“Well that’s good at least, still.. something to keep an eye on for the short-term”

'Right. If Strahd is so paranoid, he might decide to turn her early. We need a safe place or one of the items Eva told us about as soon as possible. Hopefully these other adventurers will want to help. They don't have much choice if they want to get out of here anyway.'

Chipper thinks for a moment. "I'd certainly like to explore the lakeside. Perhaps these new adventurers might've seen something. And as for running water, could possibly prepare a little spell to dig a trench too if the situation arises. An underground bunker is intriguing too."

After a while, the road branches to the right, where there's a cold mountain lake enclosed by misty woods and rocky bluffs. Thick fog creeps across the dark, still waters. The trail ends at a grass-covered causeway that stretches a hundred yards across the lake to a flat, marshy island with a stone tower on it. The tower is old and decrepit, with collapsing scaffolds clinging to one side where a large gash has split the wall. Timeworn griffon statues, their wings and flanks covered with moss, perch atop buttresses that support the walls.

Parked near the base of the tower, within sight of the entrance, is a barrel-topped wagon spattered with mud.

The carriage ignores the branch and keeps moving forward.

Would this tower strike Chipper as being in the style of a wizard's tower?

Arcana?: 20+7 = 27

Speaking to Rahadin, “do you hold any influence or power when visiting towns as Strahd’s emissary?”

Despite the age, you can 100% tell that this tower was made by a wizard.

Rahadin replies, "Absolutely. I'm his chamberlain and brother. I hold part of my master's influence."

"Brother? By blood, or...?" Kessintra can't hide her surprise at the claim.

Insight: 4

“Great!” I hold out a trinket that I’ve tinkered with.

”I meant to do this with Strahd but at least we got a letter from him. This will record 6 seconds of your voice. If you could leave a message verifying the letter’s authenticity and that we are acting under Strahd’s orders.”

(OOC: Might avoid some issues later on to have a secondary proof of authority) 

((Kess will help with a persuasion check if needed.))

"This is Rahadin. These adventurers have been entrusted with Strahd's bride for the time being. This is a direct order from the Count." Rahadin turns to Kess. "It's an honorary title. Strahd's father, King Barov, gave it to me."

Kessintra can't hide her interest as Rahadin mentions Strahd's father. Information like this could prove useful for understanding their enemy. "What was King Barov like? Strahd said his mother was a wonderful person. Did he and his father get along well?"

"King Barov was wonderful as well. He was fighting a series of wars when I met him. He was powerful. He raised Strahd to be the same."

"Wars...Yes, Strahd said he conquered this land. It's a bit strange. Two wonderful parents, but he ended up...well, you know. Is he much different now than he was as a human?"

Insight: 4

"Vampiric, you mean? I know that you've extensively discussed the cons, but being a vampire has quite a few pros as well. As for differences.... there are a few, but he's still the same person."

"Pros...Immortality, the ability to make the ones you care about immortal as well, not to mention walking on walls and such. Perhaps the appeal is lost on me since drow can live so long anyway. What about you, Rahadin?"

Rahadin chuckles. "I'm beginning to get old, even for an elf. Me and the master have discussed it on occasion. I should be turned in a couple of years."

The road eventually splits to the left and the right. After a right turn, a colorful wagon with a vistani driver comes into view. There's a fairy and an owl on top of the wagon. There appears to be two branches to the left in the road past the wagon. The farther one has a signpost next to it. The wagon and carriage stop within 10 ft of each other.

Kessintra gives a small wave at the fairy and owl as the wagons come to a stop. Hm, a familiar like Skipper? She squints slightly, trying to see what the signpost farther ahead says.

Perception: 13