The party discusses around the fire their next moves. Some Argue for weaponization of the black-sand, where as others argue for simple research. Though a final decision could not be reached, it is decided to collect a fair amount and store in near the back of the ridge, where nothing entirely unfortunate would happen. Lal'Ren breaks the meeting, and sends Indiana Gnomes and Sham'Yek off to begin gathering the sand. They grab the shovel, and one of the sleeping bags to aid them in their gathering.
Meanwhile, Lal'Ren Grabs the Gnoll, and another able bodied Gnome to come scout with him. The first steps out into the bright sand blind them all, as the rolling hills of yellow reflected the sun back at them. After their eyes adjusted, they marched around, then up their ridge, hoping to gain a better vantage-point. Lal'Ren crawled upon the Gnoll's shoulders and gazed all around. It truly was a massive desert, with no end in sight. As he scanned, his eyes locked on to something he could not quite understand. They were suppose to be alone here.... Yet about 30 miles away, stood what seemed to be giant wooden walls, topped with something white and large. Lal'ren pondered, and finally stumbled upon the dreaded truth. Orcs. He continues to look around, and about a mile north is surprised to see what looks like an oasis. Finally, due west,there seems to be a giant hill of sand, yet... many blackish objects march up and down it. Lal'ren shook his head disturbed, and ordered the party back inside.
The gnomes inside sat and felt useless. One suggested a simple blockade of the cave/hole, in fear of what might be down there. The rest of the party however decides that it needs to wait at least until extraction of the sand. A fire nearby, it was decided, was ultimately a bad decision, due to the explosive nature of the sand. They then turned their minds to research. How would they separate the oil from the sand. Traditional water and steam methods would not be perfect,as it would render the gunpowder useless. They would need some sort of magical liquid which was not wet, in which to separate the materials. The Female Gnomish inventor who had been tinkering the past few days brings up her ideas, including a new one about an alarm system, and they are met with a great response. However, it is decided that their materials were too low to begin working on such things.
From somewhere in the distance, what sounds like a howl is heard. It is a short, but vicious sound, and it seems to be coming in the ridge's general direction.