Allen seeing the last of Arrigal's men running away Allen will take this opportunity to try to convince Arrigal to help us. "Just submit. I don't want to kill you, If destiny has plans for us to be allies then we must join forces. Help me free this girl from her nightmare don't be strand pawn!"

Persuasion: 15

Arrigal looks around, the Vistani encampment devoid of interlopers. Three of his men lay dead around him. He sheathes his curved blade with excessive force and withdraws a wicked and ornate dagger. The garnets on the pommel seem to shine hungrily in the shifting daylight as Arrigal looks the tiefling straight into his deep purple eyes. In one swift movement, as if a venomous snake striking it's prey, Arrigal throws the knife deftly towards his fleeing man.

Stricken dead center of the back, the Vistani falls to the ground in the distance; his horse galloping off into ever welcoming mists without its rider. Arrigal motions to the wagon quickly, skulking forward to retrieve his dagger. He quickly returns, looking about and keeping low. He firmly states in a quick whisper, "Make no mistake. You, nor any of your kind, have no hope of killing me. You don't know who or what you're dealing with, and never openly say anything. We need to go; now!"

He hops into the wagon, pulling his hood low. Ismark looks to Allen for confirmation. "A-are we taking him?"

insight: 13

”Yes, for now let us hurry before the commotion attracts more people.” Seeing Ireena is not in the wagon”Rumble! Quickly go get Ireena.”

Yeah we have to move. Im sure that brought the eye of some.

*Ben retrieves his javelin eyeing Arrigal*

You gonna heal alright?

Allen and Ben, you eye Arrigal over as he sits hunched over. He waves the ornate dagger over his wounds, and the garnets glow a baleful crimson. As the subtle light washes over his body, the blood and points of damage blend out of existence into fresh skin. He places the dagger into a sheath on his back-belt and glares on in impatience.

Allen, he seems dead serious, and he seems very deadly. Something inside of you gives the slightest inclination of fated destiny; there's also a mynute sour hint that seems to say 'Perhaps, but at what cost?'

"Thats quite a thing there. Here. C'mon.

*Ben holds a hand out to help Arrigal up*

Everyone! Get them! We will be here with the wagon!

*Ben will ready the wagon- tie anything down that needs it while the others gather.*

Rumble darts back to the location where he left Irena, looking out for the shawl she wrapped over her head.

Perception: 21

Arrigal looks down at Ben's hand and then up into his eyes, spits on the ground, and continues into the wagon unassisted. He's a little off putting and gruff, but he isn't outwardly violent.

Rumble, you spot Ireena in the nearby brush where you had left her. Teary eyed, she rushes out from her hiding spot at your approach and hugs you warmly. Her long hair brushes against your side with a pleasing floral scent. "Oh, Rumble, I was so scared! My father always warned me about transients and gypsies." She pulls away, shyly looking to the side, and recollects herself. With a clearing of her throat and wiping of the eyes, she inquires, "Are we leaving for Vallaki now?"

Ismark wraps up the final touches with Ben, offers a handshake in a manly thanks, and mounts up at the driver's bench. 

"Indeed we are." Rumble replies stoicly before offering his arm and escorting her to the wagon.

Roll for stoicness: 3

Ireena nods twice and takes the gentleman's arm. Seemingly reassured, she smiles to Ismark and hops up next to him at the driver's bench. She shoots a gentle and appreciative smile towards Rumble. After ensuring everyone was aboard, Ismark whips at the reins. The wagon rocks and bumps into motion as the horses move to a trot.

With a barely perceptible huff, Arrigal retrieves a long wooden pipe and lights up with a small tinderbox. As the wagon's interior briefly fills with a small, warm, light, Arrigal exhales a thick plume of smoke that's accompanied by a skunky aroma. Flatly, he states, "First off, let's be clear. There's no such thing as destiny; especially for a devil. Second, that old woman, Eliza, is full of shit. Tell me, what possible hope could you motley lot bring to this land?"

What hope do you have? Is hope what drives you? And if it is what is it you hope for? If it isnt hope, is it fear? And if fear be the devil that pushes you, what can you tell us of it?

Ben gives him an eye after refusing his help, quite frustrated.

Allen sighs in relief when Rumble and Ireena arrive. Over hearing Arrigal and Ben have it out Allen answer Arrigal "Perhaps none but for her we are all she has. I WILL GET her to SAFETY even if it cost me every thing!" Taking a look at Ireena then back to Arrigal "Look, I am not asking you to join our merry band and you probably wouldn't but I ask that you at least fight alongside us once you can see the opportunity of us having a chance. I can't explain it but there's something I realized while I had my conversation with Strahd...." Allen stops himself he lets out another sigh this time of stress "Look, all I know is that he's watching us right know and I don't think even Vallakia is a safe spot for you Ireena. Once we get there I think we should look for a holy ground for you to stay at. Arrigal what do you know if Strahd has any allies in Vallakia?"

Arrigal takes a deep inhale, holds in a seemingly impossibly long time, and exhales right in Ben's direction before replying. "Hope? I can't say I believe in it. It's a construct that the weak cling to." He takes another puff; exhaling through his nostrils akin to a dragon.

"Fear, however, I do subscribe to. It can be harnessed and used to control and overpower. If you don't fear Strahd von Zarovich, you're a fool and will die as he toys with your mind and body. He's the Ancient, and He is the Land. I suggest you surrender any wild fleets of fancy and quit while you're ahead. Strahd is the most powerful being this land has ever seen. If you can be useful, perhaps you can serve him."

Arrigal smokes for a couple moments and continues as he looks to Allen. "It would be in your best interest to just give her up, or it may end up costing you more than you could possibly imagine. If He wants her, it's only a matter of time before He owns her. As for joining you, you're correct; I have no intention of following you around like a toothless mongrel" To accentuate his statement, he taps the pipe against the wagon's wooden flooring and repacks it with a small container from his cloak.

After a bit of silence, he continues "Strahd has devote followers and spies everywhere. The men I was with included. It's also Vallaki, not 'Vallakia'. I would suggest to take note so you lot don't stick out, but from the looks of you, that isn't possible." He lights his pipe, clearly enjoying his smoke.

He sighs, "Alright, Vistani are often shunned, so I'm not exactly on the best terms with the locals, but I can advise you on a few things. I would suggest to visit the Bluewater Inn as they're more accepting of strangers. Secondly, my sources say there are strange goings on at the Burgomaster's mansion. They say there are strange flashes of light from the highest floor at odd hours. Thirdly, never think you're untouchable. Ever."

"My expertise is more in the outlands than the miserable towns that the cattle huddle within. Northwest of here, on the far side of Lake Baratok, there's sightings of the Mad Mage. I can't say I've personally met with him, but you may want to avoid his tower. To the west of Vallaki, a long abandoned mansion is rumoured to be the final resting place of a dragon, but I also can't confirm specifics. Lastly, should you be back here in some time, I can bring you to Ol' Kasimir who speaks of an ancient power, but he often speaks inconsistently and of memories passed. He's... not currently taking visitors." Arrigal leans back and blows a few smoke rings as the wagon continues onward.

*processing...*

Is there anyway DM that you could highlight those areas on a Map visual for us?

Allen takes note of the abandon mansion as it could be used as shelter. "Thank... This Kasimir who is he?"

Arrigal puts down the pipe for a moment and pulls out a map case from his pack. He sprawls it out in front of him, dips a fingernail into the ash he knocked out earlier and puts a couple marks to indicate the areas stated. He rolls it up and tosses it, and the case, at Rumble without much of a care. To Allen, he states, "Kasimir is one of the last of his kind. The elves of this land were all but eradicated; hunted to extinction by Strahd. Kasimir has lived longer than written lore in this land and knows much, but time and poignant devestation has eroded his mind."

Arrigal's Map of Barovia

“I see is there anything else you know that might help us, if not then I think we should separate. Perhaps you can get this Kashmir to help us if he is of stable mind to do so?”

Or do you think i could maybe help him? Would he listen to you? I have no doubt that you are highly revered by your people, ..and a hell of a fighter.

Ben says respectfully

We dont have to be enemies, you know.. 

Arrigal furrows his brow, takes a couple puffs off his pipe, and blows it towards Allen. "As if I haven't provided enough help to a bunch of misfits. I can work on granting you an audience with the elf, but it won't be easy. I would suggest bringing something of use or of times gone by as an offering. Come back to our camp in half a tenday, and he should be available."

The dour man looks to the paladin and states, "I don't know your capabilities, but his mind is addled and frail. I have a familiarity with him, but he is his is own man." Arrigal sight goes off into the distance for a moment as he ponders.

Finishing his smoke, he taps the remnants on the wagon's floor and wraps it up with care in a flamboyant material. "I agree about separating. Tell no one of our discussion or meeting, or I'll see to it it's the last any of you ever say. Ah, I did think of something else - enjoy the festival."

Arrigal looks about at the surroundings and leaps off into a nearby opening in the woods without a sound. As he disappears, the wagon bumps and rattles as it continues onward to Vallaki. Before long, the group once again comes to the ancient and rotting city gates. The small port slides open, and a gruff voice bellows "What be yer business comin' ta Vallaki, the last and greatest of cities?"

Allen will lift his hood and whisper to Ben “They don’t like anything that isn’t human tell we seek sanctuary. They wouldn’t let us in last time cause of these.” Allen points to his horns.