"Good things this place seems to be quite forested." muses Chipper, "And even if not the most potent poison, that only opens our options. A sick guard is easier to overlook than a body."

"Hm, I've never tried my hand at baking," Kess muses on the way to the gate, "Perhaps that's how it got its name: it works well when added to food. And I'm sure throwing the powder in someone's face would be irritating to the eyes at least. Animals and...creatures with heightened senses can be so very sensitive." She smirks, considering making a sachet of the powder for Ireena.

((Last statement inspired by the fun(?) fact that bear spray is actually a lower concentration of irritants than what is found in really good pepper spray for use on humans since the bears are more sensitive to it.))

"Very well, I believe we have our immediate plan, if not our long-term solution. Let's head to the village looking out for these plants as we travel through the woods."

(OOC: did my 25 Investigation roll find anything else worthwhile in this book besides the Snake Bread?)

While there are a lot of entries in the book, most don't have any practical application, mostly just looking good or smelling nice. You do find one entry on grass that says, "Is free. Eaten by horses."

“Well, the book tells the truth” pointing out the line to the others.

Kessintra chuckles as she reads the line. "Free, eh? I'm surprised it's not ten times the price around here," she mutters, "Maybe the cultists will give us a discount for being such good friends of Strahd."

Quote from EmileTherese >>

Kessintra chuckles as she reads the line. "Free, eh? I'm surprised it's not ten times the price around here," she mutters, "Maybe the cultists will give us a discount for being such good friends of Strahd."

 "Hmm you joke, but maybe getting a letter from Strahd saying we are working on his behalf could work to our benefit. It would need a seal or someway to verify authenticity."

"Good idea. And if he says no, we do already have the other letter as an example...I'm sure we could put together something convincing with your tools."

"Maybe you should be the one to ask him though. He didn't look too happy I took a chunk of his book collection."

"That makes sense. Now we just have to find him...The throne room maybe?"

Perception to look for Strahd/signs of Strahd as we move through the castle: 21

You start making your way back through the castle. While in the hall with the petrified faces, the hair on the back of your neck stands up. 

"I didn't expect you all to still be here." Strahd stands behind you, looking a bit anxious. "Why aren't you gone by now?"

Kessintra tenses slightly as Strahd seems to materialize behind them, turning to face him. "Well, we're planning to return to Vallaki, but we thought it would be good to get an official letter from you stating our business. That way we can avoid any misunderstandings with the cultists about why Ireena is with us."

Persuasion: 13

Strahd gives a small, stress filled chuckle. "They shouldn't trouble you. They trust you for killing that strongman. Then again, it can't hurt to be safe." He snaps his fingers and a vampire rushes in with a pen and paper. After a moment, Strahd hands it to you, not bothering to seal it in an envelope. "Now, if that is all, I must find this vampire hunter of ours."

The letter reads: "

Dear Fiona Watcher, 

The castle has become unsafe for the moment, and so I entrust my beloved Tatyana in the hands of these adventurers. Please Do not cause them any harm or trouble.

From your Lord, Count Strahd von Zarovich 

"

"Thank you. We'll be on our way then...Happy hunting." Kessintra gives a smirk once they've gotten sufficiently far from Strahd, carefully folding the letter and slipping it into her pack. "Ah, that should save us a headache."

After retracing your steps through the castle, you find yourself at the front gates. Rahadin stands there with the carriage and black horses behind him. He's anxiously tapping his foot against the ground. "Quickly now, we don't have all day." Rahadin sits in the driver's seat. Ismirk leads Ireena into the carriage.

Kessintra gets into the carriage as well, a little curious as to why Rahadin seems to be in such a rush. She figures he must simply be eager to get Ireena away from the castle, just as Strahd had been.

“Seems strange, just being allowed to leave like this. I thought for sure that dinner would be my last.”

I follow the others onto the carriage, thinking of ways to accomplish our goals while under the inspection of Rahadin

Rahdin yanked on the reins, and the horses started rushing out the castle gates. "So," Rahdin asks, "where are we headed?"

"Vallaki. Should be as safe a place as any for Ireena."

[[
Self-note: things to discuss away from Rahadin

-Van Richten; enemy of my enemy... (attempt to kill Ireena aside...)
-safeplace for Ireena: Vallaki in control of Strahd, see if there's other places to try
]]

"Indeed, Strahd seems to be a strange sort of fellow." says chipper to Garrick. "Perhaps a sense of ennui so great he takes delight in being challenged. Though whether or not he truly wants to be beaten or will rig the game... that remains to be seen."

Before they get into the carriage Chipper sets Skipper to flying. "Spread your wings. Some exercise will do you good." he says. And adds telepathically, (Keep watch of the castle. Particularly for any comings and goings of people. If you see this Van Richten, keep your distance but try to follow. Anything truly exceptional, come to us in Vallaki. Otherwise I'll dismiss and resummon you.)