The town was friendlier than expected, and apparently a mining settlement. They greeted us at the door and answered our queries. It seems that they use some form of boat to travel the sands, I have yet to see how they function, but we have commissioned one for our group, with a forge no less, I hope we find use for it. The folk here are various humanoids that have adapted to the desert. The dwarves can stand guard in full sunlight. There are creatures that look similar to goblins, and avoid prying eyes even more. And there is a race that resembles elves in build, but their features and culture are completely alien, with smooth skin, featureless eyes that are visible only through slits, and outfits that appear to consist entirely of heavy strips of light cloth, I can only imagine what skills they may possess.
To pay for the vessel we commissioned we have offered to clear some monsters from a section of the mine and retrieve some gems. I heard mention that there may be living slimes, this could prove to be an expensive battle...
It seems our funds may be insufficient for our purchase, I have spoken to the mine foreman on duty but they did not appear to be in a position to offer any further compensation. I will speak to the owners in the morning.
The others had some business with the Mayor while I sought compensation from the mine owners, who are willing to grant us 1500 gold pieces for clearing the monsters from the mines. I fear it is not enough, but we were going to perform the task regardless...
Finni, the mage, perished in the mines today, we were separated and a spider attacked her and Van, who joined us only recently. I did what I could to distract the beast, but could not get by it in time.
We had previously bested some centipedes of unusual size, I failed to find any gems and fear that we will be forced to run further errands if we are to collect our commissioned vessel. though we should have earned a positive reputation from our efforts. I fear, however, that I may have earned us the title of mercenary. This may make exploration more difficult, but we must find a way to pay our way in this place...
I have heard rumours of a great expanse of water under the ground, though that would be a likely rumour amongst a people whose supplies are so limited.