Miss Stockbridge

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, Mr. Forbes, it's doing better now," says Victoria. "It will heal with time, I just need to stay off of it as much as possible."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

It may occur to the investigators that there would be little concealment in the tract of flat desert land at which the supposed rendezvous is thought to be taking place. This raises the issue of whether they should attempt some form of hiding themselves, or should confront those expected to arrive openly.

[Mr. Handy]

"It's dark at night, which should help us hide," says Victoria. "We can tie the horses off somewhere nearby and walk back to the cactus, then conceal ourselves by lying on the ground and covering ourselves with the horse blankets. If we stand out in the open, they may decide not to meet here at all, and then we'd never find them. This way, we can wait until they arrive and then approach them."

[Mr. Handy]

"That sounds reasonable," says Reverend Trask. "Have you any thoughts on the matter, Mr. Forbes?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

No doubt the art of concealment, vital in matters of war, will be not unfamiliar to the naval veteran. With this aid, the adventurers are able to conceal themselves most effectively at a little distance from the lofty cactus, with the aid of sand placed over their blankets. (An unexpected advantage of this stratagem is the fact that the desert grows unexpectedly cold soon after sunset, and the blankets provide most welcome warmth.)

Under an exceptionally clear sky, in which the glow of the Milky Way is spread across the night and the stars shine brightly, the hidden trio hear the sound of wings approaching. Peering from under the blankets, they are able to observe the silhouette of a large bird, perhaps an eagle, pass across the stars and come to rest at the top of the tall cactus, far above their heads. There is also the soft sound of someone walking through the sand in their direction.

[SunlessNick]

"The phoenix is a bird, no?" murmurs Nathan quietly.

[SunlessNick]

"That may be true, but could you consent to lower your station to that of a common householder? To dwell in a cabin made from roughly hewn logs? To wear plain clothing made by your own hand rather than fine gowns? It is too much to expect."

OOC:   Did you hit edit rather than quote?

"You of all men have the right to ask it of me. I am sorry, I do not mean to vex you. Should I leave you to your thoughts for now?"

[Mr. Handy]

"That's right," whispers Victoria.

[Mr. Handy]

"We should remain hidden for now," whispers Reverend Trask. "Jeremiah must be approaching. If things take a bad turn, I shall pray to banish the phoenix, and you can assist with that."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Spoiler:

OOC:   Did you hit edit rather than quote?

Oops. I guess so.

"You of all men have the right to ask it of me. I am sorry, I do not mean to vex you. Should I leave you to your thoughts for now?"

"Perhaps that would be best for the moment. And fret not that you have raised my ire. It is I whom I war with. Au revoir." (This latter phrase is expressed in a poor attempt at the correct pronunciation.)

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Depending on the experiences of the person observing, what occurs next may remind one of either the climax of a Fourth of July celebration; the burning bush that spoke to Moses; or, as celebrated in Mister Key's famed poem, the "rockets' red glare" during the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Eyes grown accustomed to darkness are blinded by a sudden blaze of light.

When it is possible to accurately perceive the result, what most seizes the vision is the large cactus, all aflame, and yet remaining unconsumed. Standing before it, in what might be mistaken for a wedding gown of simple design, were it not for its bright orange color, is the woman variously known as Laura Stockbridge or Laura Collins. In the light cast by the cactus -- or does it come from the lady herself? -- are revealed the figures of Jeremiah Collins and David Collins, the former pulling the latter along. Both appear fatigued and haggard, and much the worse for wear for their time in the desert. There is no sign of the horses. Laura opens her arms to them.

[Mr. Handy]

"Now," hisses Reverend Trask, and he quickly tries to banish Laura back to whatever foul domain whence she came, before she can give Jeremiah and David a fiery embrace.

Using Exorcism.

[Mr. Handy]

Victoria prays for Reverend Trask's success.

If needed, I'll spend my Grace point for a reroll in the event the Exorcism fails.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Spoiler:

Being associated with one of the classical Elements, the Phoenix is closest to what is listed in the manual as a Sprite (associated with Air, Earth, or Water.) Hence, Wisdom of 12. First attempt to resist.d20Spending the Faith Point, second attempt.d20

It takes some time for the combined spiritual efforts of Reverend Trask and Miss Winters to accomplish their desired aim. In time, however, the work is done. With a shriek that pierces the night, Laura in enveloped in flame and consumed in an instant, leaving behind only a pile of ashes. The giant cactus near where she stood, apparently only kept from being consumed by its own fire through some mystical power of the vanished woman. It crashes forward like a flaming battering ram.

Spoiler:

Jeremiah and David DEX to avoid it2d20 The dreaded 20, so damage:d6

Young David is able to slip away from Jeremiah's grasp and run off in the direction of the rescuers. However, Jeremiah stands frozen as the pillar of fire collapses upon him. Together, they fall to the ground, and his garments burst into flame.

[SunlessNick]

Nathan rushes forward, interposing himself between David and the conflagration. Is there any prospect of beating out the flames, or does that appear to be a lost cause? If so, Nathan will shoot Jeremiah - better a quick death by bullet than oene by fire.

[Mr. Handy]

Victoria grabs her horse blanket and rushes to Jeremiah and David, hoping to smother the flames with it and then treat their injuries.

If we can get the fire out, I'll use Cure Light Wounds.

[Mr. Handy]

Reverend Trask rushes forward with his horse blanket with the same purpose.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Let's just see if DEX failure causes any further injury from the fire. In speaking order, Nathan, Victoria, Trask:3d20

All three rushing to the flames in a desperate attempt to save Jeremiah, in the confusion and darkness Nathan and Victoria stumble into each other, suffering minor burns in the process. Meanwhile, Reverend Trask is able to extinguish Jeremiah's burning clothes, preventing further injury. The poor fellow has blisters on his face and arms, and is muttering incoherently.

"Laura . . . Laura . . ."

David is uninjured, but seems confused.

"Mother?"

Spoiler:

Temporary inability to use the cure light wounds ability due to Victoria's injury, but Nathan and Victoria's injuries are minor; painful, but not dangerous. Jeremiah, however, needs medical help.

[Mr. Handy]

"We must get him to a hospital quickly," says Victoria, doing what she can for Jeremiah. "With modern medicine, he can be healed."

[Mr. Handy]

"I shall fetch the horses," says Reverend Trask, hurrying off to get them.