One Last Task...
Pondren mentions the following: "Those of us who aren't staying should return to Oerth. We can use Fandekar's mirror to open a portal to Oerth, specifically, to the cave entrance where the Arch of Ages resides. We can step through now, and await Jynx and Sphynx's arrival. We'll know when the spell is complete, because the portal will disappear. Resetting the plane will destroy any structures that were pre-existing, including Fandekar's tower, and all of its contents. But again, as I have stated before, we should probably make use of a Commune spell, to see if there are any non-zombified plane inhabitants who need rescuing, prior to casting the spell."
Without waiting for a response, Pondren sits down, closes his eyes, and begins to cast the Commune spell. He pulls some incense from his pocket, along with a small, 1" diameter metal disk. He places the disk on the floor, and then places the incense on top of it. He then lights the incense using a minor cantrip, which allows the tip of his finger to momentarily become the wick of a lit candle. Once the incense is burning well, he begins to chant a song to Rudd. Everyone here is familiar with the spell, and allows him to chant undisturbed for 10 minutes. When the chanting stops, everyone hears him ask:
1. Oh mighty goddess, are there any sentient creatures on this plane who have not been affected by the positive energy zombification?
As expected, no one but Pondren hears the answer. But his responses are encouraging.
2. Are there more than 10 of these survivors?
3. Are there two or more of these survivors?
4. Is the lone survivor within 5 miles of the tower?
5. Is the lone survivor within 10 miles of the tower?
Pondren, eyes still closes, says "Aha. I see."
6. Is the lone survivor in or near the Stone Giant village?
7. Is the lone survivor a human or demihuman?
8. Is the lone survivor a Stone Giant?
9. Is the lone survivor hurt, sick, injured, or malnourished?
10. Is the lone survivor in eminent danger of attack?
11. Is the lone survivor hiding in the Stone Giant castle?
12. Is the lone survivor hiding in one of the houses of the Stone Giant village?
13. Is the house in the Northern section of the village?
14. Is the house in the Southern section of the village?
15. Is the house in the Eastern section of the village?
16. Is the house one level tall?
17. Is the lone survivor hurt or injured?
18. Is the lone survivor sick?
19. Is the lone survivor on the verge of starvation?
...After these questions have been asked, Pondren ends the spell and opens his eyes. "There is a lone survivor, a Stone Giant nobleman, who is locked up inside his two-story house in the Eastern section of the village. He is uninjured, and apparently, he is not in eminent danger of attack from the other giant zombies. They are probably unaware of his presence. However, he is low on food, and suffering from extreme hunger & undernourishment. He's probably scared out his mind as well. We should help this poor soul, I believe we could do so easily."