As the Bendybrine wends gradually towards Shieldbreak, breaking through the surrounding brush one should surely see the most obvious trace of Baleferry. Indeed, ferries, neatly roped and stacked with tidy, fat bales, which bob along the waters tended by the careful gaze and stroke of Polieers.
Once the ferries reach the straights headed for Shieldbreak, the Polieer detaches a tiny skiff, rows ashore, awaits additional members before the group smartly row upriver, skiffs atow, where they presumably do return on a new string of 'baled-ferries'.
It may be a wonder as to why such a focus is placed on the comings and goings of these vessels, and their distinguished paddlers. But indeed little more is known about the place than its river bound output. A near ancient arrangement.
In return, the guards of Shieldbreak extend their watch well beyond the wall, minding the border and any troubles that would get too close to the reclusive river-farm folk, paying the dues at the long agreed location, a rustic boat and bookhouse someways from the river down a secretive path.
Some have wondered if indeed that rarely seen place, the source of so fine agricultural stock, unmarred, and wholesome is even called 'Baleferry', though rare travelers who claim to have been close enough say it is indeed called that way by locals. Of the locale, again those rare would-be-seers have little more than hearsay, when pressed most speak of losing their way, of never quite finding the place, of folk who seem to live unseen, perhaps only coming out in the dead of night...
When pressed, an abashed traveler may recount meeting a rather short-statured individual (Gnomish, Halfling or even Dwarvish), or two at some point along the road, who directed them towards what would have been an otherwise unseen path with clear instruction on how to reach 'Baleferry'. Here the tale sputters, few indeed ever claim to have actually seen the place, nor those very polite roadfolk again. Though some recount strolling through a most lively greenwood and all tell of eventually returning safely to the road rather a way aways from their last point.
Early concept
If you liked this post the concept artist is tippable at the below address:
