Kessintra places her hands on her hips and barely resists the urge to give another disappointed sigh. "Ah, well. As long as we're alive, we can get stronger. I expect you to keep practicing even when we aren't around, Lucian," she looks to the priest, "Even if Strahd has decided to leave the church standing for now, he has a tendency to send wolves to harry wherever Ireena is staying.

Shall we go look for this Vasili character next? With Garrick's bag lighter, we can steal more things--from the enemy, of course."

Ada's shoulders slump at Father Lucian's answer, but she's not surprised. The spell did require a very powerful priest or cleric. It was clear Father Lucian was not quite that powerful, and she certainly wasn't. Not yet anyway. 

"It was just an idea," she says, trying not to sound too defeated. "Maybe his sons can keep him in line for now. I'm ready to head out whenever everyone else is."

“Yes let’s go, I think we’ve done all we can here.”

Razz gives Nikolai one last look—half caution, half pity—then claps his hands lightly and stretches his wings.

"Alright, people—let’s get going. We don’t know how long Strahd’s going to let us roam free before we’re his entertainment again."

He starts toward the door, wings flicking behind him, tone lighter as he tosses a glance over his shoulder. "We do have a destination for selling the books, right?"

“Yes, and it should be about time to meet up! Let’s go sell these books and buy the gear we need to get us through the next leg of our journey”

Walking through Villaki, you notice the lack of hooded figures in the alleyways. You don't have any uncanny feelings of being watched. If the sun were out, perhaps you would feel at peace.

When you arrive at the town gate, you notice a small wagon parked just inside. It's wooden and unpainted, and seems to be rotting in a few places. Standing in front of the wagon is a man in a suit, looking down at a pocket watch. He looks identical to the Strahd-like man in the portrait.

Kessintra slows as who she assumes is Vasili comes into view, glancing at the others. "Nikolai said that portrait was hanging in the house for generations, but he looks the same...?" She murmurs suspiciously. "I suppose people do get reborn here...That or he's undead."

Garrick prepares his Detect Magic ritual spell to see if anything is revealed as they approach Vasili. 

Razz slows his pace alongside the others, eyeing the man at the wagon. With a small flick of his fingers, he smooths his hair and adjusts his wings as if preparing for company.

"Well, whether he’s friend or foe, at least let me look good for whichever it turns out to be."

He glances at Kess and Garrick, voice low but amused. "What do you think? Ally, threat, or another one of Barovia’s greatest hits on repeat?"

“Most likely all of the above. Hopefully the ally part shows today and not the threat.”

Garrick can sense illusion magic emanating from Vasili.

“He is emanating illusion magic we should be careful of tricks or disguises”

"Great, a trickster. Just what we need," Ada says under her breath as they approach the man and his wagon. In a louder voice, she says to the man, "Greetings, stranger. Waiting for something?"

The man looks up with a cheery smile. "Oh, yes. I'm just waiting for a few adventures who are looking to sell some books. You wouldn't happen to be them, would you?"

Kessintra is creeped out by the Strahd-like's friendly demeanor. She studies him and his cart skeptically, hoping this isn't some kind of trap.

Perception: 21

Garrick walks to the front, trusting his companions to watch his back and look out for traps as he talked. “As a matter of fact we are. We were told you were the one to speak to in order to offload an entire collection, 95 books to be exact.”

Kessintra can't spot anything out of the ordinary. She does, however, see the man nervously tapping his leg. 

The man smiles ever so slightly wider. "Ah, how wonderful. My name is Vasili von Holtz." He respectfully bows before continuing. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. How much were you expecting for the books?"

“For a collection such as this! Exquisite stories, manuals, training techniques, prayers, and so much more! For the entire collection.. how about 300 platinum. 

Kessintra's eyes widen slightly as Garrick suggests the amount; if Vasili carries that much coin around, perhaps it's no wonder he seems so nervous. It is only because she's trying to turn over a new leaf that she doesn't consider just robbing him.

Razz drifts back just a pace, letting Garrick and Kess handle the talking for now. With a small flick of his fingers, he signals Hootie, and the owl glides down to land on the edge of the wagon with a low, deliberate hoot—just loud enough to make sure Vasili notices.

Razz’s gaze stays fixed on Vasili as he folds his arms casually, wings giving a slow, idle flutter. "Just making sure we’re all playing above board here."

He studies the man carefully, eyes narrowing slightly as he looks for anything off.

Perception check: 7

Perception check Hooty: 20