Vanyel finds that the mask is imbued with a permanent desecrate effect.
Activating his ion torch Nicolae goes below deck to search for clues.
No other clues are found below decks. The only other unexplored are lies up the steps on the far side.
Nicolae gets in line behind Sark smiling.
The group begins their ascent the ladder to the deck of the ship. The soft glow of sunlight again penetrates into this ice cave, and several braziers burn near the walls. A beautiful woman stands next to a simple chair, facing you. Other furniture in the chamber suggests that this is her private quarters. The woman looks you over as though judging a draft animal, and asks, “Have you come to work the oars? I am in need of more rowers.”
"Skelg the Ripper?" She asks, the arch in an eyebrow indicating her interest is peaked. "I am Natalya Yagevna, widow of Haldyr Bjornsson. I would have burned on this ship with Haldyr had Skelg not interrupted the funeral with his raid. Tell me more."
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George regales her with the assault on Skelg and how he suffers from a chill given off by the Lantern. George tells her of his impending death unless something is done to save him.
Perhaps you may know how to save him? George looks inquisitively at the woman. Mr. Chips runs directly into an end table and falls over. He pretends to be dead.
Err... Lady, this is an awfull place to live. Nicolae looks around at the frozen ice cave. What are you doing here, are you one of the undead?
"I assure you I am very much alive. " Natalya replies. "According to the customs of his people I was supposed to burn along with Haldyr on this ship at his funeral, ironic since it, as well as the Beacon, were dowry gifts from my family. I believe Skelg's interruption of that custom brought Haldyr and his men back as the restless dead."
The Stranger barges up the steps and fires his gun point-blank. He's pretty sure his aim was true, but when the smoke clears Natalya seems completely unharmed. Brushing off some ash from her dress, she reaches for a spear leaning against the chair next to her.
"I am a witch of Irrisen. Cold, hunger, and bullets are but minor inconveniences. Would you like to reconsider this avenue of discourse or should I kill you all?"
INITIATIVE
Natalya gives the group an imperious stare. "My people's customs are irrelevant. You asked if I might be able to help Skelg, but why should I? He may have spared my life, but he also condemned me to a solitary existence on a ghost ship, frozen in ice. If you want anything from me I demand your vow to first return of the lantern Skelg stole, and find an appropriate replacement for the husband he killed."
Natalya now looks ready to act and defend herself at any sudden move.
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"The lantern is, I fear, back in Absalom, keeping the way open for us. As to the other--" Vanyel gets a look that can only be described as mischievous. "--would you accept Skelg as a replacement? "
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George shrugs at Natalya. You heard the bookkeeper. The Lantern is stuck in Absalom. You could come with us back there if you wished. Meet Skelg again. Cure him. Take him as your lover. Mr. Chips turns his back to the group and makes squishy sounds while his hands make it look like he is making out with someone.
Natalya considers a moment, then gestures back the way you came. "Take me to Skelg and we shall see if he is amenable."
Returning through the ship and crossing back into Graydog manor by way of the portal, you soon find yourselves bearing witness to a chilly reunion between Skelg and Natalya.
"Skelg the Ripper you have been lax in your duties." Natalya glares at him, looking like she might attack him. Instead she suddenly drops to one knee. "You killed my husband, and by the laws of the north you are now my Lord. This makes you responsible for my wellbeing. These Pathfinders have offered the return of the Beacon of the North, and your companionship as my new husband."
Skelg's eyes widen and he looks to your group. "W-w-what??"
Hmmm, that is actually an excelent idea! Nicolae thinks looking at the elf mage.
I want to get the #%$@ out of this ship and get paid. Dont #%$@ this up half orc! Nicolae hisses to the half orc gunslinger.
Ha, I liked that ugly bast#%$. Have to buy him a bear after this mess is over.
Have to buy him a bear after this mess is over.
Nicolae gets closer to Skelg and with a knowing nod and a wink whispers.
Look fellow, do you want to live or not? Besides... she is a fine piece of a#% that one...
Skelg considers the situation, sizing up Natalya, then glancing at the blazing fire nearby.
"I accept." He says with a grin. "Wasn't quite ready to retire anyway."
Natalya smiles like a fisherman with a full net. "Come then, and let us see about lifting this curse."
Returning through the tapestry, Natalya instructs Nicolae to bring the lantern through, closing the way back. She then directs your group to cut through the ice to the figurehead of the ship, aiding the process with a magical sphere of flame. When the Beacon of the North is hung back in place the ice around the ship begins to melt. Once free of the ice Natalya utters an arcane command and the air before the figurehead ripples as a large portal opens before the ship. Through it a city looms, rising from frozen cliffs along the shores of lake. Spires of white marble and domed buildings seemingly sculpted of ice surround a palace perched precariously at the cliff’s edge over the frigid, turbulent waters below.
"Whitethrone." Natalya says with pride. "My home."
"The cold." Skelg pats his chest. "It is gone."
"Of course." Natalya replies. With another command, she gestures to the deck of the ship and a second, small portal, appears looking back through the tapestry to Skelg's manor. "You may leave us now."
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"Freeze in Carnia you crazy witch!", Ugly wanted to shout but decides better to let Skelg find out first hand.
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