Thrand bounces off the door with no noticeable effect. He is about to look for an axe that he can use to chop the door to splinters when he suddenly gets an idea. He takes a deep, cleansing breath, knocks three times on the door, and in a loud, clear voice he says, "Unholy relic delivery."
(pizza delivery ruse)
The group manages to make ad hoc battering ram from a large piece of wood in the stable. Using rope to fashion hand holds to carry the ram they bring it up to the from door of the keep and begin ramming it until it splinters open enough to remove the door bar on the inside. All that took roughly 15 minutes to complete. Once Thrand reaches in and removes the bar he opens the door.
Perhaps the dwarf should lead the way, their way of detecting stonework might be beneficial to avoid traps if they were set.
"I can be behind the knight. My eyes are keen enough to spot anything from behind him."
Watching as he urges Thrand forward he sees the knight squinting and decides to take the lead not trusting where the knight might lead them.
"Alright fall in behind. You especially knight."
Thrand pauses to allow Anchard or Tzardüsk to follow immediately after Ollok if they so choose. If the tower is not well lit, the knight will light a torch and hold it aloft to light the way.
Tzardusk will allow Anchard to precede him, then follows after, with Thrand behind.
The wizard will stay close to her protector.
Aren follows up in rear guard position.
Anchard readies his mace and shield as he takes up the position of second to enter.
The group looks round the keep entrance way... heavy pine doors fitted with brass moldings depicting ravens in flight give way to a T-shaped entry hall. Marble plinths in each of the four corners support claw-footed braziers holding cherry-red coals. Thick tapestries hang from the east and west walls, starting near the twenty-foot-high ceiling and reaching within inches of the gray flagstone floor. Each one depicts a murder of crows with sparkling black gemstones for eyes—one on a field of white, the other on a field of crimson. The hallways to their front appear empty.
The elf will cast detect magic to see if there are any auras around.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled. Undoubtedly they have the advantage here. Vigilance will mitigate this but only to a degree. Anchard speaks in a low tone before putting an ear to his surroundings and trying to pick up on any sounds of movement or whispered conversations of potential enemies.
Thrand admires the beautiful tapestries.
Neither Thrand nor Anchard detect anything out of the ordinary in their immediate area. There are two doors to their immediate front, one on their left and one on their right.
We are right behind you Lord Thrand, when you are ready.
Thrand says, "My lady, would you mind holding the torch?"
"Master dwarf, please try the door to our ... hmm, should we go left or right? ... to our right. Let's go right."
He readies his sword and shield and waits for the dwarf to check the door for traps and do whatever else thieves do.
Ollok checks the door on the right and then checks the door on the left. "Best we check both doors since they could both be rigged. I'd not put it past that defiler."
Ollok does not detect any traps on the door nor does he find it locked. The dwarf carefully opens the door and views the room.
A long crimson carpet leads up to a black marble dais, upon which rests a thick wooden throne. The back of the throne rises to an extraordinary height, where a pair of stuffed ravens perch, each with claws clutching a small glass sphere that holds a magical flame. The walls are covered with shields interspersed with long narrow tapestries. The art motif appears to depict scenes of the town in fairs and community events.
Did she detect magic?
Thrand stays by Tanariel's side as the party explores the entry and throne room.
Aren keeps sharp eyes alert for any dangers. His bow ready to fire.
The elf spends some time feeling out for magic auras and does detect a few, in the room they entered the chair-throne itself radiates a slight magic, and she determines it is most likely magical in nature to resist breaking and cracking- a simple magic. Some of the portraits also radiate slight magic and she is able to determine it is the paint pigment that radiates magic- another simple magic to prevent the colors from fading.
Arens hair on the back of his neck begins to stand up...
To arms and attention, something or someone approaches she says calmly, reaching into a spell component pouch.
Tzardusk sighs and mentally prepares himself for hostilities.
An eerie feeling falls over the group and they hear faint moaning. A glowing green translucent figure moving through the hallway as if stumbling around...
"What in the seven spawns is that?"
He prepares himself for whatever it is hoping that there is someone in the group who will have a better idea of what to prepare for.
"What is that?" Thrand moves to stand protectively in front of Tanariel. He holds his sword and shield at the ready. He will strike at the apparition if it moves up to him.
You are able to see certain features on the figure as it moves through the hallway namely it has the resemblance of an old man with a long beard. It also keeps touching its head as if looking for something.
Your keen eyes reveal the figure seems to be clothed as a noble with a nice fur trimmed cloak. He may even look like the father figure from one of the paintings in the bachelor house you came through.
The glowing translucent figure continues to move through the hallway as if looking for something...he sees you and it seems as if he dismisses you...
"It looks like a spirit of some kind... but it seems to have no interest in us... I suggest we return the favor."
Perception
Perhaps this is the Lord of the town? she asks.
"I suppose it could have been... definitely an old man... looks like he's looking for something.. .maybe we can help him find it?" He calls out to the spirit, "You look to be seeking something... can we help you find it?"
"Perhaps if we find what it is he is looking fo we can help his spirit move on from this place. "
Aren nods his head to anyone letting them know he is ready to continue forward. He does not see the spirit as a threat at this time.
Thrand attempts to recall useful lore relating to spirits, but nothing comes to mind. He awaits the direction of his more knowledgeable companions.
Know Religion
I suppose we can keep an eye out for any stray hats, but there is little we can do for him now, and I doubt retrieving something a noble spirit can not give themselves will be without complications. Anchard turns to look on in another direction, ready to move on.
The spirit passes by Ollok and enters the throne room moving to sit down on the throne...
The room across the hall reveals a stout oak table with several matching chairs sits at the center of the room. A neatly arranged ledger, quill pen, and ink pot sit atop the table. A rack filled with spears and swords covers most of the north wall, with a nearby shelf holding several whetstones and polishing rags.
"A benevolent spirit. That is a good sign." Ollok moves into the throne and on a whim kneels respectfully before the ghost on the throne. "Lord of this manor. Might we know why you wander these halls and where can we find the evil one that has polluted your keep."
The figure sits on the throne and looks around until he hears the words of the dwarf. He beckons the dwarf to come closer with a hand gesture.
"My son....my son....did this..." he mutters shaking his head.
Ollok moves closer as he beckoned by the ethereal figure. "How is it your son did this to you? And how might we release you from this existence?"
Thrand follows Ollok into the throne room. He keeps a respectful distance and allows the dwarf to do most of the talking.
Aren stays by the hallway door so he can keep watch and still listen to the apparitions's conversation.
"The boy came back home in league with cultists and used infernal powers to corrupt my house...he killed my good son...his cultists slew my attendants...he is no longer my son...he knows things...things I kept secret from others... the purpose of the castle... he knows...he wants it..."