Shrek attempts to scare the orc to death (since his pinchers aren't grasping the beast through its armor, apparently), so he roars at it while attempting another pincher attack-

Umber Hulk Claw Attack: 26 Damage: 22

In case that is not enough, Olaerys swings his axe at him again.  “Fierce Shrek pincer grip!”

Battle axe :   Attack: 13 Damage: 7 

The orc falls over from Shreks massive strike.

The 3 slaves look at you in shock. One, a dwarf, is the first to speak.

"Who...who are you? Please help us. There are more of us. These cultists have been capturing people and bringing them here to mine for them. Is ig safe to escape? Can you help free the others? "

"Maybe we can help to lead you out of here.  Where are you from?  What were they having you mine?  How many others are here, can you show us where they are?"  Olaerys looks over the slaves, bends down searching the body of the orc, looking for anything, looking for keys or any other items in his pockets.  

You find 12 gp and a little stone frog.

The dwarf nods at Olaerys and responds. "Of course. There are 17 of us in total. There were more, but they feed us little and sometimes people don't return. My name is Bruldenthar. I am a Dwarven historian. I was traveling with an armed group from Mirabar when we were ambushed south of Beliard. 

There's an ogre and more of these orogs east of here down the hall. They control the mines and have the key to the cell. I dont know if this helps but they make this sign to identify themselves to each other." 

He puts his thumb and forefinger together in front of him like a triangle.

“Bruldenthar… we came here seeking the missing members of your delegation.  Much strangeness is afoot in the region and your kidnapping seems connected to all of it.  How many more of your fellow travelers are kept here?”

"Some bandits on giant birds came and attacked our captors. They took several away with them. Most who survived were brought here though. Some have been taken from the cells not to return. I do not know what happened to them. The filthy cultists used my books as payment to transport us across the river. Those books were priceless. My life's work, containing countless dwarves histories and lineages."

Melchor starts pacing and thinking, muttering to himself as he does so, finally coming to a halt. ‘As an aside, Bruldenthar, I think we’ve encountered the bandits who might have your books, and I’m quite keen to pay them another visit at some point…’ he gives a tight, moderately unpleasant, smile at that.

’As for the Ogre, and Orogs, I think we should try subterfuge initially. I could try and convince them Qarbo had asked me to collect the remaining prisoners, with the rest of you forming an ambush here if I’m unsuccessful in my attempt? Thoughts?’

"You have seen my books??! If we escape, I could pay you well to help me get them back"

“Melchor… are you thinking of those brigands in the old river fort?”

”Regarding your plan, how fast can you run?  I don’t disagree on principle, but you aren’t the … er… spryest elf I’ve ever seen.  I’d hate for you to try to lead the enemy into an ambush only to get caught by a fleeter foe.”

'Yes Randall - seems like they're our most likely suspects there. In terms of escaping Glimmer can provide a certain amount of distraction if it comes to it, but I think I have a reasonable chance of this working...' he looks over to Ankita 'Are you able to provide some guidance before I head in?'

"Why yes, I do and I will happily give you some guidance.  Are you sure you want to do this?  We've got your back though!"  She touches his shoulder, casting guidance on him.  

“Shrek brave. Melchor braver.”  Shrek quietly pats Melchor on the shoulder. “Shrek will be right here for you. Just call and I be ready to squash bad guys!”

Just then, you begin to see tears glisten is his eyes. Tears of pride for his friend. 

‘Prepare an ambush, and I’ll lure some of them this way, one way or another…’ he nods to the former slaves ‘Can we arm you?’

Bruldenthar grunts. "I may be an academic, but I'm still a dwarf! I was skewering orcs when your mother was still suckling at a teet".

The other 2 look concerned but warily nod. 

Bruldenthar is proficient with simple weapons. The others are not 

‘Does anyone have any spare weapons?’ Melchor asks, looking around…

Randall has a short sword, which he hands to Bruldenthar, and a pair of hand axes that he distributes to the other two prisoners.  "Don't try to be a hero.  If you need to engage to save your life or one of your friends, do it.  And if you see an opening for a quick strike, take it.  But don't do anything crazy like try to get between us and an ogre.  We're somewhat professional at this."

Olaerys says “I like the plan.  Do we have any of the cultists robes to help with the disguise?  Melchor you could perform their greeting and get more information, see how to isolate one or two of them and then we will jump into action.  Should we use enough of the robes for all of us?”  He looks over to Shrek, “And an extra extra large one?”

Ankita watches as the former prisoners reluctantly accept the weapons from Randall.  She pulls the two aside and tells them, "Take a few swings with those hammers, get a feel for them.  I'm sure you won't need to act with them, but its good even for protection and you'll feel better knowing how they feel."

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