Experience points so far: Cloud giant, 6000; two male hill giants, 6000; two female hill giants, 500, four ogres, 1000. Total 13,500.

Scene VI: Chasing the Ogre

    As the characters round the corner ahead, they see that the hall merely staggers right a bit then continues on in the same direction it had been going--north. Ahead the hall dims for there are no windows or torches lighting this section. The rain drums on the roof high above, and thunder can be heard as well, though still distant. The hall is otherwise silent but for the party's excited breathing.

    Far ahead in the dark hall (over 100 feet), they see the orc disappear through what must be large double doors straight ahead. The war dogs race toward them. At the jog in the hall, there are two doors, one on the eastern and one on the western side, see the battle map for this turn. Krulek points to the door on the west side of the hall (indicated on the map with an arrow) and says something to Mog, who translates: "He says the stairs down are just through this door."

    The war dogs reach the end of the hall but do not bark at the double doors, apparently realizing we are on a stealth mission.

    Back at the door Krulek indicated (still only halfway down the hall--see the map) Bruce kneels down and places his ear at the door to listen. Behind the door, he very faintly hears what sounds like female giants talking, and some grunting. Maybe some sounds like water sloshing or wood thumping on wood.

    "I think we should go down to the double doors. This is a kitchen," says Bruce.

    Ghotu agrees with Bruce, saying, "We should not allow ourselves to be cornered yet. Let us deal with some more of the giants on this level before we delve." Ghotu remembers which door this one is so he can find it later, then proceeds to the double doors.

    Blade and the rest continue down the hallway to the doorway the ogre went through. Blade's dagger is not found in the hall. Once at the door, Blade looks at the two dogs and puts his index finger to his lips, indicating they should remain quiet. They stare at him, silent.

    As quietly as he can he opens the door just wide enough for the dogs to slide through, being careful not to expose himself to anyone inside the room.

    "Fido, sic balls. Rover, sic balls. " he says to the two dogs as quietly as he can and still sound authoritative enough for the dogs to obey his commands.

    He isn't sure if they will obey his commands or not, since he isn't there owner, but he knows he is much more charismatic than their real owner, and certainly much more handsome.

    The dogs stare at him, silent. They do not move. Bruce smiles, saying, "Go on in boys." The two dogs immediately slip silently into the room.

    Blade says, "Worthless mongrels. Not worth the stone you were carved from."