Checking the next door, Hunter doesn't find anything to indicate a trap. Opening the door, he finds eight humanoids who have the heads of large dogs.
Based in their look and the description that Claude provided, Hunter is able to determine that these are the Lupin followers of Claude that he told the party about.
Hunter says, "Oh, you are friends of Claude I presume?" He waits to see if they give a response and if they don't he simply moves on to the next door.
Gabriel accepts the cup and thanks the woman. Though he had opportunity to do so, the paladin does not use the up on the woman as he wanted to believe that at least a few in this mansion could be trusted.
He accepts the shield from Ardo, and knows that he will use such to help his companions. Gabriel would prepare himself for what may come. On seeing the lupin creatures Claude had spoken off he says, "Greetings, we mean you no harm. Claude told us that we may find each of you here."
The lupins reply to your questions, "Yes, we follow Claude." They act somewhat defensively, not certain of your intentions, and say, "Be aware that any aggression against us will bring him to help us against you."
Drethen passes Gabriel and Hunter and moves towards the double doors at the end of the hallway. Opening them, he finds a room that is an antechamber leading outside. Drethen notices that the gray mist still surrounds the castle. Inside the room are six 3’ tall humanoids with pasty gray-green skin, large saucer-shaped eyes and pointed ears.
They look up at Drethen, smile, and scatter behind the furniture and debris left in the room.
Out of Character: The Lupins are in room 44. Drethen has just opened the door to area 45.
Ardo continues to follow along with the group always keeping an eye out for potential ambushes and attackers. When meeting the lupins he puts on a friendly face for a few moments.
"We have no intention of showing aggression, as we want to avoid any additional trouble if able," Gabriel explains to the lupins, before adding with a sign, "Though we have needed to defend ourselvesThe paladin hoped none of his companions would attack.