This portal is heavily barred, for this is
the grisly pantry of Lubash the ogre. It currently
houses a pair of humans who have
undergone only mild torture, plus a badly
beaten gnome upon whom Lubash intended
to soon dine—a mere snack, and tough, but
a nice change nonetheless.

If rescued, the humans will admit to being
merchants. Both will promise large rewards
for their release, vowing to send the monies
to Hommlet as soon as they return to their
homes in Dyvers. Four weeks after their
release, a passing caravan will deliver 100 sp
per merchant to the rescuers.
If the merchants are rescued, their XP
value (14 each) is awarded to the party. If
slain, deduct 50 XP per merchant from the
party's total. Apply the same principle to
the gnome (XP 20).

The gnome was caught spying by some
gnolls, and he too will ask to be freed, giving
a plain iron ring to whomever first so
agrees. This ring is recognized 70% of the
time by gnomes within 100 miles of the AREA
as a sign that the bearer is an ally, thus making
it 25% more probable that they will be
friendly and helpful.

>> 26.