Solaera casts lesser restoration on Ralph, healing his poison damage. They travel back up to the ridge. Through the sparse woods they can hear the rhythmic chiseling echoing in the valley. Another smoke plume billows east of the lake. They travel down the slope towards the lake.
Just over a ¼ mile from the lake they spot creatures working in the riverbed. Ralph attempts to sneak through the trees to spot a few bugbears with the orcs. At least one is standing guard with a bow. After an amplified mind thrust the party delivers a volley of bolts into the riverbed. Four bugbears and 8 orcs turn their attention to the trees. The orcs charge after Ralph. Elf summons a monkey. The monkey pelts the orcs with branches from a treetop, distracting them long enough to whittle down the other forces. Ralph slowly retreats back to the rest of the party before he is knocked out. It turns out to be a long battle. By 4 p.m. the last orc falls. Squishy soaks in the river for an hour while Jak drags the bodies into the woods. On the map they rename the location Carnage Point.
The party travels into the woods to approach the dam from the north. (Jak is now carrying over 200 lbs. of gear over his own weight of 125 lbs. The disadvantage of being the strongest in the party is that you become the pack mule.) They spot several goblins and hobgoblins working on the dam again. The construction is slightly higher than it was before. The simplicity of the blockade remains the same. They camp out to the north of the lake where they won’t be seen. The cool wind blows lightly in the dark night. Without a camp fire, the other encampments resonate across the lake.
The party sets up camp. Squishy walks into the cold waters. He explores the bottom of the lake and spots a sunken structure on the Southern side. He returns to camp reporting what he discovered. The party figures they are trying to drain the lake. The temple will likely have undead inside. They must be after some artifact inside. Elf says that the St. Cuthbert’s forces destroyed the temple before they knew its exact purpose. The small green dragon takes the opportunity and flies around a bit.
[Dragon isn’t feeling too bad. He contemplates as he soars around the high peaks. This tentacle-faced figure seems trustworthy enough. The others don’t try to harm him. The dragon’s selfish heart wants more, though. To be tossed the odd coin after having his stash taken is an insult. He learns much of what these people do while he remains, though. He finds where to gain more glistening treasure. Perhaps he will stay a bit. He is safe here among the cloak and swords. Leaving the river for this long leaves him vulnerable without them. The lakeside is a more suitable camp for the night.]
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