GM Blazej's PbP 0-04: The Frozen Fingers of Midnight (Inactive)

Game Master Zynete

"Mmmyes. I should expect that his favors for you would make him a much more suitable companion than I. I shall certainly inform him of the situation, and if he is willing than we shall allow him to inform you personally. Although in his present state you may have to accompany us back to Absalom."

He rummages in his pack for some paper and an inkwell. "Would you be so kind as to allow me to take notes on the ritual?"

In the meanwhile he'll scribe a short letter, then seal it and stamp it with his signet.

"You may take any notes you deem fit. However, I will wait here until you have his answer. It would be unbecoming for me to visit him outside a ball."

"While you may opt to aid me with clearing the path to the head of the ship, this is certainly a matter I can take charge of while you meet with Skelg." She draws some bits of debris from a fold of her dress. An incantation ignites the ball and she drops to the ground where it rolls and gains mass like a ball of snow until it is as large as a man. A quick gesture sends the sphere into the ice where it begins a process of burrowing, freeing more of the ship.

"Well friends, it sounds like we have an important proposal to deliver to Skelg."

Marcus joins Kuriq and prepares to travel back.

Assuming no objections from the ret of the group.

Kuriq leads the pack towards the mast of the ship where he summons a portal back to Skelg's manor. And leaves the portal open this time unless anyone states otherwise.

Turning to the ill man, he doesn't hesitate to get right to the point. "This may come at an untimely moment, but we bear good and bad news. We were able to isolate the source of your illness and have found a means to remove it. However, the path of least resistance seems to also be a tough one. You see, the widow of Haldyr is the owner of this here lantern which is also the source of the curse, she has agreed to help us remove the curse on conditions of: companionship, but not anyone, she request you in particular, as she perceives you as her saviour and captor. I hate to be a pain, but you don't have much time to think this over, the curse continues in strength the longer we wait."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Skelg's expression is mixed, he seems hopeful with a cure in sight, but not enthusiastic as Kuriq relays Natalya's request. Tyros tries to respond for his master, but can't find the words.

After a cold moment Skelg finally responds, "F-f-fine. I'll wi-will do it. Ca-an't be mu-much worse than Tal-taldan nobles."

On the ship, Natalya has already cleared an opening around the figurehead of the ship and is awaiting the party's answer as well as the lantern.

Silently following his companions, the fox-kin keeps his eyes on the woman as they pass back through the portal.

Listening to the exchange with Skelg, he smiles. 'I suppose there are worse options than death' considers the man. 'Seems we may not have to send the woman to the boneyard yet.

I can't imagine anything worse than spending a lifetime in the cold. Kuriq looks relieved and helps bring Skelg to the widow.

Before reaching he mutters softly to the rest, "Keep your heads up folk."

Standing ten feet away from the woman, he opens discussion once again."We have come back! We are her to keep our end of the bargain." Turning to the rest, "Could someone assist in bringing the lantern to her."

"Oh you didn't need to bring him all this way. I certainly trust Skelg with his word if he offers it. Still, let is move quickly before the cold causes injury."

With a smile she takes the lantern and hangs it off the front of the hook. She ignites it and the light from it glows ever brighter, the view in front of the ship turns luminescent until another portal is created, massive in scale and as large as the ship you stand on. Winds whip out from the portal stripping the ice around you until you once again can see the daytime sky and distant land on the horizon.

Skelg's condition rapidly improves, his body regains vigor and he seems to regain several years of his life in a few moments. He sheds his blankets and roars, "Ha! I've missed the sun beating down on me! I knew you lot would be able to pull it off."

Natalya stands away, gauging Skelg's recovering form. "Your strength is still a sight to behold Skelg. I am to understand you have agreed to my request to come back with me?"

SKelg considers the Irrisani woman carefully as he responds, "Yes, I did. Now if I walk away now, are you going to be throwing the curse on me again?"

"Not at all. It would ... disappoint me, but I know you to be a man of your word. If you turned your back on it, then you are not the man I want by my side. Although I do understand you might have some affairs you need to get in order. You should do that quickly though, as the passage will only last so long."

The barbarian grunts with acknowledgement and speaks to Tyros of matters needed to be settled. Natalya turns her attention to the group as she carefully takes the lantern into her hands, "Now as for you all. I must thank you for your efforts. Under my furniture you will find a chest with some compensation for your efforts today." She directs the lantern light at the mast and the return portal to Skelg's manor appears again. "You should go, Skelg will return the lantern to you once we have safely passed into my homeland.

Are we at the end?

Kuriq waste no more time in the cold, he is eager to make a move out and heads right out after the group collects the treasure and says their farewells to Skelg and the widow. This turned out better than expected.

Nabbing the aforementioned chest, Utara glances towards Skelg. Too bad. I was kind of looking forward to granting him a death befitting m'lord. Oh well. Perhaps next time.

With a wicked grin, he nods towards the pair and steps through the portal.

Producing a small card from his bag, Thokzazt offers it to Natalya before speaking.

"If you require a Barrister to file your marriage paperwork, I can be of some service. May the law be on your side."

After a slight nod, Thokzazt waits beside the portal for all of his compatriots to pass.

Marcus hands Skelg the envelope. "Long days and pleasant nights."

This is in fact the end.

"We will call for you for the time is right. I have only requested for him to be a companion for the moment. I am of certain traditions and feel it is his place to propose engagement."

A minutes after you pass through the portal, Skelg returns with the lantern and gives it to the party. He is only around long enough to collect a few of his possessions before he returns through the portal.

"Thanks again. Pass that message to Adril as well. You all make sure you keep safe around the magic items you grab on your journey."

You are left with the lantern and are able to return to Adril. He looks hopeful as he asks, "What do you have to report? How is Skelg?"

"Skelg? Oh, he recovered just fine. He's gone though; went sailing with a young lady. All we had to do was reason with a few guys." states Utara matter-of-fact.

Pointing towards the light source, he adds "If you would like to study the lantern, we managed to keep it for you."

Adril gives a big laugh. "Well he does recover quickly. Good work men, you reasoned with some mean and I don't have the city guard here demanding answers. I can't ask for any more than that."

"I'm not much interested in the study of lighting or magic, but I know a few people that will be glad to have the opportunity to study this."