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After the food, you negotiate with Urwin about your stay. It looks like two beds will cost you one gold piece per night. That's doable, for now, but you'll need to find some way to bring in money if you plan to stay for more than a few days.
You chat with some locals to learn more about the town and pick up leads that may help you secure Ireena's safety... or lead you to your sister. Nobody really talks about the festivities (the upcoming festival, and the festival that just ended) and many of the locals give off the same drab vibes you felt in Barovia, despite the initial appearances of the town. But you do meet a few interesting people who lend you useful information.
Among them is a strange half-elf (the only half-elf you have seen in Barovia, in fact) who claims to be a carnival ringmaster from a far-off land. He wears a colorful outfit and a silly hat, and proudly introduces himself as Rictavio.
"Ah yes, this land is home to many dangers, dangers that I've adapted to. I've seen many dangers on my travels, and none faze me, not even those in a place such as Barovia!" He emphasies each word with dramatic body language and wide gestures.
"What dangers are there in Vallaki?" Ireena asks. "Are the residents here safe?"
"The danger that encroaches on Vallaki is the Vistani," he says, a serious tone undercutting his voice. "Servants of Strahd, they are. The wolves at night are simple beasts, easy to put in their place. But the Vistani... never trust them! They can leave this land, so why would they be here, but to scheme? They are devil incarntae."
"Even the Vistani at Tser Pool?" you ask. "We met them when we were on our way here."
"Whatever they told you, expel it from your mind. They can curse you, with just a glance. Horrible magic. Ah! But I love their lifestyle... nomadic, free. It's their one redeeming quality!"
"I see," you say. "So aside from the Vistani, there is no danger that threatens those inside the walls?"
"None at all, so far as I can see," he says. "And hey, if you're looking for a refuge from both the human and the undead, the church is a good place to start."
"Thank you," you say. The church was the tip you needed. This may well work. Free of Ireena, you would be able to resume your mission once again. You are really starting to like her though.. might be sad to leave her behind.
(cont.)
