"I'd rather none of us went into any grave for a while." Pardot says as the others discuss. He then looks at the box and offers guidance, and help to any who would investigate it.

"Just be careful Ludolf," Triäsa urges. "Pardot, you found a key and something else, right? If they was for the lock, then maybe the other things were for the metal box?"

Ludolf chuckles at Daventry's joke and nods to Pardot and Triäsa before taking a closer look at the metal box, making sure to not uncover the part with the symbol for now.
Investigation with help from Pardot: 15 + Guidance: 3 trying to find a way to open it, using telekinesis to investigate.

“They were only simple cuff links.” Pardot replies about the things he found, but pulls them out, along with the key, and sees if the box has any reaction to them, reminding Ludolf to avoid eye contact with them if possible.

Ludolf make a DC 12 Wisdom Save or become frightened of the symbol for 1hr. 

Will tell you the rest of your results following the results of this roll

(Stated he tried to not uncover the part with the symbol but okay.)
Ludolf Wis save: 17

(Oh sorry, I missed that will save the roll for the future if needed)

You look at what parts of the box you can see as well as probing it with your mind and taking care to not touch it and manipulating the object with your telekinesis. You do not see any cracks or faults in the platinum. There is no where to place the key or broaches and there is no reaction to these objects. You can not sense anything a consciousness or an ability to communicate. As best as you can tell it is just a small metal box without an obvious way inside.

"No apparent way to open this. Perhaps we could try the cuff links then." Ludolf suggests. If Pardot let's him he will telekinetically move a cuff link to touch the box, trying to move it so that the symbol on the cuff link touches the symbol of the box, without looking at the symbols.
(If necessary to look, just use that save I rolled earlier if okay :-)

The cuff links and the key make a soft metal *clink* as they touch the box but other than the sound of metal on metal nothing happens

"I'm sorry but I don't really see a way forward with finding this portal other than laying myself into my grave." Ludolf says, looking in turn at the others, sounding determined, handing the box back to Pardot before turning to ascend the ladder and make his way back to the graveyard.

Triäsa says nothing in response to Ludolf's firm tone.  Once back up the ladder she keeps right next to Ludolf, her hand keeping a firm hold of the edge of his cloak.  

You will all arrive at the graveyard and find the ravens waiting for you, almost if your return was inevitable. The mist continues to fill the land pouring from Ludolf's grave. Your wanderings and investigation have taken much of the day and while there is still 3-4 hours of light much of the day is spent.

(What did you all do with the silver box and journal when you left the cellar?)

"So, this is it, no point in hesitating." Ludolf says looking at the last light and then at the others again in turn, his gray piercing eyes lingering on Triäsa for a brief moment before turning to Daventry. "Lower me down with Thavol's rope now." He says with determination, ready to go down into his grave. "Oh, and take good care of Edgar will you." He says to Triäsa as he starts the descent, Edgar leaving his shoulder and flying over to Triäsa.

(Daventry took the box and Ludolf gives the journal to Triäsa.)

Daventry shakes her head.

"Don't be melodramatic, Ludolf. You will be fine, if maybe a bit muddy when your feet hit the bottom. And if not, well, we'll be right behind you."

"I wish I could be that calm about this Daventry." Ludolf says and gives Daventry a weak smile before climbing on down.

(OOC: To be honest both Ludolf and his player are a bit worried about this move, but I'll be glad to hear Dav say "Told you so." shortly. Either way it was about time we had some drama again, right ;-)

Not quite sure what to actually expect, Pardot is keeping his eyes alert, especially to those crows above ((Perception 26)). Just before Ludolf climbs down, Pardot goes up and places a hand up on Ludolf’s arm, saying ”May the Bear protect you friend. From whatever it is that is down there.” ((Granting 7 temp hp - I hope this is the best ability to use here…))

Ludolf gives Pardot and quick nod. "Thanks." He says before disappearing into the mist and down the grave.

With an understandable amount of trepidation Ludolf is slowly lowered into his grave. The mist quickly covers his feet and legs and in a moment your friend has disappeared, completely obscured by the mist. 

Everything is oddly quiet for a moment then a single shriek is heard from Edgar who then disappears from existence.

I am going to move the game to DMs for a bit. :) Incoming messages in a bit.

"Aw, **** me." Daventry says. She ties a knot in the rope of climbing and secures it to the base of the headstone. "Stay tied here," she commands the rope.

One hand holding onto the rope, she looks at the rest of the party just a moment, before she jumps down into the grave.