@Jochen: yes. Using the skin just like that gives a very smooth, unnatural appearance, so I add some dirt and skin stains, especially since these people are 'wild'. I have to take care not to overdo it, though, take the right PF's settings.
Next iteration, with DOF, smooth shadows and smooth reflection. Took 90 mins on an i7, detail 0.6, AA6. But I have to add more veggies, especially further down the creek, some large trees (it should really be a thick forest with fallen trees in the water and such). I am also on the hunt for a good wolflike dog or wolf, preferably rigged for some postures.
I have the feeling the DOF wasn't chosen very well, as it seems slightly blurred too much into the distance. It was set at 40m with an aperture of 2.6 (diafragm setting).