Charon


 * A recurring friendly spirit in Pumpkin Jack.

Description
A hooded skeletal spirit with a chain around his neck. He has a flayed, stitched together cloak, and what appears to be deer skulls on his shoulders. He has no legs, just an exposed spine, probably making it easier to do his job. Wielding a large curved staff with bones coiling around it and a bright flaming blue lantern attached to the curved end to light the way, he uses this to paddle boats he commands.

Story
This floating ferryman, first met in the Swamp, gets paid in advance to help Jack cross the river toward the Ghost Witch. Taking him on a very unusual ferry ride, filled with wayward ghosts and other monsters out to attack Jack, ship hopping, and finding ways around walls that Charon can just phase him and the ship right through. He calls these the "Fun parts."

He is found many times throughout Jack's journey, pestering him about not paying his fare before ferrying him anyway, only later understanding why he's called "Stingy Jack." He continues to begrudgingly ferrying Jack across rivers to help him in his quest to destroy The Wizard, as he is their only hope for the world's doom. He very much appreciates tips.

Styx Ferry Rides
Expecting a calm and relaxing boat ride? Well, too bad because Charon will navigate the boat like a madman, not to mention all of the Phantoms swarming Jack while waiting to reach his destination.

Charon will often rotate the boat or summon new ones and sink the old one just to mess with Jack and to make it more entertaining. He will also use his power phase the boat right through walls or other objects, forcing Jack to find a way around and back onto the boat. Jack must survive the ride without touching the water or his body will be instantly destroyed.

Trivia

 * He is likely a reference to Charon, the Ferryman of the Rivers Styx in Greek Mythology, whose duty it was to ferry souls of the deceased who had received burial rites to the Underworld, as long as they paid their fare.