Evil Eye I - A Mother's Love

[Ikoma]

The next day finds the party alone. Oh, everyone they see wants to shake their hand and pat them on the back. Young men admire them. Young women desire them Their distance from the villagers is a function of knowledge. They are marked by the darkness of Ravenloft in a way the normal peasant cannot. The peasant lives in fear. Fear is removed by knowledge.

Without knowing why, really, the party finds themselves outside of town. The silence is a blessing. As they sit by the side of the river and discuss the prospects on the future, the distant sounds of metal striking metal float across the forest. Reminded of the Vistani smith, the party decides to return to visit him.

Entering the clearing, they find a very similar picture to yesterday. The sky is light gray and the constantly threating rain. Raul notices the party and motions for them to join him. The group stands in silence as he finishes roughing out a horse shoe. It only takes minutes and you are all reminded of his craftsmanship. When he finishes, silence returns to the glade. Raul wipes his hands and welcomes you,

"I am sorry for the way I behaved yesterday. What brings you back? Ready to spend some gold?"

"Gold I have none, good smith; though my friends here may. And please do not feel badly about yesterday. Perhaps we were too overbearing in our anxiety. I pray, good sir, if you could know where I could seek more knowledge about where I am and why I are here. You mentioned yesterday that perhaps a Vistani Sage could help. Whatever I did to deserve this curse, our battle against the Szimin effigy to protect this village should be evidence that I seek the good and welfare of innocents. Please help if you can."

Raul shrugs, a look of genuine regret o his face.

"If I was still with my family, I would take you to see Eva, the ruanie of the Zarovan... my clan. But they have traveled on. To where? I do not know. But I promise you this, if you will help me save my son's life, I will spend the rest of my life helping you find a Vistani hag that can help you."

He spits in the palm of his hands and extends his hand to Toschlager.

"What is it that must be done for your son? With the inevitible unpleasantness that is coming to this town, I for one would be quite willing to quest abroad. And woudln't you know?... My social calendar is open."

"Sir, your sincerity deeply touches me. Our encounter yesterday revealed that you have great concern over my identity as a Falcovian. I do not fully understand why, but your gesture now is all the greater for it shows me that you are able to see beyond external identities and look within."

Totschlager takes off his own gauntlet, spits in his own hand and firmly grasps Raul's outstreched hand.

"Here I pledge, oh good sir, my heart, my strength, and my axe to finding the necessary balm for your son. May we become good friends."

Totschlager releases Raul's hand, feeling suddenly awkward. Totschlager feels sincere in his pledge to help Raul and really does hope to find a friend in the Vistani smith; however, something suddenly feels... off... about making such a heartfelt promise to the Vistani. Is it because Toschalger hardly knows anyone in this strange unknown land? Yes, that must be it, he tells himself. At any rate he has pledged his service to aiding this Vistani; nothing will keep him from fulfilling his pledge... even if he has to face something as horrific as that walking, flaming effigy. Totschlager shivers and focusses back on the moment.

"Tell us," he asks Raul, "how and when did your son become ill?"

In the uncomfortable pause that follows, Totschlager reflects again on the effigy he helped fight just the night before. Though he was exhausted afterward and should have been able to fall asleep quickly, he could barely sleep last night because of his obsessive thoughts about that cursed thing. The... unnaturalness... of the thing flooded his thoughts and filled his dreams. Now he cannot help but obsess about the creature during his waking hours as well. As Raul begins to speak, Totschlager finds he must focus on what is being said. He looks forward hopefully to possibly getting better sleep tonight.

Adam stands to the back of the group and listens to Raul's story. When a chance arises he will move forward to talk to the smith.

Raul motions for the group to gather around the fire. The threatening clouds open up with a light drizzle, nothing to force you indoors but enough to encourage a warm fire. Raul asks Totschlager to stoke the fire as he gathers his son in his arms. Taking a seat, he begins to feed the boy from a bottle.

"This all began almost one year ago. My wife was coming to term with our son. Everything was going along it's proper course. But it... well... it... it didn't finish properly. Leyla, my wife, died delivering Nikki. It was all apparently bad luck. Eva, our hag, divined to see if foul play had occurred. Nothing had. None of our enemies had struck out at the family. It was the way of fate."

"Of course, I took it hard. It was a difficult time for me. But I had a son to raise. After the burial, I took the traditional three days to go alone in the wilderness. Severe the connection to the past. I destroyed everything of hers - as is the Vistani way. I took my son of course. The third night... I thought the loss was going to kill me. I had never felt such pain in my life. And Nikki? He would not stop crying. Nothing I could do would stop him. I feed him milk from our goat. I did everything the women of my clan had told me to do. I think he missed her as much as I, though he had never really know her. I guess maybe he had, those nine months in the womb."

"I don't know why it happened. I don't know if our combined pain reached across the veil. I don't know it if had anything to do with the mysterious death she suffered. I just don't know. But that night... the third night after her death... she came back. I was playing my violin. All my sorrow, all my pain, flowed through my fingers. At first, I thought she was a memory, walking out of the fog. But she became solid. She came straight to Nikki. He knew her. Knew it was her. She quieted his cries. She nursed him. I thought my prayers had been answered. But... she didn't stay. She faded away."

"The next morning I thought long and hard. I had a choice. I could have gone back to my clan. I could have sought out the help of Eva. She would have found a way to put Leyla to rest. But I just couldn't," tears begin to course down his cheeks, "I really thought her return was a gift. Nikki needed his mother. So I took the other choice, I fled. I took my bardo and my son and we made our own way. And every night, Leyla comes. She nurses Nikki. For months, I thought this would work. But look at him. Look at my son! Every day, he ate less milk from the goat. Every day he grew more and more listless and weak. I... I should have know better. I should have seen it sooner. But my grief, my desire, blinded me. She wasn't giving him life. She was taking him with her. Over to the other side."

"I tried to flee. Tried to run. But she comes every night. I cannot escape. I cannot fight her. I do not know what to do. Nikki will die soon unless she can me made to stay away. My good men, I don't know what you can do. Perhaps it is already too late. But I felt this was my one last chance to drop my foolish pride, admit the things my heart already knew and ask for help."

Totschlager pauses for a moment, reflecting on what Raul has just said. After a moment, Totschlager tilits his head to the side and says, "...hmm..." not knowing what else to say. The effigy (Totschlager shudders) he could fight. Very straight forward. Hit the bad guy with the axe. But a ghost... Totschlager tilts his head to the other side and says again, "...hmm..." After another pause, he finally says, "Well, my new friend, if my associates agree, we will guard your camp tonight and do our best to ward this ghost from you." Totschlager has no idea how his axe will help, but he attempts to convey a sense of hope to Raul.

Diplomacy (1d20-1=12)

It's probably not as easy as this, but do you suppose you could play something CHEERFUL tonight? I mean, sure, I'll stick around with the rest and do what I can to help, but I think lots o' this might ride on what YOU do.

Egdar is visibly moved by the tale the gypsy recounts.

"I too am acquainted with grief such as you describe.
I too have lost my soulmate but at the hands of an evil man rather than Fate.
I too have wandered alone seeking solace from the grief and pain.
And I too know of the lingering presence that is both a blessing and a curse...

In the mournful vaults of fathomless gloom
To which Fate has already banished me,
Where a bright, rosy beam never enters;
Where, alone with Night, that sullen hostess,

I'm like a painter whom a mocking God
Condemns to paint, alas! upon darkness;
Where, a cook with a woeful appetite,
I boil and I eat my own heart;

At times there shines, and lengthens, and broadens
A specter made of grace and of splendor;
By its dreamy, oriental manner,

When it attains its full stature,
I recognize my lovely visitor;
It's She! dark and yet luminous.

While I am only now striving to learn the ways of the netherworld, I will attempt to console and, if possible, excorcise the undoubtedly unintentional affliction of your child at the hands of his tragically lost mother."

Perform= (1d20+12=16)

Raul nods as he listens to each member of the party. He seems relieved just to have shared the story.

"I would be honored and grateful to have you here tonight. I have tried to control my playing. Some nights, I have locked my violin away, in the hopes that maybe it was my playing that called her back. At first I thought I had succeeded, but she came anyway - just later than typical. And once she comes...," he starts to cry, "I cannot play anything but the music of sadness. There is nothing else in me."

((Excellent post, Chris. Take a check in your Artistic Angst box.))

Totschlager nods absently as he listens to Edgar's improptu recitation. Totschlager feels tired. He hopes he will be able to sleep better tonight... as long as nightmares of the effigy do not disturb him again tonight. He rubs some sleep out of his eye as Raul issues his tender graditiude. As Totschlager glances to his left, he glimpes Raul's Bardo with its jumble of steel and wood.

...the effigy!...

A cold sweat envelopes Totschlager as he jumps up and unslings his greataxe. How did the effigy get here?

"To arms! The effigy is here!"

Totschlager places himself between Raul and the Bardo and prepares to swing at the Bardo. He lifts his greataxe and glances back at the group...

...everyone stares at him, unmoving - not with fear but with consternation toward Totschlager. No one is running away or preparing to attack. Raul's nervous glances between Totschlager and the Bardo cause Totschlager to look again at his target. No effigy, only a wagon. The Bardo is only a wagon with canvas and wheels and implements typical of smithing hanging from its frame. No effigy at all. No heat, no movement. Just a wagon. Totschlager sets down his greataxe - his breathing still fast but returning to normal. He turns in shame to the others.

"I am sorry... I... don't know what overcame me. That effigy last night... the flame... the jumbled junk that made up its body... I... I don't know what to say." After an awkward pause, Totschlager straightens up and says to Raul, "You can still count on me, my new friend." To the others, he says, "I'm just going to make a quick perimeter check."

He trots to the edge of the clearing and scouts the edges, greatly embarassed at his behavior. His perimeter check has a two-fold purpose. He wants to remove himself from the humilating moment, but also, he wants to make sure he did in fact NOT see the effigy.

Spot for effigy (1d20+1=4)

Afterwards, he cannot be sure at all if he had seen or not seen the effigy. The others evidently had not. Totschlager resolves to be more alert in case the effigy does come back and sneak up on him or his new friends.

Adam watches his strange friend disappear into the night and chuckles to himself. If he wasn't almost dead througout the the encounter with the effigy he'd have similar visions.

Turning to Raul he begins to speak,

"Raul, I'm happy to see that you've shaken off your doubt and misery to make a decision for yourself and Nikki. The future will decide whether your decision is wise or not, but you had the power to take the first step. My respect for you grows even deeper. I will stand at your side and face with you whatever the Maker puts in your path."

Adam bows before the smith with an arm extended, a gesture of true respect in Adam's previous experience.

Growing serious and solemn he looks straight in Raul's eyes and asks,

"If your wife's shade appears tonight, how far do you want this to go. Are you looking for reconciliation and a conversation, or are you trying to drive her away."

Gesturing to the look he continues, "We can do either for you, but the decision is yours and we need to know before we start. Shades of the living are powerful creatures and we must prepare ourselves if we are to drive her away."

[Ikoma]

Observing the hypervigilence of Totschlager, Egdar is solidly convinced that a direct confrontation with the ghost of Raul's wife would be disasterous. He listens to Adam's admonition to prepare for conflict and cannot see how such an encounter could end any way but tragically.

"While my pious companion undoubtedly speaks with your well being in mind, I must counsel caution. It is the way of men to charge into conflict, but we are dealing with the spirit of a woman. It is her devotion that draws her here and her passion that causes her to linger. I propose that it is those same emotions that will prove to be the solution for this family's plight.

Rather than run in crosses blazing, we ought to observe quietly and unobtrusively. Raul, release your soul in music so as to purge your heart of it's anguish. The child has not expired after several months so one more night will not likely prove fatal.

When the spirit arrives, her form will be revealed and we will know the nature of her soul. If it be feral or predatory, we may then prepare ourselves accordingly. If however, it proves to be gentle then perhaps we may be able to assist her in departing this world in peace as should have occured at her death.

Wheras this is an issue of the fairer sex, I just might have an acquaintance who may be able to serve as our guide and mediator. By all means steel yourselves for the worst but let us afford ourselves one night to better understand the situation before we act with undue rashness."

"I'm with Edgy-poet here, but we can't do NOTHING beyond observing. I mean, if we all just sit here and watch, all we'll learn is that Raul's been honest with us."

"The Morninglord has granted me some fresh tricks -- I'd like to try to counter the emotional toll this ghost takes on those nearby. Raul, that includes you... if you're willing to let a half-breed pray at you while you torture that poor violin."

Ioan grins in hopeful jest (Diplomacy=9). Yes, it DOES look like there's something in his teeth.

The rain grows even denser. The thick clouds are low. The tops of the trees have disappeared. As the group discusses strategies, Raul moves to open a tarp rolled up on the roof of the bardo. Attached to a few poles, it provides decent protection for the falling water.

"I think I am ready to let her go. She has passed. She cannot be here... for Nikki's sake."

Watching Totschlager move through the trees surrounding the clearing, Raul clears his throat. "Is... uh... he okay?"

Turning back to Edgar and Ioan. "I think both ideas are good ones. She has a powerful effect on me. I've tried to fight it... but every time I see her," the tears are visible again, "well, I'm open to anything."

((Ioan gets in just in under the deadline! Totschlager gets a check mark for his Horror box.))

Totschlager gets back to the Bardo as the rain begins to fall. Anyone attentive enough will notice that his wounds are not healing (his failed horror save means his lost HP will not return naturally - he's missing a total of 16 HP from combat/fire damage). After he gets filled in with the conversation he missed, he agrees that the others' ideas are a good way to go. Anyone close enough to him will hear him mutter under his breath, "Facing anything will be better than that damned effigy." He shudders slightly and follows the group.

Tots, it looks like you're still hurting. Why didn't you SAY something? C'mere, you!

Cure Moderate Wounds = 10.

There you go.

Now... Raul... I don't know what your beliefs are like regarding the Divine, but since it sounds like you're willing to give this a go, that's great. Here's my plan...

First: when we're within about five minutes of showtime, I will bless us all, hopefully allowing us to retain more of our faculties when she arrives.

Second: When you start playing, I'm going to try to to calm all of our emotions. Strangely, this will suppress the blessing, but if it's already done its job, that's actually okay. When I do that, please see if you can stop playing.

Third... well, I haven't gotten to that bit yet. I'm kind of a one-trick pony. Two tricks if you count "whoa, that's ugly."

Totschlager with the group at Raul's Bardo: not completely there | 33/39 HP | 1d20=14

"Thank you, Ioan. I'm afraid I had forgotten I was hurt. Your plan sounds good. I confess I am unaware of the mystic arts, so I will trust you. My axe will be at the ready if you need it."

Adam stands back to watch the scene as people prepare for the shade. He takes out his volume of scripture and begins to read silently. He searches for passages about the dead and their passing from the mortal path.

When there is a quiet moment he approaches Raul.

"My friend, at times as I've suffered in life I've found comfort in the words of those wiser than I. Here I have a collection of passages that are probably unfamilar to you."

Handing the book to Raul he continues.

"If you feel so inclined you may read them as they may help you steel yourself for the coming confrontation. Perhaps through these words you can understand what the Maker has prepared for your dear wife."

"I will be here to lend you my strength and faith. The greatest contribution is a prayer for yourself, your wife, and Nikki. Remember that the Maker loves his children despite the words and actions of other. This I truly believe"

OOC- Sorry for not posting, I haven't received a notification of reply since Ioan's post on Wednesday...

"I am still convinced that we will not excorcise this spirit simply by engaging it. The precautions that Ioan has suggested are wise, but I must emphasize a non-confrontational stance. I have seen enough court intrigue to know that the opening scene is critical as it sets the tone for remainder of the negotiation. We are not seeking to vanquish this ghost but rather to console it.

I have access to resources that may help us in this matter. But I need each of you to promise that you will do nothing apart from observe when the spirit comes. Raul, I will need some privacy. May I spend some time in your bardo while you play? If things go as hoped, I will inform you after the spirit has departed.

It is not inaction that I am proposing but rather a cautious probing of the situation. Each of us are neonates when it comes to interacting with the spirit world. As I mentioned earlier, I am somewhat acquainted with the grief with which we are dealing. I am counting on my limited experience to give us an edge. Are you willing to trust me and agree to a passive stance?"

Adam nods his head and responds.

"I will stay my hand until instructed to move or someone is receiving serious physical damage."

"Sounds fine to me, Edgy. But I still think that we're going to need a blessing and some clear heads in order to even observe properly, and that's what I'm setting out to provide."

"That won't get in the way, will it?"

"By all means invoke whatever blessings your god may provide. This will likely be a harrowing scene as a desperate mother literally sucks the life out of her own child. Despite this tragedy, we must keep clear heads and measure our actions.

Raul, you have witnessed this before. What is the likelihood of the spirit becoming vilent. Has she struck out at you or others at any time?"

Raul is lost in his own thoughts, listening to the party discuss their plans.

"I can certainly agree to a passive stance. It's the stance I have taken for nearly a year. I don't know that I will be able to take a different approach when the times comes, but I will try. Also, I have no idea what will change with Leyla's response when you are here. You are the only strangers I have ever told and will ever see her, I hope. I do not know what she will do."

When Edgar asks about privacy and the use of the bardo, Raul thinks for a moment, then nods, "I am willing. Do you need to use it now, or then?"

((Any other immediate plans or discussions or are we ready to move on to the night's "festivities"?))

((APOLOGIES! I knew I was going to be in the field yesterday but I didn't put two and two together in what that meant for the PbP. Sorry!

Updates: I've got revised character sheets for Edgar & Ioan. I still need 4th level sheets for Totschalger & Adam.

I'll be posting today looking for a 5th party member. As always, your recommendations are welcome and solicited.))

((OOC -- Not sure how to do this, but I'm hoping that I'll get some sort of cue as to when I should be casting "Bless." It only lasts for five minutes at my current level, and I'd like for it to last long enough that it is in effect when we first see the ghost. I guess I'm "holding my action" until the time is right.))

"When you are ready to begin playing, I will excuse myself to summon what aid I can. Perhaps the others should stay casually out of sight. As you mentioned, we are not sure how the presence of strangers may effect her."

OOC- Lon do you want me to PM my actions in the bardo or should I just post as usual?

Totschlager sticks close to Ioan and Adam. He finds himself dosing off at times but always startling awake with the same fear - that the effigy might be near. He calms down when he sees himself with friends. He's not sure what this ghost will do tonight, but anything shoud be better than that effigy.

[Ikoma]

With a plan laid out, the party prepares for their evening encounter. The rain continues to fall, off and on. It never stops. It just gets thicker and thinner. The mists swirl in the woods, gathering close around the camp site. The group spend most of the time huddled around the fire, staying warm. Each takes a turn holding Nikki, rocking him. They boy begins to spark up, reacting to the attention.

The day slowly grows darker and sometime, no one is sure when, it changes into night. About a half hour past night... something changes. Perhaps it is a deepening chill in the air. Your breath steams into the night sky. Perhaps it is a change in the fog. Strange shapes seem to appear and then fade into nothing. Perhaps it is the sound of the rain. Drifting sounds of a drum, pulsing to a rhythmic beat.

Raul rises and motions for Edgar to follow him. He is led to the bardo's main entrance. A key opens the door, Raul reaches inside and pulls a beautiful violin from just inside the door. Then he allows Edgar to enter. Before he even begins playing, a shape begins to coalesce out of the mists. A vague outline of a woman steps from the trees and her shape begins to stabilize.

((Chris, PM me your private actions inside the bardo. The rest of you, post your actions outside the bardo as Raul begins to play.))

Adam stands as the woman approaches and moves next to the fire to capture as much of the heat and light as it will allow. He draws no weapon, casts no spell, and makes no threatening move. As he watches the woman move he says a silent prayer for Raul and his family asking that this night will go well.

Egdar steps up into the wagon, thanks Raul for his hopsitality, and closes the door behind him.

(Lon- I will post a PM of actions on the lunch hour)

Ioan invokes a blessing upon the party.

(BLESS: all fear saves and attack rolls are at +1 for the next 5 minutes)

Totschlager moves next to Adam by the fire. Since Adam is not agressively stanced, Totschlager decides not to draw any weapon. Seeing the woman materialize, Totschlager is suddenly beset with deja vu. Something is very familiar about this setting... the bardo, a young Vistani family. I've interacted with Vistani before, Totschlager realizes, but when? or where? or how? He does not know. As the ghost of the woman takes form, Totschlager feels a deep... regret. He can't explain it but he feels somehow... responsible... for the woman being dead. But he has no other recollection of Raul and Raul did not recognize Totschlager individually - just as a Falcovian. The sense of regret floods over Totschlager. Raul has not even started playing his violin but Totschlager feels incredibly saddened as if he himself were somehow responsible for Raul's pain. Totschlager knows this cannot be, but a sudden insight permeates his mind. Perhaps, he thinks, in my former life I caused great sadness to a Vistani family - a young and loving Vistani family like Raul's. Totschlager feels the truth of this thought sink in his heart. Tears already begin forming at the edges of his eyes. Whatever I've done, he swears to himself, I will atone whatever is possible by helping Raul. Raul is a good man, misunderstood, alone, and in pain. I will help him and be a true friend.

You see her approaching through the rain, a captivating beauty with a dancer's tall, supple curves at the height of youth and beauty. She wears multi-tiered skirts, anklets, and an embroidered halter, revealing a finely muscled midriff. Her delicately features face is framed by a splendid cascade of auburn hair, and her almond-shaped eyes sparkle captivatingly. She appears unconcerned by the now-driving rain, but then you notice the rain is passing right through her...

Raul strikes his bow against the violin and the familiar refrain of sadness and tortured hearts fills the clearing. ((Edgar, due to your current circumstances, you will need another WILL save, DC 20.)) The babe has ceased his crying.

The woman, the shade, ignores you all. She moves directly to her son. Raul weeps as he plays, and can manage only a short phrase, "Please, Leyla, leave us alone."

She ignores Raul and moves to stand over the cradle in which the infant Nikki lies. With every step, she gains more form and density. By the time she reaches for Nikki, you cannot see through her, though the rain still has no impact on her hair or clothing.

Egdar feels a song coming on...

Leyla..
You've got me on my knees
Leyla...
I'm beggin' darling please
Leyla...
darlin' won't you ease my worried mind
~Violin Riff

(You can go ahead and delete this because it definitely doesn't help the tone of the scene but I couldn't help myself)

Adam watchs the shade go to her babe. He watches the baby closely ensure no harm is done. He gave his word that he would stay his hand until Edgar or Raul call for help. He will live by this promise.

He has placed his trust and loyalty in his friend's hands. Although he can't see Edgar in the bardo he firmly believes, based on faith in Edgar's integrity, that his plan will help this grieving family. He continues to utter a silent prayer for the family and now also for Edgar.

Totschlager watches the scene unfold before him. If the baby has survived this long then one more evening with the mother should not kill it. Still Totschlager feels uneasy seeing the soul of a dead woman. But still anything's better than that damned effigy.

Ioan watches with curiosity approaching the morbid... the effigy was a monster, but here is death made beautiful.

It's probably still monstrous, but at least it's easier on the eyes.

"Okay," he mutters... "let's make sure we've all got clear heads here." With word, a gesture, and a stroke of his holy symbol he invokes Calm Emotions.

(OOC -- this lasts for 1 round/level, and requires concentration. Also, the effects of Bless are suppressed as long as Calm Emotions is in force.)

The party watches Leyla move to her child. Raul plays and begs. And then... Ioan casts his spell.

Everyone standing near Ioan feels a peace and calm cover them. The emotions are still there, they just aren't that intense. It's like grabbing a hot pan with a mitt versus without. You still feel the heat, you just aren't quiet as affected by it.

Raul almost immediately stops playing. The effect is a bit jarring. He points the instrument, almost as if it were a weapon, at Leyla. His voice is not nearly so ragged as before and the tears have stopped flowing.

"Leyla, you must leave him. He will die if you do not. We will die if you do not let us move on."

The ghost pulls the boy out of the cradle. Contact with the shade seems to have the same effect on the boy as it had on the spirit of his mother. He becomes more animated, with better color. His cries take on an intensity of hunger.

Raul takes a single step toward the memory of his wife. "Does his life mean nothing to you? I cannot believe that! You would have given everything for him! You did. Why can you not now?"

Ioan(1) noticed something disconcerting. The rain no longer affects Nikki. It passes right through him as it does his mother.

((Howard, I love the inclusion of the link to the spell effects. Very helpful. So helpful, I am marking you down for an XP bonus. To the rest of you, it would be nice if you would link to the d20 Hypertext System Reference Document for any game specific terms/conditions/etc.

(1) No one gave the random d20 roll, so this is going to the highest Spot check present. Sorry, Chris, but Edgar's inside! Smile ))

Totschlager at Raul's camp: standing next to Adam | 33/39 HP | 1d20=12

Totschlager sees Raul's pain and finally cannot contain himself any longer. Totschlager takes a step toward the woman and echoes Raul's plea, "Dear woman! Hear your husband's cries! He speaks the truth! The nourishment you give your son will be to no avail. Please, by the powers of your people, love your son and husband enough to let go!"

Adam- Standing by fire watching Leyla | 4,3| 1d20=20

Adam continues to watch Leyla with the child. He is concerned for the child's safety, but will hold his actions until directed by Raul or Edgar.

Only now that Leyla has the child in her arms, does she turn her attention to her husband. She has a sad smile on her face but she does not speak. Perhaps she cannot? Perhaps she has nothing to say.

Her eyes flick over to the three adventurers standing with her beloved. A flash of anger is clearly visible. She is not happy you are here. But she still does not speak.

The babe in her arms sucks eagerly... almost desperately. But his hunger does not seem to be sated. His need is not fulfilled by this ghost of a mother.

Raul seems to be freed by the Calm Emotions spell. Freed to express the rage and anger that had been buried by the sorrow and melancholy for so long. Ironically, it took suppressing the dominant emotions to let out the repressed ones in an even stronger manner. With a howl of fury, he moves to the bardo, forgetting that Edgar is conducting some plan in private. Ripping the door open, he moves to thrust the violin into the bardo... and pull his blade.

((I need initiative rolls with your next post. Chris, bring your actions back to the main board. Map and combat thread will be up tonight. Tomorrow, begin posting in that thread and I'll summarize here.))

Egdar- Exiting the bardo (?) [19/19 hp] {4,3}

Surprised by Rauls sudden entry, Egdar struggles to gather himself and get his bearings. He stumbles from the bardo, his face red and bleary. Looking around, he strives to become oriented and to size up the scene before him.

Initiative =16 & Spot =14

[Ikoma]

Totschlager by the fire by Adam | 33/39 HP | url=http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=971002]1d20=19[/url]

Seeing Raul grab a sword, Totshlager moves in to provoke an attack of opportunity from Raul so that Totschlager can try to pin Raul.

Totschlager figures that either Raul is going to try to hurt his dead wife (which Totschlager thinks would be impossible because she's a ghost and all Raul has is a sword) in which case Raul might hurt his son, or Raul is going to try to hurt one of the group (which is also bad), or Raul might try to hurt himself (which Totschlager doesn't want to see happen either).

There are others in this group that can deal with ghosts better than I can, Totschlager figures. But a man with a sword I can handle. Totschlager does NOT bring any weapon to bear; rather he braces himself in case Raul takes a swing at him as he prepares to grapple Raul.

Initiative (1d20+1=9)

BTW, is this the type of stuff I should just transfer to the combat thread?

(Initiative=16)
(Spot=18)
(Listen=21)

Ioan guesses that "Calm Emotions" is about to expire. Noting the anger in the shade's eyes, he considers readying something a bit more... substantial.

To anybody still listening, he says "I'm wondering what a Spiritual Weapon will do to a spirit..."

Waiting by the fire 23/23 | 4, 3 | 1d20=5

Adam continues to watch the scene. He watches as Totschlager attempt to restrain Raul. He looks to Edgar emerging from the bardo. It appears that the party's plan may have gone astray.

He will not yet get involved as no physical damage has been inflicted and no one has called for his help. He does however reach up and touch the pommel of this greatsword and cast Magic Weapon. It never hurts to be prepared.

Raul is completely taken by surprise. Totschlager throws the blacksmith up against the bardo. Raul snarls and pushes back, but Totschlager is a soldier, heavier and trained for this sort of thing. Plus, surprise is a potent ally.

Raul is furious. "What are you doing?!?" His violin lies on the grouond, his blade is pinned between his legs and the wooden wagon.

Edgar pulls himself together and steps out from the wagon into the rain. Mists begin to swirl in the darkness amongst the trees ringing the clearing.

Adam and Iaon stand, waiting for the path to be made clear. Both call upon the divine and Ravenloft answers.

Leyla, in turns, begins to back away from the suddenly violent Raul. She holds Nikolaus in her arms. She has a faint, sad smile on her face but she continues to be silent. Nikki is silent as well. The ghost mother takes another step and what was once a solid appearing woman begins to fade again... and the boy begins to fade as well.

((Sorry about the delay again. I've been trying to get the map up and not having luck. I'm just gonna post and get the map up when I get it up. Until the map goes up (with new thread) just post in this thread.))

Ioan points at Leyla, and a spiritual warhammer appears within striking distance of the shade. Calm Emotions expires immediately, and Bless returns to effect.

"Leave the boy with Raul, Leyla, and depart in peace."

Ioan holds his action for just a breath or two. If the ghost obeys, his action will remain held. If not, the spiritual warhammer will swing at Leyla (and ONLY Leyla):

Spiritual Weapon, 1d20+5 to hit = 22 (23 with Bless).
Damage 1d8+1 = 7

Seeing that the scene is escalating into conflict, Egdar tries to get the attention of Raul as well as his companions.

"Wait! The mother is as much a victim as the child. We have options to try and free her. Do not force her to take the child."

Taking a step toward the spirit, Egdar addresses her:

"Leyla! I know that you are forced to remain here by some anchor. We are here to help you. Leave the child with his father another day and we will try to set things right. We mean you no harm. Raul does not know of your situation and I am sure that he will helps us to set you free. Please replace the child let us help you."

Intimidate 1d20+13=19 & Diplomacy 1d20+16=19

Hearing Edgy-poet, Ioan decides to hold his action a little longer...

(Sense Motive=25 -- is there something about Edgar's time inside the bardo I should know at this point?)

Totschlager at the Bardo, pinning Raul | 33/39 HP | 1d20=6

Totschlager holds Raul tight and pleads with him, "Raul! Look at me! THINK about what you're doing! Even if a physical weapon could harm such a spirit, your son... your living SON... is in her arms. Would you risk his life even more? I gave you my word that I would help save your son. Even if that means being hurt by you, I will not let any harm happen to you or your son. And believe me, Raul... believe me... I will not rest until your son is saved. Now, before you hurt someone, GIVE ME YOUR SWORD."

Diplomacy and Intimidate (1d20-1=5, 1d20+8=26)

STR check (1d20+4=19)

Adam- standing by fire 23/23 Magic Weapon | 4, 3 | 1d20=20

Adam remains uninvolved in the current melee. He has learned through sad experience that the best way to defuse tense situations is calm heads and minimal confusion. Right now bearing arms won't have this situation. Raul and Leyla will need to work this out between them. Edgar is urging them down the correct path and Totschlager has stopped Raul from doing something rash.

For the moment Adam will stay uninvolved. Another lesson he has also learned is that the reserve forces should stay uncommitted until truly needed. Adam is willing to bring his heart or his sword to the situation. The next mintue will decide which is needed.

Leyla takes another tentative step backwards. Raul continues to struggle against Totschalger. The warrior will not be able to hold Raul for long without one of them getting hurt.

Ioan holds the weapon of his God in readiness, prepared to strike if the situation warrants while Adam watches, praying under his breath that the merciful lord will grant resolution and absolution.

Edgar pleads with the ghost to relinquish her hold on the boy and allow them to help. Allow the party to fix this tragedy. We all know how tragedies end, right?

As he finishes his heartfelt, sincere plea, the ghost shakes her head, disbelieving and in denial. And finally, just when you thought she could not speak, she does.

"You lie."

Totschlager holding Raul | 33/39 HP | 1d20=15

Totschlager hears Edgar's and Leyla's exchange and mutters under his breath, "shiz..." He focusses again on Raul and says, "Raul, I know this seems bad, but we can take care of this. Edgar over there, he's a good guy. We'll take care of this."

Diplomacy (1d20-2=8 )

If it comes down to it, Totschlager will let Raul hurt him rather than having to hurt Raul, but Totschlager will not let go while Raul is attempting to be violent.

While I may not understand the entirety of your situation, it is not my aim to deceive. I, like your husband, have lost a dear companion. I suspect that you can sense her presence near me even now.

It is she who has told me of your plight. That you are forced to remain here by a powerful anchor that will not allow you to move on. I do not know what that is. Perhaps it is your husband, or a personal object of yours that he neglected to destroy following your funeral, or it may even be your own child.

Regardless... unless we find out what the anchor is, we cannot assist you. I realize that you do not know us and have no reason to trust us. However, I swear that we mean no harm to you or your family. I further pledge to do what is in my power to set you free. Look upon me and know my sincerity.

Diplomacy- (1d20+16=24) (Hoping for better, but oh well...)
Or just in case... Bluff (1d20+12=26)

Adam- standing near fire- Magic Weapon 23/23 | 4, 3| 1d20=6

Adam continues to watch the scene. So far noboby has called for his sword arm or assistance. He is very interested in who Leyla is claiming to have lied.

"He ain't lyin'."

Ioan dispels the Spiritual Warhammer.

Diplomacy=7

Ioan hopes his actions speak louder than his words, but blurts out some more words anyway.

"See? Hammer all gone. Can't make another one 'till tomorrow."

An air of energy begins to crackle around Leyla. Anger converts her beautiful features into a mask of rage. With her free arm she points at Edgar, "I am Nikki's mother. Raul is my husband."

Her arm swings to point at Totschlager, "You've attacked my family. You tells lies about me."

She stops stepping backward.

Raul continues to struggle against Totschalger, "Let me free! She has to be stopped! Let me save my son!"

The anger drains from Leyla's face for a moment as those words strike her with emotional force. Then the fury returns. "What have you done!?! How have you turned my Raul against me? Why must you break this family apart?"

((The map is gonna get done when it gets done. Rolling Eyes Anyway, combat thread is going up this minute. Start your post with an Initiative roll and a K: Arcane of Religion roll. Then spell out your actions.))

[Ikoma]

The party makes one last attempt to make the spirit see the light. It fails. As they speak, her eyes begin to glow red. And as Adam finishes his impassioned plea, she changes in ways that are horrific to see. The flesh appears to rot on her bones. Her eyes glow an unearthly read and a wave of negative power pulses - flooding the small clearing.

The shade shouts now, her voice changed to the sound of death. "Outsiders! You will suffer as my family as suffered!"

[Everyone needs to make a FORT save.]

The wave of negative energy washes over you. Each and every one of feels the cold dark earth of the grave cross your soul. Adam is affected the most and a connection between his mind and body grows weak. (-1 STR, -3 DEX, -4 CON)

Totschagaer continues to hold Raul, fighting to keep him safe. It is a battle that cannot be won for much longer.

Ioan gathers his courage and calls upon the powers of good to rebuke the ghost. He feels the power growing, but it crashes over Leyla and fails to move her from the spot on which she stands.

Raul finally struggles free of Totschlager and moves around him in an attempt to attack Leyla. (Next round he will be in a position to attack.)

Edgar draws his rapier and prepare for the conflict, when he is distracted by something odd. The rain has grow even stronger and has been affecting visibility for some time. But while he can see across the clearing just fine, a mere fifteen feet behind him, a rolling mist has completely blocked the view of anything. It's as if the world beyond that point has ceased to exist. In the roiling mists, Edgar can almost make out moving shapes, but knows it must be his imagination.

Adam call upon the lord to watch over him with the Shield of Faith. He calls out, reminding the group that Leyla still holds the child. (Nice catch, take a check mark in the Innocence field. Also, yes, if anyone wants to ensure that you hit Leyla and not Nikki, you'll have to take a -4 to the attack roll.)

Leyla, now completely given over to the monstrous appearance of a corrupted and rotting corpse, opens her mouth. But no speech issues. Instead, a frightful moan fills the small clearing. It sounds like every evil thing you have ever heard or imagined. It alone is capable of driving a man mad. (Everyone needs to make a WILL save or become panicked. This is a fear affect.)

((Apologies. Once for the delay and once for the poorly spaced out last response. On with the show!))

The sound emanating from Leyla's mouth is horrific. It disrupts concentration and makes everyone feel ill. Adam, in his weakened state, falls prey to the moan and becomes panicked for 6 rounds.

Totschlager moves to cut Raul off from Leyla and to snatch the baby from her grasp. Leyla flails, trying to scratch at his eyes. She succeeds, doing 2 hp damage as well as draining 2 STR points. The stinging pain interferes with Totschlager's attempt to rescue Nikki.

Ioan strides up and tries to hit the apparition with a vial of holy water. His hand, holding the vial does pass completely through the spirit, having no effect.

Raul, blocked by Totschlager's assault, and preventing from attacking Leyla from behind by the fire, makes to move even further around.

Edgar warns against the encroaching mists. They continue to roll forward and begin to seriously press the poet against the back of the bardo. (He'll need to move next round or will face being engulfed.)

Adam continues to receipt the prayers to the holy lord, trying to dsispel the constant shaking and soul trembling fear.

Leyla strikes out again at Totschlager, doing 4 HP of damage and draining another point of STR. She then continues to back away (5' step), closer to the growing mist.

Totschlager pursues Leyla, determined to rescue the boy. Leyla tries to hold off the soldier, but fails. Totschlager gets his hands onto the boy, but fails to get him away from his dead mother (wow, natural 20!).

Ioan pulls the stopper and pours the contents onto the apparition. Leyla screams and is visibly hurt by the water. Some holy water drips onto Nikki and the priests is relieved to see it seems to have no effect on him.

Raul rushes up behind Leyla, swinging his sword at her form. Due to his reluctance to risk Nikki, he fails to connect.

Edgar rushes toward Raul, screaming that the anchor must be destroyed. Raul yells, "I burned it all!", but the astute poet notices the smith's eyes move toward the open door of the bardo. Edgar turns to follow the gaze. The first thing he sees is the violin, setting just within the wagon. The next thing Edgar sees is the collapsing mists roll over the the bardo.

Adam continues his prayers.

Leyla, now trapped between Ioan, Totschlager and Raul, lashes out with her full force. She claws at Ioan, doing 2 HP points damage, and draining 3 points from the clerics DEX.

Totschlager grabs again, trying to get Nikki away from the apparition. Leyla continues to try and hold him away (with her AoO). Once again, he gets his hand on the child, but fails to pull the boy away.

Ioan takes advantage of her focus on the struggle to cast Cure Light Wound (which would normally provoke an AoO). He then tries to lay his hand on her, but fails. (As per standard d20, you can hold the charge on that spell until you hit.)

Raul swings his blade, but his reluctance to really commit still holds his hand.

Edgar dashes into the growing mists. He immediately starts coughing. Visibility is literally only two or three feet. Luckily, Edgar was heading in a straight line for no more than 5 feet. He reaches the bardo and begins hunting. It takes only a few seconds to find the violin. It is hard to see in the mists. [FORT save, DC 18 or loose consciousness]

Adam curses his weakness and finds the roiling mists have almost come to swallow him in darkness.

Leyla howls pain and despair. She seems trapped, by her assailants, by her love for her son, by the mists of Ravenloft. She strikes out at Totschlager, striking him firmly in the arm with her ghostly talons, doing 2 HPs of damage and draining another 4 points of STR.

Everyone has grown aware of the mists, collapsing on the clearing and trapping you all. Each of you has a sense of impending doom and dread.

Totschlager is transfixed by the mists. He wanders away from the conflict, lost in his own mental fugue.

Ioan reaches for the apparition. His hand passes directly through the semi-solid fog that composes her body. It is cold, damp and strangely, it clings to his hang. It, however, also causes her to scream with pain. Fog trails from the ends of her hair, as if her corporeal form has somehow been damaged.

Raul swings again. He fails to connect.

Adam calls upon his god, who grants him his desire and removes the fear from his heart. (Adam can act normally again next round.)

Leyla seems to be streaming away, lost in the cold rain falling from the sky. She tries, but fails, to strike Ioan and punish him for the pain he caused her.

The mists roll over Adam (Fort save, DC 18 ). Ioan, Leyla and Raul are all that are left in the inner circle... except the child Nikki. Next round, the mists will swallow the clearing completely.

Totschlager and Edgar are unconscious.

[Sorry for yet another delay. I ended up with a pretty serious inner ear infection Thursday night. I am finally starting to feel like myself again. There will be one last post on this combat thread. Then things will move back to story thread.]

Ioan's friends have disappeared into the mists. He is facing an apparition from the grave. His hands make the appropriate motions and his voice chants the appropriate chants. Leyla has seen this now. She wants no part of it. She lashes out, barely missing (by 1!) to connect. As a result, the cleric touches her yet again, this time tearing her manifested form literally in two. She fades as the mists gather ever tighter,

Adam can hear the struggle even if he cannot see it. However, the mists invade his lungs and he begins choking, succumbing to darkness.

Raul tosses his blade aside as he sees Leyla disappear. He throws himself to the ground in a desperate attempt to catch his son.... and does so. But even this does not stop the implacable mist, which swallows the group whole. Ioan and Edgar both cough for a few minutes before sinking to the damp earth, unconscious.

Quiet reigns over the camp site.

((Congratulations! You stopped Leyla in the nick of time. This is the end of this story thread. A new story thread will begin shortly.

We are also in a new month, which means another status email will be out soon.

Finally, we are welcoming a new player with the new story line. Patrick Gut is the player. You'll be meeting the character next story line.))