The Hills
"Come," he says turning towards the others. "Let's find that glowing sash-heirloom for the Elk tribe, then we'll figure out the best way to bring the supplies back.
"Got it." She holds it up for the party to see, then wraps it carefully in her scarf, which was blood-free. She places the package in her pack, then looks over her party. "How did you all fare?"
Rolls
Perception to listen for anything coming from the next chamber - (1d20+2)
(19) + 2 = 21
Rolls
investigation - (1d20+4)
(16) + 4 = 20
perception - (1d20)
(9) = 9
Comfortable around corpses, Maverick also sorts through the pockets of the dead orcs and finds a decent amount of coin (50 gp). He also discovers a note tucked into the pocket of one of the orc priests.
It reads...
Balin,
Deliver these crates of supplies to the emporium in Easthaven. Make sure to get a fair price from that unscrupulous Calishite weasel Pomab. Use the profit to acquire three barrels of uncarved scrimshaw from Gaspar's warehouse there in Easthaven. Return to Caer-Dineval with the three barrels and you shall have your agreed upon payment. Keep your eyes to the tundra. There have been reports of trouble on the routes lately. It might be wise to use your advance payment to hire in some extra caravan guards.
Safe journey,
Ilmus Galloway of Caer-Dineval
Rolls
Perception (Survey the room for danger and valuables) - (1d20+2)
(16) + 2 = 18
Investigation (Deduce good hiding places for enemies) - (1d20+4)
(12) + 4 = 16
Rolls
Lock pick - (1d20+3)
(2) + 3 = 5
Ug lets out a loud snore and mumbles something about orc mothers.
"Ah, looks like Ug agrees!" Zenithral says with a grin.
"I think it would be a good idea to stay here tonight. I can take the first watch. We will need to make sure that any orcs returning home don't startle us, or that hunting clansmen don't either, for that matter."
One at a time the heroes keep watch while the others sleep. The night passes uneventfully, though at some point in the early morning the storm abates and the winds grow quieter. At around the time that the party begins to wake there is a disturbance at the cave entrance...
A heavy grunt is followed by a pig-like squeal, and the orc cook, bleeding, battered, scalded, and with arms tied behind its back, stumbles into the cave as though kicked from behind. Indeed, the next figure through the entrance is Bjornegar, followed by Tansia and the third older barbarian tribesman. All three of them have weapons at the ready, but pause at the sight of the party in the act of rising from sleep, eating breakfast, and managing their equipment.
"What is this?" Tansia exclaims. "I forbid you from interfering, yet here you are."
Bjornegar's knuckles whiten visibly as he clutches his morningstar.
Rolls
Persuasion/ general diplomacy - (1d20)
(18) = 18
Tansia steps forward and kneels, reverently unwrapping the package. As she pulls the sash free it shines even brighter, as if it is happy to finally have someone show it proper respect. Surprisingly, there are tears in Tansia's eyes as she holds the sash close. Without a word, she rises and turns, leaving the shelter of the cave. Bjornegar gives the party a grudging nod of respect, then follows.
The older tribesman watches them go while leaning on his spear. "Forgive her abrupt departure," he says quietly. "The Girdle of Beatification is not only a symbol of her new status in the tribe, but also is all that she has to remember her mother by." He rolls his shoulders, stretching slightly. "Do not worry for your Ten Towns. Chieftain's Daughter is an honorable one, and she will remember what you have done. Though she hid it well, she knew this task was likely beyond her. She will remember." With that, he also takes his leave.