The sounds of praying are coming from the chapel. The screams are coming from beneath the floor.

Valanthe, although bothered by the screams, heads towards the chapel, as she's walking over she asks Ismark, "What's the priest's name?"

 Thpas searches for a trapdoor or loose floorboards, stomping wildly, hoping to find a hollow below the wood floor. "I haven't heard wails of agony that bloodcurdling since my time serving my master in the nine hells."

Investigation 2

Emre will try and step lightly around Thpas in case there are loose floorboards, going for the inner door of the chapel to find the source of the praying.

Ismark answers, "The priests name is Donavich."

"The chapel is a shambles, overturned and broken pews littering a dusty floor. Dozens of candles mounted on candlesticks light every dusty corner in a fervent attempt to rid the chapel of shadows. At the far end of the church sits a claw-scarred altar, behind which a priest in black vestments. Next to him hangs a long, thick rope that stretches up to the bell tower. From beneath the chapel floor, you hear a young man's voice cry out, "FATHER!!! I'M STARVING!!!!"

Valanthe approaches, speaking out, "Donavich? Father Donavich?  We can hear your prayers... what is the..."  Valanthe freezes at the sound of the young man's cry.  "Why is your son in the basement, Donavich? Why is he being starved?" Subconsciously, Valanthe's hand goes to the hilt of her sword, although she doesn't draw.

Byllemura stays at the entrance of the chapel and turns to Ismark: "Do you know who is held in the basement? What's going on in your town, burgomaster?..." insisting heavily on the title.

Ismark is obviously disturbed by the voice beneath the floor. "I knew nothing of Donavich's doings. Our village has been oppressed by Strahd for centuries."

Thpas shouts into the floor " how did you get down there?! We wish to help you! I have some rations in my bag here, what kind of food would you like?!" He then tugs at the strap of his pack, instinctively to verify that it is still there.

"EVERYONE", begins Valanthe, ".... relax."

Then turning to Donavich, "Explain. Please. As you can see, my compatriots do not care for the sound of a person's screams - neither do I for that matter - it's putting everyone on edge." 

Emre looks around to try and see if there are any religious symbols or other indications of what kind of divine being for which this church facilitates worship.

 Intelligence (Religion): 8

Emre spots a symbol of Lathander the Morninglord.

Donavich stops praying and looks at you through exhausted, bloodshot eyes. "My son is no longer my son. He is a monster."

The voice from the basement screams in response to Thpas, "I would like blooood please!!! Fresh blood! And lots of it!!!"

Valanthe cautiously approaches Donavich, "What happened to your son? Perhaps we can save him still... We're supposed to save Gertruda, and Ireena here, and I think all of Barovia... We can try saving your son, too." Then hearing the blood curdling request from below, "What has he become???" 

"And more importantly, how?" asked Emre. "Was it Strahd again?"

"My son," he begins, "had joined a group of bold men lead by a wizard from distant lands in an attempt to storm castle and slay Strahd. None of them returned. My son, however, came back as a bloodthirsty monster serving Strahd. I have kept him in the undercroft for over a year without feeding him."

"Your poor son... and you - I can't imagine what you have suffered seeing your son's monstrous transformation.  I - I can help you pray - I am sure there is a way we can save him and his soul," Valanthe sympathetically states.

Donavich replies, "I am afraid that only - only - on - only death can save him." He struggles for the words to get out.

"Well - if to save his soul we must bring death to undeath - then eternal rest we shall grant him - Erme, thoughts?"

Thpas calls out to the others "hey, everyone! There is something seriously wrong here. This boy wants blood, and I suspect he'll not be willing to ask nicely for much longer" Thpas grips his focus and backs up toward the entrance of the chapel.

"I'm afraid the priest is right," said Emre, her shield and holy symbol glinting in the candlelight. "The creature must be destroyed and his soul put to rest."