The Hills

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The party finishes their second hour of desperate searching through the snow when Ug spies a large crevice in the side of a hill, signs of heavy traffic apparent in the surrounding snow. Almost certainly the orcs are within, and hopefully with the majority of caravan supplies unspoiled. The companions, though some are more frozen than others, feel a surge of relief and triumph as they near their destination.

Bel poofs into existence and looks around blearily. Still in the snow, Master? Shame, you might have frozen by now... It stretches, then shivers. I suppose I can go check out this cave for you. What's it matter if I die again, anyhow? With a flap of wings the bat takes flight. Life. Loathe it, or ignore it. You can't like it.

Just within the entrance of the cave, Bel sees two orcs taking shelter from the weather and keeping watch. They are brutish figures, with pallid green skin and tusks protruding from their jaws. Maverick (looking through Bel's eyes) sees how close they are to his hiding place and can't help but let out a little squeak. One of the orcs turns its head sharply towards the sound, then grabs its axe. The other orc looks more skeptical that anyone would be out in this weather, but then shrugs and reaches for a javelin and backs up, ready to spear any would-be intruders.

Behind this second orc, Bel can see that the cave continues on into another chamber.

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The orcs' reaction to Maverick's rude gesture is a hurled javelin. Unfortunately for the front orc, his companion has terrible aim and the javelin pierces his shoulder. Furious, the orcs begin arguing with each other as Maverick gets away. What trouble could a demented little gnome cause anyway?

When the goliath appears, however, the orcs take the threat more seriously. The closer one swings at the offending buttocks with his axe (dealing 7 slashing damage to Ug) and the other turns to flee deeper into the cave - though his distraction at seeing the goliath's butt means he hasn't passed out of sight just yet.Orc 1 (axe, next to Ug)
HP: 9/15
AC: 13

Orc 2 (farther back, turning to run)
HP: 15/15
AC: 13

With his immediate attacker dispatched so quickly Ug turns his attention to the fleeing orc. Drawing a hand axe from somewhere under his loincloth, launches it end over end.

With his immediate attacker dispatched so quickly Ug turns his attention to the fleeing orc. Drawing a hand axe from somewhere under his loincloth, launches it end over end.

The second orc falls to the ground, and for a moment all that can be heard is the roaring of the wind outside. Hopefully the party's arrival is unnoticed by the rest of the cave's inhabitants.

Beyond the dead orcs is a passage to another natural stone chamber, from which torchlight can be seen flickering and casting shadows.

How thoughtful of you not to be stuck on the end of that pig's spear, Master. Finding a new owner would be so... inconvenient. Bel flaps away into the next area of the cave, sharing everything it sees and hears back to Maverick. Several torches light the way, revealing a moderately large cavern with a cooking fire in the middle.

There are a handful of orcs spread throughout the place, each armed and armored, though currently engaged in various activities. Several are playing a game of dice, while another is napping in a corner and yet another is busy preparing food at the fire.

Against one wall are stacked a large pile of crates, boxes, and barrels - some of which have been cracked open and their contents strewn about.

Next to the stack of supplies is another exit from this cavern, leading further down into the earth.