[Sat Nov 03 21:42:08 GMT 2001]

Camped down for the evening you rest peacefully under the stars. A steady breeze blows from the north bringing cold air to roll up and over the hills about you. The howl and swirls of the gusts can be heard as the winds are shifting from hills and the mountainside disrupting its natural current.

Bilgrom is curled up in a ball hiding, from the wind next to Valin. He is trying to get some sleep, but his eyes are fixed up into the night sky at the stars, slowly drifting off to sleep.

Syrenia sits and watches over the group, making sure nothing else comes out of the muck.

Valin has tucked his knees up to chest and wrapped his cloak around himself, doing his best to keep warm

Borathor yawns as he lies back on the ground and covers up with his cloak for some shuteye.

Jarl peers off at the looming Earthspur’s looking at the sheer size of them.

Tollong lies back dreaming of his next adventure hoping to remain free

Valin shivers a bit in the wind, before silently falling off to sleep, wanting the night to pass quickly

Going off to sleep you wake to the cold winds of the range once more, as most of you had stayed bundled up for the night to keep warm. Valin and Syrenia have allowed their feet to go numb by the loss of their shoes.

Syrenia takes out her blanket and rolls her feet in its warmth.

Tollong wakes an wraps his blankets up an pulls his cloak tight an readies his gear for the coming day

Syrenia yells out to the sleeping group..."Time to get up."

Bilgrom rises from his sleep and stretches his arms and legs, running around in circles for a moment to get himself a little warmth, "We be far from t' mage's house or what? I be freezin' meself out 'ere."

Syrenia rubs her feet in her blanket and answers the little man..."Don't ask me...I just follow the rest."

[Tollong]: "better to be cold an free my friend than warm an a slave any day "laughing a little an looks ahead

Jarl sits on the ground watching the crazed halfling run about. "The dwarves said there was a cloaked man who seem to live with Ogres, my guess would be to check that first."

Valin gets up and goes through his usual routine, and quickly begins rubbing his left foot to warm it up, it being without a boot.

Syrenia stretches her long limbs and yawns as she asks Jarl..."Aye but he ask if it was still far..."

Bilgrom smiles, "Ogres ye say. Just not ye mention that." He rubs his chin and sigh’s; "Me fight 'em ogres an couple o' times before. We’s should do fine 'giants 'em." He nods to himself and pats Valin on the shoulder as he is kneeled, "We be havin' t' find an boot for that feet o' yers."

[Borathor]: "Heh well for as short as he is everything is far, but should be at the end of the valley."

Valin nods " It's not too bad as of yet, but once it begins to freeze, will have to worry about frost bite...."

Syrenia unrolls her feet and puts the blanket away before getting up and looking out to the valley, hoping to see the end of it.

Tollong steps off from the rest of the group an pulls his long sword an works with it sharpening it an working out with it each side of the hand an the sword flies in his hand with grace

Jarl looks to the mountains ahead, "Looks like a day or two away yet."

Valin smiles faintly " Joy...."

Bilgrom shakes himself and throws his backpack atop his shoulders, placing his sash across his chest and sheathing the two of his 'real' melee weapons. "Let's be hopin' we meet somethin' before that. I's be needin' fun y'know." He adjusts the equipment and stands up next to Valin, "Anytime now."

Syrenia takes off her backpack and yells out to the group..."Give me 2 minutes."

Jarl shakes his head, "why is it every time we go to move out the women have something to do?"

Bilgrom sigh’s and taps his foot on the rocky ground while he waits, he draws a dagger and trains a few maneuvers with it as they wait.

Valin stands as well, hefting his pack up onto his back. " Fun Eh? The amount of beasts we've seen, I'm sure we'll run across something big and nasty for you soon...." he adjusts his cloak some so that it completely covers him, offering more protection against the blowing wind. " Take as much time as you need...."

Elina frowns at Jarl's words, "If Russeth was here you wouldn't talk like that."

Syrenia takes one of her sheepskins from her pack and rests it over her backpack, hoping it will dry as she walks. She ties the skin solidly and puts her backpack, back on..."I'm ready."

Tollong sheaths his sword and starts off with the group

Bilgrom wonders how many different animal skins the lady possesses and shrugs the though off. He glances at Jarl, waiting for him to take the lead.

[Tollong]: "where are we going any way I never asked?"

Valin nods, and begins walking back on their course, moving briskly so his foot won't seem too cold.

Knowing your close you head out under caution trying to be aware of all your surroundings in odds of having the best chance to go in undetected if that's even possible now at this time. After about an hour or so of marching up and down over the hills you see tracks of large humanoid footprints.

Syrenia points to the tracks and asks Borathor..."Hey Bor, is that a giant or an ogre?"

Borathor looks over the prints and the direction they are heading.

Bilgrom rushes into the tracks of Jarl and follows his lead, seeing the large humanoid footprints, Bilgrom hops up and down a couple of times as he reaches the great trail, "It be fun I say."

[Borathor]: "Giant, ogre they are all the same to me, but they are heading towards the mountains.

Syrenia shrugs as she looks over the tracks again..."I guess we follow them."

[Tollong]: "as we walk up we will be at a disadvantage we should have flankers to prevent ambush"

Jarl looks at the tracks; well hopefully there aren’t a lot of them at the end of the tracks. "

Valin looks down at Bilgrom " What did I say, It's big, and it will probably be nasty...."

Bilgrom nods to Valin anticipating his evaluation, "If yer old wizard be livin' with 'em ogre then it be wise t' follow ogre tracks, huh?" He contemplates Tollong's suggestion and smiles.

Making some good time you round the crest of a hill to see the Earthspur's Mountains now looming over head. Up ahead of you coming from what appears to be near or at the base of one of the larger mountains, is a trail of smoke rising into the air. The source is blocked by a hill between you and the mountain.

[Tollong]: "lets stay low looks for guards"

Bilgrom grins as he watches ahead, "It be no li'l loner ogre there. An village be more like it huh!"

Valin nods " All the more reason to avoid it...."

Bilgrom points to the hill, "We's go there and crawl. See what's t' behind t' hill?"

Tollong nods to the halfling and takes up the lead and starts to crawl to the hilltop

Syrenia nods to the little man and then turns to Tollong..."While we watch the village...you keep your eyes behind us for ambushes. Alright?"

Making your way over the next hill you see the base of the mountain and the smoke that billows out from within. Exiting from within a large cave opening set in ground level of the wall of stone. The tracks of the beasts seem to lead right up to the area of the cave. Near the right side of the cave opening is a large boulder blocking the view inside.

Bilgrom sigh’s and examines the surroundings, "Bah, how we be sneakin' up on there?"

[Tollong]: "ok I have an idea any one want to hear it?"

Valin frowns, " Hmmm.... I know not..."

Tollong looks around the party "any one have range weapons there any good with?"

Bilgrom nods at Tollong, "Throw t' idea o' yers."

Syrenia taps Borathor on the back..."He used to be good." She smiles up at him..."I hope that didn't change."

Valin nods " I am quite skilled with the bow...."

Syrenia shrugs..."And I could throw a dagger if it's needed..."

[Bilgrom]: "I's need t' get close t' the cave and maybe hide there. If 'em creature run t'wards ye I's can get them from behind what'ya think?"

Borathor nods as well, "I can use a bow fairly accurately."

[Tollong]: "I need to bow men on the rig over the cave I need another skilled fighter to come with me halfling you make you way behind the rock an I need you bow men ready. Syrenia will you help me get what ever it is out of the cave to give a free shot to the men over them then they can get down an help us fight. What do you think about the plan?"

Syrenia shrugs..."Why not..."

Jarl nods at Tollong’s words, "Well it could work but we could send the barefoot lass in by herself to check it out."

Valin raises an eyebrow " I have one question..."

[Bilgrom]: "I's try t' make me way up to t' rock now. If somethin' wrong be happenin' I's run back here." With that Bilgrom takes out a pair of crampons, puts them on and hops out of his hiding spot and starts heading out to climb the side of the mountain slowly, hoping that he is not being watched.

Syrenia sighs..."But as soon as I get out...I'm invising myself..."

[Valin]: " Why do we assume that we will need to kill the occupants of the cave?"

Bilgrom mumbles something about self-centered as he leaves.

Syrenia shrugs..."Ogres are evil...aren't they?"

[Tollong]: "look at those tracks do they look normal to you?"

Valin shrugs " Depends on what you consider normal, just because something differs from you does not mean you should kill it...."

[Tollong]: "be careful my little friend"

Syrenia rolls her eyes..."Come on let's go!

[Tollong]: "better to be prepared than to be dead later Valin you just keep an arrow drawn on what ever comes out of that cave an cover my back. Let them get to the ridge first Syrenia"

Bilgrom puts his hands on his hips and sigh’s as he waits for the debate on good or evil to be over. "We should be gettin' closer me thinks. Ye are arguin' so loud them are already warned, I tell ye!"

Valin looks over at Syrenia " If they are ogres, then yes, I believe that the majority of them are evil.... They may turn out to be something like Firbolgs or something...."

Valin is moving towards the ridge.

Bilgrom joins them for now, holding his crampons out, ready to put them on, should he have to climb the mountainside in the near future.

[Syrenia]: "We'll know when they start attacking or running at us."

[Tollong]: "Syrenia follow my lead an we may be ok " laughing

Borathor nods, "Yup you sure will but didn't you just lose half your party going into lairs without knowing what or how many are there?"

[Tollong]: "we are not going in we are going to get them to come out' really does not have much experience.

Syrenia grins..."Actually...we never actually made it in the lair..."

[Borathor]: "Oh well then that’s much better."

Bilgrom moves in with the others trying to get them to keep it down, "Shhhhh. these things be hearin' us from a distance. Let’s stop now and I's go up ahead. Me abilities be working much better when I's am alone."

Valin overhears the conversation, frowning widely " Great, I'm following Cannon fodder into battle...."

Syrenia shrugs and looks at Borathor..."I guess you want me to go in there and scout?"

Valin is moving towards the ridge, keeping his head down, walking silently.

Elina watches in silence as her companions discuss about their plans.

[Borathor]: 'Well I think that’s what Jarl meant by sending you in alone."

Bilgrom glances at Syrenia a bit confused, "Be it scouting ye want. Or someone t' get 'em out?"

Jarl nods as the others debate.

Syrenia sighs..."We need to know how many they are...so we can be prepared..."

Bilgrom nods at Syrenia, "Alrighty then. My specialty be t' not be heard so how 'bout ye use that invisibility spell o' yours on me and I's go see what me can find, huh?"

[Tollong]: "ok, ok well I guess you come up with a plan Borathor"

[Borathor]: "Its not a plan we can still use yours once we know what we are dealing with, might just be some folks camped out in a cave."

Syrenia grins down at the little man..."I'm sure I have more experience in this then you do..."

Bilgrom shakes his head, "I be more than sure that ye be wrong."

[Tollong]: "well that's what my plain called for I wanted you guys ready incase I get killed you will all have a better chance"

Bilgrom shakes his head violently again as he walks over to Valin and glances up at him, "She be thinkin' she knows it all or something huh? Well I be t' one t' know it all! And it be me job t' sneak up on 'em!"

Borathor shrugs, "makes no difference to me those who go up are going to get it I’ll be off on the side with a bow."

Elina shakes her head, watching Bilgrom and Syrenia debates over whom to scout ahead.

Valin is moving into position, his bow armed and at the ready.

Syrenia remembers the last lair she went into and cringes..."Fine...you can go if you want..."

Syrenia looks down at Bilgrom..."Ready little man?"

Bilgrom sighs and stores his crampons back into the backpack, "Alrighty. Be ye makin' me transparent o' something?"

Syrenia shrugs..."Ohh right...you're new to magic..."

Elina retreats behind Valin and Borathor, bracing herself for more trouble as she mutters "Here we go again rushing head first into danger."

[Tollong]: 'well are you guys going to do something or not?"

Bilgrom walks over to Syrenia and nods, "I's go there, I inspect t' lair." He ponders a moment and rubs his chin, "Steal them's weapons and runs out." He smirks and looks up at Syrenia, nodding his head in agreement with her comment.

[Tollong]: "either go scout or get ready to use my plain or let us go around the dammed thing I am tired of standing in the cold"

Bilgrom seems not to be paying attention to Tollong right now.

Syrenia kneels on one knee and looks at Bilgrom very carefully..."Alright listen to me. You will be invisible, they won't be able to see you but they will be able to smell and hear you. You can will to become visible if you want but if you make any aggressive movements, you will become visible and probably be killed."

Balthazar looks at Tollong, "Patience is a virtue my dear boy."

Valin kneels atop the ridge, looking down to the cave entrance below, waiting for the party to make up their collective minds on what to do.

[Tollong]: "yes one I don’t always have the time for"

[Bilgrom]: "Maybe 'em smell me. Cause I have nay washed in a bit o' time." He nods and smells his armpit, pulling his head back in disgust before continuing, "But them certainly not hear me!" Finally nods to Syrenia, understanding the rules of the aforementioned spell.

Syrenia takes out her spellbook and turns to a page..."I think that's all..." She scratches her head..."I hope not..." Stands and looks over her page for a second before asking..."Ready?"

Bilgrom nods again, anticipating the feeling of being invisible. "I's come back t' tell you how many o' them are in there. And then we act. That is t' right plan, huh?"

Syrenia begins to chant in the words of the mistress of magic, while waving her hands in an intricate way. Before she finishes, she says to Bilgrom..."Good luck little man2 and finishes her last hand pattern as Bilgrom becomes instantly invisible.

Bilgrom slowly fades away under the influence of Syrenia's spell and sigh’s when he has completely disappeared. His footprints move ahead into the valley and he mutters, "Don't wait fer me fer dinner, Heh."

Syrenia takes out her spellbook and begins to study its old pages.

Elina mentally prepares herself with a spell incase of trouble.

Tollong sits on top of the hill over looking and waiting for something he can do

Valin looks over the other side of the ridge, checking if there is another entrance/exit to the cave system.

Looking about the mountain face you see no signs of any other caves openings except for one perched high up on the peak to the left of your position.

Valin pulls out his spyglass to get a better look at that cave higher up.

[Bilgrom]: You hear the same footsteps coming from behind you a few minutes later, a sigh is heard, "There be a total of twelve large creatures, most likely 'em ogres, one o' 'em be guardin' t' entrance, sittin' aside a gong, which most likely warns them others of danger. Them be too large, it be impossible fer me t' find a critical point in them's back while I be hidden. Should I's get them t' come out or what?" While remaining hidden tries to figure out a plan, "What ye think of I's climbing on top o' t' boulder next t' entrance, and have 'em come out. When they do I's could jump on t' last one's back and surprise t' crap outta it!"

[Tollong]: "wonder how long it would take to get some large rocks up on the ridge to drop on them to

Jarl sits quietly pondering the thought of 12 creatures storming out at once.

[Bilgrom]: "Yers ranged attacks can get 'em wounded before them get t' ye's."

[Elina]: "Why must we fight them?" Shaking her head at these pointless killings once more.

Bilgrom grunts at Elina, "There be an wooden door with metal hinges and it be seemin' like one o' them's human hideout door! And them dwarves say he be livin' with ogres? This be t' place ye's want t' go!"

[Tollong]: "well some one come up with a plan I hate waiting here doing nothing"

Valin begins moving up the cliff to the entrance off to his left.

Elina frowns at the mention of a human's hideout. "Perhaps I can station myself above the cave and throw spells at them when they comes out."

[Tollong]: "an remember ogres are dumb an rocks maybe we can use that to our advantage"

Bilgrom sigh’s, "Well me plan seems alright. Nah I be t' one riskin' most out there. And ye's only use range attacks t' fight them back. Them be easier than three large flyin' cats we fought earlier, I tell ya!"

[Elina]: "if you want to do this, we must make sure the ogre at the gong does not sound the alarm"

Bilgrom sigh’s, "Bah. And how do ye want t' do this huh?"

You spend a good deal of time debating your options as the lass, finishes with her works.

Bilgrom glances at Tollong and Valin.

Valin is making his way up the cliff, moving towards another cave opening higher up the mountain.

[Bilgrom]: "Ye's gotta love such teamwork. Heh."

Syrenia yawns and stretches..."I'm gonna get old really quick with all this studying..."

[Tollong]: "I am ready to do what ever I can "

[Bilgrom]: "Ye's get more spell like that ye cast on me, huh? We's could go in there by pair and take care of t' first ogre, I tell ye!"

Syrenia paces a few steps..."I think we should wait for them to go hunting and take them little group by little group..." She paces some more..."Like that we'll have a better chance of surviving the skirmishes."

Elina smiles at Syrenia's comment about how old she will be from studying her spells.

Bilgrom shakes his head even while he is unseen, "How borin' be that. Why’s it all ye do is try t' avoid all t' fun out o' adventuring?"

[Tollong]: "I have a better idea then the one last time if they only see one of us the would send only a party away from the cave if I ran I could lead them into a trap we have set up what do you think?"

Syrenia shakes her head..."I'm not avoiding...We'll get to fight but with my plan we'll have a chance of surviving..."

Elina ponders at Tollong's suggestion. "That might work."

Syrenia turns to Tollong..."I don't know. If one orc came at us...wouldn't we all go after it?"

Borathor snickers, "How do you plan to out run something with a greater stride then yourself?"

Bilgrom walks off into the snow as you notice his footsteps walk away, he looks back at Tollong, "I be bettin' each and every one o' them be wantin' a piece of yer good flesh. I'm goin' t' help Valin up there. Ye can wait and see if them's go huntin’."

[Tollong]: "well they would have to taste my blade first "

Valin is still making his way up the cliff, hopefully closer to the second cave entrance by now.

[Elina]: "I don't think all of them will abandon their post. They are after all guarding the place."

Valin's climb upwards is slow and dangerous as the cave he tries to reach is near the peak some 700 or so feet up.

Syrenia scratches her chin as she looks over Elina carefully..."Wouldn't a lone ogre who saw a young elven maid try to get her himself without sending for the others?" She grins at herself as the plan forms in her mind.

Bilgrom ponders on whether he should follow Valin's lead and decides not, first of all because even if he reaches the summit they will both be alone and die horrifyingly, second of all he would have to climb back down. He contemplates the idea of shouting after the lone ogre inside the cave and sigh’s, then looks back at the others. He climbs up on the boulder next to the cave entrance and waits for any of them to show up outside, maybe.

Elina giggles at Syrenia. "If I can run that fast."

Tollong looks at the group "well I an going to check some Z's wake me when you are going to do something an lays back on the hill

Syrenia grunts...

Jarl sits watching the cave, "Bilgrom said there was a door I wonder if it is locked?"

Syrenia sighs..."I'll go see what's going on with Valin..." Makes her way towards the high cave.

Looking up at the cave you see Valin still looking for ways to climb up.

Borathor looks around, "we should move off to the side of one of the mountains sitting out in the middle of the hills isn't a very safe place to be."

Tollong wakes an agrees an moves with Borathor

Valin finally makes his way up the side some 50 feet or so. As he seems to have found an area suitable to climb as he makes his way up to 100 or so feet.

Tollong looks up at the high Valin has gone and thinks how high it is

Looking out over the area you see several beasts come to the opening pointing at the ground.

Tollong tugs on Bor "look they see the halflings tracks." Laying his hand on his sword

No sooner do they peek out of the cave Valin slips on the mountainside. The beasts then walk towards the boulder outside the cave. They do not seem to notice or hear Valin slip as he slides a good bit down the mountain before regaining his footing.

Valin silently curses his carelessness, then continues back up

Tollong pulls his sword "what do we do Bor?"

Borathor looks at the cave, "Right now nothing lets see what they are doing."

Syrenia makes her way back towards the group.

Valin attempts to climb once more as he again falls, farther back down to the ground. Before again grabbing hold once more.

One of the beasts seem to stray away from the others looking at the ground then up in the direction of the hills you are hiding in.

Syrenia drops to the ground.

Tollong takes cover

Elina takes cover as fast as she can.

The beasts have turned their attention from the boulder to the tracks that lead up into the hills in the snow.

[Tollong]: "great they’re coming for us glad I have the fighters with me"

Syrenia looks at the creatures and tries to figure out many of them there is.

Nine of them begin fanning out and heading up in you’re direction watching the hills and following the tracks.

Elina starts muttering a spell conjuring signs with her fingers.

[Tollong]: "well this is not good I would have rather had the edge on them"

Jarl looks about; "well if we wish to run now is the time."

Syrenia begins to cast a spell and as she finishes...she disappears..."You go ahead..."

Elina conjures 3 identical images of herself as she ends her spell.

[Bilgrom]: A shout is heard from the left of the ogres, "I would've suggested doing something beforehand." Then little footprints start running back towards the cave around.

The creatures stop and turn looking from where the voice came from as they see snow being kicked up near the cave as they turn and begin to run after what ever has been harassing them.

[Syrenia]: A voice comes from where Syrenia was..."Well that's a brave little guy...What now folks?"

Tollong runs to the top of the hill "YOU FOOLS I AM UP HERE"

Borathor stands in shock at Tollong’s shouting as the creatures turn and look.

Elina and her images speak at once. "Well there is another brave soul."

Tollong takes off on top of the hill jumping up and down "you want some tasty elf I have that an all the steel you can eat"

Syrenia sighs..."You guys might as well start firing...."

Tollong holds his sword in one hand an shield in the other hand an clangs the sword on the shield I have you fate in my hands not ogres you have to face Tollong an his wrath " Starts to walk down the hill a little.

Bilgrom turns around to see if any of them are still following.

Tollong’s shouting brings 10 of the large beasts running towards the hills as they take great strides across the snow-covered valley.

Tollong is steady clanking his sword against his shield

Borathor shouts "Tollong I’ll kill you for that if they don't first you foolhardy nut!"

Tollong readies his self to attack with his sword "either help me fight or get the hell out of there, Bor "

Bilgrom turns around still unseen and takes a couple of sprints back the way he came from, taking some running jumps at time to loose his tracks.

[Tollong]: "either way do, something'

Elina retreats about 100yards away from Tollong and ready her spells.

Tollong yells Valin any help here would be nice as Tollong runs down the hill charging the beasts

Valin is no where to be seen at the moment.

Syrenia takes Bor by the arm and drags him off..."Let them die...come with me."

Tollong takes what ever comes, and tries to fight off the beasts

Jarl has already taken off running. As fast as his little legs will take him, in the snow.

Bilgrom searches amongst the lot the one ogre carrying a belt pouch, drawing his shortsword and dagger two-handedly as he rushes in to help Tollong. He lands a blow in the ogre's back, while he still cannot find the right spot to strike.

Elina follows Borathor in haste as she sees him runs off.

Balthazar swings his mighty blade striking the beast across the leg as they storm your position.

[Borathor]: "No time to run now lass save yourself!" as he swings striking the beast square.

[Bilgrom]: And Bilgrom has appeared behind the ogre, his shortsword slashing across the ogre's leg.

The first ogre to attack stops in his tracks as he has been cut in the back of the leg to turn and see Bilgrom standing there. The second attack from the beasts befalls upon Tollong as he dodges the swing of the beast.

Jarl is gone off over the hills behind you.

Elina mutters a spell as she waves her fingers tracing symbols in the air. As she completes her spell, two white bolts of lights flew forth from her fingers at the nearest ogre.

Tollong yells a battle cry as he swings his sword at the attacking Ogre trying to land his sword into the beast missing with his attack cursing the dodging ogre

Another beast attacks Tollong as again misses him.

Borathor strikes again landing his second attack upon the beast.

Borathor’s attack sends the beast dropping it into the snow.

The next beast lashes out at Elina striking one of her images. Another seeing its comrade fall strikes back upon Borathor hitting him square in the chest. While one, attacks at Tollong as it almost steps on Syrenia as it misses him. Still another strikes out at Borathor missing him as well. The next one appears to be a little more agile as it slams its club down on Bilgrom. Following the other the next beast swings at Tollong sending his club across the battlefield as it flies from its hand. But Tollong’s luck, runs out, as the remaining beast strikes true upon him.

Tollong yells a battle cry as he swings two times with his sword at the ogre that’s attacking Bilgrom trying to land his sword into the beast seeing that the beast has more skill than the others as he grunts at the hit but looks up in anger.

Balthazar attacks again striking the beast once more with his blade.

Syrenia comes out of invisibility as she jumps on Bor's ogre's back, dagger first but she misses her target.

Bilgrom makes his way a couple of feet behind Tollong he spins around and hurls a pair of normal daggers at the ogre carrying the pouch. They cut through the air above Tollong's head and one finds its target into the oversized chest of the creature.

Borathor swings missing his target as the beast dodges Syrenia's attack.

Tollong yells a battle cry again as he swings two times with his sword at the ogre that’s attacking Bilgrom trying to land his sword into the beast as both land upon the one attacking Bilgrom an blood splatters threw the air.

Tollong’s blood lust sends the mighty beast to the ground almost crushing Bilgrom in the process.

Bilgrom simply rolls out of the way of the falling ogre, setting a foot upon its head as a symbol of victory, but he soon realizes there are others joining the fray.

Elina completes her spells and fire fans out in a wide radius from her palms.

Elina catches one of the beast’s garments on fire as it rips the hide off and fights on.

Borathor attacks again striking the beast this time by.

The beast answers this by lashing out and striking Syrenia with its club. Another attacks upon Tollong missing him. Followed by another one that again misses him.

Tollong laughs at the beast and say's you next to die

Another strikes out at Borathor missing him as well. While one lashes, out upon Elina and her images missing all of them. Tollong in the heat of the battle has managed to be missed yet again from the beasts as they scamper about. Bilgrom is not so lucky as one of the beasts strikes him square. Followed by his comrade who also gives the little halfling a pounding with his club. The remaining beast strikes out at Borathor missing him completely.

Bilgrom jumps aside Tollong, seeing Valin nowhere around, he offers himself as a shield to him, at the expense of loosing all attacks this turn he focuses on slides and tumbles allowing him a better defense.

Syrenia draws another dagger and circles the beast, searching for an opening.

Tollong tries to fend the ogres from Bilgrom as he yells in anger and turns to the other ogres with a blood lust in his eyes

Syrenia strikes like a snake with her dagger but it sidesteps at an incredible speed and she runs through air.

Borathor attacks again striking the beast across the legs.

Once again Borathor sends one to the ground.

Borathor attempts to move to the next beast as he stumbles over the fallen beasts club.

Bilgrom rolls in front of Tollong below an ogre's club as it strikes and reaches for his wounds as he regains balance on the other side.

Bilgrom tumbles across the ground as the club cleanly misses him as he does so. Another does the same and also misses the little fellow.

Bilgrom lets out a little laugh as he bounces from side to side, sliding between the two ogres' legs.

Another strikes out destroying another image of Elina.

Tollong tries to fend the ogres from Bilgrom

Elina completes her spell as two white lights strike the ogre in front of her squarely upon its chest.

One of the beasts tries to waste another Elina but fails to connect. While another swings and misses Borathor. Again one attacks upon the halfling missing him completely as he rolls by. Another attacks upon Syrenia as she still manages to dodge it with cold numb feet. Another follows it attacking upon Tollong missing him as well.

Balthazar attacks again striking the beast hard one more with his blade.

Bilgrom draws "Cringe" and his shortsword as he rolls back onto his feet, he spins and launches an assault upon the already wounded ogre from Tollong's attacks, "I be takin' care o' this one. Ye take next one!" He glances around; worried that Valin is not in sight.

Borathor runs and swings missing the beast again. Turning as he goes by he misses with his other hand as well.

Syrenia takes aim and throws two daggers at Elina's ogre, one misses but the other strikes true.

Bilgrom swings wide with his shortsword, almost loosing grip upon it.

Bilgrom sticks one in the shin as the beast cries out and falls to the ground suffering several blows during the battle. Watching his comrade fall another moves in and smashes the little halfling like a bug under foot.

Bilgrom seems not to appreciate the fact that the giant stepped on his TOE, as he spins around with an angry look, which makes Bilgrom kind of cute.

Followed by another who misses the little guy all together.

Tollong strikes another ogre that has tried to attack Bilgrom this time striking out two times

Tollong follows suit sending another one to the ground. While another tries to strike Syrenia missing her.

Bilgrom back flips as the large ogre falls flat in front of him, he nods to Tollong in thanks as he puts his feet yet again on top of the ogre's head.

While one, attacks Elina missing her as well.

Elina conjures two more images of herself, replacing those being destroyed.

One of the beasts swings its club striking Borathor in the back. One finally swings upon Balthazar missing him. One swings upon Elina’s image as it sends it club through the air missing all of her.

Balthazar starts a droning battle chant and tries to slash the nearest ogre.

Bilgrom rushes over to the side of Tollong, brandishing his dagger like a precious treasure, close to his heart, he lunges to strike at the nearest ogre as he shouts, "Cringe killed an first opponent! Cringe did it, I tell ye." He seems to be speaking of his weapon, now named.

Tollong again tries to keep the large beasts off the back of the small one

[Bilgrom]: He trips on the dead ogre and misses his blow widely.

Borathor strikes out again hitting the beast as he goes by.

Syrenia curses..."Damnit...why did I throw my weapons?" She grunts and starts pounding on an ogre and manages to punch it hard in the ribs.

Elina tries to strike the ogre in front of her with her staff. As she strikes the ogre upon its head with her staff with a grin upon her face.

Bilgrom swings his shortsword across his left side and onto the chest of the gigantic monster, well at least to him. Yet again he could not regain his balance and almost falls off as he swings.

Borathor turns to strike again and misses the beast.

[Tollong]: "Haha My lady Jolly good"

Balthazar tries to strike the ogre again

The beast attacks upon Bilgrom missing him as he runs about its legs.

Tollong strikes out at the one Bilgrom has distracted but misses his shot.

Another strikes out at Borathor missing him cleanly. While one, attacks the bare foot lass missing her as well. Another slams an image of Elina out of the battle; the remaining beast tries to slam the life out of Tollong striking him across his back.

Bilgrom rushes in between the nearest ogre's legs, opening his arms wide so as to slash about the knees as he passes by.

Tollong looks up and starts running after the one that hit him

Borathor steps up once more striking the beast in the waist sending the beast to the ground.

[Tollong]: "YOU SONE OF A MULE DUNGE SHUVLER I WILL KILL YOU FOR THAT SLAP ON MY BACK"

Seeing this one of the beast’s strikes back at him missing him as he goes by.

Bilgrom manages to miss the leg with his shortsword as he darts between the legs of the ogre.

Another also tries to strike Borathor but fails to connect.

Elina strikes at the ogre in front of her once more. But misses the ogre with her swing.

Syrenia dances on her feet and then lunges, another punch at the ogre but she misses miserably.

Borathor attacks missing the beast as his blade go sailing into the air.

Another beast sends another image of Elina off the battlefield.

Bilgrom finds a way to sink the dagger into another knee as he runs by, snickering as he disappears between the legs.

With Bilgrom’s attack the beast gets wise and turns quickly smashing him once more with his club.

[Balthazar]: Not discouraged by failure, Balthazar presses on and thrusts at his ogre.

Bilgrom suddenly stops snickering and falls flat.

Balthazar drives the long battle sword clean through the beast

Tollong see the small one fall to the ground and lashes out at that one with 2 attacks

Tollong sends another to the ground trying to keep up with Borathor as they go on.

Syrenia runs over to Bilgrom.

Bilgrom bleeds profusely from the nose, bruises on his upper back. His dagger and sword slid a few feet away from his hands into the grass.

Borathor attacks again landing a square attack upon the beast sending the beast to the ground to stay ahead of Tollong.

Tollong moves on threw the group of ogres trying to drop another

Elina frowns at the ogre for destroying her images and screams and insult at it in elven while bringing her staff down upon it. Missing the ogre by an inch.

Borathor looks about the ground but can not find his other blade at this time with the beasts baring down on him.

Syrenia rips some of her silk cloth and uses it to bandage Bilgrom's wounds.

Tollong moves on threw the group of ogres trying to drop another as he hits one with his sword.

The beast comes in upon Balthazar but fails to connect.

Balthazar slashes upwards at the beast.

Balthazar swings sending one of the beasts to the ground. Seeing only one of their comrades still stands. The two that were remaining at the cave run up to do battle.

Syrenia grabs one of Bilgrom's daggers and goes after the wounded ogre. She charges at him and drives the dagger deeply into it.

With the combined efforts of the ladies with sticks and bare hands mange to send the beast to the ground.

Tollong runs at the 2 coming at them an lashes out at one of them with 2 attacks striking at the on coming ogre and hits true twice.

The beast returns the favor as it slams its club across Tollong’s shoulder.

[Tollong]: "I will have you head for that foul beast"

Elina slams her staff at the beast that is attacking Tollong. Missing the ogre by a large breath.

Borathor attacks the fresh beast and lands his sword deeply into the beast’s leg.

Another follows through with its comrade slamming Tollong in the back once more.

Balthazar stalks to the toughest looking ogre and attacks, yet missing his target.

Tollong strikes once at the one that attacked him first hoping to send the beast to the ground with his blow

Elina shout some abusive words at the ogre as she strikes at the ogre and manages to poke at the ogre.

Borathor swings again missing the beast all together.

Syrenia leaves the one she finished and goes after another. She tries to slash the creature's arm with her dagger and she succeeds, creating a red line across its right arm.

The beast swings at Elina but misses her and her little stick to.

Tollong strikes once at the one that attacked him first hoping to send the beast to the ground with his blow, but misses his attack just barely and cruses the miss.

The beast looks down upon Tollong with a smile as it strikes him across the chest with its club.

Balthazar grunts as he attempts to strike the ogre again, his face expressionless.

Balthazar strikes sending another one to the ground.

[Syrenia]: Stands her ground once again against the giant creature and she strikes true once again.

Borathor swings once more missing the beast again.

Tollong strikes out 2 times at the nearest one

Tollong sends the remaining beast to the ground as Elina steps up.

Tollong looks around "well we handled that rather well"

Balthazar smiles at his companions "A fine battle, I prefer peace, but this was a job well done."

Elina looks at herself without a scratch. "I will say very well."

Syrenia gathers her daggers before going back to Bilgrom's unconscious form to give him his dagger back.

Elina goes over to Bil and starts to bandage him.

Balthazar notices the downed halfling an immediately goes to lay hands on his forehead

Bilgrom coughs and gasps for air as some of his wounds are sealed after the battle. He looks around at the battlefield to see the ogres all slain and sigh’s before letting his head drop again, he reaches for his weapons and sheathes them, before standing up and limping around, gathering his thrown daggers. "So ye see Syrenia. We have been able t' deal with 'em ogres." He straightens his clothes and sash and nods to himself.

Tollong looks down to the open wounds on his body and walks an sits down

Syrenia shrugs..."Aye we did...but I'd rather not be unconscious, so I choose my battles..."

Elina smiles, as Bil seems himself. "Anyone else needs my attention?"

Bilgrom seems to be trying to hide is pain as he kneels next to the first ogre he got killed, grabbing the pouch he saw earlier, and looking inside. "Thanks for t' curin' ye two."

Syrenia stretches and looks at the bodies laying around..."Well Bilgrom...start looting and give me that dagger of yours so I can find out what it does while you loot away." She holds out her hand, awaiting the dagger.

Tollong wipes the blood from his sword an puts it away looks over the fallen an sitting an resting

Balthazar nods and starts cleaning his sword, stashing the ogre blood covered cloth in another cloth before stashing it in a special pocket in his pack.

[Elina]: "If no one needs my help I am going to proceed with my studies."

Bilgrom smiles at Syrenia, "I wouldn't dare ask. But I guess now we be havin' a couple hours ahead o' us, Heh?" He draws Cringe and hands it to Syrenia; "I's hope ye do find it."

[Balthazar]: "I will keep watch." he then goes to prop himself up against a tree in a good spot.

Bilgrom looks out for Valin and Jarl, "Where's it that them two go, now?"

Tollong looks to Bor "well you can kill me after I have taken a nap if it pleases you " and pulls his cloak over his head an tries to rest

Elina nods and opens her book from its case and starts her studies

Syrenia nods to Bilgrom..."We'll see." She settles down, and looks up at Bilgrom..."Anything I should try to identify in there too?"

Bilgrom glances at Syrenia, "I's be not knowin' meself. Don’t ye have 'em items of yer own t' identify? Oh, ye be talkin' about this?" He glances down inside and rummages through the content.

Syrenia smiles and nods to the little man..."Aye...might as well 'kill two birds with one stone' as they said..."

Bilgrom tosses 10 gold pieces in the snow, "GREAAAAT treasure, me says."

Syrenia grins..."they'll be more inside...no doubt..." She begins to runs her fingers over the dagger as she chants over it with an arcane language.

Borathor digs around the snow and finds his other blade.

Bilgrom decides to search the other ogres while no one else seems to be paying them much attention.

Balthazar busies himself with a small piece of paper and a quill as everyone works...

Syrenia scratches her head for an instance..."Hey Bilgrom...what does that bag look like?"

Bilgrom lifts the bag and shrugs; "Lookin' like a large pouch me says..." He tosses it to Syrenia.

Tollong is soon off to sleep trying to keep his wounds from getting worse

Syrenia looks at it carefully to see it's quality by the stitches and it's appearance.

Valin climbs down from the mountain, digging his bloody foot into the snow to numb the feeling.

Bilgrom sticks his hand in it as if trying to climb inside looking for anything else but the pouch is empty.

Syrenia begins to runs her fingers over the dagger as she chants over it with an arcane language.

Bilgrom tosses the bag next to Syrenia but does not disturb her; he makes a pile of snow and uses it as a comfy chair. Bilgrom then notices Valin, jumping to his feet he rushes to his aid, "Hey, ranger. What’s t' ye been doin' up here alone, huh?"

Balthazar puts his paper and quill away tidily into his pack with a frown, and after counting with his fingers a few times, gives up and gets up to stretch his legs

Valin stands shaking the snow from between his toes " Oh, was just checking out that cave up there" he points " Just a Chimera eating something up there...."

Syrenia waves to Bilgrom to come closer as she looks up from the dagger.

Borathor looks over at Valin, "Did you see Jarl from up there?"

Bilgrom cocks his head as he listens to Valin, "A Chimera. Oh, hmm, ye. I have fought one o' these before. Chimera is this creature with." He spins around and sigh’s, for he was about to make a fool of himself, he walks over to Syrenia with anticipation, "Yes. Yes, mage?"

Syrenia points to the dagger as she whispers to the little man.

Valin shakes his head " No, I didn't see him... "

Bilgrom listens with interest.

Valin looks around at the fallen ogres " I see you went ahead with a plan..."

Borathor shrugs, "Well I guess he'll come back sooner or later.

[Bilgrom]: "Perhaps we have found him back at t' dwarf camp?" He ponders a moment. "He's be t' only one with 'em maps, huh?"

Valin walks towards the cave that had originally contained the ogres, peering inside.

Borathor shakes his head, "He had a map of the valley they gave him I have maps of the lands."

You are crouching down behind the boulder on the far right hand side of a 40' foot wide cavern opening. Peering inside, you see the cavern has a depth of about 30' feet, and that a 5' foot wide passageway leads out of the rear cavern wall. Standing beside the boulder the ogre that was on guard used is a large gong. After having defeating the beasts you are now free to search the outer cavern and debate whether to go in even deeper in their lair.

Valin walks in a bit into the cavern

Syrenia smiles at the small man..."We'll see but for now they aren't strong enough." She takes out her short sword and hands it to him as she takes the dagger.

[Balthazar]: "We may as well have a look inside. To waste what resources may be inside would be a shame."

Valin is glad to be out of the wind

Balthazar strolls over next to Valin and also peers inside

Bilgrom nods as he hands her the sheath for the dagger, and puts the shortsword where the dagger used to be.

Valin is walking deeper into the cavern

Bilgrom joins them once the transaction is complete.

Syrenia follows them all also as she follows.

As you work your way down the narrow passage, you see that it runs only 20' feet, making an S-shaped curve before leading into a large 35' foot by 40' foot chamber. This chamber is well lit by a roaring fire to your left. To the left of the fire is a large keg of ale with the top ripped off and standing upon a boulder. To the right of the chamber is a crude stone block table, with boulder chairs atop the table are several humanoid skulls turned up side down. Directly across from where you are is another passage leading off deeper into the lair and darkness created by the fire lighting the chamber.

Balthazar leads into the cave, carefully measuring his steps...

[Bilgrom]: "Up ahead is t' door I's spoke to ye about. There must be a key to it somewhere 'round t' place. For there be a keyhole on it."

Valin keeps going, using his infravision to peer into the darkness.

Balthazar nods to Bilgrom

You make your way down the winding passage where it becomes much smaller only some 8' foot high after 100' feet giving no access to the larger beasts behind. Continuing onward you come to a wooden door bound with iron bars and large iron hinges. To the right about waist high is a large iron door ring and just below that is an average sized keyhole.

Valin nods " Or we could simply knock it down"

Elina follows behind the rest of the group.

Valin sighs, " Alright, we definitely can't knock it down..." he says upon seeing the door

Borathor laughs, "Why knock it down we have to thieves who can open it."

Valin goes back to the previous room, checking the upturned skulls for contents

Syrenia looks down at the keyhole..."Guess it's a job for me."

[Elina]: "Let me study my spells. I have one I can try on the door."

Balthazar peers around the chamber, kicking up the dirt on the ground here and there, checking corners for keys.

The skulls appear to be used as mugs as some are filled with ale from the keg.

Valin dumps the ones that are filled out on the floor

Balthazar looks inside the skulls as well, dumping ale if necessary.

Syrenia kneels to see the keyhole carefully and she looks around it for anything unusual.

Valin tips the keg over if nothing is found in the skulls, besides ale.

Syrenia gets up and smiles broadly, clearly proud of herself..."It's unlocked..."

Dumping the keg sends ale about the floor but reveals a small niche cut out of the boulder. Inside the hole is a small wooden box.

Valin takes the box

Balthazar looks up from the spilled ale at Syrenia with an arched eyebrow, then shrugs

Valin tries to open it.

Elina stays away from the box.

Syrenia goes back to the room..."Hey the door's unlocked now..."

Balthazar goes to wait for the others by the door.

Valin raises an eyebrow at the contents of the box " 3 Gems and these weird metal vials" he says as he puts them into his pack. Goes over to the door as well.

Syrenia looks at Valin..."Want me to appraise them?"

Balthazar tries to open the door...

Valin nods " Sure, I guess."

Elina approaches the door cautiously.

Valin hands her the 3 gems

Syrenia takes them and begins to look at them from all sides as she tries to appraise them.

The door opens easy now that it’s unlocked.

Syrenia smiles..."One is worth 10...the other 50 and the last one is worth 1000!" Handing them back to him.

Valin raises an eyebrow " Wow, I'll have to be careful not to loose them!" he smiles as he accepts them " Thank you...."

Borathor laughs, 'Yeah make, sure you don't."

Valin shows her one of the metal vials " Do you know what these are?"

Syrenia shrugs..."Potions probably..." She grins..."I'll try to find out more later."

Valin nods " Alright" he returns it to his pack.

Syrenia looks on the other side of the door.