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After giving the freed slaves some time to get back on their feet, you lead them out of the caves. Thanks to some excellent guidance from the Pathfinders, all of the captives sidestep the rune traps and make it out safe. Unsure of the proper burial rites, Aquavius and Jeydahvu carry the Duskwarden's body home on an improvised stretcher.
After several hours of uneventful hiking through tunnels, you make it to the surface! Managing to make it back to the Common House without a guide, you are quickly ushered to speak to Halman Wright. Seeing only the Pathfinders first, he greets you with a tentative smile. "Pathfinders! Tell me, did you find them?" He looks like he would continue, but he cuts himself off as the first of the former slaves walks into the House. "I'm sorry. Please wait a moment. I need to make sure that they have everything that they need. " He walks past you, pausing only to pat your shoulder in appreciation. He walks out the door and you can here him apologize to the group from Nidal for the horrible experience that they had in reaching Kaer Maga. "I promise, on behalf of all of the Freemen, that we will do what we can to help you find your footing. This is Anva. He motions forward the heavily armed woman you spoke with earlier. "She will take over from here. " Anva steps up and takes charge, insisting that Halman talk to your group and leave the logistics to her. In a whirlwind of activity throughout the Common House, she arranges for the group of former captives to receive food, lodging, clothing, and treatment for their wounds. Meanwhile, Halman walks back through the door. "I'm sorry. Please, tell me what happened under the ground. "
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Wright shakes his head in disbelief. He says, “Some people underestimate kobolds, but they can be quite dangerous in familiar territory, and the ones you faced sound tougher than most.” He shakes his head, “They used the poor man to test their traps? In an act of worship? If you hadn’t acted quickly, I’m sure that more than one of the travelers would have lost their lives.” He sighs in disappointment. "You brought his body home? I will take it to the duskwardens personally. We need their help, and I will make sure he is given the highest respect."
He takes a brief step outside and whispers to Anva. Returning quickly, he looks at Fingalad. "The ettercaps are not surprising, those vermin are a continuous irritation to our city from below. The dark force however... that is quite interesting. Some ages-old trap, perhaps. Perhaps your society will know better." He straightens some papers on his desk then looks at each of you in turn, continuing. “Speaking of. You have done admirably here today. I would be happy to welcome you among our number, but I know you are busy with your work as Pathfinders. Still, all of you are certainly welcome to visit the Bottoms whenever you like. I will let your venture captain know that she has convinced me fully of the skill of your organization.”
On the way back to the Lodge, you receive a message from Venture Captain Heidmarch. "Well done, Pathfinders. The foothold you have made in Kaer Maga will greatly help us in the future. Safe journeys home."
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"Underground ain't my usual style, unless we're spelunkin'." Aquavius shrugs. "Still, a job's a job. When you need help, and you will, call us Pathfinders." She smiles at Wright.
"But for now, we're going drinking at the finest bar in town! Who's coming with me? I got some sea shanties to tell that will scare these landlubbers so much they'll bury themselves underground! Haha!"