Gillain sees the other carriage spill out onto the floor. Dmitri helps Tio down, and has a hand out for her...
She graciously takes the man’s hand and steps from the carriage, looking up at the servants, the steps and the castle ((passive perception 14)).
Where she’s from in the south, all the palaces are wide villas: all sprawling on the flat. The architecture here was practically vertical: soaring towers, buttresses and arches. It was enough to give someone vertigo just looking at it.
She retrieves her belongings, and stands with the others, a little apprehensive.
Your equipment was stowed within the carriage and was at hand the entire time.
The servants stream out of the main door of the Castle. Four woman in all and each is wearing a dark dress, white apron and, mob hat. "Come now dearies, the Master is beside himself wanting to see you all. Come this way." The woman beckon. The women seem to move about you and through your ranks as they guide you into the castle. Walking through the door you find yourselves in a small lavish hallway with a doorway to the left, one to the right, and one straight ahead of you. This room has a few small paintings on its walls and the room seems trimmed in gold with red painted walls. The 4 women usher you through the doorway to the right. This doorway leads to a much larger room, approximately 60 ft. by 60 ft. its floor is carpeted with blue and gold carpet. The walls of this room is lined with bookshelves filled with various books. There are several chairs in the room as well as a couple of small desks. There are 3 exits in this room, one for each wall. The women wait till everyone is in and they turn in unison and head out the western exit. "The Master will be with you shortly, make yourselves comfortable." one calls as they leave.
It seems that very little time passes that a figure appears in the westernmost doorway. The figure is male a pale man apparently in his late twenties or early thirties. His jet-black hair is kept swept back from his face, resulting in a prominent brown and widow’s peak, and his dark, liquid eyes have an intensity that can make even the strongest man nervous. He tends to dress in exquisite finery, albeit in a somewhat outdated style, though his only adornments are a tasteful ruby-and-gold necklace and a gold signet ring. His physique is lean but muscular, and he has been noted for his height—an inch or two more than six feet. He enters the room with an air of dignity and practiced nobility. He locks eyes with each of you before speaking. Once he does, you hear a male voice with a distinct accent say: "Greetings one and all. I am Count Strahd von Zarovich, and I am so very pleased to meet you." the Count smiles slightly.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ermren glances around the room, curious about the focus of the library’s many tomes, but as soon as the host enters, he gives him a polite bow, “Thank you for your offer of hospitality, gracious host, I am Ermren Brawnanvil, may the gods keep you in work and health. Your offer was fortuitous, but I must admit to being curious about the timing. May I ask how you knew we were coming?”
Dmitri was about to respond to their hosts introduction, when Ermren beat him to it. He settled back to observe the Count's response to the direct inquiry.
While Dmitri waited he casually noted the various titles of books on the closest bookshelf at hand. His left hand idly touches upon an obsidian charm worn on a silver necklace. The charm worked with exquisite precision to appear as a feather of some type. Upon touching his charm, Dmitri subtlety relaxes as if the charm has relieved him somewhat of his apprehension.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
At an appropriate moment (as questions are asked and answered, and as people make their introductions) Gillain will step forward to offer her own introductions with a polite curtsy, “My Lord, it’s a pleasure to meet you.... I’m Lady Gillain of Athkatla, of the House Northmere in Amn, in the Lands of Intrigue...”.
She then immediately falls in to a deep knight’s bow, on one knee, with her head held low exposing the back of her neck (in the age-old Knight’s tradition, of respect and trust to one’s host).
She continues “...and Knight-Apprentice under... the ‘late’ ...Lady ‘The Rose’, The Pale Knight, knight errant of The Order of the Radiant Heart. At your service”.
She stands and bows her head. A slight sadness in her eyes at proclaiming her master’s titles for perhaps the first time since her death. Then with a kind smile, she retreats a step or two back to the group.
((Dont know if a Charisma or Performance check would be appropriate, or if noble background makes a difference. Mostly just rolling for my own interest:
Charisma/Performance check: 14 ))
Hmm... maybe her voice breaks or she falters over her introductions as she thinks of her former mentor.
Bob shuffles apprehensively along from the back of the group towards the castle, through the hallway and into the lavish room where they would meet their host. While the others admired the finery as they waited Bob was exploring the space. Every few seconds he scoffed or barked out a laugh, punctuated with a derisive snort here and there. "Tawdry gilded trash. Where's the bloody creature comforts?" he loudly murmurs... just as their host was entering the room.
He stands where he is, eyeing the man over as he spoke and the others made their introductions. He crosses his arms over his chest and moves to stand next to Tio, trying to appear more standoffish than intimidated.
Currently, Strahd is wearing a gold ring with a double-headed eagle image on the face of it.
Strahd smiles a bit, amused by Gillian's formal introduction. "Amn, you say?" he asks, "It must be a very lovely country to produce such powerful and beautiful knights."
"Ah, yes, how did I know of your arrival. I am the ruler of this country and know all of its dealings and new arrivals," he says. "I want to officially welcome each of you to Barovia. It is a small country nestles in the valley of the Balinok Mountains. Its people have a rich and industrious history I am sure you will come to know and eventually love as I do." he says.
The Count waits for a moment then continues. 'I am sure you each are wondering why a man such as myself would wish to meet such adventurers, Yes?" he seems to ask but does not wait for an answer. "You see Barovia is under a Curse. It is a small country, as I have said, surrounded by mountains on all sides. What surrounds those mountains is the Mist you experienced earlier. This Mist is the problem. It bars the way out of this valley and many have lost their lives and minds attempting to find their way out of it and here." The Count seems a bit emotional and irritated by his words. "The people are a simple and strong people who have been trapped within this Mist for many years now. I brought you here to ask each of you, yes implore each of you, help us find a way to escape this prison." The Count holds each of your gazes for a moment after asking this last part.
Gillain smiles at Strahd’s compliment, and puffs up a little taller and straighter. She acknowledges it simply with, “My Lord...” and a small nod of the head, before taking another polite step back again into the group.
After listening to the man’s plight, Gillain will ask, “I’ve never heard of such a curse, and it must be powerful indeed to encompass the entire valley. Who would wish an entire region cursed in such a way?”.
After a second - before he can answer her first question - she blurts out “Wait!.. Are WE now trapped here too?!...”.
"It seems a lifetime ago." the Count continues, "Once a great noble, was struck down in his prime to near-death by kings of other lands. A people of the Land found him, nursed him back to health. The Noble claimed the right of vengeance, and rightly so." the Count says this matter of factly. "In his vengeance, he did many terrible and powerful things and was able to bring his enemies low. But Alas, the heavens did not take kindly to this, for the noble had offended some divine power or another during the exhausting of his revenge, and their divine judgement laid Barovia bare. The clouds became an impenetrable curtain across the sky, blocking out most of the suns light and the Mist became a border around this kingdom, acting as a wall keeping the people within the Barovian borders. As I have said, many have tried to penetrate this veil, each failing in the attempts." The Count is visibly irritated by his statement.
He pauses for a moment, closing his eyes then reopening them again. he looks to each of you and slightly smiles. "Over the years it was discovered that the Mists would bring travellers to us. They would bring news of the outside, histories, the arts of modern worlds but in the end, the travelers would attempt to return to their home only to find themselves trapped with us here. However," the Count's face seems animated as he continues "it was discovered there were a few, an extremely small number of the travelers, who succeeded. And in that, it gives me hope for myself and my people."
The Count pauses again then continues. "It would seem that the Mist is a thing of randomness, bringing others in with no known rhyme or reason. Thus you find yourselves at my door and I am happy to see you all. It has been 4 years since we had visitors from the outside world and I had almost given up hope that the Mist had not sealed the way shut. But, you are here and it is proof that there is a way still open."
The Count pauses again then continues. His visage seems to soften only slightly as he speaks: "I am deeply sorry your fate had been entwined with ours. If I could change it I would but, your coming gives me hope and I would implore you to seek out the means to defeat this Mist and free my people." he says then pauses and seems to ponder for a moment and continues. "I can see the questions on your faces. I have little knowledge in this but I can say that once, a learned man had come through the Mist and spent several years here, my guest in this very castle. I posed my inquiry to him of the Mist and he eventually came to this conclusion, somewhere within the boundaries of Barovia lies the answer. I and my servants had scoured the land but have been unable to discover this answer. Frustrated I spoke with the man again but alas, he was very old by this time and as I questioned him, he died in my very arms. Before dying he did say that others would come and would discover what I had not." the Count speaks these words in hushed tones. he looks around the room then smiles. "But I am very confident that you, my new travelers to my kingdom will discover what we Barovians have yet to."
The Count turns and walks to the exit then turns back to the party. With a smile, he asks: "Can I count on you in this?"
Staying silent for most of Count Strahd's exposition Tio will speak up "If you are genuine then I do not see the harm in helping you and this country but I do not work for free." She will take a step forward.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Felix Windfall (Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA,Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA
Dmitri taking into the account that they were trapped and now shared the Barovian people's problem, reluctantly nodded his acquiescence to their entwined fates.
He glances at his party members as they each come to the same resolution, they are trapped in Barovia.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gillain stands with Tio, “I for one, am sworn to help those in need, if the cause is just... but my friend here is right: we are strangers in a strange land; we do not have lodgings, or supplies; we will need horses...”, she looks, pleading, appealing to the Count’s better judgement...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ermren gives a huge sigh of exasperation, "My god would expect no less of me than to investigate this mystery. So, yes, I will do this. But my companions do raise a good point, we will need supplies, and surely a lord as great as yourself would be able to gift us what we need. Also, since you've done a great deal of research already, do you think I could peruse a summary of your findings? I'd hate to waste your time, and ours, by going over all the same dead ends you've found before."
(Hopefully enough for a help action on Gillain's persuasion attempt, rolling another d20 with her modifier for the advantage to save time just in case: 18)
(Edit: Please let that count? And if it does, you're welcome everyone, lol.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
What Bob lacked in social graces he made up for in patience; he would give this "Count" a fair shake and hear him out even if didn't exactly admire his blatant opulence. Slowly his arms uncross as he listens, finding himself hanging on this Strahd character's every word. His was a tale of woe, men of high status doing high status things that were frankly above the dwarf's station in life. Even the way Gillain addressed the Count with effortless etiquette was baffling to a simple dwarf like Bob.
He waits until everyone has a chance to speak and finally pipes up. "How fare the goodly people o' Barovia? This gloom can't be good for the farmers' crops. How in the blazes are you keepin' the larder stocked without trade or the sun to grow grain? And, speakin' o' which, where's the food, good Count Strahd? We're a mite peckish after our journey," he says with a good-natured chuckle, patting his round belly.
He tries to read Strahd's intentions thus far and also based on how he responds to his line of questioning.
Insight check: 12
(Also: first natural 20 of the game! Let's go!)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Gillain sees the other carriage spill out onto the floor. Dmitri helps Tio down, and has a hand out for her...
She graciously takes the man’s hand and steps from the carriage, looking up at the servants, the steps and the castle ((passive perception 14)).
Where she’s from in the south, all the palaces are wide villas: all sprawling on the flat. The architecture here was practically vertical: soaring towers, buttresses and arches. It was enough to give someone vertigo just looking at it.
She retrieves her belongings, and stands with the others, a little apprehensive.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Your equipment was stowed within the carriage and was at hand the entire time.
The servants stream out of the main door of the Castle. Four woman in all and each is wearing a dark dress, white apron and, mob hat. "Come now dearies, the Master is beside himself wanting to see you all. Come this way." The woman beckon. The women seem to move about you and through your ranks as they guide you into the castle. Walking through the door you find yourselves in a small lavish hallway with a doorway to the left, one to the right, and one straight ahead of you. This room has a few small paintings on its walls and the room seems trimmed in gold with red painted walls. The 4 women usher you through the doorway to the right. This doorway leads to a much larger room, approximately 60 ft. by 60 ft. its floor is carpeted with blue and gold carpet. The walls of this room is lined with bookshelves filled with various books. There are several chairs in the room as well as a couple of small desks. There are 3 exits in this room, one for each wall. The women wait till everyone is in and they turn in unison and head out the western exit. "The Master will be with you shortly, make yourselves comfortable." one calls as they leave.
It seems that very little time passes that a figure appears in the westernmost doorway. The figure is male a pale man apparently in his late twenties or early thirties. His jet-black hair is kept swept back from his face, resulting in a prominent brown and widow’s peak, and his dark, liquid eyes have an intensity that can make even the strongest man nervous. He tends to dress in exquisite finery, albeit in a somewhat outdated style, though his only adornments are a tasteful ruby-and-gold necklace and a gold signet ring. His physique is lean but muscular, and he has been noted for his height—an inch or two more than six feet. He enters the room with an air of dignity and practiced nobility. He locks eyes with each of you before speaking. Once he does, you hear a male voice with a distinct accent say: "Greetings one and all. I am Count Strahd von Zarovich, and I am so very pleased to meet you." the Count smiles slightly.
Ermren glances around the room, curious about the focus of the library’s many tomes, but as soon as the host enters, he gives him a polite bow, “Thank you for your offer of hospitality, gracious host, I am Ermren Brawnanvil, may the gods keep you in work and health. Your offer was fortuitous, but I must admit to being curious about the timing. May I ask how you knew we were coming?”
Investigation: 12
Dmitri was about to respond to their hosts introduction, when Ermren beat him to it. He settled back to observe the Count's response to the direct inquiry.
While Dmitri waited he casually noted the various titles of books on the closest bookshelf at hand. His left hand idly touches upon an obsidian charm worn on a silver necklace. The charm worked with exquisite precision to appear as a feather of some type. Upon touching his charm, Dmitri subtlety relaxes as if the charm has relieved him somewhat of his apprehension.
James carefully looks at the ring to see what’s on it.
Paladin - warforged - orange
At an appropriate moment (as questions are asked and answered, and as people make their introductions) Gillain will step forward to offer her own introductions with a polite curtsy, “My Lord, it’s a pleasure to meet you.... I’m Lady Gillain of Athkatla, of the House Northmere in Amn, in the Lands of Intrigue...”.
She then immediately falls in to a deep knight’s bow, on one knee, with her head held low exposing the back of her neck (in the age-old Knight’s tradition, of respect and trust to one’s host).
She continues “...and Knight-Apprentice under... the ‘late’ ...Lady ‘The Rose’, The Pale Knight, knight errant of The Order of the Radiant Heart. At your service”.
She stands and bows her head. A slight sadness in her eyes at proclaiming her master’s titles for perhaps the first time since her death. Then with a kind smile, she retreats a step or two back to the group.
((Dont know if a Charisma or Performance check would be appropriate, or if noble background makes a difference. Mostly just rolling for my own interest:
Charisma/Performance check: 14 ))
Hmm... maybe her voice breaks or she falters over her introductions as she thinks of her former mentor.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Tio doesn’t say anything instead she just studies the Count. She will let the rest of the party talk while she herself will listen.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiABob shuffles apprehensively along from the back of the group towards the castle, through the hallway and into the lavish room where they would meet their host. While the others admired the finery as they waited Bob was exploring the space. Every few seconds he scoffed or barked out a laugh, punctuated with a derisive snort here and there. "Tawdry gilded trash. Where's the bloody creature comforts?" he loudly murmurs... just as their host was entering the room.
He stands where he is, eyeing the man over as he spoke and the others made their introductions. He crosses his arms over his chest and moves to stand next to Tio, trying to appear more standoffish than intimidated.
What is Ermren investigating?
Currently, Strahd is wearing a gold ring with a double-headed eagle image on the face of it.
Strahd smiles a bit, amused by Gillian's formal introduction. "Amn, you say?" he asks, "It must be a very lovely country to produce such powerful and beautiful knights."
"Ah, yes, how did I know of your arrival. I am the ruler of this country and know all of its dealings and new arrivals," he says. "I want to officially welcome each of you to Barovia. It is a small country nestles in the valley of the Balinok Mountains. Its people have a rich and industrious history I am sure you will come to know and eventually love as I do." he says.
The Count waits for a moment then continues. 'I am sure you each are wondering why a man such as myself would wish to meet such adventurers, Yes?" he seems to ask but does not wait for an answer. "You see Barovia is under a Curse. It is a small country, as I have said, surrounded by mountains on all sides. What surrounds those mountains is the Mist you experienced earlier. This Mist is the problem. It bars the way out of this valley and many have lost their lives and minds attempting to find their way out of it and here." The Count seems a bit emotional and irritated by his words. "The people are a simple and strong people who have been trapped within this Mist for many years now. I brought you here to ask each of you, yes implore each of you, help us find a way to escape this prison." The Count holds each of your gazes for a moment after asking this last part.
Tio would like to insight his intentions, does he mean those word or is he a crying crocodile.
Insight: 11
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA“How did the mist start?” James asks, realizing now that they may be trapped
Paladin - warforged - orange
(The subject matter of the books, trying to see if they are varied or focused on a specific theme.)
Gillain smiles at Strahd’s compliment, and puffs up a little taller and straighter. She acknowledges it simply with, “My Lord...” and a small nod of the head, before taking another polite step back again into the group.
After listening to the man’s plight, Gillain will ask, “I’ve never heard of such a curse, and it must be powerful indeed to encompass the entire valley. Who would wish an entire region cursed in such a way?”.
After a second - before he can answer her first question - she blurts out “Wait!.. Are WE now trapped here too?!...”.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
"It seems a lifetime ago." the Count continues, "Once a great noble, was struck down in his prime to near-death by kings of other lands. A people of the Land found him, nursed him back to health. The Noble claimed the right of vengeance, and rightly so." the Count says this matter of factly. "In his vengeance, he did many terrible and powerful things and was able to bring his enemies low. But Alas, the heavens did not take kindly to this, for the noble had offended some divine power or another during the exhausting of his revenge, and their divine judgement laid Barovia bare. The clouds became an impenetrable curtain across the sky, blocking out most of the suns light and the Mist became a border around this kingdom, acting as a wall keeping the people within the Barovian borders. As I have said, many have tried to penetrate this veil, each failing in the attempts." The Count is visibly irritated by his statement.
He pauses for a moment, closing his eyes then reopening them again. he looks to each of you and slightly smiles. "Over the years it was discovered that the Mists would bring travellers to us. They would bring news of the outside, histories, the arts of modern worlds but in the end, the travelers would attempt to return to their home only to find themselves trapped with us here. However," the Count's face seems animated as he continues "it was discovered there were a few, an extremely small number of the travelers, who succeeded. And in that, it gives me hope for myself and my people."
The Count pauses again then continues. "It would seem that the Mist is a thing of randomness, bringing others in with no known rhyme or reason. Thus you find yourselves at my door and I am happy to see you all. It has been 4 years since we had visitors from the outside world and I had almost given up hope that the Mist had not sealed the way shut. But, you are here and it is proof that there is a way still open."
The Count pauses again then continues. His visage seems to soften only slightly as he speaks: "I am deeply sorry your fate had been entwined with ours. If I could change it I would but, your coming gives me hope and I would implore you to seek out the means to defeat this Mist and free my people." he says then pauses and seems to ponder for a moment and continues. "I can see the questions on your faces. I have little knowledge in this but I can say that once, a learned man had come through the Mist and spent several years here, my guest in this very castle. I posed my inquiry to him of the Mist and he eventually came to this conclusion, somewhere within the boundaries of Barovia lies the answer. I and my servants had scoured the land but have been unable to discover this answer. Frustrated I spoke with the man again but alas, he was very old by this time and as I questioned him, he died in my very arms. Before dying he did say that others would come and would discover what I had not." the Count speaks these words in hushed tones. he looks around the room then smiles. "But I am very confident that you, my new travelers to my kingdom will discover what we Barovians have yet to."
The Count turns and walks to the exit then turns back to the party. With a smile, he asks: "Can I count on you in this?"
Staying silent for most of Count Strahd's exposition Tio will speak up "If you are genuine then I do not see the harm in helping you and this country but I do not work for free." She will take a step forward.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiADmitri taking into the account that they were trapped and now shared the Barovian people's problem, reluctantly nodded his acquiescence to their entwined fates.
He glances at his party members as they each come to the same resolution, they are trapped in Barovia.
Gillain stands with Tio, “I for one, am sworn to help those in need, if the cause is just... but my friend here is right: we are strangers in a strange land; we do not have lodgings, or supplies; we will need horses...”, she looks, pleading, appealing to the Count’s better judgement...
Persuasion check?: 16
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Ermren gives a huge sigh of exasperation, "My god would expect no less of me than to investigate this mystery. So, yes, I will do this. But my companions do raise a good point, we will need supplies, and surely a lord as great as yourself would be able to gift us what we need. Also, since you've done a great deal of research already, do you think I could peruse a summary of your findings? I'd hate to waste your time, and ours, by going over all the same dead ends you've found before."
(Hopefully enough for a help action on Gillain's persuasion attempt, rolling another d20 with her modifier for the advantage to save time just in case: 18)
(Edit: Please let that count? And if it does, you're welcome everyone, lol.)
((OOC: ha! nice one! thanks Ismenow! [virtual high five] hehe))
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
What Bob lacked in social graces he made up for in patience; he would give this "Count" a fair shake and hear him out even if didn't exactly admire his blatant opulence. Slowly his arms uncross as he listens, finding himself hanging on this Strahd character's every word. His was a tale of woe, men of high status doing high status things that were frankly above the dwarf's station in life. Even the way Gillain addressed the Count with effortless etiquette was baffling to a simple dwarf like Bob.
He waits until everyone has a chance to speak and finally pipes up. "How fare the goodly people o' Barovia? This gloom can't be good for the farmers' crops. How in the blazes are you keepin' the larder stocked without trade or the sun to grow grain? And, speakin' o' which, where's the food, good Count Strahd? We're a mite peckish after our journey," he says with a good-natured chuckle, patting his round belly.
He tries to read Strahd's intentions thus far and also based on how he responds to his line of questioning.
Insight check: 12
(Also: first natural 20 of the game! Let's go!)