Delve the Fourth

[coffee]

Now that the rest of the party has entered the room and made way, Rhod will join them and aid in searching.

[Makofan]

The third bear-man is dispatched, and organized looting and searching takes place. There is smoked meat, and a barrel of ale, drinking vessels, bear-clothes, dice, a game of Parcheesi, et cetera, but no precious metals, trap doors, or anything of value. Each of the bearmen had some coin on them, which totals 27 gold pieces and 60 silver

[acodispo]

"My valet Edgar can carry this lucre till we return to the surface, if that is acceptable."

I don't know if the party has an established procedure for temporary loot storage. Whatever works for me.

[mushgnome]

"Boys, grab the board game and dice. Top off your skins from the ale barrel." Grampus instructs his dwarves. "The statue mentioned pet lizards across the hall. Should we go kill them next?"

[acodispo]

"Indeed!" agrees Wiglaff in support of Grampus' plan.

Having instructed Edgar to pocket the bear coins, the elf strides across the passageway & removes his helm in order to have a proper listen at the door just across the way to the south.

[kipper]

Maloof looks at the smoked meat dubiously, then shrugs and pockets it.

He then exits and stands guard near Wiglaff as the latter listens at the door.

[Makofan]

Wiglaff listens, and hears the sound like a body being dragged through straw

[acodispo]

Wiglaff refastens his helm.

"There's something big in there. I'll open the door. Let's take a look inside: if it's naught but a stable for these beasts, with no sign of treasure, I say we close the door again quickly & let them be for now. No use bloodying ourselves for no gain, or merely to kill stupid beasts.

"If, on the other hand, there is sign of treasure, let's try to lure them out toward us. We can hack at them one at a time as they come through the door.

"Agreed?"

[mushgnome]

Grampus says, "We're not scared of lizards, right boys? Bash them one by one as they come through the door, good idea."

[acodispo]

Wiglaff readies his elf-axe, stands to one side of the door, makes room for Grampus & the boys, and opens the door.