Travis crouches to drag a branch across the upturned soil to map out the path ahead for his new companions.

The elevation steadily ascends northwards, so even with the floods you shouldn't need to use the boat again.

The next settlement is Southwatch, a day's journey on the trail. It's almost certainly been overrun with orcs by now.

Half a day north from there is Bone Chasm. It was once used for executions and disposal of plague victims. There's a shrine to the Solar Faith nearby to deal with the occasional restless soul who won't stay dead. There's a stone bridge leading across the chasm.

Another half day's journey from there is a barracks that watches over the Sentinel's Tower, where wizards safeguard things the kingdom deems too dangerous to bet let free.

Beyond that is a day's slog through a swamp that contains a Druids' Grove.

Then...one more day's journey...is Castle Braunstein.

"If Southwatch is overrun we should go around it, right?"

Durek nods to Manaku, "I was about to ask the same question. Is there something in Southwatch we need or can we just walk around it? I like killing orcs as much as the next dwarf but you can't lose a fight you don't have."

"Good point, avoid all fighting if we can until we get to the castle."

"I believe I will be able to lead us around the Orcs, it might take a great deal of stealth." He looks at Durek after saying stealth. Travis is confident in his ability to track and lead the team around the danger. Though, still apprehensive about going towards danger, when there is a perfectly good ship to leave on.

I’d rather not have them at my back

Sure in real life bypass an enemy is good but in D&D you are bypassing xp and thus weakened for the next fight.

Kalandra watches from up in the branches of a nearby tree.

"I have no problem with sneaking around the village...if our Knight here can hold off on vanquishing those orcs until we head back home with his sister in law and the seal..."

"We'll take care of the orcs eventually."