“I mean, I think Hazel’s theory is plausible enough that we should at least carry it with us but even though I know how to fight with it and wielding it with both hands should do more damage than my rapier the truth is I’m not much of a melee combatant.” He admitted pointing to the tiller of his crossbow. Gaunt as his was one would need to put in some effort to imagine the shadar-kai fighting on the frontlines and withstanding much punishment. “Blades are more of a last resort to me. The longsword will be better in Svetlana hands if we need it.”

As Mitten and Hazel searched the first room, Lorin watched. Not for a moment he was entirely convinced the monster, or at least a monster, wouldn’t appear. The secret pattern on the tapestry made little to alleviate the impression. Serpents and skulls by themselves were seldom attached to anything good, let alone both together. He understood that grim and grotesque could be used in art. To contrast with beauty or to keep the memory of horrors past. But that was not the case there. The way the things were put there made him think of Thieves’ Cant – as far as he could tell they were a secret message. But what did it mean?

“Poison, treason, evil, punishment.” The rogue started listening the first things the images evoked. “Death, decay, end, evil.” It was then that he heard about the locked cabinets. “Ok, let’s try opening it.” He approached taking a lockpick from his pocket. Good thing I left it easy to reach. “But first, let’s check if there’s any traps set on the cabinets. I’ll help you.”

Lorin said to Mittens. Up to that point the Tabaxi had proved his eye rather keen for detail. The kind that was likely to notice signs of tempering and wiring. Better safe than sorry, thought Dubois. Specially in a house with a monster and a potential curse.

Notes: Lorin asks Mittens to investigate the cabinets looking for traps and if the Tabaxi accepts the Shadar-kai takre the help action (so hopefully Mittens can do a Investigation Check with advantage).

Mittens points out the skulls and snakes within the shapes and patterns on the walls. “Hmm, that’s comforting,” he remarks offhandedly. Why did he choose to come into this house again?

When Lorin asks him to take a look at the cabinets, he shrugs and says, “Sure can!” Looking to the others that decided to check out this room with them, he says, “Make sure nothing jumps out at us. Some of you could even check out the other rooms. Ya know, do a whole ‘divide and conquest’ type thing.”

Turning his attention back to the cabinets, he hunches over them and with a look of concentration on his face, he says, “Alright Pooky, let’s see what we got here…”

Investigation: 7

As the group delved deeper into the mysteries of the Durst household, Hazel's attentiveness to her surroundings grew ever sharper. The ambiance of the room, decorated with animal trophies and draped in shadows, seemed to echo the somber themes that haunted their conversation. The discovery of skulls and serpents woven into the wallpaper by Mittens added a chilling undercurrent to their exploration, hinting at hidden dangers or secrets long concealed within these walls.

Hazel stood quietly by as Mittens and Lorin discussed the potential risks associated with the cabinets. Her gaze lingered on the intricate wallpaper, contemplating the possible meanings behind the grim patterns. "Symbols such as these," Hazel mused aloud, "often hold more than aesthetic value. They might signify the family's history or intentions, or perhaps serve as a warning to those who know how to read them."

As the group considered splitting up to cover more ground, Hazel felt a twinge of caution stir within her. "Dividing our efforts could expedite our search, true," she conceded, her voice low and thoughtful. "However, we must be wary not to stretch ourselves too thin, lest we encounter something we are ill-prepared to face alone. This house, with its locked secrets and eerie adornments, may hold more than just architectural intrigue."

Turning to address the group collectively, Hazel suggested, "Perhaps we should ensure at least a pair explores together. The buddy system, as mundane as it sounds, could prove vital here. Especially if what lurks within is as sinister as the decor suggests."

Her attention then shifted back to the task at hand. "Lorin, Mittens, your skills with locks and traps are invaluable here. If you like please proceed with care, and let us know if you find anything that could further enlighten us about the Durst family or the nature of the threat we face."

As the room was methodically searched, Hazel remained vigilant, her senses tuned to any slight sound or movement. The oppressive atmosphere of the hunting den, with its silent witnesses mounted on the walls, seemed to press in around them, a constant reminder of the gravity of their undertaking. Each unlocked cabinet, each revealed secret, could be a step closer to understanding or a misstep into danger.

"Let us proceed with both our minds and our senses sharp," Hazel concluded, her voice a steady beacon in the gathering darkness. "What we uncover here could shape our understanding of this place and perhaps guide us to the answers we seek about the monster and the children's fate."

Uncia shrugged again as Lorin declined the offer to take the longsword. "Fine with me," she told the shadar-kai elf, "they're your weapons after all, so you'd know best." She'd just wanted to make absolutely sure that no one passed up any valuable equipment on what was likely to be a dangerous quest. If no one had any objections, maybe Uncia would take it on the way out to sell for some coin later - her lifestyle was not so extravagant that she could afford to pass up opportunities like this. The sword was too heavy and unwieldy for her to carry throughout the house while fending off potential danger.

As the party explored the newly opened room in the mansion, Uncia's sight came to rest on the oak table as Lorin and Mittens struggled to open the locked cabinets. She picked up one of the wooden goblets in her free hand and twirled it loosely. After everything that had happened so far this evening she could use a drink, though she knew she needed her wits about her for what was likely yet to come further on in their exploration of the house, not to mention what the owners of the house might have put in the wine cask. "Would anyone like a glass of wine?" she asked sardonically.

Investigation check (for table): 19

You aren't able to determine anything special about the cabinets. They just look and seem like regular cabinets. Similarly, Uncia doesn't see anything off about the table or the goblets. If it weren't for Rose and Thorn's strange appearance and the ghostly mist outside, you could almost believe everything was normal.

The last of the Dusk Elf maidens examines the disturbing figures hidden in the tapestry together with Lorin. She tries to continue brainstorming on serpents and skulls: "Maybe even deception, stealth, danger, subtlety... Who knows? Maybe this is the nature of the 'monster'... Maybe it's a creature that kills by ambushing - or worse yet in a subtle way. We'll really have to be careful, it seems".

'Oh, of course, Svetlana...' the Voices in her head comment sarcastically 'Only now that you have already embarked on this mission, does it occur to you to be careful...'
'You would have been more careful to run away!'
'To be careful I need to be able to think clearly...' retorts Svetlana 'And your constant comments don't exactly help with this!'

As soon as she manages to focus on exploration again, the savage wanderer notes, with relief, that the first room she chose seems harmless enough (even if the memory of serpents and skulls doesn't leave her at peace). But when her fellow adventurers mention the possibility of split up, she thinks of a particular cemetery she once came across... There was a section dedicated to adventurers - and on each grave, as an epitaph, there were the last words of the unfortunate fellow. Michal The Hasty's grave had just the epitaph: 'Let's split up!' - and some nearby graves had epitaphs like 'Yes, why not?', 'What could go wrong?', 'We'll meet again soon'. In fact, they had met again, in a way... but she thinks that such a way wasn't what they had in mind. She therefore advises: "In my opinion, since we are not in a hurry, it is better for us to stay together. Our numbers are one of the small advantages we have. Let's not throw it away".

Svetlana then lights the chandelier that hangs above the table and tries not to look at the stuffed creatures. 'Did I look like that, while I was petrified and the years flew around me, like autumn leaves, without my realizing it?' She looks instead at Mittens and Lorin, who should have finished opening the cabinets by now...

As the group delved deeper into the eerie silence of the Durst household, Hazel's senses were tuned to the subtlest shifts in the atmosphere—the whisper of dust settling, the faint creak of aged wood underfoot, the almost imperceptible rustle of the tapestry as the air moved through the room. Her gaze often returned to the intricate designs of skulls and serpents that Mittens had pointed out, contemplating their possible significance.

"These symbols," Hazel remarked thoughtfully, echoing Svetlana's earlier reflections, "may indeed speak to the nature of what we face. Deception, stealth, danger—these are not merely traits of a beast but could also be the characteristics of this house itself. It feels as though every corner holds a breath, waiting to exhale secrets long held."

As Uncia offered wine from the oak table, Hazel couldn't help but smile faintly at the gesture, recognizing the attempt to lighten the mood, however sardonically. "A tempting offer, Uncia, but perhaps we should keep our senses as sharp as our wits," she responded her tone light but her eyes scanning the room for anything that might seem out of place or particularly noteworthy.

Turning her attention to the chandelier that Svetlana had lit and the rest of the room, Hazel considered the practicality of their exploration strategy. "Hearing her words I agree with Svetlana's caution against splitting up. While it might slow our progress, maintaining our strength in numbers could prevent any of us from falling victim to whatever might lie in wait. This house—and whatever inhabits it—seems to demand a more cautious approach."

Feeling the weight of their situation, Hazel moved closer to the cabinets that Mittens and Lorin were examining. "If we are to understand this place fully, every detail could be crucial. Perhaps these cabinets, mundane as they may appear, hold more than meets the eye." She paused, considering her next words carefully. "I propose we continue our thorough search of this room before proceeding further. There might be more clues hidden in plain sight, or even concealed within the mundane."

Hazel will assist in examining the cabinets further, looking for any hidden compartments or mechanisms that might not be immediately apparent. She will also take a closer look at the chandelier and any other fixtures in the room that could potentially hide something of relevance to their investigation.

OOC: Rolled an Investigation check (for chandelier): 2 + 1 = 3 from Hazel's character sheet to aid in this detailed scrutiny.

He knocked at the wood of the cabinet as Mittens observed its doors. The sound didn’t suggest the presence of neither secret space nor metal attachment. That and the fact that the Tabaxi didn’t point any sign of traps made the pale elf confident that the furniture was safe to lockpick.

“You mean warning as in a threat?” Lorin asked Hazel while putting the tension wrench into the keyhole, applying just the right amount of pressure. With his other hand, he began to probe with the pick, searching for the lock's pins. “I don’t think someone would bring known enemies to such a cozy place just so they can see the pictures.” The rogue could imagine nobles bringing enemies to an attic, a basement or the deepest parts of a garden – places where screams wouldn’t be heard. Not a room with a hearth, comfortable chairs and a wine. “And the symbols are way too hidden to identify an enemy, not to mention that even if an enemy finds it there would be no guarantee they would react noticeably. Hells, even if they have an inconspicuous reaction there would be guarantee the masters of the home would notice.” Too far from reliable, he was sure. “The hidden aspect of the art also makes me think it wasn’t meant to warn of danger. Rather, I think it’s a code for equals to know they share a common trait.” One that made he think of death. “Maybe the parents are assassins. Or cultist of an evil god.” Could the serpents and skulls be a divine symbol? “Svetlana, is there some forbidden faith in Barovia?”

If there was that could explain what happened. Someone discovered mommy and daddy’s little secret and sent the monster to punish them. Either that or their partners in faith decided to eliminate them. There the reasons multiplied – jealousy of the divine favor received by the nobles, punishment for leaking information or failing with their duties, perhaps a way to take their place in the religious order. This last possibility made him consider that someone simply wanting to rob the Dursts could have sent the creature. Assuming it was a creature.

Oddly enough, the thoughts didn’t distract him too much of the lock. As the words left the shadar-kai pale lips his gloved hands kept moving. Light and with delicacy, attempting a fluidity proper of dexterous motions. Question was, would they achieve as much and open the cabinet?

“Can we keep the wine for later?” Lorin asked Uncia, understanding her own question was but a joke.

Notes: Lorin attempts the Sleight of Hand check to unlock the cabinets. Dice rolled on the campaign log, result = 16.

"Forbidden faith?" the last of the Dusk Elf maidens raises an eyebrow "In general, there is very little 'faith' here in Barovia... Given that I personally am not a great expert on religions, some venerate the Morninglord... a benevolent deity who, apparently, was once able to prevent the Devil Stradh from killing a child... some other venerate Ezra, of whom they say that she was once mortal but gave up her life to the mists so that she could guide and shepard her followers in this place of darkness..."

“But in my experience,” Svetlana's azure eyes stare skeptically into Lorin's “the deities do not seem either capable or willing to profoundly impact the state of affairs in Barovia – or to effectively oppose the Devil Stradh. Most part of the population, does not seek consolation in religion, but more easily in something that helps them forget the harsh reality that surrounds them. Many," she smiles with a bizarre mixture of irony and empathy "probably would have accepted the offer our good Uncia just made".

"I therefore do not consider it likely that religious dissent is at the basis of what happened here" the savage wanderer concludes. "Although" she shrugs "of course I could be wrong. We know so little, for now..."

After inspecting the cabinet, Mittens takes a step away and gestures for Lorin to take his place. "I didn't see anything that could be a trap," he says. Scritching the back of his head, he shrugs and adds, "Wouldn't be surprised if there was a trap though. Sounds like something this place would have."

As Lorin starts his work on the lock, Mittens folds his arms and turns his attention to the others to the others roving around the room in search of clues. Thankfully, they seemed to be a competent crew that took the initiative in being helpful instead of needing to be directed in what they do. If he was going to be stuck in haunted village and spooked-out house, he was grateful to be with people who could handle themselves. 

Shifting his attention back to the elf next to him that worked gracefully on the lock, Mittens watches his work with rapt attention. Picking locks seemed like a useful thing to know how to do. In fact, it sounded kinda fun; it was like trying to solve a puzzle, something that he enjoyed doing. With that thought in his mind, he absentmindedly reaches up to touch a thin leather cord hanging around his neck. As he does, he mutters a few unintelligible phrases under his breath. The air around him shimmers a moment before fading back to normal, and he knew that his spell was successful. Having some sort of shield around him sounded like a smart thing to have, especially considering that they were stuck in a house that was bound to have traps and monsters.

"If you're willing to carry the cask," Uncia answered Lorin in the same lighter tone. It might only be something something small, but doing something to divert attention from the dark reality of their situation was genuinely helping her mental state. "I'll take care of the goblets." Putting the one that she was holding down, Uncia moved to the fireplace and, the ancient logs shifting beneath her feet as she stepped into the hearth, peered up into the dark stack above her, feeling with her extended claws for any unusual give in the bricks around her. Meanwhile, she listened to the conversation Lorin and Svetlana were having.

"Religion's admittedly not my speciality, but if gods could get through these mists, you'd think people would have used their power to get out of here before now. Unless this Stradh character is actually that strong," she added doubtfully. "But that wouldn't stop some people from making some up."

Investigation: 3

In the shadowy expanse of the Durst mansion, with the air thick with tension and the heavy breath of unknown fates, Hazel stood a silent sentinel among her companions. Her gaze wandered over the intricate tapestry of serpents and skulls, her mind turning over the various theories posited by Lorin and Svetlana. The room, with its stifling atmosphere and secrets hidden in plain sight, seemed a mirror to the complexities they faced.

"Perhaps," Hazel began, her voice a soft thread in the fabric of their conversation, "these symbols are less a warning to outsiders and more an affirmation for those who belong. They could represent a clandestine allegiance, a hidden identity, or a silent agreement understood only by those initiated."

As Lorin worked delicately on the lock and Mittens kept a wary eye on the surroundings, Hazel’s attention drifted towards the broader implications of their findings. "If indeed this family was entwined with forbidden or clandestine faiths, it could suggest that their downfall was as much about internal betrayals as external threats. This house, with all its silent witnesses, may be more a crypt of secrets than a home."

Turning her attention to the ongoing discussions about religion in Barovia, Hazel added, "Svetlana’s insights about the nature of faith here—sparse and overshadowed by Strahd’s dark influence—paint a grim picture of hope suffocated. It's possible that any faith practiced here was driven underground, becoming twisted in its isolation."

She paused, considering the locked cabinets and the potential traps that might lie within. "As we continue to explore, we must be mindful that every corner of this house could hold both history and hazard. Our approach must be as methodical in uncovering secrets as it is cautious in avoiding traps."

As Uncia explored the fireplace and mentioned the potential utility of divine intervention—or its absence—Hazel reflected on the implications. "Indeed, if the divine is restrained, the profane may well flourish unchecked. It's a balance of powers, and in a land like Barovia, the scales are most certainly tipped towards darker dominions."

Hazel then moved closer to examine the area around the fireplace where Uncia was inspecting respectfully following her lead. Hazel's eyes scanning for any unusual details or mechanisms. "Let's keep a keen eye on all these artifacts and furnishings. Everything chosen to decorate this place might serve more than its apparent purpose."

OOC: Hazel will assist in examining the area around the fireplace, looking for any hidden switches, compartments, or anything unusual about the structure that might reveal more about the house’s secrets. She’ll make a Perception check to aid in this examination. Investigation Check: 19 from Hazel's character sheet to aid in this detailed scrutiny.

The last of the Dusk Elf maidens sees Uncia and Hazel begin to examine the fireplace carefully... but she is intrigued by the contents of the cabinets... which should also be revealed within a few moments.

Svetlana does not rule out the presence of hidden clues, as some assume there are, but she also hopes that a few clues will instead be obvious... The Dursts, before attempting to face the monster in the basement, may have taken notes - but why should they have hidden them? If they were going to use the informations immediately, they will have left them in plain sight - or stored in an obvious place. They certainly couldn't have known that they would fail... or who would enter their home after they were gone.

Unless they really were custodians of who knows what secrets, to be kept hidden at all costs... But who knows? Anyway, the savage wanderer prefers to be ready to examine the contents of the cabinets, trusting that any useful clues (or items) may also be found there.

Hazel does not find anything that seems odd or eye-catching in her investigation of the room. Uncia also does not find anything else of note around the fireplace. This room, at least, seems normal, without any secrets.

Meanwhile, Lorin is able to open the cabinets with some deft manuevering of the lockpicks. Inside he finds a heavy crossbow, a light crossbow, a hand crossbow, and 20 bolts for each weapon. In the second cabinet there is a small box that holds a deck of playing cards and an assortment of wine glasses.

"At least, this room seems ordinary..." the last of the Dusk Elf maidens comments, with cautious relief "Hunting trophies... Some weapons and ammunition for the hunt... And something to have fun and relax when the hunt is over".

"If anyone is missing ranged weapons, I would recommend taking advantage and stocking up..." observes Svetlana "Apart from that... next room?"

The savage wanderer is already about to leave the room she just explored and head towards another door into the unknown... unless some of her fellow adventurers have further ideas.

As Lorin gets closer to picking the locks, Mittens takes a few steps away just in case they had missed a trap. With an anticipatory breath, Mittens prepares himself to dive to the ground in case something flew out at at them, but he finds himself oddly disappointed when nothing happens as Lorin swings open the cabinet doors to reveal mundane items. 

Figuring that the others would have more use with the crossbows than he, Mittens follows Svetlana into the other rooms and starts his thorough inspection with Pooky at his side. 

Investigation: 26

The resistance of the pins lasted less than a second. The familiar click sound took the air, announcing his success. Opening the cabinet the rogue felt almost depressed. Before leaving for the road he had spent coin into twenty bolts for his weapon. Now thrice that amount was in front of him, he just had to reach. Talking about wine suddenly became that much easier.

“You.” He said turning to Uncia. “I like how you think. It’s a deal.” Hazel’s words echoed on his mind as he took the bolts. “Profane… You mean like fiend worshiping?” That was as likely the cult of a dark god, he imagined. “Is there any that use the snake and skulls as symbols?”

Lorin put the wine of his bag and follow Svetlana. Her disposition to take the van was rather pleasant to a ranged combatant like him.

“In my experience the gods are just as silent outside of Barovia.” They certainly didn’t help those he saw begging. Even the faithful. “That said, I’m surprised people know of Ezra here. She’s also popular where I came from, but there the tale is that she sacrificed her life to gain the power to protect people from evil.” And failed miserably, as far he was concerned. “Would happen to have heard about a place called Richemulot?”

If she did then maybe Lorin could find at the least the general direction to his home. Maybe I should know about the Mists and Barovia. Well, it’s not like he spent his years learning geography or politics.

"Richemulot?" the last of the Dusk Elf maidens tries to remember - she also secretly consults the Voices in her head - after all, there are many of them... and, blessed with the longevity of the elves, they have lived so long... one or two of them might have heard about this place...

But no; all Svetlana gets is an annoying chatter of hypotheses in her head, as each of the Voices puts forward their own hypothesis, but no certainties emerge.

"No," the savage wanderer then replies, gritting her teeth to resist the pangs of headache that the sudden crowding of thoughts has produced "unfortunately never heard of it, Lorin".

As the group continued their exploration of the Durst mansion, Hazel remained alert, her senses finely tuned to the atmosphere of each room they entered. The discovery of weapons and mundane items within the cabinets did little to alleviate the sense of foreboding that clung to the air like dust upon the old furniture.

"It seems," Hazel remarked as she observed the cache of weaponry Lorin had uncovered, "that the Dursts were well-prepared for physical threats, but perhaps less so for the spectral or hidden menaces that might pervade this place." She glanced towards the crossbows, contemplating the implications of such an arsenal in a family home. "These weapons suggest readiness for battle, a mindset that speaks to the dangers they possibly faced or perceived."

As the conversation shifted towards the symbols and potential cultic activities, Hazel listened intently to Lorin's speculation about fiend worship and dark gods. "The integration of serpents and skulls into their decor could indeed signify a deeper, darker allegiance—symbols often speak in tongues understood only by those who share in their secrets. If these are cultic symbols, they might indicate a faith held in shadow, practiced away from prying eyes."

Turning her gaze to Svetlana and the others as they prepared to move on, Hazel added, "Continuing our exploration with a focus on uncovering more such symbols could provide further clues. Each room and its contents are pieces of a larger puzzle; understanding the Dursts' daily lives and routines might bring us closer to understanding the nature of the threat that lingers here."

With a nod to Svetlana's lead, Hazel prepared to follow, her mind still on the eerie undercurrents of the house. "As we proceed, let's keep an eye out for anything that seems out of place or excessively secretive. Hidden compartments, unusual architectural features, or more symbols like those we've found could be key to unraveling this mystery."

As the group moved to leave the room, Hazel paused to offer a supportive glance towards Uncia, appreciating the pragmatic approach to taking the wine for later use. "A wise decision, Uncia. In times like these, practicality can be a rare and valuable trait."

OOC: Hazel will continue to be vigilant as they explore, ready to offer her insights into any new findings or oddities they might encounter. She’ll focus particularly on any further symbols or signs that could hint at clandestine activities or hidden allegiances within the house. Hazel will also keep an ear out for any mentions or indications of supernatural elements or historical tidbits that might connect to the current mystery.

You venture into a room across the hall, which turns out to be a large, well-appointed dining room. The centerpiece of this wood-paneled dining room is a carved mahogany table surrounded by eight high-backed chairs with sculpted armrests and cushioned seats. A crystal chandelier hangs above the table, which is covered with resplendent silverware and crystalware polished to a dazzling shine. Mounted above the marble fireplace is a mahogany-framed painting of an alpine vale.

Red silk drapes cover the windows, and a tapestry depicting hunting dogs and horse-mounted aristocrats chasing after a wolf hangs from an iron rod bolted to the south wall.

Mittens doesn't find anything unusual until he glances more closely at the wallpaper once more. The wall paneling is carved with elegant images of deer among the trees. Yet hidden among the trees are wolves, and carved into the trunks of the trees Mittens can see twisted, screaming faces.