IV. War Room Secrets

General Summary

Entering a bedroom that looked fancier than the others they had scouted thus far, the party accidentally startled and subsequently had to defend themselves against a Cave Bear. Tharduin took on the bear as an equal when he wildshaped into a cave bear as well. Once the bear was slain, the party checked the room and found an armoire full of giant-sized dresses, some of which Ubba Uthred tried on. Based on the decor, it seemed that the room likely belonged to Chief Nosnra's wife--and the bear was likely her pet. After this, Tharduin wildshaped into a wolf spider to spy on the giants in the dining hall and came back with information on the occupants. He witnessed a grotesque scene wherein the giants berated a servant for the wait time on food and then proceeded to eviscerate and eat the servant. Tharduin noted that the dining hall was occupied by twelve Hill Giants (including Chief Nosnra and his wife), a Stone Giant, a Cloud Giant, seven giant servants, six Ogre, one cave bear, and a hill giant fool called Teedle who wore an iron key around his neck. With this new information, the party discussed the possibility of turning the Ogres against the giants, seeing how poorly they had been treated. Moving on with their mission, the party entered Chief Nosnra’s trophy room. Inside was a massive fireplace over which shields from various settlements within the empire were hung, as well as skins, skulls, and stuffed carcasses of various beasts. In this room, the party found a mysterious note addressed to Chief Nosnra:

Esteemed Nosnra, I am disappointed to hear your guests have troubled you so. I have made arrangements with the Tusk Takers to take care of your little problem for you. Set them to task once they arrive, and it shall trouble you no longer. Your focus, and your admirable cleverness, is needed elsewhere. Augsdorf requires you and your warband’s adroit touch. Leave no survivors this time. Show the imperial curs what you are capable of. The Jarl will send reinforcements through the chain in a fortnight. I look forward to news of Augsdorf’s annihilation. Faithfully,
Alevdra

At this point, the party considered taking a rest, but ultimately decided to continue on when they found the entrance to a secret room…