The passage is yet another hallway, this one longer than the last and turns twice before ending at a set of double doors. Unlike the others this portal was reinforced with thick iron bars, and the recent engraving of a small eight-pointed star (just like the one on the dungeon's entrance) appeared near the doorknob.
The room itself was well-appointed, containing a large wooden dinner table, the plates cleared off to one side to make room for sheets of paper and two books, one a thick tome and the other a small red-colored journal. The contents of an ink bottle spilled across the table, ruining much of the sheets' contents yet leaving the books intact (they were far enough away). A cupboard and closet at the back of the room contained spoiled food, the lot of it infested with maggots and other carrion insects. A silver mace lay below a corner of a damaged section of table. Judging by the impact and splinters of wood on the floor it made a solid blow.
Rana's meticulous search of the room notices scratches and claw marks around the area near the mace, indicating a struggle took place here. No traces of blood or flesh (aside from the rotting meat) were present in the room, which one would expect in the aftermath of combat.
The thick tome is the Caelus Libram, the holy text of Anerman. A quick skim details the origin of the deity and how he drove out the clawing darkness to make the world safe for humanity, and how those who served him in mind and deed stood vigilant against future threats and set examples for the faithful to follow.
The red journal belongs to Brother Ranscelt, a priest of Anerman from West Brendor. The journal details his travels eastward to drive out evil from villages and hamlets, and how his search led him here. Below are a few choice bits:
"Fifth of Mornwinter
I was forced to make a stop in the city of Vornheim for supplies. The tales about the place were true, yet exaggerated. Architecture both mortal and monstrous swept the sky, and its laws and customs were as inscrutable as only a realm with demonic forebears of legend could possess. The air was rich with sorcery, which went unacknowledged by a fearful populace, and the odd mountain folk could be spotted in the marketplace peddling charms under the cover of thick blue rags. Although the city is doubtlessly tainted, it would be a mistake to assume that its folk are knowingly malevolent. They labor as if afraid, unwilling to acknowledge the strangeness around them, and developed a set of rituals and superstitions to ward away its attention. These people deserve liberation, not destruction.
6th of Mornwinter
I found an entrance to to the realms below near the village of Redstall. It wasn't hard following the magical energies, although finding a way underground proved difficult. After imprisoning and interrogating one of the subdwellers that they were harvesting souls in service of their infernal patrons. Within their compound I discovered a hideous ritual, of spirits bound to walls for reasons I can hardly fathom. The creatures' damnable statue of their deity was clearly a focal point for the spell, but it proved indestructible. I could not explore further, as the subdwellers proved adept at climbing back into the pits of unknown depths whenever I felled enough of their number. I smeared the edges of the northeastern pit with animal fat to make it more difficult for them to ascend.
8th of Mornwinter
I found little progress. The ghastly demon-worshipers found a way to circumvent my defenses, forcing me to take shelter in one of the rooms. Yesterday, the spirits in the wall of souls told me to seek out the high priest among the subdwellers to free them, but I can do little good from here. I do not believe that I might be able to finish my work, but if I fail, then may Anerman send another in my stead to succeed."
And thus the journal ends.
The silver mace is a Medium weapon worth 200 silver pieces. It has a 1 in 10 chance of breaking, even if the attack misses. However, it can prove useful when fighting certain monsters...
The spoiled food is worthless, and the wood of the cupboards are infested with insects, making them valueless. The journal, if returned to a church official of the Crimson Faith, might be useful if one seeks to gain the favor of the church. However, Lord Ascarious offered to pay you if you shown him evidence of threats first, and he might want to take the journal for himself.
The Caelus Libram is worth 20 silver pieces, although the faithful frown upon exchanging their sacred texts for coin. If you choose to hold onto the book or research it, I can expound upon the Anermite faith for future reference.
Also, errata: I was wrong about the value of the 40 blank books. They're worth 200 silver pieces total, not 50. Don't worry, I'll total up all the treasure values you take out of the dungeon.