(( What time of day is it now?  I think we still have time to explore the town some before evening or is it closer to evening now that we've been in the Inn for a bit? ))

It's not that far past noon. You have a few more hours before you need to get a place to sleep.

Razz turns his attention back to Rictavio and Urwin and asks, "Is there anything like a church still left in this town? Anything to do with The Morninglord? I've been told he used to be pretty important around here before the fog...?"

[[ self-note so I don't forget: Church of St. Andril was our refuge last time after the guards arrested and frisked us. ]]

Chipper keeps an ear out to see what response Rictavio might give. He then turns to Garrick and whispers, "We've made a good profit on those first two books, especially considering our lack of costs. While only nobles would have the money for true prices, perhaps we might be able to find less scrupulous buyers, even if the prices are lower?"

[[ With the criminal/spy background, would you be okay with it allowing Chipper to be able to get guesses as to where any black market etc. stuff in Villaki would be? ]]

Rictavio promptly replies, "There's a church. They, like me, worship the morninglord. I heard that the bones of some holy saint were returned there recently. Quite the story, wouldn't you say?"

Of course you can go looking for a black market.

So Rictavio is a worshipper of Lathander as well; it would certainly make sense for a vampire hunter, Kess thinks to herself, growing ever more suspicious. Still, he's made no move to attack Ireena yet so she can't be sure.

"Interesting. Out of curiosity, are you new around these parts, Rictavio? We've met few here who are still actively religious-- besides the cultists of course."

Insight on his answer: 18

To Chipper, “I agree, selling in bulk will be faster, might not be a terrible idea to keep just a handful of the best books for the nobles though. If they are willing to pay premium prices, who am I to deny them that opportunity.” I say finishing with a wink.

"Ah, yes. I arrived only a few months ago. Most people here are.... mildly religious. I heard that the werewolves, wherever they are, worship something called 'Mother Night'. Then, of course, there are those who regard Strahd as a deity. Most others loosely follow Lathander."

He's telling the complete truth.

"'Mother Night'. Yes, I remember hearing that name as well. Would you or Urwin happen to know of a werewolf den in the area? It seems wolf hunting is a common hobby here; out of necessity, I'm sure." Kessintra gives a nod towards the impressive trophies on the wall.

Urwin responds, "Wolves, yes. Werewolves are a bit harder. They don't show up nearly as often, too." Rictavio nods along. "Yes, and I don't believe anyone has found a den- yet."

"Well, I knew we would have vampires to deal with, but I didn't know we'd have werewolves as well.  Any other cursed creatures in this area?" Razz says while finishing off the last of his meal. In a much lower tone to only Kessi, "I think we should head to the church. I think we can ask the Father to check on Ireena and I'd like to see these bones they were talking about.  Also, we might be able to request lodging for the night. It might be better than staying here if Ric is who you think he is."

Razz turns to Ric and Urwin and says, "We did hear a lot of wolves as we were first entering the region but I thought maybe that was the fog playing tricks on us.  Maybe they are located out there and that's why no one has found the den yet?  Since it's at the boundary of the fog??" 

(( Can I make use of the Shelter of the Faithful background feature from Acolyte 2014 version when we go to the church?))

You can use the background features.

Urwin nods sadly and replies, "Lots of creatures, too many to name...." Rictavio says, "I doubt it's in the fog itself. It has.... interesting effects. No one would live out there. Maybe near it, though......"

Kessintra nods to Razz as she finishes her meal as well, giving a small smile. The fairy's natural curiosity is great for gathering information.

"'Interesting effects', you say? Could you tell us about them? We've been thinking about trying to leave through the Mist, but it seems only the Vistani can do it safely."

Rictavio looks you dead in the eyes. "Don't. It will sap all your strength and leaves you lost. Even if by some miracle you traveled far enough, it would turn you around, leading you right back here. Only fools will try to leave this realm."

Kessintra is a bit surprised by the blunt answer, though she supposes she shouldn't be. Damn Strahd, casually encouraging them to trying going into it.

"I see. Thank you for the warning." Rictavio is awfully helpful for a possible assassin; perhaps he is trying to earn their trust just as they are Strahd's. Still, as long as the information is true she is happy to have it.

"Well, that was interesting," Ada mutters to herself, watching the strange book sale go through. She is amused by the choice of title, especially after witnessing this Fiona's reaction to it.

After learning of Rictavio's religious leanings, Ada gives him a glance of approval. At least there are more followers of the Morninglord here in this forsaken land. But now it appears that in addition to vampires they must also contend with werewolves.

"Vampires, werewolves. Surely the Morninglord himself sent us here to hunt these foes and protect these people," Ada says, mostly to Razz but loud enough for everyone to hear. "I would most like to visit the church as well, see these holy bones."

"That also means trying to find silvered weapons or get it added to our current ones would be wise," Kessintra sighs, remembering the last time she tried that, "It isn't cheap to begin with, but the prices here in Barovia are...prohibitive. Five times the normal price at best."

“Let’s go try to sell these books then, or trade for silver ingots to be melted down. This is our first shot at a cash influx so let’s make it count. You guys want to go look for the black market after visiting the church?”

"Sounds good to me." Kessintra takes the book list and looks over it out of curiosity, spotting one that catches her eye. "Hm. Garrick, do you mind if I take this one: 'Strings of Mastery: A Guide to Lute Playing and Technique'. I was thinking I might teach Ireena in our spare time...If you're interested, of course, Ireena. I already have my lyre and this lute is a bit heavy, not to mention playing music is a good way to relax."

Persuasion if needed for Ireena: 15

“Of course, anything to help keep ourselves sane during these times”