good at convincing others to help us, so he barely pauses and then gives a brief smile to the pot-bellied man,

"Salutations. We can provide assistance and protection, and we should discuss responsibilities and renumeration. What would you consider a fair proposal, good sir?"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: help action to Celia
Bonus Action:
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement:
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire

[Xihirli]

"No, I can't take my time," the merchant answers. "I fear it'll either be you or I send on the barge without you. Very well!" He claps.
"I'm Lukas, tradesman. I'll offer you each 15 gold coins for the protection of my barge."
Andren whistled. "Fifteen. What is it you trade again?"
"Dyes."
"Right."
Lukas tries to smile at you all. "What do you all say?"

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Sundew waves a handle and smiles with their eyes when introduced. They twist up in something like a shrug when Andren questions the dyes. "Dyes're expensive! Probably have some nice blues in there, right?"

They look over the barge to see how a would-be thief might climb aboard. "Probably safe to say we'll take the job. I can set up on the ramp, unless there's another spot you think needs extra security."

Traditionally, guarding treasure is a mimic's specialty. Sundew isn't a traditional mimic, but they know the archetype well enough to know what to do: find the loot, become the loot, and wait.

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

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That post made me chuckle, Doctor. Props to you!

"Excellent!" Celia says. "Money's good, and it'll help us get where we need to go. We won't let you down, Mr. Lukas!"

[Bobthewizard]

Xorgid, Berbalang Wizard | AC: 13 HP: 14/14 | PP: 12 PIv: 16 PIs: 12
HD: 2 / 2d6 | Recovery: 1 / 1LR | Duplicate: 1 / 1SR
Spell slots: 1st: 3 / 3
Conditions: none

Xorgid nods along. He had hoped for a little better pay, but it is also a free ride to Thurmaster, so it will do.

"I concur with my companions. We accept your offer."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Action: help action to Celia
Bonus Action:
Reaction: (possibly shield or absorb elements)
Movement:
Object:
Concentration:

Spoiler: Notes

Show

Gordrenn, Purveyor of magical paraphernalia
chest to Tauster in Thurmaster
Carlanis - farmer that attacked us
Oleanne, guardian of the Lyrchwood!
Todder - logger
Darius Carman - head of logging lives in Milborne
Capella - works on docks at Milborne
Garyld
Jelenneth - missing, had spell book, knows teacher in Thurmaster

Spoiler: spellbook

Show

The spellbook contains five and a half spells.
Charm Person
Comprehend Languages
Detect Magic
Sleep
Tenser's Floating Disk
And there are scribbles and failed attempts at getting the Unseen Servant spell right. Xorgid can tell that she's on the right track though.

Andren - Jelenneth's boyfriend
Haldelar and Parella, who run the mill - Jenneleth's parents
Einilda - young maid for Darius
Coenhelm, Leodhere - Darius' children
Diviner - Talia Silver-Eye
Thornwood - other woods not as good for logging
New Mire - once farmland now swamp
Patchwork Hills - may be source of flooding for New Mire

[Xihirli]

Lukas himself went along – seemed he was a traveling merchant on a regular route.
"Milborne's a sweet little town, but aside from the Carman family there's not really much market for dyes. Thurmaster's the real ticket."

Along the first leg of the trip, they were able to spot miners in the distance, and Sundew was pretty sure they saw an orc a bit nearer, keeping their distance from the hustle and bustle of the mining.

After that, they settled into watches. Xorgid, Sundew, Celia, and Xorgid 2 kept careful eyes over the shores, Sundew disguised as a box of valuables in case someone snuck onto the barge in secret.
Xorgid and Celia both found the trip quite boring. Occasional trees, hills, rocky terrain, once Xorgid 2 spots a deer.

"We're coming up on our first stop," Lukas says, pointing ahead to a shed. Around it is a vegetable garden, perhaps a welcome sight for those of you tired of looking at large farms growing nothing but grain, and a herd of sheep who seem to be free to roam by the lack of fence. A tall, strong-built man is chopping firewood by the shed.
"That's Kuiper. An odd man, but he knows just about everything that happens along the river, and he often has a load of wool to sell to me, since he rarely makes the trip up to Thurmaster himself."
Lukas pushes his oar into the ground as they near Kuiper, and the man comes up to help die off the barge himself.
He clasps Celia's and Xorgid's hands, then pats Sundew, in hearty greetings.
"My, Lukas! These are some fine friends you've made."
"Barge guards," Lukas corrects.
"Don't mind him, all business that one. I'm Kuiper. Happy to entertain company, if you'd like to come in. I've enough tea and lamb milk for everyone."