PbP Gameday V - #0-04: The Frozen Fingers of Midnight (CORE) (Inactive)

Game Master SirPeter

"Then we best get going then, I'm dressed for the desert and not the cold." Grams announces.

While the others look over the bodies, Zach checks out the ladder they will likely be climbing shortly.

Perception on ladder: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

If those were the ships crew, I expect we're going to find an evil necromancer at the heart of this. Everyone have some holy water handy?

Hadanka prepares to move up the ladder.

The Pathfinders were prepared to continue, when Tahltria suggested to examine the mask and she was correct about its magical properties.

Ahmandé detected the magic in the burial mask, that is made of silver and gold. Firstly, he senses that it has a faint aura of evocation, and after a few minutes, he identifies that the burial mask is imbued with a permanent desecrate effect, in other words, an evil magic item.

By his side, Zachorius attempt to find any traps in your way til the upstairs, but he doesn't notice anything harmful. With that, you proceed with the exploration.

You climb up 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.”

Evarice frowns. After what she heard about the mask, and this woman's casual treatment of the crew there is a distinct lack of trust.

"None of us are here to row. We're here to save a man from the lantern's curse. Light was shone upon him and now he freezes to death next to a roaring fireplace. What do you know about it?"

Evarice measures the woman's response carefully, looking for falsehoods and general intent.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Tahltria looks at the others and asks them,Who...is this..wo..man? She ad..dresses..us ..as..though she..were..here..wait..ing..for..us.

She then addresses the woman directly "What..is..your..name? And..what..happen..ed..to...your..pre..vious...crew?"

Diplomacy checks will be necessary, guys.

diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 3

Ahmandé attempts to assist Evarice's questioning. "It's a strange and terrible afflication; the man suffers greatly. Any information you have to help would be most welcome."

Diplomacy, aid another: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

We do not row. We are here to stop a murder. One would hope you had no part it this. But the evidence so far is that you did. Surely you would wish to stop this and prove you innocence.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Awesome...

Zachorius bows to the lady and puts out his own hand in a gesture for taking hers. If she gives him her hand, he will kiss the back of it in a show of deference and charm. "Please, m'lady. We are charged with curing tha man's affliction. Can ya tell us how to break tha lantern's curse?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Aid another Diplomacy 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (8) - 2 = 6
"When one such as yourself is present, surely you'd graced us with the information needed to save a man's life and perhaps allows us to take you from here."

Well, let's say that the main check is from Zachorius (23), with the aid from Evarice (+2) and Ahmandé (+2), making a total of 27.

The beautiful woman still looks at you with superiority in her tone: "you are not here to row, ok... So, you invaded my ship to save someone from a terrible curse. This touched my heart... but first of it all, who are you? Who is suffering this affliction and where is this lantern she told about?", she points to Evarice.

"A man by the name of Skelg is freezing to death because of it. His friend requested help from the Pathfinder Society and we here we are." Evarice is no longer as tense after hearing the woman's response.

"One of Skelg's friends, Tirfyr, mentioned he could shine the lantern on a tapestry of a ship, and it took him onto an Ulfen longship encased in ice. This one, I assume."

"If you know of a way to break this curse, we could get the lantern here. But...maybe you'd like to leave this ship. We can exit the ship."

""No, I don't wanna leave my ship", she answered Evarice. "Let's do this way: bring the lantern to me and I stay with it, then as a gesture of gratitude I free Sk... I mean, your friend from the curse. Got a deal?"

Hmm... Obviously you know how to operate the Lantern. Suppose you just tell us how to operate it. Then we won't need to involve any authorities in this attempted murder.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Something about that 'bring the lantern to me' doesn't sit with me well. I don't think we can let her have it.

"We will not be able to give you the lantern."

He looks up for a moment, pensive. "Or, could we?" He looks back at the mysterious woman. "Our colleague holds it at the portal, waiting to let us back through. Its magic is required to do this for us. If you return with us to the portal, we might be able to pass it off to you after we've opened the portal back up."

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

He motions his head and starts walking back the way they came, speaking as if she and the others are following. "So, what can you tell us about this lantern?"

Hmm... Obviously you know how to operate the Lantern. Suppose you just tell us how to operate it. Then we won't need to involve any authorities in this attempted murder.

"Attempted murder? But I even started", she gives a diabolic smile to you.

"So, what can you tell us about this lantern?"

The elf notices that the woman doesn't follow him, she stands still where she was when you entered.

"I don't have to give explanations to you", she stops for awhile... "BUT! There is something that you have to now. This lantern, The Beacon of the North is mine and was stolen from my ship and I know how to stop the curse on Skelg."

The woman looks at you as if she was analysing each one. "And correct me if I'm wrong, but you have oil for the lantern only for a more couple of hours, huh?", she grins.

She is right about that. We never mentioned how much oil remained. She knows of its power, at least.
"There is something troubling you about all of this. Was it the mask we found below? One of the undead oarmen wore it." Evarice thinks carefully. "Nonetheless, stopping the curse is my priority. What say you, Ahmandé?"

"There is something troubling you about all of this. Was it the mask we found below? One of the undead oarmen wore it."

"So, it seems you finally put an end on Haldyr's existance, my 'dear' husband. Not bad at all. Be careful. Those who die here, rise as an undead. Like your friend... What was his name? Hmmm... Tify? Tirfyr? Tirtis? Something like this, as you told before."

Ahmandé seems to be getting a little upset and impatient.

"If you will help us stop the curse on Skleg, we would be happy to pass the lantern back into your possession.

Your language and tone suggests that you're the cause of Skleg's curse. Undo what you've done, and we'll return your property. We are not thieves, but we'll not stand idly by as our friend dies."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Tahltria stands by impatiently. She wondered if this woman was even an elf. There was a certain malevolence about her that Tahltria found odd and did not trust. Her dead 'husband' was perfect evidence of the woman's depraved mind.

Just give the word. And this creature will join her dead lover.

"HA HA HA!", the woman laughs at Ahmandé's face. "What makes you think that I want to curse the man who saved my life? Oh, wait a minute... Skelg didn't tell you that he raided Haldyr's funeral ship, stole some items - one of them was The Beacon of the North - and saved my life? And left me alon...", she stops talk.

"Now, the deal have other terms: The Beacon of the North is mine. Give it back to me, and convince Skelg to navigate by my side, bringing him here, then I'll break the curse and everyone will be happy. Otherwise, get out already from my room and go find a way to help Skelg by yourselves."

She turns to Ahmandé: "and if you speak in this tone with me again, I'll paint the ground with the blood of your entrails."

"No need for violence, please." Evarice stands between Ahmandé and the woman. "Lonliness is the worst feeling. Watching your loved one turn into... that..." Evarice grimaces. "Funeral ship? They were going to leave you on the funeral ship..."

I don't understand. Is this a cultural issue? Is the wife supposed to sail off is she outlives her husband?

"It is Skelg's decision to travel with you, not mine. But I will bring him here, with the lantern. He doesn't have much time left." She gives the woman a look. "And I don't know how much time your sanity has left."

Evarice turns towards where they came from and starts walking.

Tahltria follows after Evarice. Her anger has subsided hearing the story of this woman. The lantern had been the source of this all.

It seemed that returning it to the rightful owner was the only way to end this curse. And if it returned her to some warmth than she would be that much more happier.

Somebody will follow Evarice?

Hadanka thinks to himself, I do not trust this woman in the slightest... But, we will see if the others can convince Skelg to come to her.

Hadanka will follow Evarice, though he thinks it likely the woman will have to be forced to help Skelg.

"You won't come when we ask you to help a man; a man that only you know how to save. And you demand that we bring this man dying of a curse of chilling to this frozen place."

"How would you expect me to respond, but with angry command?"

"Make your threats. Earlier the man screamed in horror when I attempted to move him 6 inches away from a fire. I'm sure we'll be able to convince him to venture into this chilly coffin."

Ahmandé turns and begins to follow Evarice.

"The lantern goes with us; if we can't get Skleg to come back, neither will the lantern."

"Beggin' yer pardon, can ya give us yer name so we may tell Skelg who bekcons 'im? And if we bring the lantern through the portal, will it close and leave us trapped here?"

"We'll be back." Couldn't resist comes Grams rejoinder as he follows the rest back.

Once out though.
"We should hurry and Brink Skelg though convincing him might be the difficult part."

"Beggin' yer pardon, can ya give us yer name so we may tell Skelg who bekcons 'im? And if we bring the lantern through the portal, will it close and leave us trapped here?"

"Oh, yes. Tell him that Natalya Yagevna would like his company on her ship", she grins.

"And about the portal: as long as you keep the lantern lighted, the portal still hold. In other words, you don't have to leave the lantern back and cross the portal. You can open the portal and carry the lantern with you. The only problem is if the oil of the lantern finish off and it becomes unlit", these were her last words before you cross the portal back to the Greydog Manor.

Once there, Tyros receives you anxiously, bringing you as fast as he could to his master. As you entered in his room, Skelg readily asks you: "so, you discovered a way to end the curse?"

"I wonder if her pride prevents her from leaving the ship. Maybe something magical compels her to remain. Skelg's life comes before the lantern, as far as I'm concerned."

Responding to Evarice, Ahmandé agrees. "Indeed, Skelg is our mission; he's of course of the most importance. It's just that the woman makes me mad, and now I simply don't want to give her what she wants. But we'll do what we must to save Skelg."

In answer to Tyros, Ahmandé presents what they've learned with trepidation. "We believe we've found a way to end the curse, yes. There is a woman in the longship in the painting, and she claims she knows how to end this, but I'm afraid Skelg may not like the option. She wants him to come throught he portal onto her ship, where she will end the curse in exchange for this lantern."

As established here, Ahmandé is shuttering the lantern as soon as everyone is throught the portal. At a minimum use of 10 minutes each time, they've used it twice, so 20 minutes worth of oil is gone, with 1 hr 40 min remaining.

Diplomacy checks will be necessary at this point.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

@Ahmandé just to remember: it's not only to Skelg goes there, but stay there with her ("convince Skelg to navigate by my side")...

She can make that argument when we get there; Ahmandé is doing no wooing on behalf of this lady he doesn't like.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 to conceal that there might be other conditions once we get to the ship.

Evarice kneels besides Skelg's bed, knowing she doesn't feel completely sure.

"There's a woman on the ship Skelg. Do you remember Natalya Yagevna? She was on Haldyr's funeral ship. That's where you got the lantern from, right? She's still there, and she says she knows how to break the curse."

"She has two conditions, though: she wants the lantern, and she wants you. to be by her side. She...doesn't want to be alone, but she doesn't want to leave the ship. I don't know if she's bound to the vessel or if it's a matter of pride. She has a short temper."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"I know you feel eternally cold, but she has the manner to break the curse. This is the best offer we were able to manage. I'm sorry we weren't able to do better."

Tahltria felt little remorse for this man on his dying bed provided if what had been said was true, that Skelg had raided Natalya and her husband of their belongings. She was not naive enough to think that Natalya was telling the entire story but she knew there was enough truth there that Skelg had unseemingly brought this upon himself.

She would say something if Skelg disagreed with going with them but until she kept quiet and observed his reaction to Evarice's suggestion.

Aid another 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9
"She has a way to end your curse."

That woman is a necromancer. She should be put down like a dog. However, you are dying and she says she can break the curse. I don't know if that is because she put it on you or just knows enough about it. She seems to be telling the truth at least about that.
Her conditions are you come to her, she keeps the Lantern, and you stay with her. I'm not sure if that last is a desire or truly mandatory. The choice at this point is up to you.

diplomacy aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8

"Natalya. Yes, yes, I remember her. A beautiful woman. I rescued Natalya, who was about to be sacrificed on her husband’s funeral pyre. I left her aboard Haldyr’s ship to sail where she wished", he pauses for awhile... "and yes, as I told you, I looted the ship and this lantern must have come into my vault with the spoils of war. Tyros, come here", the servant goes to his master and helps him get up.

"I was about to retire, you know..." said the debilitated ulfen, "but my presence at the seas seems necessary now. And she is a beautiful woman... She is from an aristocratic family from Irrisen, I think. She was given in marriage to Haldyr as a political strategy. Maybe we could support each other...", you feel a mix of hope and optimism in Skelg's tone, which seems happy in navigate the seas with Natalya.

You help to conduct Skelg through the portal and reach Natalya's room, who could not hide the smile of satisfaction when see Skelg. She whispered a few words in his direction...

Natalya suddenly recompose herself and asks you: "so, the lantern is mine and he will stay with me. Do you agree with these terms? I want to hear it from all of you."

She stretches her hands toward who is holding The Beacon of the North, suggesting to give it to her, while wait for your responses.

Ok, it is simple: everybody have to say if agree, or not. If try to lie to her in any way, like saying that the lantern is hers, but want to take it back at the end, wil need to make a bluff check.

sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 6

That Skelg went with her so freely she knew he had no choice but when they passed through the portal and she looked at Skelg the way she did something did not feel right about it. He thought back to the creature that they had first encountered and wondered if this is what was in store for Skelg. The spoils of war a very northern concept from what she understood. Still this felt more like extortion. She had had enough.

"NO...do..not..do..it..on..these..terms.. Skelg."

I think it's time for more Diplomacy checks.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Ahmandé looks at Tahltria with a bit of concern, and speaks quickly to draw attention to himself. "I agree to your terms if you agree to two conditions. First, you agree not to use the lantern as a weapon against anyone present; neither Skelg nor of the Pathfinder Society. Not that you would, but not yourself either.

Second, you'll keep the lantern lit until we leave through the portal. Either let the oil that's in it now burn out or, if the oil is precious to you, see us out and only shutter it when we're through."

He holds out the lantern halfway, ready to draw it back if she doesn't agree or shows deceit.

1 hour 30 minutes oil remaining after opening the portal to get back here.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

To Tahltria, he whispers, "I think this is okay; I think Skelg wants this. I couldn't draw him from the fire, but he left his warm bed willingly for this. He knows this woman; it's his choice now."

I would rather die than spend my life with ... that woman. But it is your choice not mine. If you go willingly and wish to give her your lantern, so be it.

Tahltriéa looks at Ahmandé.

"She..will..punish...him...He..must...know..that...Look..at...what..became. .of...her..husband...I..do..not..de..ny...them..being...to..geth..er..if..s he..would..not..harm...him..or..us"

Turning to the witch she looks at her with no fear.

"On..your..word..no..ill..will...nor..harm..to..wards..us...or..Skelg..Free ..him..of..the..curse..first..and..he...will..stay..with..you..and..this..l an..tern..shall.be..yours."

diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 4

"Hmm. Natalya keeps secrets close to her. We could barely get her to talk about it. The Venture-Captain told us you would find death in a bed horrendous, and you'd rather die in the heat of a glorious battle. Come, then. Let us see what she has to offer."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Evarice still seems unsure of things, until she hears Natalya's words and understands. She smiles.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"Friends, Natalya is a proud woman. She hides her emotions well. But her joy right now... her devotion. Her love. This she can't hide. Skelg, you saved her life that day when you looted this ship. You made one mistake, though. You left. She's been thinking about you since that day. I know she can break the curse. I know she wants to break the curse."

Evarice hands over the lantern without a second thought. "We'll leave as soon as the curse is lifted. Please, Natalya. Save this man, the way he saved you."