Chapter 1 - Red Larch

Balak determines that the flat boulder is a natural part of the cave, a harder stone that the cave was carved around. The top shows signs that the boulder has been repurposed as a sacrificial altar. Walter joins him and points out, within the darkest part of the stains, tiny chip marks made from blades or axes.

If anyone else would like to roll for a short rest, go ahead now.

After a meal and some down time, Xella and Sorgrimm have partially recovered and you're ready to proceed. While you hear no noise from the tunnel to the right, you do hear the occasional brush of noise (light scraping or shuffling) from the left one.

Which way do you go?

The narrow passage is about ten feet high in most places, with rough, irregular walls. Protruding spurs on the walls are coated in dried blood.

Eventually this natural passage widens out:
The star-shaped cavern ahead has many clefts in its walls. Only two, across the cavern, seem large enough to traverse. Three zombies lurch about the area. One is costumed like a bear, another is dressed as a lady in a frilly dress and thick makeup, and the last is costumed as a jester with jingling bells on its collar and sleeves.

They do not immediately react to Balak, though whether they have seen him or not isn't clear.