Lula Saw Mill
Located 20 miles up the Lula River, the Lula River Saw Mill serves not only as a critical hub for lumber processing but also as a safe stop for ships and boats traveling upriver. The mill is powered by a large water wheel and is a busy, well-fortified compound, constantly humming with the sounds of saws, the chatter of workers, and the splash of river water. However, the noise has its downside—zombies are often drawn to the commotion, making the sawmill a fortress as much as it is a workplace.
Manager of the Lula River Saw Mill
Name: Maarten van den Brink
Personality: Maarten van den Brink is a gruff yet efficient manager, known for his no-nonsense attitude and methodical approach to running the sawmill. A middle-aged man with a thick beard and deep-set eyes, Maarten grew up logging and has worked in the timber trade his whole life. His stoic demeanor hides a sharp mind, and he has a remarkable ability to keep the mill running smoothly despite the constant threats from zombies, flying predators, and the grueling nature of the work.
Though Maarten’s priority is efficiency, he cares deeply for his workers and ensures the mill is well-maintained, always stressing the importance of the compound’s defenses. He is known for his blunt honesty, often delivering both praise and criticism in the same breath, but his workers respect him for his fairness and ability to keep everyone safe.
- Catchphrase: "We’ve got trees to fell, lumber to cut, and undead to fend off. Let’s not waste time."
Head of Security
Name: Sjoerd van der Velde
Personality: Sjoerd van der Velde is the stern and battle-hardened head of security at the sawmill. Tall, broad-shouldered, and always clad in practical armor, Sjoerd is known for his relentless vigilance and tactical mind. He has a background in mercenary work and has seen countless battles, which makes him the perfect choice to keep the sawmill safe from the myriad dangers of the Lula River. Sjoerd’s top priority is ensuring the compound’s defenses remain strong, and he frequently drills the workers and guards on how to respond to zombie incursions and other threats.
Despite his gruff exterior, Sjoerd is fiercely loyal to Maarten and the workers, and his presence alone is often enough to intimidate potential troublemakers. He is a man of few words, preferring action over conversation, but his strategic insights and quick thinking have saved the mill more than once. His watchful eye extends to every corner of the compound, from the moat to the chicken wire courtyard that protects the workers from aerial predators. Sjoerd spends most nights patrolling the walls with his crossbow in hand, ensuring no threat is left unchecked.
- Catchphrase: "If you hear something in the dark, it’s already too late. Stay sharp."
Features of the Saw Mill Compound
Walled Compound with a Moat and Drawbridge: The high wooden walls of the compound are reinforced with spiked barricades and a surrounding moat, filled with debris and sharp stakes to slow down and trap any zombies or monsters that approach. The drawbridge is heavily guarded by Sjoerd’s security team.
Tower and Open-Air Courtyard: A watchtower overlooks the river and surrounding jungle, while the open-air courtyard is protected by rusted chicken wire to ward off flying predators. The courtyard is where most of the day’s work is done, with lumber being stacked, sorted, and prepared for transport.
Worker Barracks: A large barracks inside the walls houses the workers, providing them with basic shelter. The beds are simple but sturdy, and the room is kept clean and functional under Maarten’s strict supervision.
Tavern: A small tavern offers a simple evening meal (usually a stew) and sells rations during the day. The tavern also serves rum, a welcome relief after a long day of grueling labor.
Guest Quarters: Travelers are welcome to stay in a covered barn, sleeping on pallets laid out in a communal space. The barn is open on one side, facing the courtyard, so guests can feel somewhat secure behind the compound’s defenses.
The Lula River Saw Mill is a well-organized, bustling stronghold of industry in the jungle. Under Maarten van den Brink’s pragmatic leadership and Sjoerd van der Velde’s unyielding protection, the workers and travelers find not only shelter and safety, but also a place to rest and prepare for the dangers of the Lula River.