Swamped

"Arlene, what do you make of this?" you ask.

"Well, I think I recognize those two. Sunflower and Black. Local troublemakers."

"And they aren't moving," you note. "Neither is that woman hanging in midair. And the unconscious people aren't breathing, but they don't feel cold either. So I don't think they're dead."

"The muckbeast seems fine," Arlene says.

"Yes, but it's also not likely to answer any of our questions." You glance around. "And considering that group frozen around the cauldron, I'm not sure it's safe for us to stick around here. Unless you're secretly part muckbeast."

"If only," she sighs. "Think it might help if we stick near it?"

"No, I think it's best if we get what we came for and get out. Then we'll try to meet the Golem as it comes into port."

"Yeah, guess you're right. But I think I missed a step somewhere, Min. What'd we come here for, again?"