Walt stands beside Pax and observes the size of the gouges. 

“What say you? Do those look like they were made by bird talons?”

Survival check on the gouges: 9

The party files into the chamber.

Zartan take a cursory look over the bookshelves and tables. The bookshelves are stuffed with books and papers; the books seem to be a mix of fiction, histories, and more. Scattered across the drawing desk are nubs of charcoal and drawings; there are also drawers in the bottom of the desk.

The gouges are big but not massive – made by a Medium-sized creature, most likely, Walt and Pax figure. They're not inconsistent with big bird talons, but Walt finds it hard to be sure. (Pax may roll his own survival or nature check if he likes.)

Until further notice, Tuuli will take the last position in any single file, and keep an eye/ear out behind the party.

Tuuli looks at the gouges, and sighs. "Bet those were made by a giant demon owl."

Survival on the gouges: 22 (igl)

The gouges are definitely consistent with very large talons, Pax finds. It looks as if some huge bird had lashed out at the wall in anger.

Walt leans in to look at the books and he flips through them looking to see if there’s any notes scrawled on the pages or perhaps pieces of parchment tucked inside. He then turns his attention to the charcoal drawings. 

DM: Do any of the subjects of the books appear to be local? Perhaps history of the area or folklore and myths? How about the charcoal drawings?

Bendrak eyes the coins as they leave and scoffs. "Hmph, probably cursed anyway. Damned wizards messing with things they don't understand."

He runs his fingers along the gouges in the walls. Now this is something more familiar, no less scary though.

Walt examines the books. While none seem to be books of local folklore or myths, some appear to be old books of local history, but they are old-fashioned, dense, and would take some time to read to glean much information. (Make an Investigation check to look for notes or loose parchments.)

The sketches on the drawing desk range from mundane portraits and cityscapes to ghastly renditions of demonic faces with saucer-sized eyes. Some of the cityscape drawings have the legend “Los Gavilanes” on them. One sketch depicts an elegantly dressed tiefling, whom Walt recognizes as Itzmin. Numerous cityscapes show a distinctive vecindad, a manor house converted into apartments. Many of these sketches bear the caption “Home” written in a shaky hand. 

Zartan Investigation 11

Bendrak paces anxiously, trying to get a look out the exit to the room. "Gather your clues and let's move on before whatever bird made these scratches returns."

Zartan, skimming the books carefully with a keen eye for magic, finds some things that immediately interest him. Tucked among the books is a spell scroll, although it is unintelligible to him. He also finds a book containing rituals for the alarm, find familiar, and illusory script spells.

“Nice. Look what I found. If no one’s interested I’ll copy them into my spellbook “

"Nice find," says Aranor. "Go ahead, Zartan. I know a bit of magic, but my main skill lies with the blade."

Aranor goes over to study the gouges as well. He begins to feel a creeping unease as he studies the marks.

"It seems you are well versed in magic, Zartan. I once dabbled in the arcane arts myself but my other research pulled me away. Such as the study of birds! These claw marks are definitely made by a bird; genus Biggus Scratchius if I am not mistaken. Or a giant fiendish owl. We shall see. May I look at that scroll though?" If Zartan hands over the scroll, Pax will see if he can make sense of it. (Is the spell on the cleric spell list?)
Pax then considers the drawings, "I wonder if these were drawn by our Pazuzu cultist. It does seem odd that the drawings are done in such a neat hand that Itzmin is clearly recognisable, but the writing 'Home' so unsteady and childlike. Hmm. Shall we continue?"

Walt rolls up the charcoal drawings and stashes them in his pack. "I don't know who made these sketches, but I'm taking them with me. Yet again, more signs of Itzmin!"

Walt then spots the drawers. "Has anyone checked these drawers yet?" He casts produce flame and conjures up a small flame in the palm of his hand. He kneels down and illuminates the drawer and he attempt to see if the drawer might be rigged with a trap. "Might want to give me some space just in case this triggers something." Walt whispers the incantation for guidance before he begins to inspect the drawers.

Guidance: +1
Perception check: 19 (13+5+1)

IF Walt detects any signs of a trap, he won't open the drawers and he'll relay this info to the party.

IF he DOESN'T spot a trap, he will slowly open the drawers and rummage  through them.

Pax recognizes the spell on the scroll. It is a spell scroll of lesser restoration 

Walt examines the drawers of the drawing desk. They do not appear to be locked or trapped, so he opens and searches them. Amongst the otherwise empty drawers, Walt finds half of a hinged silver locket wrapped in paper. The locket contains a tiny pencil portrait of a warmly smiling woman. 

Zartan, thanking the others, places the book in his pack to copy into his spell book at a later time. He stays alert and looks about the room for any danger or things of interest.

Tuuli spends her time in the room starting to help with the scrolls, but the others have that handled, then with the drawers, but Walt has that handled, then she finally just stays on watch.

Bendrak looks over at the papers as they are being discussed. "Did anyone see a building like this before we came down here? Might be a place to visit later."

(Does the house in the picture look familiar?)

The house in the drawing looks not dissimilar to the style of architecture you've seen in San Citlán, but the drawing suggests someplace much more urban than anywhere you've seen to date in this land.

Tuuli watches and listens, but senses nothing but stillness and silence from the tunnels beyond. The western exit from this chamber slopes steeply downward and curves to the north.