"...Ham and Wine...huh.." Allen takes his glass and takes a sip studying the man.

Insight: 21

Euron turns to the new person. He looks very closely at the man. He hides his face behind the hood, but his voice suggests skepticism.  "Normally, kindness doesn't just happen in this world.  If someone gives something, then he wants to get something for it. What is it that you want?" 

Allen, he seems happy and genuine enough. 

Ismark seems elated at first, glad at the acceptance. However, his face falls slightly at the overall tone. "Ah, tis true. But, at the very least, we can enjoy each other's company. They say you can win over adventurers be serving them a nice meal, so please join me and hear me out. I would rather discuss sitting down at a table, if that's alright." 

He turns to the bartender and states, "Please give them whichever they like." The bartender remains cleaning his drinking glasses and nods as Ismark turns and walks away.

“Well, I’m game for a chat if a meals involved!” Graeme says wandering over to the table.

The fact that the stranger doesn't even try to hide that he has something in the back of his mind shows his honesty.  "We're not adventurers...or at least I'm not. Actually we don't even know each other. But well, that means that an unknown face more doesn't make much difference anymore. Who are you? And more important: What is this place?"

Dartis' thirst for knowledge and possibility of information of whats going on is enough to get him to follow the man, he takes another glance at the party and shrugs.

"I've had a rough couple of days... if listening to what hes got to say is all i gotta do for a free meal, well.." and he turns and walks over.

Johnny nods slowly and leans back against the bar.

Eira smirks with her eyes scrunched up and asks Ismark

"So, what's your angle bub?"

Insight: 21

Ismark waits until an opportune time and starts out, "Alright, I figured your group was a party of adventurers due to your strange appearance. Adventurers or no, it's clear you're at least equipped for battle. Cutting to the chase," taking a moment to compose himself, "the devil seeks to take my sister. I'm not sure why, but he's determined to make her his. I need to get her to Vallaki where she'll be safe."

"I don't have much time, so the choice must be made soon. From the look of you, I'd reckon you lot aren't very familiar with this land. This group just doesn't blend in. You see, He is ever present and is far more powerful than you can imagine. I've only ever read that the occasional poor soul would visit the land. A tip, get comfy as there isn't a way out. The mists choke everything."

Johnny cocks his head with a wary glare on his face.

"And that's where we come in? Your sister's escorts? Isn't it a little unfair to task poor lost souls such as ourselves with your own burdens?"

Dartis is surprised at the gravity of the situation and suddenly looks visibly awkward, looking to see if the food is coming out any time soon..

"That's uhh... that's quite a bit to take in..."

"....." Allen drinking his wine. "Perhaps we should help his sister. If this "devil" is the one causing us to stay here, I don't see why we kill two birds with one stone."

"This 'devil' Strahd seems to have a habit of capturing girls..." Rumble says with a slight pur. "That ladies Gertruda is MIA also and she blames him.."

 "Strahd..." Dartis echoes the name.

History? check on if Dartis has heard anything on the name before.

9

Tearing through a piece of ham, Ismark leans forward as to not dirty his clothes. The fire light flickers, casting shadows upon his brow. "I think perhaps you don't understand your current predicament. Where exactly do you think you are? Anyone can tell you're not from here, and, if not for coin, most would not associate with you."

He leans back, draining his wine glass in one. Placing it down neatly, he states rather excitedly, "Don't misunderstand; I mean you no harm. I honestly plea for your aid. I read much as a child, and only in ancient lore did..non-human humans like you exist! Please, eat and join me. Humour me, as I can provide you free residence for the night as well."

"Have you met him? Seen him?" Rumble asks directly, but in a non-chalant way.

Quote from AfroSamurai >>

"Have you met him? Seen him?" Rumble asks directly, but in a non-chalant way.

Euron looks up. "At least someone who asks the right questions." he says to Rumble, than he looks the man right in his eyes. "Let me make one thing clear. I don't care what the others think about me or the others here. I am used to being shunned or insulted. That doesn't bother me. I am here because I have found a prey that is worth hunting. And he seems to be interested in your sister? Then I am also interested in you. I want to get to know your sister. Everything else we look then. My companions here, have also decided to hunt the devil and you are just giving us a first hint "

Graeme chortles at hearing Euron say that he wants to get to know Ismarks sister, and throws Euron a wink.

”Look ‘ere lads.” Graeme says standing up from the table. “I’ve ‘eard enough ‘o this shite. Whatever you folks decide, I’ll go wit’. But I’ll be ****ed if I’m gonna listen to a bastard who’ll pawn off his sister to a bunch a cut-throats. He doesn’t even know us fer shits sake!” 

Graeme starts to walk back to the bar, then turns... 

“...and I’ll tell ye another thing...” Graeme says while looking at Ismark. “...bes’ watch yer tone, sounds like you - and especially yer sister - need us more than we need you. Sa’ stop talkin’ pish.”

Graeme turns and walks back to the bar. “Careful lads!” He says over his shoulder, “... I don’t like that one.”

"I think we got off on the wrong foot here...Is your sister some how related to the Burgomaster? We found a letter on a dead man just outside the village."

"I've met him, and I would have him dead. I know not why he desires her, but I'll fight to the death to protect her! I didn't mean to insult you but to help you as you help me. I can be your guide to Vallaki. Strahd is a monster! He crushes the very light in this land!"

Upon Euron's input, his face lights up, hope clearly depicted in his eyes. But not for a scant few moments until anger breaks out upon his features. As the Highlander walks away towards Johnny, Ismark stands up as the sound of steel rings out. Sword drawn, he states, "Sir, I believe that that counts as fighting words. I never said I was leaving her in your care, and maybe you're not the right man for the job."

Ismark lowers the blade briefly as he looks Allen's way, "Letter? From whom?"