Snake's Demise.

The dwarf seems a bit offended at Baelrick's proposition to question him before freeing him.

"What? What is the meaning of this!? Do I look like an orc to you?"

But he then calms down...

"Hmm... I suppose there is no hurry to let me out of here. After all, I don't have a cart to transport my goods back to Rith-Amdol. I'm probably stuck having to spend some time here to get myself a new cart and crew and load up again. One side of the bars or the other doesn't really matter this much right now.... Okay, I'll answer your questions. There were some humans here before I got here. Travellers by the looks of them. And of course, there was also the survivors of my own expedition with me. Dwarven soldiers and a few human mercenaries. But they've all been taken away in that direction." He points towards the unopened door. "I don't know what happened of them, but judging by the screams, I'd wager nothing good... As for Janos, I have no idea who that is, and I don't think he was amongst the humans who were here when I arrived. As for the snake woman. I have not seen her, but I've heard the greenskins talk about her. She seems to be their god by what I understand."

Meanwhile, at the other cell, the orc stares at Tyr then nods. "Snake lady. You're here to kill snake lady. Mirith her name. She told tribe to serve her, that she was a demon. Gargor saw through her lies. She no demon, just big beast woman. Gargor tried to warn tribe. But tribe would not listen. Tribe attacked Gargor. Put Gargor in jail. Tribe tease Gargor, say they feed Gargor to bear, or feed Gargor to Mirith, or force Gargor into dead room... Then Mirith brought in wild men, then later beast men. If you kill Mirith, Gargor help. Gargor wants Mirith dead for lying to tribe, and turning tribe against Gargor."

Fitch nods.

"Aye, thank you. I do not know how much help I can be to you in confronting that snake woman though. I am a merchant, not a fighter."

On his part Gargor continues his discussion with Tyr.

"Even if tribe renounced Gargor, Gargor still feels he must protect tribe from itself. Mirith is a liar. Gargor wants her dead for corrupting tribe. You want her dead for different reasons. We have common enemy. Gargor will help you kill her. You have nothing to fear from Gargor."

Peli pipes up in the background! "We Halflings are much good underground, more hill- and prairie-folk! I could escort Fitch out, and guard the entrance for us! And even prepare food for when you all come out!"

Thallan, on the other hand, stands resolute. "Though my arrows seem to have been bent, I would not dare leave you to the hands of the enemy. You have my bow!"

Fitch scratches his beard in thought. "Well, I supposed this is the best solution. It's not like I can start inventory of what I have left and unbroken while you are still clearing those caves. Besides, my goods are safe behind those bars and you have the keys, so they're not going anywhere!"

Meanwhile, Gargor is patiently awaiting Tyr's answer...

Gargor steps out and gladly accepts the scimitar. For a moment, there is a wicked smile on his face, and you fear treason, but the orc attaches the scimitar and its sheath to his belt and then points towards the stairs and the unopened door.

"Mirith in one of two place. Either in temple doing experiments with her beast men, or in her lair beyond the underground lake. Both places be dangerous. Where you want to begin?"

Gargor nods. "Follow Gargor."

The orc then guides you through what looked like a guard post, probably for the wildlings who attacked you earlier as it is currently empty. Then yuo make your way into a large curved corridor. First, you pass in front of a large heavy set stone door surrounded by old glyphs. All magic seems to be gone from them and the door stands slightly ajar. On the door is written in Mannish, Elvish, and Dwarvish "DO NOT BREAK THE SEAL!"... however, the seal looks quite broken...

You finally reach a statue of a horrible woman with six arms each wielding a wicked blade, and who's lower body and legs merge into the body of a large coiled snake. The statue stands next to a door.



At this point, Gargor draws his blade, then pointing at the statue then at the door. "This statue of Mirith. She should be behind door. Get ready."

First round of combat.

Combat Order (DEX+INT)/2
Baelrick: 16
Tyr: 15
Thallan: 13
Beastlings: 12
Daglin: 12
Miriht 11
Gargor: 10

Battlemap Tyr and Baelrick have a light source each, allowing you to see deeper into the cave and alleviating some darkness penalties (p.31 and p.56)Baelrick is up!

Okay, well Tyr is up next...