Endur's Expedition to Castle Ravenloft

[Endur]

A feminine voice says, "Ignire" and the chandaliers light in response to Ismark's request.

The party sees a beautiful red-haired woman (age 20 or so) standing behind them where the double doors to the room are shut.

She says, "Please do not be alarmed. I am Thredra Aranax, a loyal servant of the master. I had to wait to be certain there were no traitors amongst you. The doors were closed for your protection, to keep the danger at bay while we talk.

"The Master suffers from a rare malady, and he is unable to see you right now. He sent me to speak with you instead.

"The illusion you saw was put in place to prevent those who must not know of the Master's condition. For those of you who have not yet met the Count Strahd von Zarovich, that was indeed how he used to look when he played the organ. Now, however, he is not well and not accepting visitors.

"This feast was prepared in honor of your victory over the zombie plague that threatened Barovia. Please dine with me, for I would like to convey my master's congratulations. And I must tell you one thing more. I must speak of the doom of this land. The tale I must tell you is a long one, and the food will be cold before we finish. So let us dine and I will tell you the tale as we eat."

Ashlyn does not detect evil.

 

[Legildur]

"I have lived in Barovia a long time, and I've not heard of you!" Ismark declares, unmoving from his position, but obviously curious and wary. "Everyone is aware of Cryrus, but not of you."

 

[Rhun]

Skorl nods greetin at the woman. All the deception had put him ill at ease, but now that he hears the explanation his nerves settle, and he moves to the table. He sits, ready to enjoy the first decent meal since entering the valley.

 

[industrygothica]

Willow says nothing, but moves to the table as well, eager to hear the woman's story.

 

[Endur]

Thredra Aranax responds to Ismark, "The master has several servants who do not visit the village. Cyrus and the Vistani keep us well supplied."

 

[Legildur]

Ismark eyes narrow for a short time in suspcion. Chewing the inside of his lip, he ponders the situation for a few moments. "Very well, Thredra. Tell us your story," he says as he moves to take a seat with the others.

 

[Le Noir Faineant]

Dareios, who had remained en guarde when the light went out,
doesn't lower his weapons when he first perceives the woman.

A bit overwhelmed by the fact that his companions simply sit down without any further questions, he follows them, but doesn't touch the food.

His sword leaned on his leg, the young mercenary, however, pulls back his hood and takes off his helm.

"What malady?" He asks without any further introduction.

 

[hafrogman]

Cedric jumps at the sudden darkness, and is still trying to gather his wits by the time Thedra summons light once more. Where did she come from? He listens in silence to her explanation of the Count's illusion, and his gaze falls on the organ, trying to guess whether it had really been played, or was that an illusion as well?

He looks warily around at the others, trying to gauge their reaction to this strange turn of events.

 

[Kafkonia]

"Miss Aranax," Alessandra says, remaining standing, "while I can appreciate the Count's desire for privacy and security, I must say that your manner of introduction was rather... unsettling. And while there is no one amongst us who would wish you or your master harm --" She looks pointedly at Dareios "-- in the current environment of unease, theatrics such as that could have a most unfortunate, albeit unintended, consequence."

Satisfied that she has made her point, she takes a seat with the others.

 

[Rhun]

Skorl has already begun to eat, the half-orc clearly lacking a bit in the area of table manners. He piles his plate high with food, sampling some of every dish set on the table before him, and washing it down with hearty quaffs from his glass.