Episode 2

Agreed. Precautions may need to be taken, depending.

A couple questions J:

Time of day?

Any knowledge on the size/population of Osher, not to mention local law enforcement?

A nighttime recon might be a good idea, and I'm usually a huge fan of those. However, in this case we might be better off showing up in the morning and using social norms and any local governance as cover/insulation from other parties that may be interested in us.

Also, even if we do a recon, we won't really know what we're looking for. Even if merc groups are hunting us, it'll be difficult to discern them without some great intel or said mercs tipping their hand by making a play at us.

Time of Day: early morning, an hour or so past sunrise

Going with the idea that you can interview some of the crew/captives to get more details about Osher.

Osher is a small place, described as a village, less than a hundred buildings, around 500 people, spreads out about a mile along the river.

Law enforcement would be minimal. Local rule would be from a Richter (like a Judge), and a few warrior attendants (like bailiffs or deputies). The rest of defense would be mobilized militia.

BUT with the incoming assembly of visitors to Gelshemish during this week, there is a chance that some of the Magistrates of the Sar, Nasi Armsmen, or even the Holy Gilded Armsmen might be traveling through the area, overseeing the increase in incoming travel.

Over on the western shoreline (you are traveling south, so to the right, off starboard side) a group of shepherds are seen on the ridge line of a sloping grassy hill. They are garbed in the simple wraps of the Dorish Mensha, the Heshbaan herders and nomads of the countryside. Goats, a sizable herd, trot along casually and graze around the rugged men

From the hill the shepherds stand looking out towards your boat. Likely the smoke and commotion of sound carrying across the river in the quiet morning brought attention.

One of the freed debtor slave oarsmen gives a hand signal and asks to speak to Ivor.

His Yuoric is heavily accented, but he speaks moderately well, at least as best as he can in a language that is obviously not his own. "Where do you go, my new captain? I have traveled much. I am a good servant - can be a guide, a helper to you," he speaks with enthusiasm. "You go to Gelshemish? For the dorma an ormu? Very good. This is good."

The injured raiders keep downcast eyes. Set to work rowing at the oars, they go to their tasks, but it is a half-hearted effort for a couple of them. The one who got hit in the face by Maeriks continues to sneer and cut eyes at his Dannein and Yuoric captors. Thorn notices him several times talking in a low voice in Heshbaan to the other raider captives. He and the heavily injured Heshbaan whom Kray sliced in the face seem to be communicating, trying to be secretive about it, but Thorn has seen them now.

This leads me to believe that heavy overt resistance to our arrival will be unlikely. Something tells me well just have to be vigilant for threats that may have pursued us here, or are waiting.

The talkative oarsman tells Ivor his name is Gibon. He is familiar with both Osher and Goelmorel. He was once a laborer on a caravan team. He once got a pass to go to Gelshemish, but when he was in Goelmorel waiting to go into Jara Hili, he fell very ill. Since he was sick, he was not allowed to travel to the City of Secrets and his pass to travel was revoked.

Gibon says that the current Richter (Judge) in Osher is Tecushtan. He will be happy to see powerful and wealthy warriors visiting the piers and the supping house.

He asks, will Ivor and his mates be guards or fighters or soldiers in Gelshemish?

Gibon is a rather funny guy, talking on a regular flow in his heavy accent, rowing diligently all the while, looking up at Ivor nodding his head in a way of certainty and understanding, though he is a total pauper and emaciated.

Emaciated.

I say we stop for brunch in a few hours. Between both,ships we'd have plenty of food. Maybe Maeriks could cook up one of his award winning culinary delights? Let the crew eat their fill. Then I thin we should pay them with the Hesheban money we just picked up. Give our new guide a double share.

And Jabes, I'm guessing you're on it, but just in case, our business is our business as far as anyone goes.

Maeriks, Bryn, and Thorn start talking to the oarsmen, checking wounds and giving water. Bryn interviews the disgruntled raiders, asking them questions about themselves and their intentions just to see their reactions. They all withdraw in fear or submission, and give short answers. They avoid making eye contact.

Some of the other freed slave oarsman see that Gibon is talking to the new masters. One of them leans back to whisper to Gibon in Heshbaan. He nods at Ivor and waves, a very cautious look on his face, but trying to use hand gestures to convey that he is trying to get a message to Gibon. He cannot speak Yuoric.

Gibon translates "Those men are cross because they were to get paid by the Korvaran Eagle Captain - sail across the sea to foreign land Korvar for trained like soldiers and get paid like soldiers. Now they are defeat and work for no pay." Gibon laughs and continues, "I like that those men get no pay. They are cruel many times to us the debtor slaves, when they get weapons and a shield."

Gibon nods at Ivor. "This is what that man there is say. He does not speak Yuoric words. He wants you to know this. He will help with every work. He is called Amit."

The other oarsman nods humbly at Ivor, raises a hand, but still looks down and away, making sure not to overstep in familiarity.

Maeriks uses a central cooking area on the deck that can hold a small fire and hang a cauldron and spit rack. He gets an outstanding cook going. All those who partake enjoy it immensely and are thankful. After, they are invigorated and a bit less somber.

The day passes on, developing into a great weather and a sunny sky overhead. Breeze across the river. A nice spring day even, if one can look past the combat of the early morning and the vigilance of managing the new pressed crew.

As night falls, Ivor knows that it is likely best to choose a good beach and stop, allow the men to get out onto the ground, take relief, and set up a strong watch rotation for the night. Tired from the day's labor, and some still injured, there is no fuss or strain from the crowd. All do as they are directed and sleep on the boat after short breaks in small groups on the flat of the river bank.

Ivor gets the boat out and back underway next morning. A couple of small boats pass going up river. Around midday, Osher comes into view after rounding a bend. Simple buildings with clay shingles dot the western river bank. Most are made of stone or hardened clay blocks, though there are some wooden awnings and smaller shelters.

The surrounding countryside is rolling hills of grass and scrub brushes with scattered rock croppings.

Four sturdy piers jut out from the shore, making for easy docking. A few attendants wave out to signal. As the boat slides to port, workers along the pier are waiting to help tie up. Soon opportunistic laborers, hoping to be hired as carriers, are asking if the visitors need help or service.

A kind dock manager extends a welcome to Osher, in respectable Yuoric speech no less.

The "Iron Eagle" writing is carved into a heavy board on the starboard bow outer hull beam.

Cultural note on changing names of boats: Believe what you will, but there is strong superstition in Yuoric culture about the bad luck that can befall on a boat whose name is changed. This is not a Gelliran religious belief, more like a pervasive superstition among sailor and expeditionary soldier culture. It is said that the wild powers of the sea will wreck name-changed boats with waves and storms. Most Danneins, not historical boat masters but generally superstitious and believers in curses hexes and the scorn of old gods, have whole-heartedly adopted this folkway as well. If there is to be a name change, there is usually a ceremony and specific prayer and decree that is done, asking the mysterious lords of the seas to allow the change and "rebirth" of the boat, and spare it from their wrath. It is thought that the request may or may not be granted.
As a sailor proficient in Water Vehicles, Ivor would know how to do the prayer and ceremony, though it will be up to him if he recommends or supports that idea or not.
Take that any way you want.

The meal Maeriks delivers gives a strong boost to the crowd. Though they may not understand or detect the enhanced nature of the food, they do feel the results. They feel more comfort and are rejuvenated. A talk among the oarsmen begins, about the high skills of the big Dannein cook who is also a great warrior.

At Osher, the group is invited to stay at a local's house. A man named Ingan Betuel, a landowner and master, has opened one of his buildings to host travelers. It is a barn in which half of it is equipped to host occupants, complete with bunks and straw mattresses, a fire ring, and shelving to store equipment. The other half still houses livestock. It is a rural set-up for lodging for sure, but this sort of thing is a common practice and is actually a luxury given that poorer travelers would be laying on stray floors in sheds or alongside animals. This space provided is quite comfortable though quaint.

It is generally assumed that your team is going to Goelmorel to go on to Gelshemish for the Visitation Allowance. No one pries or asks for your preliminary Allowance of Passage. They are just generally being hospitable and probably looking for tips or local spending from you on the way. This is explained by Gibon as a normal practice and Bryn has also come to understand the ways of Heshbaan economy and service. It is less like stores and industry set up for sale, more like people show hospitality and a willingness to share. If the traveler or consumer has enough wealth or material to share in return, that is fine. If they are poor but able-bodied, they may help in the form of labor. If they are poor and destitute, then they are given help for a reasonable time and then sent on their way with wishes for better blessings to come.There is a "supping house" in the middle of the village where visitors can come to eat. Through most of the day there are a couple of large cauldrons with stew and a side pot with an attendant serving boiled eggs. In the evening, there is a roast of goats for those who can share in the exchange.

From Osher, Goelmorel is a full day's journey by foot. Cart caravans depart every morning just before dawn.

One industry that is a niche market in Osher is a set of tradesmen that will ask if they can buy or trade for good longbows and short bows and related ammunition. All bows and arrows will be seized by the Holy Gilded Armsmen in Goelmorel, so this local option allows for some recovery of investment.

What to do with the Korvaran? The crew? The excess gear?