Looks like a stinger from a barb, but otherwise hard to tell. Whatever it was, it killed Matreous.

‘Let’s head back down to the others.’ Orvok says to Hino. ‘We shouldn’t let anyone be alone right now, with whatever killed Matreus around...’

Barbär hearing of Matreous' fate, and seeing the sigil, looks at the ceilings for any insect like things. Perc: 19

Well. Maybe not the best thing that we left him alone. But he did suggest it himself. Makes me wonder if he was alive the entire time, or just reanimated. This runic circle though...

Barbär will cast identify on the circle

Hino, on guard for anything nefarious, follows Orvok back downstairs. Her duty is to protect Isa.

To Isa...”You are very brave, for a fleshling. Most meat bags would rather curl up and suck the thumbs when in the presence of death. But you, my dear, only became more determined. For that, I pledge my blade to protect you.”

Barbar, it's a demonic summoning circle.

Once everyone has reassembled Emporious says, "Right then, onward shall we?" He presses back against the wall while sweeping his arm in front of him in the direction of the next room. "Oh and the command word is not Library." 

Looking over at Hino as she commends her “This isn’t my first taste of death” she murmurs. “I..... I grew up with death all around me and learned to survive and keep my head down when I needed to.”

Trying to avoid the pain of her past she changes the focus quickly “Anyone here familiar with alchemy and want any of these vials of chemicals?” She asks. 

‘Slow down Emporius, or you’ll risk getting us all killed. We need information here, not speed.’ says Orvok, firmly, before looking over to Barbär ‘What can you tell about the circle, Barbär? What do we need to be aware of?’

The circle is drawn in charcoal.

Barbär will say to the group, "Everyone, theres a demonic summoning circle here!" As he attempts to scrub pieces off as to stop it from being a full circle.

"As you wish." concedes Emporious. 

‘So here’s the rules...’ says Orvok ‘No-one goes anywhere alone. We have a demon in here with us, and it’s tough enough that it killed Matreus fast, before he could shout out...’ he pauses to let that sink in. ‘We do this slow and careful from here out, and maybe we get to walk out of this...’

Hino's grin of determination reflects in her cartoonishly large sword, currently drawn and held at the ready as she protects those who are continuing to look around the mansion for clues.  "I'll keep an eye on Isa's little heinie....you other muscles keep an eye on the other fragile ones." Hino casually mentions to Barbär and Orvok.

Well met. Both good ideas. Everyone keep your wits about you. And Emporious, sir, take this...

Barbär clenches his fist, displacing like flecks of embers off of burnt paper, and a shimmering field surrounds Emporious, increasing his AC by 2

"Very peculiar. the man survives on his own for two days in this place, yet the moment we show up, he turns up dead...." He looks around at the party....then spots the circle.

"Ohh perhaps I can call home, tell them I'll be late for dinner..." Mav says with a chuckle.

‘Right then...’ says Orvok, ‘Let’s try the next room. I’ll go first, then Mav, then Emporious, Isa, Hino and Barbär, you bring up the rear?’

(M19 please, maestro)

"Agreed." sas Emporious in response to Orvock's declaration. Turning to Barbär he offers  nod of gratitude recognizing an enchantment when he sees one. " Many thanks."

He mentally prepares his own shield spell.

Barbär gives a nod.

Not everyone can wear full plate, hinders them. And i surely don't want you to be hindered. Id like to see what you got!

Onward then?

Barbär will make his way back to the main hallway on this floor

Taking the warnings to heart, Emporious reverses the motions used to place Archimedes in a pocket dimmension thus returning the owl to his perch on the wizards shoulder and takes his place in the procession..

M19 - PRESERVED MENAGERIE

Smells of alcohol and brine permeate this room. Glass vessels large and small stand in rows on the floor and tables, ranging from one foot to six feet tall. Inside each vessel is the body of a creature floating in clear liquid. One four-foot-tall container is missing its lid and has no occupant.