Vannithos stealth: 12 (+10 if pass without trace)

 After following the map through the woods, you come across the clearing as described in the journal. The moon shines bright in the sky and a bat flies by overhead. Dark, malevolent energy hangs in the air but nothing can be seen by the naked eye.

The monk glances at the others. "Is everyone prepared? If this castle caused Lohse difficulty, it will be all the more unwelcoming to us."

"Perhaps the path isn't the best place to be standing when speaking the words, perhaps we move into the woods a bit before bring down the illusion..." Engelheart motions to the others into further hiding. " I'm concerned the act of revealing ultimately reveals our presence, if not us directly."

Once everyone is in a 'hidden' position, though it's hard to hide from something you can't see or know is even there, he will volunteer speaking the words from Lohse journal.

Vadania responds to the discussion with a simple question of her own, "Do we really have any other choice? I don't think we do but I'm not an expert in these things." 

Vorin replies, “We’re this far along. Bit late to turn back, ain’t it? Just gotta hope our numbers are the advantage. Let’s go.”

Vannithos nods. "Evanescet, apparent."

As the words are spoken, you see a great mansion fade into existence. Its walls are two stories high made of the finest stone, and moss and vines creep their way up the base of the building. The mansion has dozens of windows all along its outside. A deep maroon wood adorns the roof, and a single tower on the far side of the building stands tall above the trees. The staircase leading up to the front entrance stands unguarded.

Vadania, knowing that she can tank a hit or two and that her senses are sharp, takes point, going towards the stairs and the entrance. 

((EDIT: Adding a Perception for staying alert for traps and ambushes))

Perception: 14

Vannithos stays near the middle of the group as they move forward, keeping an eye out for any signs of recent combat that might lead them to Lohse.

Perception: 13

Vorin will take second. He’s confident in an ambush. 

Perception: 5

Engelheart will follow the others. "Do we think the front door is our best approach? Seems like that woukd be the heaviest watch means of entry.." Engelheart still consontrating on Pass without Trace will try and stay such that all are still within his ashy aura.

"I doubt us revealing the house has gone unnoticed," Vannithos comments, noticing the lack of apparent guards on the outside. "If they are gathering to welcome us, a less obvious entrance would be preferable..." He tries looking for any other method of entry.

Perception: 25

From where you are, you can't see any other entrances into the manor. Some of the windows are low enough that you could climb through them, but you're not sure if they're locked or not. As you look through the windows, you realize you hardly see any movement. Only one window on the top floor shows any signs that the mansion is occupied, and even then you can only see a passing shadow, not enough to make out any features.

"Hm...No movement aside from that room on the second floor," Vannithos reports as he points it out, "We can try the windows, but I get the feeling whoever is inside just wants to meet us for now. That could change at any moment though."

"We've come this far. I guess we should see what lies beyond. Climbing the second window seems to be risky by itself." 

"For Lohse I suppose, to the doorway. But do watch your steps in the front..." Engelheart will try to remain mid group to give best ashy coverage.

 You make your way up the steps to the front door. It looms over you, nearly 10' high and painted in crimson red. The door opens and you step inside to an entry room with two stone busts on either side of you. To your right, a grand hallway adorned with paintings of the vampires with small plaques attached to the frame. Four doors line the hall, three on one side two on the other. To your left is another hallway, three doors along the hall and another at the end. Straight ahead is a grand dual staircase leading to a second floor.

The manor's air fills you with a sense of foreboding. You'll need to be ready to give everything you've got to survive. (Level up)

Vadania slowly approaches the paintings of the Vampires and inspects the small plaques. "No sign of Lohse... I do not like this place... Which way should we go?" She asks her party.

Vadania uses Second Wind to heal: 6 HP

Vannithos closes his eyes for a moment, focusing on listening for any sound coming from either hallway.

Perception: 14