In response to the question about how many orcs are up the ladder, the Kobold held out both hands.
Kerwyn climbs up the ladder and sees a bunch of orcs lurking behind rough furniture and other obstacles.
After they see its just you, they come out to talk. You discover there are 1 male orc, a dozen female orcs, and half a dozen orcish children in the room.
The male orc, carrying a large axe, speaks, "By Gruumsh, I was all set to crush the intruders. You are lucky I recognized you in time. I could have beheaded you. You need to call out the password before climbing up the stairs. How was I supposed to know it was you if you don't call out the password?"