At first Alice has a difficult time with the ghost's grip and the force with which she squeezes your throat is shocking, but luckily Ian's stirring across the room distracts the woman and you're able to break free. Ian takes the opportunity to lunge at the phantom, but she disappears before he's able to make contact with his blessed knife. As you wait for her to reappear you find she does not, but you highly doubt she's done with you either. Across the room Emma suddenly realizes her plan. Penny! She's going after Penny! You're surprised to hear actual concern in the witch's voice.

ooc: It will take you one round to get to the baggage car where Penny is...

Penny:

You are making a gigantic mess. The trunks are heavier than you anticipated and though  you are able to heft them for the most part, it is tiring work and you are clumsy at best. Fortunately your avalanche has proved useful in halving your task. You need only move a few more trunks to get to your goal. Of course the attempt is spoiled by the sudden appearance of Abigail, the pale woman screeching at you from across the room, arms outstretched to throttle you...

ooc: Go ahead and roll or make your action. The others will be there soon ;)

Alice sprinted to help her friend.

OOC: I hit Post by mistake.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:52, Wed 04 July 2018.

Penny had decided against laying a line of salt behind her, reasoning it would soon be disturbed by either the battle, falling luggage, or the rocking of the train, and that she'd not have the time anyway. She was beginning to regret that decision now, as the ghost of Abigail manifested behind her. 'She's in here!' Penny shouted, and quickly scrambled over the heap of suitcases, using it as a crude barricade. But the pile slid alarmingly under her, sending her stumbling and sprawling.

She shouted back accusingly 'Alice! How dare you try to court Ian! You knew the feelings I have for him!' Penny had reasoned it would draw Abigail's attention away from her and refocus it on Ian and Alice, giving her a chance to find the locket. But the ruse was unconvincing one, perhaps because it was too much of a lie, or too much of a truth. She only hoped the obsessive, jealous ghost wouldn't think to doubt her.

Meanwhile, Penny attacked the luggage again, finding fresh strength in her arms to yank out one likely trunk.



OOC:
19:43, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 10 using 1d20+5. bluff.
19:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+2. dexterity.
19:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 16 using 1d20+0. strength.
19:48, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 20 using 1d20+4. intelligence.

Penny: Your lie only stops her for the barest of seconds, she actually hesitates and then her eyes narrow shrewdly, and she lunges for you. As she does so you are able to finally get to the trunk you need, yanking it out amidst the mess but by then she's already on you and her cold fingers grasp for your throat. As she tries to throttle you, she speaks in a raspy snarl. Why are you hindering me? You should be helping me! Don't you realize he'll betray you in the end? They always do!

ooc: Go ahead and roll 3 grapple checks for me please, so I know how well you fare. The trunk is literally in your fingertips but opening it and finding the locket will take another round.

Alice: ooc: It takes you that round to get into the other car so now you see Abigail trying to strangle Penny and at this point you can now act, keeping in mind if you shoot and miss it could be dangerous, though your feat will definitely come in handy here.

Alice tried for a position that would mean not hitting anyo byne else if she missed.

Penny struggled bravely against the icy grip of death around her throat, cutting off breath and life alike. With one hand, she tried to clutch Abigail's wrist, to pull her off, but her fingers kept slipping through her insubstantial, ectoplasmic form. Meanwhile, her free hand fumbled blindly for the last suitcase, for something, anything, that could help her fend off the madly jealous ghost. 'No!' she gasped defiantly. But if Abigail would speak, perhaps she could yet reason with her. 'None of us can know how it ends. So it doesn't matter! Only the happiness we have in the present matters.' she shouted desperately into transparent eyes. 'You had your joy – more than many get in a whole lifetime. Let him remember you as you were. Take your joy and go, into the light, I beg you!'


OOC:
19:34, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 13,12,19 using d20+6,d20+6,d20+6. grapple checks.

Diplomacy 22, with +2 from Profile, and +4 from an action point, for a total of 28
19:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+3. diplomacy.
19:54, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 4 using 2d6. action point.

Penny's tactic surprisingly works for a moment. Her grip loosens and she looks at her with sad, wide eyes, her expression turning into despair. But he forgot me! He forgot me! she half sobs, fury and betrayal on her pained face. He promised! He promised me! She looks to be getting angry again, but she's distracted enough to release Penny's neck completely for the moment, giving Alice an opening if she chooses to use it...

ooc: Ok, go ahead and roll if you're going to attack. Penny, you have a round to open the trunk but you'll have to roll a good search to get the locket first try.

Seeing her opening, Alice fired her weapon.

'He has never forgotten you!' Penny shouted back. Seizing the opportunity won from Abigail's distraction, she scrambled over the suitcases, until at last she laid hands on Jaffers's own trunk. Her fingers worked feverishly to undo the latch and straps, and soon cracked it open. At this angle, she could hardly see into the trunk, and felt inside. Somehow, she just knew it would be close to hand...


OOC:
20:19, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 22 using 1d20+15. search, +2 from Profile.

Alice's shot fortunately rings true and it grazes the ghost's shoulder. She hisses in pain and anger but it gives Penny the opportunity she needs to fling open the trunk. The locket is where you would expect it to be, in a small pocket on the inside of the lid. Abigail screeches, ready to rush at you but suddenly a voice from across the room stops her. She's right. I haven't forgotten you. It is Jaffers. Emma stands next to him, a look of satisfaction on her face. Something tells you she had a hand in fetching him. Abigail looks shocked to see him, a rush of emotions cross her pale face. Happiness, adoration, and a great, great sorrow.

You betrayed me! she accuses, a great deal of the anger gone from her voice. You said we'd be together forever! Jaffers looks guilt ridden as he shakes his head. I didn't mean to. I didn't know it would hurt you! I thought I'd never see you again. And now...Abigail why are you hurting people?

Because they deserve it. she answers as though it's the simplest thing in the world. Better to take them all out before they break another's heart as you have mine!

But they've done nothing my dear. I have. I never meant to hurt you but clearly I have. By all rights you should be going after me. Leave everyone else out of it. Jaffers says quietly.

Meanwhile Penny hears a voice in her head. It takes her a moment to realize it is Emma. I can ignite that thing if you get it closer to me. I don't know how long he can keep her still!

Alice just watched the drama unfold.

Even Penny's attention was taken by the events going on behind her, playing out a tale of love and loss from beyond the grave. Her heart went out for these lovers separated by life and death, wishing she could find a way for them to be together. Perhaps they could have been, under happier circumstances. But then Jaffers made a dangerous proposal. 'No, Mister Jaffers!'

Hearing Emma's words and her suggestion, Penny hesitated briefly. Could Emma really do as she claimed? What could she do with a ghost's anchor? In the end, however, she had no time do anything else but trust her. Twisting around, Penny drew back her arm and hurled the locket down the carriage to Alice.


OOC: Throwing the locket to Alice. If a roll is needed, I presume a ranged attack: 19.

The locket sails through the air to Alice, who is able to catch it easily. Unfortunately it also draws the attention of Abigail who snaps her head to the locket, pure anger blazing on her face. You're trying to trick me! she screeches at Jaffers, sending a huge trunk hurtling toward him. You speak nothing but lies! Ian manages to pull him out of the way in time as the trunk slams into the wall behind him. He looks shaken and dismayed but there is also determination in his eyes as he looks at his old lover.

Abigail, meanwhile, is obviously going after Alice next...

Emma desperately turns to her. Throw the locket Alice! I can ignite it, just hurry!! Her voice is desperate and stressed, but then the ghost has reached new heights of anger it seems.

Alice tossed the item as instructed.

As soon as Emma has the locket she grasps it with triumph and mutters something over it. It begins to smoke and flame, already catching alight. With a look of complete rage and fear, Abigail screams, starting towards the witch. Then, realizing it's too late, she then turns to a shocked Jaffers. If I must go, I'll take you with me this time! I'll not lose you again!! Then, quicker than anyone would have thought possible, she reaches her arm into the stunned man's chest and her hand disappears inside him. When she withdraws it blood starts to drip from his mouth and he struggles for breath, eyes wide and face turning pale. A-Abigail... he gasps, falling to his knees. Then, a tired little smile crosses his lips. A-Alright. Alright my dear... She smiles back at him, looking strangely at peace, then closes her eyes and disappears in a final burst of flame, her ashes falling to the cabin floor.

Alice looked around bewildered.

Penny stared in utter shock at what transpired, then her wits returned and she scrambled wildly out of the pile of suitcases and back to the others. 'Mister Jaffers!' she gasped, dashing to his side, hastily checking for pulse and breath. 'You fool! Why did you offer yourself up?'


OOC:
11:10, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d20+2. treat injuries.

Penny leans over the dying man and he gives a faint, weak smile. She was...my fault. I....should have...done more. Unfortunately Penny's attempts to stabilize him don't work and seconds later he goes limp, eyes glazing over as he stares lifelessly at the ceiling. Ian moves towards Penny but surprisingly it is Emma who gets there first, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. There's nothing you could have done dear. She says softly. He didn't want to fight her. Not really. I think the guilt was too much.

Or the love. Ian adds with a sober face. Even death doesn't sever the hold a person has on another. His expression is grave, jaw set and eyes distant.
Well what now?

Alice holstered her weapon. "I'm gonna try to get some sleep."

Penny opened her mouth to protest, but it was too late, for Jaffers had already expired. She reached over to close his eyes; she'd grown too used to death in this trade. 'But he had nothing to be guilty for.' she managed. It didn't make sense. Though she understood why one would live for love, she could not work out why he would die for it. Ian's words made more sense. She bowed her head, mourning the passing of a man they'd known only briefly and, for all their skills, had been unable to save. Could they have done more, or acted sooner? She would never know.

She rose to her feet, quickly and practically thinking of the story to tell the railway officials. She'd already established the beginnings of one, and repeated in a weary monotone. 'There was a gas leak. Professor Delapore packed a jar of some chemical. With rough handling of the luggage or the rocking of the train, the jar cracked and the chemical became a vapour. It killed the workman and poor Jaffers. We were able to throw it out the window, where it will dissipate harmlessly in the desert.' She glanced to Alice. 'Can you get the professor to agree to this?'
This message was last edited by the player at 15:07, Fri 27 July 2018.

Alice shrugged and said, "I think so. As long as he isn't blamed for killing the poor fellow. I think so." She repeated herself, a sure sign that she isn't sure, or more probably knows what he will want in return.

Emma gives a small nod at Penny's plan. As good a plan as any. I'd bet they'd buy it. Most people don't want to think too hard about anything. Even death. Let me know if you need help dear. I can be...convincing when I need to be. She smiles wickedly.

Meanwhile Ian looks tired, sheathing his knife. What a mess. You'd think a person could take a bloody train ride in peace these days. Oh well, at least no one else got hurt. Too bad though. About both of them. There's a tightness to his eyes that betrays he feels more strongly on the subject than he's letting on, but as usual the man is emitting a more cavalier attitude. He turns to Alice. Don't let the professor try to bully you into anything. He seems the shy type so you're probably fine, but I'd happily put him in place if he's being stubborn.

ooc: Ok, go ahead and let me know your plans the rest of the trip. I will need bluff checks from Penny for the authorities and Alice, let me know how you want to convince the professor. He is actually quite shy around women so luckily that isn't too big a problem, but he's pretty freaked out by everything so you'll probably want to at least roll a diplomacy check. Then I'll move things to a new chapter.

With ease, thanks to her university education in chemistry, Penny listed a number of chemicals that could potentially serve as the culprit, and which Professor Delapore could well have purchased, for himself or a colleague. She went over the story with her companions, ensuring they would all give similar accounts, and correcting them on the finer points of the scientific side, should it be required. She doubted the officials outside would see a flaw in the story, but she didn't want the railway company getting curious down the line and mounting a full investigation.

However, she reserved her greatest concern for Ian, gazing at him with sympathetic eyes. She understood that Jaffers's relationship with Abigail would have reminded Ian of his own relationship with Coira – both men who had lost their sweethearts suddenly and tragically, left forever mourning and wondering at a life they'd never have together. Perhaps he would need to talk about it, surely, but it was difficult to broach such matters to a man of this age, especially one who tried to be as cavalier as Ian Shaw. Penny bit her lip; it was hard enough for her to talk about private matters.

Then she realised a more immediate risk, almost with relief. 'Ah! We must check on Mrs. Turning. The poor dear could well have channelled Abigail's fury during the fight. Hopefully she shall have a more peaceful journey now the ghost is laid to rest.'


OOC:
20:08, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 25 using 1d20+5. knowledge (physical sciences).
20:10, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 23 using 1d20+5. bluff.
I don't have any particular plans, other than to check on Mrs Turning and on Ian.

ooc: Hopefully I addressed everything well enough in the new chapter. If not feel free to let me know if I missed anything. On to chapter 10!