I tried it that way to see if it gave more experience. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/badsmile2.gif" alt="" /> Immediately after giving Balin the necklace, I ran to where Jonah was..... to find a large blood splatter, a few potions and a guard standing 3 feet away. No wonder you don't get any help with the orcs; they can't even stop a hit in broad daylight in the middle of a public place.