Author's Note: "...through the years some have claimed it was indeed the Curse; the blood-red stone of ages forgotten, reflecting, multiplying one's madness and greed as if an abyssal lens on the soul. Although none of the Expedition would ever return, the tales of sailors and travelers in distant and dark corners of the world would speak of glimpses in passing - a pale countess in crimson, eyes like embers..."
For source/inspiration/research: http://rookery5.aviary.com/storagev12/2482000/2482422_4f54.jpg
Drawn and painted in photoshop.