I remember in EFU A there were pickaxes for the lair where everyone slept after HBala awoke, maybe we could re add them to the module, make them the weight of an average mining pickaxe (7-9 lbs) but give them EFUSS mining skill (2 or 3) so that it balances out the weight. I feel like this would be more immersive than bashing it with a sword.
Pickaxes are available at Dort Weasenburry's shop in the house of trade. Not sure if one's available in lower.
Oh well I'll just call myself a noob and see my way out.