"Yes. Barovia is a.... soul trap of sorts. No one can leave, not even through death. The exception is those I allow, namely the vistani. Tatyana's soul was trapped when she died, reincarnating time and time again. 'Ireena' is really just my beloved Tatyana, through and through."

'Not even through death'...The thought is chilling. Her spirits stick around of their own will to torment her, she is sure, but everyone being forced to remain here is a cruel fate. Well, for those deserving of a good afterlife anyway.

"But...if this has happened so many times before, why isn't one of the earlier ones a vampire at your side already?"

Strahd squeezes Ireena's hand, his face flooded with hatred. "Extraneous circumstances. Such as what happened in a little city named Berez. Now it's been reduced to ruins with a river running straight through it."

[[ Earlier I read the four vampires, three woman and one man, as being 4 vampires + 4 humans. Made for a very different read on how the meal might go... ]]

Chipper grabs a seat and Riker maneuvers his way into it. He raises his eyebrows at Strahd's mention of trapped souls. "Azuth's beard!" he mutters under his breath. He ponders the implications of such a thing. Reincarnation? Apparently without memories if true. "Berez?" he asks. Curious if the circumstances Strahd spoke of were of his own making.

"Yes. I destroyed it after the burgomaster and priest not only killed Tatyana, but burned her body as well. I believe that one's name was Marina. Such a horrid fate for her...."

Kess' eyes widen at this other Tatyana--no, Marina's fate. Why would they do such a thing? Just to spite Strahd?

"That's terrible." She admits, striving not to agree with the vampire too much. This is only his side of the story, after all, though she can't imagine a good reason to do that to the girl. It seems suspicious that Strahd hadn't been able to save her, considering all his power.

"Ireena doesn't seem to..." She only hates and fears you. "Ah, act like Tatyana, does she? Wouldn't she...end up loving the same person, even if she didn't remember everything?"

His anger consumes him again. "You keep stumbling into touchy subjects, don't you? Fret not, she will quickly learn to love me. Adjusting to the castle must be quite a lot for her. Not to mention the consorts and their jealousy."

Anastrasya suffocates her chalice, forcing herself to take another sip. Esther and Volenta seem disturbed, but Ludmilla seems to keep her composure at the snide remark.

Zan looks around the table as his stomach rumbles, perhaps we may put off the parlee of wit and hunt for knowledge until after we eat. he looks to his host, I believe you were about to announce the first course? 

Kess' diplomatic facade starts to crack as Strahd mentions Ireena 'learning to love' him. Thankfully Zan speaks up just in time to take the vampire's attention off of her. She tries to take calming breaths while she has the chance; giving in to emotion here will only make things worse.

"Of course." Eight vampires in black suits enter holding silver platters. One platter is laid in front of each living person. The first course is Romaine Salad with Light Olive Oil & Red Wine Vinaigrette.

Ismirk eats slowly, and Ireena takes a moment before forcing herself to eat.

Kess' stares at the salad for a moment before side-eyeing Strahd. "I believe that this is not poisoned. Can you also confirm it is not human--humanoid flesh...People of any kind with an illusion cast on it?" 'Safe' does not mean safe from mental scarring, she imagines.

Garrick is thinks about to casting purify food and drink but realizes, poison is a pointless venture. If he wants them dead, he can command it without needing such subterfuge.

"That's disgusting. It's not any sort of illusion. Besides, my fiancee and future brother in law are here. There's no reason to pull such tricks."

Kess has a tough time believing Strahd is above anything, but begrudgingly eats as politeness demands.

Kessintra's gaze wanders to the self-playing organ as she eats. Some of the melodies sound faintly familiar, though she knows she's never heard them before personally.

Perception on organ: 18

Zan eyes the salad plate, well, atleast the lettuce isn't wilted. Although I would have though a Caesar would have been more to you're looks at Strahd, taste. Say, would you have any garlic croutons? 

There doesn't appear to be any creature at the organ. Make an arcana check.

Strahd chuckles, and replies, "I do, but don't think about it. You'll find that most 'vampire weaknesses' are myths. There are only four. Garlic is not one of them."

Kess arcana: 14

It appears to be a spell playing the organ.

Zan appears to enjoy the salad. Only four? that must be nice. I think we've figured out direct sunlight as one, right? and maybe holy water would be a two? I've read the wooden stake to the heart but then it gets iffy about rather or not you have to be sleeping or not. What about holy symbols?