Reflections

Eolar is sitting on an old stump near the eastern gate of the gnome hamlet. The sun is just about to set and he is looking out over the fields surrounding the settlement. The gnomes are very grateful and their hospitality outstanding. Eolar hasn't met many gnomes before and takes this chance to study their culture and their religion with great interest. They don't seem to be a deeply religious race and only seem to follow the gods of nature from time to time. Despite this, they are simple farmers and should be susceptible to a more organized religion. It is worth a try.
He makes a last note about this and again looks out over the fields. It is almost dark now and the muffled sounds from yet another celebration float through the air. Just loud enough to hear another attempt of the newly declared bard Telfis to please his audience. A subtle smile crept over his face listening to the groaning from the nearby huts. The young bard still has much to learn.
Eolar picks up the bow they took from the captured orc. A fine piece of woodwork, way too intricately crafted for orcish hands. He wonders where they stole it from. Perhaps another elvish family they killed in a raid. Memories of his childhood surface in his mind. The wooden tree house, his mother getting fresh water from the small stream next to their place, the orc raiding party.......
It takes Eolar a few minutes to fight the anger that is rising again. After all these years of training, controlling these strong emotions still proves difficult. The gnomes expect another attack after the orc "foragers" didn't return to their camp. He draws the bow and aims into the night. He is going to get his revenge for what they did to his mother. This bow will be of good use.
He murmurs a few words to bless it and get's up to head back into the hamlet. It is time to speak to Rojo about his clan and their camp! Eolar prepares the 'Zone of Truth' spell in his mind. He is sure that Bodush is willing to help if the orc decides not to speak....

A Nice Surprise!

Early next morning, Eolar takes an hour to check his Mule ‘Meldo’s’ pack. He goes through the equipment and treasure recently acquired to make a precise inventory. Eolar always likes things to be in order.
As he lifts the jewelled box found in the Aranea's lair, he pauses. It seems heavier then it should be. The tiny key is in the lock, so he turns it and with a gentle ‘click’ it opens.
Inside sits a beautiful golden necklace supporting seven different sized rubies. One very large, two slightly smaller, two smaller still and two relatively small ones. Eolar stares at the beautiful piece of jewellery.
He’s positive it wasn’t there before.

No Place Like Gnome

The seven warrior Gnomes welcome the adventurers into their homes. Each of them gives hospitality to the adventurer they paired with during the battle.
Over the next few days, Petra; Gnome Head woman goes back and forth between her people and yours. Her faithful badger ‘Angel’ constantly at her side.
Her main advisor is Sokoloff. He’s probably around the same age as her and wears the scars of more than one battle. Despite his small stature, he was probably a decent fighter in his day. The other voices she listens to are: Sotero, Bissell and Hilario. The other Gnome elders. Surprisingly she also consults with Izzard, the recently reformed Gnome Wizard.
She is sure Calvera, the Orc War chief, will soon send a bigger and better prepared group to crush their resistance.
Perhaps a scouting mission to ascertain their numbers would be wise?

Experience at Gnome Hamlet

Thesis: 10,180 xp (Goes up to 5th level!)
Eolar: 8,639 xp (4th level)
Telfis: 7,699 xp (4th level)
Bodush: 6,944 xp (Went up to 4th level)
Wer: 6,794 xp (Went up to 4th level)
Kruddo: 5,349 xp (3rd level)
Durin: 3,914 xp (Went up to 3rd level)

Bodush, Wer and and Durin gained a level during the adventure.
Thesis squeaks up to 5th!
Congratulations!
Only poor Eolar hasn’t risen during the last two sessions.
Better luck in two weeks!

Please send me Bodush’s, Thesis’ (and of course) WER’s revised character sheets.

Treasure (It’s not much but…)

Katipo:
28sp
39cp
6 good quality pearls (100gp value plus)

Orc scouts:
Chain shirt armour x3
Falchions x3
Heavy Crossbows x3
Bolts x27
42sp

Rojo:
ChainArmour
MWKs Composite Longbow(str14)
MWKs OrcAxe
Thunderstone x1
20xArrows and Quiver
Magical Arrows +2 (8)
199gp
1Gem

Orc warriors:
Chain shirt armour x10
Falchions x10
Heavy Crossbows x10
Bolts x92
987sp
12gp

Toriano (Ogre):
Great club
Javalin x3
Hide Armour
Potion:Barkskin+2
199gp
1Gem

Light Riding horses x2
Heavy cart horses x 2
Heavy carts x2

The Celebration Feast

The Gnome farmers carry away the bodies of the dead Orcs. Bodush making sure that none recover except the gravely injured leader; Rojo.
Rojo is dragged to an empty food store and tethered securely.
Eolar heals the few injuries that the party sustained, but only Durin was seriously wounded when he was struck twice by the huge Ogre’s greatclub.
After the victory, the Gnome elders, women and children rush out to thank the adventurers and a feast in their honour is quickly organised.
The villagers weren’t lying about their food shortages, but there’s enough to make a passable celebration. Coloured ribbons are strung around poles and draped from borrow to borrow. One of the older Gnomes brings out a mandolin and starts to play. Telfis gleefully pulls out his fife and joins in. Despite Telfis’ poor skill with it, everyone feels uplifted.
Ale and wine are brought forth as well as sweet breads and small candies for the children.
Two of Bernardo’s Children rush up to Durin.
“We’re happy that you managed to stay alive, even though that means we don’t get to look after your grave.” The smaller one pipes in, “Maybe even happier?”
The Gnomes who fought are all treated with the same regard as the adventures. Heroes to their people.
As the night draws on, Petra, the village elder and leader moves over to the party.
“We are all so grateful for your aid. We would be either dead or starving if your hearts weren’t so full of courage and kindness. I’m afraid that this isn’t the end though. The Orc war band is lead by a cunning brute called Calvera. When his men don’t return with our crops in the next few days, he’ll know something’s happened and he’ll send more warriors to find out what. We have possibly a week before that happens. Will you stay and help us fight? If you do I promise we'll teach Calvera something about the price of corn!”

HPs, Arrows and Bolts (Again.)

I'm still waiting for:
Telfis. Thanks for the revised character sheet. (I still need to know if any damage taken)
Kruddo: New hit points plus Arrows/Bolts and damage taken.
Wer. I need your character sheet. (Although I trust you completely, do one and send it over.)
Include: Damage taken and how many sling stones used.
Thanks to everyone else.