G2 - Lower Level

This area is basically natural formations, with some rough-hewn connecting passages and enlargements made here and there. Passages are about 25 feet high, while the roofs of small caverns are 30 feet to 40 feet high, those of the large ones 45 feet to 60 feet tall. Light in this area comes from torches and cressets which are actually cages for fire beetles, the latter mostly in the part inhabited by the Jarl. Survivors of attacks on the level above will most likely make a stand in area 1 below or attempt to hide in area 3 below if weak and hotly pursued.

Lower Level Wandering Monsters

Encounter occurs 1 in 10; check each turn. 

  1. Frost Giants [4] making the rounds
  2. Ogres [3 – 12] on an errand for the Jarl
  3. Frost Giantesses [3] and Ogre Servants [3] out for a walk
  4. Frost Giant [1] and Winter Wolves [3] searching for possible intruders (ONLY if party is known to be around)

Lower Level Rooms and Areas

B. Positions of large boulders.

1 · Grand Entry Cavern

This place is obviously meant to be impressive, as its walls bear carvings of battle and hunting scenes in bas-relief. These carved scenes show giants slaying enemies, hunting dragons and other fearsome monsters, and so on. Torches burn at intervals along its length. The boulder closing the passage to the west is well concealed and looks much like the normal cavern walls, so treat it as a hidden door.

2 · Vaulted Cavern

The noise of moving the boulder which closes the place off from the rest of the complex will awaken the two white dragons kept herein. A large ancient male rests atop a heap of treasure: 72,000 sp, 17,320 ep, 2,966 pp, eight silver boxes filled with ivory (weight 3,000 gp each, value 4,500 gp ivory, 1,500 gp each per box), one alabaster statue (4,000 gp value), seven white marble statues of no great worth, a scattering of 1,900 1 gp base value gems, 11 pewter serving pieces of small worth, 24 various weapons (a dagger +2 among them), nine shields, eight suits of armor (including a silvered set of black chainmail +3), 27 urns of small value, and 61 bottles and flasks which have no value except for one which holds poison, one which is a potion of fire resistance, and another two which hold potions of diminution and polymorph (self). The ancient male is directly against the portion of rock which splits the entry to the lair into a north passage and an east passage, and he will surprise intruders on a 3 in 6 basis. His mate is at A. 

A. This location is a ledge with a cave like recess, the whole being about 30 feet above the floor of the cavern. On the ledge a medium-sized, very old female dragon, the mate of the ancient male, hides and watches to see who enters the place. Frost giants bearing treasure to dump on the pile are the only acceptable intruders, for all feeding is done personally by the Jarl and his wife who bring tender morsels to their pets. The female dragon will fly silently to the aid of the male, surprising opponents 4 / 6. She hides twelve gems, eight opals, and four diamonds (1,000 gp each).

Encounter:
Very Old Female White Dragon
Ancient White Dragon

3 · Storage Cave

The place contains some remnants of carcasses, a few broken boxes with provisions that are spoiled, some spilled sacks containing moldering grain, casks of wine turned to vinegar and stove-in ale barrels.

4 · Deserted Cavern

There are broken items of giant furniture here and there — tables, benches, stools, chairs. Burned out torches are in wall cressets. There are three skeletons of frost giants plainly visible near the center of the cavern. About 4,000 gp are scattered around these bones, and a man-sized shield +1 also lies nearby. The monsters at location B will attack any creatures. 

A. Frost giant skeleton half buried under stone rubble. The clear indication here is that the giant was attempting to flee north for escape from the cave-in of a passage south (behind the rubble) but he failed to make it and was killed by falling rock. One of the giant skeletal hands clutches an iron tube with a map which shows the Grand Entry Cavern (area 2) as a storage place, area 3, area 4 as the Great Hall of Jarl, and a passage south (where the rubble is) which supposedly leads to various barracks rooms, the Jarl’s private chamber, and a treasure room, the passage going 60 feet south and then leading to a complex of 10 caves and caverns. Of course, this is a ruse, cleverly laid by those who motivate the giants… 

B. Six ice toads inhabit this area. They are very hungry, and if any creatures come near them they will seek to kill and devour them.

Encounter: Ice Toads [6]

5 · Entrance Cavern

This is the actual entrance to the Jarl’s complex. It is always guarded by two large frost giants with weapons and boulders. One will fight while the other sounds a great iron horn hung on iron chains from above. The horn requires 1 full round to reach, and another round to wind. There is no treasure here.

Encounter: Frost Giants [2]

6 · Emissaries’ Cavern

Five ogre magi, recently arrived from the Lord of their kind, are here. They have had audience with the Jarl, and after a special wassail to be held on the morrow they will depart for home with a treaty scroll. This scroll is signed (a special mark) by the Jarl and offers the Lord of Ogre Magi 100,000 gp value in gems, plus whatever loot his minions garner, if they will join the war upon mankind in this territory. Each monster bears a pouch with 10 gems worth 500 gp each (tokens from the Jarl). 

A small iron casket in possession of the largest ogre mage holds a gift to the Lord of ogre magi, a trick box with 18 plates of platinum (100 gp each), 18 plates of electrum (10 gp each), and 18 plates of silver (2 gp each). They slide in secret combination to open a small magical box of holding. (Although the container is but ten inches long, by six inches wide, by four inches deep, it will hold 3 cubic feet of material of 3,000 gp weight. whichever is the lesser.) The box opens by sliding plates on the left, then the top, then the right end in platinum, electrum, silver order on each end, the reverse on the top. If any plate which slides is moved out of order, a tiny poisoned pin will punch into the member holding the box (hits any armor class on 12 or better, –4 on poison saving throw). The box contains 2,000 gp and 2 potions (frost giant control and cloud giant strength). 

The ogre magi leader also wears a necklace of missiles (5 Fireballs of 7, 5, 5, 3, and 3 dice, respectively) and he will not hesitate to use it. The positions of the ogre magi are indicated by circled numbers.

Encounter: Ogre Magi [5]

7 · Guest Cavern

A torchlit, tapestried place, with skins and hides covering the floor, and a bed heaped with pelts. There is a chest, a bag, a table, two chairs and a small cabinet here. The cloud giant who is the current guest has just agreed to join the Jarl as his chief henchman (and hopes to end up replacing the Jarl and ruling the rift himself). The chest holds 11,000 gp, and the giant wears a silver belt set with ivory and gems (one ruby, two violet garnets, four fire opals, and twelve zircons, worth 3,000 gp in all).

Encounter: Cloud Giant

8 · Prison Cavern

Several torches light the place dimly. A storm giantess who is comely to those of her ilk (and is strong and fights as if she were a male) is chained on the north wall with huge manacles at the wrists and ankles. A fur rug in the middle of the place bears a table and two chairs. Upon the table are heaps of food on golden platters (six, each worth 500 gp), in silver bowls (three, each worth 100 gp), and two huge flagons of ivory set with six gems (100 gp each) set to tantalize her into submitting to the Jarl’s will and becoming his leman. This durance vile makes her a friend to any who rescue her, although evil characters will cause this aid to be of brief duration. (Characters of the same alignment will have an ally for the duration of the adventure in the rift, while those of obviously opposite alignment will be deserted one or two encounters after freeing her.)

Encounter: Olgani, Storm Giantess

9 · Servants’ Quarters Cavern

Sixteen ogres dwell here at the present time. They each have their own pile of hides and rags for sleeping, a wooden box for their goods, a peg for their outer garments, and a sack. Each ogre has from one to 100 each sp, ep, and gp in his box or bag. They serve the Jarl willingly and fight fiercely.

Encounter: Ogres [16]

10 · Antecavern

Four frost giant guards are alert here at all times. Each has a club, spear, and throwing boulder at hand. They will shout to alert the guards to the south if intruders enter their area. They have no treasure.

Encounter: Frost Giants [4]

11 · Great Caverns of the Jarl

This is where all the special functions and feasts take place. Various tables and benches now line the east and west walls, pushed out of the way until a time of need. Caged fire beetles dimly illuminate the place, and the area appears completely deserted, for guard posts A and B are more than 30 feet above the floor and hidden in dark shadow. 

A & B. Each of these ledges holds a watchful frost giant armed with a ballista which he can fire once per round. Each has four spear-missiles for his ballista, two boulders, and his club. Neither has any treasure. Dmg 4 – 24 or 3 – 18 (5−30).

Encounter: Frost Giants Guards with ballista [2]

12 · Audience Alcove and Throne Dais

A huge ivory and bone throne decorated with skulls, silver and gems rests at the back of the place. Behind it is a white dragon hide, and before it is the skin of a huge polar bear. An alabaster table and three ivory stools are to the forefront of the throne, the seats of the Jarl’s lieutenants. It is unlit and empty now. 

The throne weighs 600 pounds (of silver) and has the following gems inset: one small diamond (5,000 gp) and 40 huge but dull ones (actually quartz, 10 gp each), eight topaz (three of oriental type worth 1,000 gp each, the others 500 gp each), 10 inset pieces of amber (100 gp each) and 20 citrines (50 gp each).

13 · Guard Area

Two frost giants look east and west at all times. They have clubs and two boulders each. If an intruder is seen, they will sound a large gong on the north wall. They have no treasure.

Encounter: Frost Giant Guards [2]

14 · Kitchen Cave Complex

Three fire giantesses and four ogres are in the west spur roasting a horse over the natural fire pit there and otherwise readying the Jarl’s food. Various foods and furniture and utensils are about the main room and the east arm. Amidst piled foodstuffs to the north are 4 human captives in a cage. They are not fighters or otherwise useful, nor will they bring any ransom, but they can warn the party of what lies in the areas 15, 16, and 17.

Encounter:
Fire Giantesses [3]
Ogres [4]

15 · Weapons Cave

Here are stored 62 throwing rocks, 16 shields, 29 spears, 10 clubs, and 9 helmets, all of frost giant size. There are also nine battle axes which the giants can hurl, and a chain-mail shirt of giant size.

16 · Common Quarters Cavern

There are one male frost giant, 12 giantesses, and nine young about the place. There are bed piles of skins and hides, a few stools, 11 large boxes, 5 chests, and many pegs with 14 capes and 9 bags hanging from them. Under the 9th box is a hole with 19,560 gp in it. If the male is killed, the others will not fight unless they are also attacked.

Encounter:
Frost Giant
Frost Giantesses [12]
Frost Giant Young [9]

17 · Kennel Cave

The Jarl’s hunting pack of four polar bears are kept here. There are two males and two females; jeweled collars on the males have eight gems each, the females’ have six gems (all 100 gp each). They are very quiet (surprise 4/6) and will attack immediately.

Encounter: Polar Bears [4]

18 – 19 · Caverns of the Jarls

These large caverns provide quarters for the frost giant gentry. There is a cot, chest, chair or stool, and several hides and skins for each inhabitant. They are lit by torches and a few fire beetles. There are many pegs holding cloaks, capes and bags along the walls. Four huge lockers, three hampers, and six wardrobes arc in various places. Each male giant in the place has 2,000 – 8,000 gp plus his armband (as described in Area 8 of the upper level). Each female has 1,000 – 4,000 gp. The young have no treasure. 

Room 18:

Encounter:
Frost Giant [9]
Frost Giantesses [11]
Frost Giant Young [8]

Room 19:

Encounter:
Frost Giant [3]
Frost Giantesses [4]
Frost Giant Young [4]

20 · Jarl’s Antecavern and Trophy Hall

The western spur of the cavern is a private audience hall, with pelts and skins on the walls and floors, a table, and four chairs. On the end wall hang two normal shields, a heavy crossbow of speed, two non-magical two-handed swords, and a pair of huge decayed ivory tusks (worth 10 gp). Some worthless scrolls are on the table. There are three chairs and two tables in the western area, the trophy hall, which has actual rugs upon its floor. On the south wall are a great number of items, including:

Some worthless furs and tapestries showing other triumphs by the Jarl hang on the short north walls. There are several illuminated by caged fire beetles. There are well-worn steps, each about 3 feet high, at the eastern end of the place. Thick leathery hides screen the cavern from area 21.

21 · Jarl Grugnir’s Private Cavern

The forepart of this area is filled with a huge table, four chairs, three wardrobes, five chests, five trunks, and seven coffers. The walls are hung with heavy tapestries and various pelts and skins, all of no particular worth. Grugnir, Jarl of the Frost Giants sits at the table in his chain jack, with a huge shield +1, +4 vs. missiles nearby, his sword at his hip (a non-magical two-handed sword which the Jarl wields in one hand, for +4 ​“to hit” and damage) and a platinum drinking horn set with eight gems (1,000 gp value each, jewelry value 9,000 gp) in his hand. Across the table is his ​“Lady” with a cloak of saber tooth tiger hide about her, an iron mace at her hip, and a gold flagon set with eight gems (500 gp value each, jewelry value 6,000 gp) in her hand. Two huge winter wolves crouch under the table, and these pets will note even invisible intruders due to their keen sight, hearing and sense of smell. 

All the various containers in the room contain clothing and useless items except as follows: 

The eastern portion of the cavern is partially screened off by hangings. There is a huge bed, a small table, a chair, two stools, a chest, a trunk, and various odds and ends of clothing, armor, and weapons here and there. The walls are hung with pelts and rugs of no worth. The lid of the trunk has a secret drawer in it which contains six parchment scrolls in tubes: 

These tubes will be taken by the Jarl if he is forced to flee and has time to get them.

Encounter:
Grugnir, Jarl of the Frost Giants
Lady Amgroth
Winter Wolves — Bez and Rebez [2]

A. Behind the wall hangings on the eastern portion of the north wall is a hidden escape tunnel. It is a natural passage about 1 mile long which turns south and exits at the base of the mountain/​glacier area, out of sight of any near the rift. The alcove to the northwest appears empty, but if it is examined with care there is a 1 in 6 chance per person examining the area that they will note a thick iron bar protruding from the wall at about 10 feet above the floor. The bar moves downward and transports whatever or whoever is standing on the floor of the alcove to a spot some 50 feet distant from the entrance to Snurre’s Hall (the Hall of the Fire Giant King). 

An apparently empty ledge along the southwest wall is the resting place of an iron box, totally invisible, and strongly locked. Unless powerful magical sight (i.e. true seeing, gem of seeing, etc.) is employed, it is detectable only 1 in 6, with but one chance for any party, for the magic on the chest is strong and it does not radiate any magic or clue. The box contains poison gas which will form a cloud 30 feet per side, and any within it must save versus poison at –3 (the contents intended are to be taken to the fire giant’s stronghold and given as gifts to the dark elves behind the uprising). 

In the iron box are:

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