The mutilated corpses of several ogres are scattered about the chamber haphazardly. Their bodies bear multiple burns and slash marks from claws and teeth. The cavern itself is decorated with a number of faded runes, similar to the ones on Pahg’s forehead and etched in fire on the Inverted Guardians.
In the back of the chamber, partially excavated from the rubble, is a crackling translucent sphere of green plasma. There is one item lying inside the sphere – some kind of staff.
Weiman holds up a hand if you decide to approach the sphere, pointing to a number of the ancient green characters on the wall nearby. After a brief inspection, the halfling can tell the jade runes provide the trigger for a trap.
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Caradeum follows after Weiman, keeping his eyes open for traps. When the halfling finds one, Caradeum nods expectantly. Casting a quick cantrip, Caradeum detects for magic as he exmaines the runes.
"There is strong auras of abjuration on the sphere and the entire room. The runes are Thassilonian. I can makes out the word; "resistance," "mighty," "beneficial" and "magic.""
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Weiman's search includes a usage of Acute Senses to ensure it's as thorough as possible (as unneeded as it probably is.)
"No, I'm pretty sure this was an invite to the party whatshisfaces was so excited to paint his faces for."
Weiman also attempts to disable the trap, first taking 10 for 32, then if that attempt fails but doesn't kill anything, attempts at
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Many Pathfinders would be envious of the ease with which Weiman finds and bypasses a corroded copper switch, causing the green sphere to switch off like a ceramic Numerian light coil.
Unfortunately, the halfling’s actions raise additional energy fields a little deeper in the cavern complex. Weiman realizes (though he may not admit to it) that these barriers are beyond even his considerable ability to deactivate.
Nevertheless, the party’s prize in the form of the intriguing magical staff now lies within easy reach.
The staff may well be/have been a part of the Runelord of Envy’s private collection.
From outside you hear deep-voiced squabbling and the sound of the occasional tree being uprooted. Aakif estimates the sounds are travelling half a mile or so though the cool night air, but are definitely getting closer.
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Fendahl shows interest in the staff.
"Hrmm, interesting collection of magics for a group of giants without honor. Clubs and boulders are usually their entertainment ."
With the sound of the trees breaking, he shifts his attention to the cave exit, wondering if Kirrah is clear.
"As close as they sound we either need to leave soon or expect to defend in place. Anyone seeing the corpses outside will expect trouble ."
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Caradeum reaches out with a tentative hand and gingerly picks up the staff, studying it. "This is a very cool, enchanted staff! I will need to examine it more before I can discern its abilities."
Intent on examining the staff and only half-listening, Caradeum nods absently. "Hmmm? Yes. Quite right."
As Caradeum grasps the green-metal staff, he finds the item strangely cool, even to a Snowcaster’s touch.
With an item likely to intrigue the Pathfinder hierarchy secured, the party commences its early morning retreat through the crisp mountain air back to the Little Thunder Valley Floor.
Along the way, trampled vegetation and blood-stained footprints suggest the recent passage of a number of giant warbands, though the party never actually lays eyes on any enemy combatants. More concerning for Fendahl, is the absence of any trace of Kirrah …
As the group approaches Winter Hall, they notice a column of rising smoke. Investigation reveals a still-burning pyre containing three large bodies, situated some fifty yards from the lodge’s front door. Caradeum and Weiman confirm the bodies as those of three trolls.
Inside the building, the wooden furniture has been smashed and the body of yet another ogre is slumped over against a wall with its chest ripped open. Broken crates, bones and bottles litter the floor along with a broken ale barrel in which the decomposed torso of a half-orc has been deposited. Aakif and Brachus estimate the body has been lying there for at least a week.
Perhaps most telling is a notice smeared in blood on the wall behind Shrakas’ ‘throne.’
Of the one-eyed Troll Warlord and Hroku there is no sign.
♚✊♚✊
The Pathfinders cross the bridge east of the ex-dam site and in doing so bypass the Little Thunder battlefield. As you enter Averaka itself, you are welcomed by the townsfolk as the ‘Heroes of the Little Thunder.’
Drinks are thrust into your hands as Councillors Bravok and Tusk-Breaker greet you in bloodied battledress with broad smiles.
“Dhiara has told us what you did for Goose Company, Pathfinders,” Bravok grins. “As a token of our appreciation we are going to award each of you the Averakan Medal for Gallantry. I trust you found time to do what you needed to do for Ezrek?”
“But let me tell you of our GLORIOUS VICTORY!” the Tusk-Breaker interrupts.
“My idea of bypassing the forest to save time worked a treat!” The Kommandant *winks* at Fendahl. “We met the enemy in the lowlands and SMASHED their vanguard! A coupla Gorgnak’s lieutenants were slain and the Chief himself suffered a gut wound so bad he was forced to flee the field! Ha ha!”
“We set the giants’ cause back AT LEAST a decade!”
Councillor Bravok *clears* his throat once more.
“Void’s Darkness, Bravok! OK, OK. Averaka is safe for at least another six to twelve months. Oh, by the way, Hippie … Are you missing something?”
Kalla points to the Averaka Town Hall, where preparations for the Awards Ceremony and a Victory Feast are being organized by Suata Irontongue. The Councillor herself is currently taking a break, rubbing the tummy of a familiar lioness whose whole face is covered in cream!
Much eating, drinking and being merry occurs that night and the Pathfinder heroes are much in demand. The group is free to fulfil any promises they’ve made to the locals, before the time comes for them to re-board the Lionfish and sail back to Magnimar and then onto Absalom, where further missions undoubtedly await them.
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Fendahl bows deeply to the councilor Bravok and smiles in appreciation at the Kommandant description of the battle. Eventually, after formalities are exchanged, he makes a comment to the AWOL lioness.
"Hrrmm, Kirrah, I see you found your way back....to the pantry. I thought you were going to bring back help.