Does the figure appear to be undead, or merely very old?

Bral steps forward in front of the rest of the group, "I'm going to take it that you're now Commander Vladimir, it seems that Lt. Soos here knew where you are.

Although, you do look like someone with great power. So who might you be, and what exactly befell the people of this manor? I think I'm starting to get some inclination, but there's a lot more that I don't know.

Would you be willing to tell your story?"

(Persuasion: 20)

Baudric, the figure appears to be undead. 

 "I am the last of the Order of the Silver Dragon. Strahd Von Zarovich caused all of this. There is no monster I hate more than Strahd. He slew Argynvost, broke the life of the knight I loved, and destroyed the valiant order to which I devoted my life."

He eyes all of you. "You're adventurers, probably here to kill Strahd. I'll say this. Strahd has already died once. He can’t be allowed to die again. e must suffer eternally in a hell of his own creation, from which he can never escape. Whatever can be done to bring him misery and unrest, I will do, but I will destroy anyone who tries to end his torment.”

He pauses once more before speaking. "Now if you don't have any more questions, go away." 

 Bral considers for a moment, he places his sword down by the side of him. He then lifts up his free arms and begins gesturing as he speaks.

"So you would not see Strahd meet an untimely end? You see Strahd being killed as punishment that is too quick. You want Strahd to suffer, eternally as you say. To which I say, how would you imagine such punishment be dealt? My concern would be that Strahd would eventually escape such a fate. An ally, or minion, of his, could potentially free him."

Vladimir says nothing at the moment, just grumbles. Everyone make an Insight check. 

Amelia folds her arms, but says nothing.

Insight: 10

Feeling like she's definitely missing something, she focuses her psionic power on Vladimir, trying to use it to get a better read.

Psi-Bolstered Knack: 5

As Valamir grumbles, Bral takes a firm grip on his sword but does not raise it. Then he takes a small step forward, slightly bracing himself for a possible fight. He looks tense but he does not look threatening. Then Bral takes a moment to study the man before him.

(Insight: 22)

 Bral and Amelia, you both sense that Vladimir's hatred is clouding his judgment.

Estelle, you hear a voice in your mind. 

Baudric frowns at the undead, “You may wish him to suffer, but what about the people? Do you wish for their suffering to continue forever? Whatever he may have done, however much he deserves to suffer, the people deserve better, and we’re here to try to make sure they get it.” 

Insight: 21

Persuasion if needed: 20

Baudric, Lord Vladimir stares at you and says nothing. Again you sense that he wants you to leave and his patience is wearing thin.

Vladimir rises from his throne and says, "If you don't leave, I will -" 

He stops as Lord Soth steps into the room. "These people speak the truth. Keeping Strahd around hurts the people of this land. If you mean to hurt those who want to destroy Strahd then you will face me." 

The two are ready to clash and Baudric you hear a voice in your head. 

Baudric attempts to get everyone’s attention, and motion for them to follow him out of the room. Assuming they follow, “Argynvost wishes us to return to the manor entrance, quickly.”

Bral raises his eyebrow at Baudric, "Since when have you been talking to Argynvost?"

Amelia furrows her brow. "Bral's right. How do you know that?"

Baudric shrugs and gives the others a helpless look, “Not a clue, I just heard him in my head and I don’t plan to argue.”

Amelia knows all about having a voice in your head, so she doesn’t question that. “Fair enough.”

As they retreat, Estelle gathers close to her companions, pulling them by sleeve and coattail into a small circle. 

“I too heard a voice in my mind. It said that the only way to free Vladimir from his hatred is to ‘light the beacon’,” she whispers. “Perhaps we should go and do that while Lord Soth keeps him busy.”

Now Amelia just rolls her eyes. “Bloody hells,” she mutters, “is everyone and their mother hearing voices in their head now?”

"Well, I don't," Bral simply replies.

Then he begins bolting back out to the main hallway before jumping down to the floor below.

(Acrobatics: 18)

Estelle, you hear the voice again in your mind, as does everyone. 

"Go to Argynvost and he can tell you how to light the beacon." 

"Okay," Bral calls back. "Where exactly should we be meeting him?"