Saiza did not hear anything on the other side of the door.

Then again, Skeletons were pretty quiet at times...

Mathias followed Saiza by the step. As he murmured some arcane phrases, he placed a hand on the teifling's shoulder, as if as an encouragement or some sort of reassurance. "We're counting on you"

Mathias casts Heroism on Saiza (+2 morale bonus on Attack Rolls, Saves and Skill checks. 70 minutes)

As if the words touched deeply into Saiza's heart, the rogue could feel a surge of mental strength run through him. Mathias went on, not bothering to explain the effects of his enchantment.

Veldan unsheathed her Mace and followed Mathias out.

Emi was safely in pouch, probably in the way of an opportune sword strike but Veldan felt it was safer than leaving her behind.

Makoto knew this kind of snooping was her ideal situation, but she decided to hang back with Ulow.

She'd been feeling shaky about her bond with the lovable little monster, and wanted to check up on her without all the others around.

Saiza looked over his shoulder at Mathias, but did not bother to ask what spell had been cast on him. Whatever it was, it felt strangely empowering, so he assumed that was what it did. If it had been something with a very specific purpose, Mathias would have told him what it was.

"I"m going to open the door," Saiza said softly. "Just a little. Grab a weapon in case something ugly is on the other side."

Cautiously, he rested his hand on the knob and turned, trying to keep the noise level as low as possible.

The hallway was a bit busty and dirty, but in far better condition than the outer walls of the castle. Clearly Graf and/or his "brides" kept things neat. Additionally, the torches were all lit. Darkvision is well and good, but evidently the Vampires appreciated color.

Saiza could not see anyone in the hall. The coast was clear.

Veeery slowly, Saiza slid out of the room and into the hall, looking for signs of danger.

Move Silently
1d20+13 → [6,13] = (19) + 2 =21

Listen & Spot
1d20+10;1d20+10 → [14,10] = (24) + 2 = 26
1d20+10;1d20+10 → [4,10] = (14) + 2 = 16

Hide
1d20+15 → [15,15] = (30)

At the end of the hall, he peaked around the corner.

Mathias began another spell, though there seemed to be little visual display but a low hue of blue surrounding him for a few seconds.
Mathias casts Mage Armor on himself
Mathias waited for Saiza to scout a little further.

Saiza could not see anyone but from down the first and nearest hall of servant's quarters he could hear what sounded like a group of two or more skeletons walking and opening doors - probably some sort of patrol.

He could hear their armor clattering and their bones creaking, but given how noisy even one skeleton could be with these things, he could only tell that it was "more than one" and probably "less than several hundred."

Yaaaay.

Maybe he could go try and peak some more?

Oh, lovely.

Automatically, he turned back tho the rest of the group and made a sharp gesture with his hand. Among his old group of thief buddies, it meant "People nearby; be careful." Unfortunately, the party had no way of actually being able to understand that. Saiza thought for a moment.

He settled for mouthing "skeletons!" and holding a hand out to indicate that they should stay back.

Then, he headed out from behind the corner so that he could...hide behind another corner. And peak.

Move Silently, Hide, & Spot
1d20+13 → [20,13] = (33) + 2 = 35
1d20+15→ [10,15] = (25) + 2 = 27
1d20+10 → [6,10] = (16) + 2 = 18

It was three skeletons each armed with a longsword, a shield, and wearing platemail. They did not seem to notice him, and were currently walking down the hall - towards the group (albeit at a leisurely pace) and opening each door and looking inside as they did.

Saiza scuttled back to the group as quickly as he dared, urging them all back behind the door for extra quiet.

"Three skeletons. Longswords, shields, platemail," he whispered. "Checking all the rooms. Wouldn't be surprised if they come this way. Wanna wait for them or what?"

"I could take them out quickly. Or should we try and hide?"

"We hide, but I have an idea." Veldan mused to the group. "Whoever is the worst at hiding here will act as bait, so when they come in they won't alert more guards."

Mathias, oddly, started sprinkling glittery dusts on Veldan, when muttered some arcane phrases.

Mathias casts Stoneskin on Veldan. (DR 10/Adamanite for 70 damage total. 70 Minutes)

He thened proceeded to curling into a ball behind the corner where the door would open, which should completely hide him for the line of sight. "I suck at this, so I'm taking this spot" he explained.

Hide: 1d20+2=11