Page 57 - Curse of Strahd_Neat

K9. GUESTS' HALL
center of the room, a long, heavy table is covered with a
fine white satin cloth. The table is laden with many delec­
Torchlight flutters against the walls of this vaulted hall. table foods: roasted beast basted in a savory sauce, roots
To the east, an arched hallway stretches for twenty feet, and herbs of every taste, and sweet fruits and vegetables.
ending at a spiral staircase that goes up and down. Next Places are set for each of you with fine, delicate china and
to the hallway, a suit of armor, oiled and glistening, silver. At each place is a crystal goblet filled with an am­
stands at attention in a shallow alcove. To the west, large ber liquid with a delicate, tantalizing fragrance.
double doors hang slightly open, and a steady bright At the center of the far west wall, between floor-to-ceil­
light escapes through the opening. Swells of organ music ing mirrors, stands a massive organ. Its pipes blare out
come from behind the doors, spilling their melody of a thunderous melody that speaks in its tone of greatness
power and defeat into the hall. and despair. Seated at the organ, facing away from you, a
single caped figure pounds the keys in raptured ecstasy.
The figure suddenly stops, and as a deep silence falls
The suit of armor standing in the alcove is merely a nor­
mal suit of plate armor that is well cared for. over the dining hall, it slowly turns toward you.
The staircase leads down to area K61 and up to area
K30. The double doors provide access to area KlO. The figure is an illusion of Strahd. It welcomes the
characters and invites them to dine. The illusion acts
KlO. DINING HALL
like Strahd and plays the part of the gracious host,
The first time the characters enter this room, read: speaking kindly and telling the characters that they're
free to explore the castle. "Strahd" might talk about his
family or shed light on the castle's history, but the illu­
Three enormous crystal chandeliers brilliantly illuminate sion provides no useful information about the castle's
this magnificent chamber. Pillars of stone stand against inhabitants, treasures, or dangers other than to say that
dull white marble walls, supporting the ceiling. In the the castle doesn't receive many guests. The illusory
vampire converses with the characters for no more than