TOPIC: Meet at the Inn

Widseth wrote: I scan the frescoes on the walls and ceilings. Is there anything remarkable or of note?

The frescoes look to predate the fall of the castle showing the typical religious imagery and legends you would expect in such works.

"I can definitely stand behind finding he or she who serenades us, and determining what this person knows."

"Finding the source of the organ music is as good a plan as any," I say.

As your group moves towards the sound of the organ music torchlight flutters against the walls of this vaulted hall. To the east, a dark and forbidding hallway runs into darkness. Beside that opening, a suit of armor, oiled and glistening, stands at attention in a shallow alcove. To the west, large double doors hang slightly open, a steady bright light escaping through the opening. Swells of organ music come from behind the doors, spilling their melody of power and defeat into the hall.

Pushing open the doors your group is greeted by a magnificent 40-foot-square room, brilliantly lit by three massive crystal chandeliers. Pillars of stone stand against dull white marble walls, supporting the ceiling. In the center of the room, a long, heavy table stands covered with a fine white
satin cloth. The table is laden with delectable foods of every type: roasted beast basted in a savory sauce, roots and herbs of every taste, and sweet fruits and vegetables. Places are set for each of you with fine delicate china and silver. At each place there is a crystal goblet filled with an amber liquid whose delicate fragrance tantalizes your senses. At the center of the far west wall, between floor-to-ceiling length mirrors, stands a massive organ. Its pipes blare out a thunderous melody that offers in its tone greatness and despair. Seated before the keys, its back toward you, a single caped figure pounds the keys in raptured ecstasy. The figure suddenly stops and a deep silence falls over the dining hall. He turns slowly turns toward you ans stands but does not move from the organ, you recognize him instantly as the vampire Strahd.

"Good evening," he says voice practically dripping with smug self satisfaction, " I am so glad you could all accept my invitation."

"How could we refuse, Lord Strahd?" I rejoin with only a hint of sarcasm, bowing low yet keeping my eyes on the villain.

"Nice house, Strahd." Cram checks his beltpouch. "Why bring us here, when you knew we wanted to come?"

"We come for Ireena, and will not trade words with the undead, but who would suspect a creature of the night to try to charm us with the noonday sun of Pelor above only veiled by the unnatural storm. Who are you, servant of Strahd? If I am not mistaken your master sleeps." My tone imitates his smug attitude.

(Lute is playing. My sword suspends behind our group, warding against anything that might come from behind.)

Lenses of true seeing--do I see anything in the room with them that is out of order?

Xavon wrote: "How could we refuse, Lord Strahd?" I rejoin with only a hint of sarcasm, bowing low yet keeping my eyes on the villain.

The vampire seems pleased by your response. "Please sit, I have instructed my servants to prepare you a last meal"

darkangel866 wrote: "Nice house, Strahd." Cram checks his beltpouch. "Why bring us here, when you knew we wanted to come?"

"Why delay the inevitable barbarian, do not forget it was I who invited you to these lands in the first place. It was always my plan for you to stand before me" the vampire laughs.

Widseth wrote: "We come for Ireena, and will not trade words with the undead, but who would suspect a creature of the night to try to charm us with the noonday sun of Pelor above only veiled by the unnatural storm. Who are you, servant of Strahd? If I am not mistaken your master sleeps." My tone imitates his smug attitude.

(Lute is playing. My sword suspends behind our group, warding against anything that might come from behind.)

"For now let us say that I am your host. If you want the girl I am sure an understanding can be reached, perhaps a trade for your fine sword?"

Widseth wrote: Lenses of true seeing--do I see anything in the room with them that is out of order?

The creature before you is Strahd, in a sense but your gaze is irresistibly drawn to the mirrors that surround him and his reflection there in. In true sight what stands before you is nothing but an illusion.


OOC: I'm going to link an up to date map in the first post.

"Night falls all too soon, and we have no time for distractions. I suggest we decline this generous offer and press on. Is it not written, the pleasures of the flesh lead unto ruin?"

I turn to Barkley, "It may be a good idea to hear what this creature has to say. Much can be learned from the boastful utterances of the corrupt. I will, however, acquiesce to what the group decides."


I walk up to Strahd and say, "How did you fall so far? A Paladin reduced to this. An undead hungering creature of infinite evil. It must gnaw at you when you remember how far you have fallen. How does it feel to be little more than a parasite, a bedbug, only able to exist because you feed on your betters?"

cdsmith wrote: "How did you fall so far? A Paladin reduced to this. An undead hungering creature of infinite evil. It must gnaw at you when you remember how far you have fallen. How does it feel to be little more than a parasite, a bedbug, only able to exist because you feed on your betters?"

"Brother. I have not fallen, far from it in fact." the image of the vampire says looking quite sincere, "merely awoken to the truth of lies our so called 'gods' preach in the desperate struggle to keep us subservient. The truth is they need us, need our prayers a great deal more then we need them to rule us. Tell me if they are truly the limitless powers for good they claim how is it that any of us rebel? The only way it makes sense is if that against which we rebel is the true afront to the natural order. Call it evil if you wish, I will call it freedom and truth."