The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

"Josurr's" First Fight

Day 20 of Uktar dawned bright, if rather chill. Soon after Janatha brought the morning breakfast tray, Aerikoth departed the Gatereach guest house without speaking to anyone. In the early evening, both Aerikoth and the others returned to the guest house, where Rahnee asked him where he had gone off to in such a grumpy mood. Aerikoth denied being grumpy, stating in a neutral tone that he had not been aware that greeting everyone in the morning was of great importance.

Jokull observed that he was expected at the Quivering Thumb arena within the hour, receiving advice and good wishes from the group. Aerikoth stated that he failed to understand Jokull's desire to fight in the arena, inquiring if there was more to it than the combat; Jokull in reply indicated he would speak of this to Aerikoth at a later time. Jokull prepared to depart the guest house shortly, while the others agreed to leave shortly before the gladiator matches were to start, Aerikoth retiring to his room for the duration.

That night, the Quivering Thumb was packed, the entry fee having been waived and the normal betting limit raised to 100 gold. The group noted that Palla the Light and Sehlmari Ssemm from the Mercenaries Guild were at the arena again. Rahnee, Brok-Tul, and Marik all placed bets with Drugo the oddsmaker, who was giving 2-1 odds on Josurr in his fight with the snow cat. (This strikes me as rather low odds, so most likely the proprietor is deliberately promoting the popularity of betting on Josurr, with an eye toward future fights. An observation drawn from a previous life. --R) The other fights were the veteran fighter Boran versus the barbarian Ru'allah, to first blood, with the winner of that contest facing Gagh in a battle to the death.

Stanslav, the Thumb's proprietor, opened the bouts by introducing the fight lineup, starting with “Josurr Mountbatten,” described as a fallen Purple Dragon mysteriously driven to exile, versus a vicious snow cat from the mountains of Impiltur. As Stanslav's introduction ended, "Josurr" came up from the gladiator pit and strode forward into the arena, a magical barrier falling over the entrance once he was inside. His purple armor bright under the lights of the arena, Jokull – his face hidden by a helm - was greeted warmly by the audience, who applauded his dramatic gestures. The snow cat then entered the ring, coming up from a separate trap door inside the pit. As it began to stalk Jokull, the warrior threw his shield away and flourished his sword, drawing gasps and calls of appreciation from the crowd. The cat leaped at him and in a fierce, brief engagement was defeated by Jokull, who in the process received a nasty claw scratch to his side. Stanslav declared "Josurr" the victor, who as he exited the ring was heard by the crowd to say "...too easy." (Jokull seems to have a natural flair for the arena. --C)

The other fights were also entertaining. Boran triumphed by waiting for Ru'allah to overextend himself before scoring first blood. In the final match featuring Gagh, the half-orc fighter taunted Boran, who maintained his composure and traded blow for blow once Gagh closed in for the attack. Alas for Boran, Gagh was too strong, and in the end stood bloody and victorious over the veteran's corpse. As Brok-Tul, Rahnee, and Marik collected their gold from the oddsmaker, Aerikoth departed the arena, as did Jokull, who quietly slipped out after the final fight.

 

[Carlo-One]

Black Magic for the Baron

The morning of Uktar 21, Rahnee left the house early on an errand and returned to find Aerikoth and the others assembled in the guest house common room. She inquired if anyone knew where she could find a Bloodback Spider, explaining she had been informed that her mage brother wanted one. Aerikoth commented that he had heard of the spider, which was supposed to have its habitat in the Dragon Coast region. Rahnee, unsure exactly of why her brother wanted the spider or whether it should be sent to him alive or dead, mentioned that she had copied out some notes for her brother from Westgate's Naturalist Guild, but hadn't bothered to remember the details of their contents. Jokull commented that he had to go see the Quivering Thumb proprietor, after which he would be ready to accompany the others to meet Iono at Castle Thalavar. Jokull returned after a short while and the group departed, Brok-Tul making a detour to the Market to pick up a piece of equipment before meeting up with the rest outside the castle.

Upon their arrival, Iono guided the party back to their usual meeting room, where Garis was waiting for them. Before discussing the proposed Mercenaries Guild sponsorship, the reason for Garis' presence, the Thalavar steward opened up a chest containing the evil magic items to be transported to Baron Pahar. The group spent a few moments looking at each other, no one moving to take the items, until Jokull stepped forward and volunteered. Rahnee commented that she suspected he, out of all of them, was best suited for this difficult task. Jokull then took possession of a cloth-wrapped staff, a large tooth, and some magical scrolls. Iono stated that they would receive payment from him at the castle, once they had delivered the items and returned to Westgate.

Rahnee tactfully inquired about the terms of the Mercenaries Guild contracts, as Aerikoth was hesitant to become a member, but was willing to assist the others in assigned tasks. After Iono explained that all involved had to be bonded members, Aerikoth reluctantly put aside his pride and agreed to join, with reservations. Garis indicated that he would be the group's future contact regarding their Guild business and would pay them their bonding fee - 100 gold per person - at their next meeting. The party agreed to meet him at the Empty Fish tavern, outside of West Gate, the evening of the day after their return to Westgate, whenever that occurred. Garis told the group that they would be his eyes and ears within the Guild, and he would meet with them periodically and anonymously to discuss Guild doings. Brok-Tul asked a question about what cover story they should come up with for joining the guild. Marik in response dryly suggested that they should say they liked coin, apologizing for the complexity of his idea. Both Iono and Garis wished them luck and the group headed back to the Gatereach guest house to pick up their equipment for the journey ahead. As they were departing the city, Jokull passed the magical staff to Aerikoth to carry.

 

[Carlo-One]

By late afternoon, the group had reached the Turnton-Glees crossroads. Wary of previous wolf encounters in the area, they proceeded along the road to Turnton with caution; not unwarranted, as it turned out, since they were set upon by a group of bandits led by a young woman. Aerikoth began hurling spells into the fray while the others fought off bandit swordsmen and archers. Then the front ranks of the party were hit by a fireball, Brok-Tul taking the brunt of the flames. After the defeat of the bandit mage and remaining fighters, the woman cried out "not again!" and ran for the dense forest underbrush, slipping away and tripping a deadfall just as Brok-Tul was catching up to her.

Aerikoth identified her as Deedee, also known as Melissa, who had attempted an ambush on an adventuring group Aerikoth had previously accompanied to Turnton. (This woman is nothing if not persistent. --R). Rahnee recalled being told that she had been part of a bandit gang and a champion runner at one point. Brok healed himself with divine magic and the party tended to their wounds before continuing down the road. The presence of wolves in the area did eventually make itself felt, as the group was attacked by a pack in a wooded area north of Turnton. However, the adventurers defeated them in a quick battle, then hiked another hour to reach the outskirts of the town.

At the town walls, which appeared to have been newly reinforced, Rahnee showed her baronial writ to the guard captain, who straightaway saluted and apologized for not recognizing her. Brok-Tul also showed his writ and the party was allowed to pass, although Marik received some looks from the guards. At Rahnee's insistence, they went directly to the manor house. There, they were received by the guard, who stated that the heroes of Glees were always welcome. Although it was late, Baron Pahar received the group and was introduced to Jokull and Marik. Pahar welcomed them, clearly pleased, and stated his appreciation for their escorting the magic items to Turnton. Commenting that the High Cleric Carlin should be present for the items' turnover, Pahar asked that they reconvene in the morning, when Carlin would be available. The baron directed them to the manor's guest quarters, where the tired adventurers turned in for the night.

 

[Carlo-One]

After breakfast was delivered to their rooms the next morning on Uktar 22, the party - minus Aerikoth, who for whatever reason was unable to rise from his bed - went to the audience hall to await the Baron and the High Cleric, who were still conferring privately. Jokull had unthinkingly occupied the Baron's throne while waiting and had to be discreetly reminded to vacate it after Pahar and Carlin arrived. Rahnee then had to whisperingly remonstrate him about the poor protocol of not standing in nobility's presence, after Jokull took another seat while the rest stood. In response to their questions about the purpose of the evil magic items they had delivered, Pahar explained regretfully that this was a closely held secret and it had been decided by he and Carlin to inform Rahnee, in private, of their reasons; they would rely on her conscience in deciding what to tell the rest of the group. Rahnee, despite some grumblings from the others, accompanied the two back to a private room, reemerging after a half-hour had passed.

Upon her return, the party mentioned the bandit encounter and listened to Carlin explain how the young woman Deedee had been a follower of the necromancer Zagath. Zagath was a lunatic prophet who had been driven out of Turnton by Carlin close to three years previously. Afterwards - exactly how was unknown – he had gained necromantic powers. (This is an especially troubling aspect of Zagath's history, as will be seen. --R). Zagath died after being defeated by the group of adventurers Aerikoth had previously accompanied.

Brok-Tul then brought up their experiences at the Seven Lost Gods hills, which Carlin was able to shed some light on, having traveled and studied the area. The High Cleric was aware that an active shrine to Garagos the Reaver was in the hills, which could have accounted for the bloodlust that Brok-Tul experienced. At this point Baron Pahar excused himself, saying that he had to inspect some of the reconstruction projects in the area. He indicated that Carlin would be available to accept turnover of the magic items, once Aerikoth had recovered. Brok-Tul and Jokull went to the Temple of Helm, where Jokull prayed while Brok-Tul privately spoke with Carlin.

By late morning, Aerikoth was able to rise and join the others in the audience hall, where Carlin was waiting to receive the items. First Jokull, then Aerikoth, gave the items in their possession to Carlin, who thanked the group for their valuable service. Brok-Tul asked to borrow a book on Helm's teachings, but Carlin said that their temple was not wealthy and did not have books to lend. However, Carlin suggested that Brok-Tul speak with Jokull about the faith, as the temple priest had noted Jokull's devotion to Helm. Carlin commented that perhaps words from a comrade would mean more than those from a book, in any case. Wrapping the staff's head in a cloth to hide its evil appearance, Carlin excused himself, saying he could be found at the temple if needed, and gave the blessings of Helm for their return journey.

The companions decided to depart immediately, although Brok-Tul stopped at the town's general store briefly on the way out while the others waited in a light rain. Marik decided to remain for a while longer in the town to see if anything of interest was happening, saying he would accompany the next caravan headed north.

On the way back to Westgate, the group - not entirely unexpectedly - encountered another wolf pack in the area where the road forked to Glees. Jokull suffering a nasty bite wound during combat, but was soon tended to by Brok-Tul's magic. In a wilderness area two hours further on, two feral dire badgers attacked, but were easily dispatched with the help of a dire wolf magically summoned by Aerikoth. When they finally reached the city, it was night and all were grateful for a chance to sleep in their own beds, awakening late the next morning, the 23rd day of Uktar.

(As yet there is no explanation provided for the presence of these foul magical items in Turnton. What kind of secret could this small town in the countryside hold? And why was Rahnee alone chosen to receive it? --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

So You Want To Be A Mercenary...

Marik arrived late morning, having accompanied a caravan described by him as consisting of three nags fit to be dog food. With all present, after Aerikoth came downstairs to join them, Rahnee decided to relate to the others the fate of the magic items delivered to Baron Pahar. She explained that, because of a promise made, she could not discuss the full story, but told them that the items would be destroyed. She said she was satisfied by the truthfulness of Pahar and High Cleric Carlin, her senses being augmented at the time by a spell cast by Brok-Tul. (Rahnee may be young, but she is not always naive. She and Brok-Tul sometimes make a formidable couple. But not always... --R). Brok-Tul mentioned his talk with Carlin, which led to a serious discussion about Brok-Tul’s bond with Rahnee and the conflicting commitments he had between Mask and Helm. The companions stopped their conversation only because of a need to assuage their hunger at the Gatereach. There, a pixie messenger arrived looking for Brok-Tul, who went off without offering further explanation.

The others made their way to Castle Thalavar in order to receive their reward from Iono. Iono heard the account of their travels in his private chamber and paid them the 500 gold as promised, wishing them well at their planned meeting with Garis that eve. Iono cautioned them not to return to the castle unless there was dire need, with all communications to be handled through Garis in the future. The subject of vampires in Westgate came up again, Iono confirming that he had heard multiple reports pointing to this - including from the party and from Jamal - but that details were lacking. (The threat grows, yet the good and great of Westgate do little, it seems. --C). After returning to the guest house, Rahnee developed a fearsome headache and retired to her chamber, leaving the others on their own for the afternoon. With Brok-Tul still missing and Rahnee indisposed, Aerikoth, Marik and Jokull made their way to the Empty Fish tavern that evening, to receive gold and instructions from Garis for joining the Mercenaries Guild.

The next morning, after Brok-Tul had returned and Rahnee had recovered, the group sat down to compare notes. Marik admitted to having received 500 gold from Garis - the group's bonding fee with the Guild - and somewhat reluctantly put the pouch on the table for Rahnee to take. Marik stated that they were to take Guild jobs and report back to Garis on what occurred. Aerikoth commented that Garis' instructions were more detailed, although Marik was essentially correct. One interest of Garis was to discover who among the nobility had supplied the so-called "Duke" Hallton with the magical equipment his troops had used against Baron Pahar. According to Aerikoth, Garis believed that, seeing as how the mercenary guild did not cater to common tasks, any maneuvering by the nobles might be done through hired mercenaries. This implied that the House that secretly supplied Hallton may in fact be playing a bigger game. Marik commented that they were being set up as a stalking horse - not the first time that this had occurred.

Marik said Garis had asked them to see Varen Malavhan, the head Mercenaries Guild recruiter, and pay him the bonding fee. The group understood that an elaborate backstory for their actions would not be needed, given that they had the necessary gold and easily fit the mercenary mold. Rahnee, with no objections from the others, suggested they keep using "Helm's Shadows" as their official name. (This appellation will have a much greater longevity than is warranted. --R). Marik commented that he understood the Guild had a pretty good reputation for honest dealings and was regarded as relatively neutral, although it was connected in various ways to the noble houses. Having agreed on their story, everyone broke off to make individual preparations to depart for the Guild headquarters in East Gate district.

 

[Carlo-One]

At the Mercenaries Guild, Rahnee identified herself as the group's spokesperson to the clerk in the entry hall, who directed them upstairs to see Varen Malavhan. Varen, a robust-looking and well-dressed man still in his prime, first confirmed that they had the bonding fee and then took down their full names; Jokull hesitated briefly before giving his family name, "De'Angelus." Varen also recorded the company name as "Helm's Shadows" with a nod of slightly puzzled interest, commenting with a smile (and asking Rahnee to pardon his language) that at least it wasn't "Ale and Whores For All"; Marik, however, thought this was an excellent suggestion.

Varen said he assumed they had previously spoken with a guild recruiter about guild rules, and Rahnee confirmed that they had talked with Jard at the Westward Eye. Nevertheless, Varen took pains to outline Guild rules, so that no misunderstandings would occur. He explained that membership was provisional for the first year, during which the company might be called upon by the Guild to do up to three contracts, with no choice in the matter. Under normal circumstances they could pick and choose among the contracts that were made available. In response to a question from Brok-Tul, Varen stated that as long as the company could complete the contracts’ terms, there was no limit to how many they could take on at once. During the provisional period, if a company did not satisfactorily complete a contract, the Guild could exercise its right to assign them another contract with no associated fee. This would only happen once - should failure occur twice, the company would be expelled. Varen commented that the guild had strict rules, but that the rewards were worth it.

Varen requested to be informed of each person's professions and skills, for the Guild to have as a reference. Rahnee explained that she had experience organizing mercenary companies and knew her way around a weapon as well. Brok-Tul said his strengths were "muscle and persuasion" and that he also knew some minor healing magics. When asked what god he followed, Brok said that "Helm works for now." Varen noted down Aerikoth as the company's mage and Jokull as a warrior; Jokull also stated that he was a blacksmith. Marik, the final member to present himself, commented that his skills lay in "subtlety and persuasion" but he was also familiar with most commonly used weapons.

Varen then asked if they had an outside sponsor or were self-employed, Rahnee indicating the latter. (One must not reflexively speak the truth in all situations, is useful to remember. --C). In response to a question from Varen, the group noted they had no real restrictions on type of employment, although they would not wish to fight a dragon just yet, nor, per Brok-Tul, conduct assassinations. Varen's face darkened at Brok-Tul's words and he firmly stated that the Guild had no dealings with assassins. Finally, Varen confirmed that the scope of Guild contracts extended largely to Westgate and neighboring areas of the Dragon Coast. Varen said that he already had a job in mind for the group, asking them to return that evening after he had done some checking on it. The party agreed and took their leave, making their way back to the Gatereach guest house.

 

[Carlo-One]

That evening, back at Mercenaries Guild headquarters, Varen explained that he had an obligatory assignment for them, which would count as one of the three required during the company's provisional year. Before providing an explanation of the contract, Varen first asked Rahnee how she and the others had come to the attention of the City Watch; the Guild officer evidently had done some investigation of the group’s background prior to the meeting. Brok-Tul initially pleaded ignorance, but Rahnee then explained that they had been one of many groups investigated in the wake of the murder of the Sembian official; in the end, nothing incriminating had been found against them. (The half-orc's impulsive talk, which could have led to problems with the Guild, here is again mitigated by Rahnee's glib tongue. --R).

Varen appeared satisfied with Rahnee’s explanation and outlined the task at hand: the recovery, dead or alive, of a fugitive Guild mercenary named Klendt. Klendt, a traps specialist, had been hired as part of a company along with Jarroth, a fighter, and Yindh, a stealth specialist, to guard a merchant's daughter from threats of assassination. Approximately a tenday prior, the daughter had been discovered in the house they were guarding, violated and killed. The other two mercenaries also had been slain, both pierced by a blade through the back, and the valuables in the house were missing. Given the circumstances and Klendt's notorious use of a blade enchanted for backstabbing, the Guild had investigated his whereabouts and discovered a hideout that was used by him, an old watchtower located to the east along the Dragon Coast.

Varen refused to give more details about the situation when asked, saying that the merchant in question did not wish his family circumstances to be public knowledge. The Guild was very serious about pursuing the matter, however, given the violation of the contract by Klendt and its tragic results. Varen said the Guild had already compensated the merchant with blood money and would pay Helm's Shadows 500 gold for Klendt, dead or alive, the objective being to uphold the Guild’s honor. The group would be welcome to any treasure found with Klendt. Rahnee and Brok-Tul raised the possibility of returning the funds to the guild treasury, in compensation for Klendt's theft. Varen said he did not expect this, but would certainly welcome it and would also consider the possibility of reducing the number of the company's obligatory missions in return. The contract was accepted and Varen gave Rahnee a map showing how to reach the watchtower.

Once outside Guild headquarters, Aerikoth, who had asked the most pointed questions about the situation during the meeting, observed that Varen was not telling the whole truth, beyond simply withholding the name of the merchant. Rahnee and Brok-Tul did not find this surprising, Rahnee saying that she had not expected Varen to do so, nor should Aerikoth. The group decided to head out that night, after gathering the necessary equipment. After some time had passed, the company regrouped outside of East Gate and headed down the coast along an old path, toward where the map said the watchtower would be.

(The vile tale of Klendt's betrayal seems forthright enough, yet none believe it to be fulsome in its truth. 'Tis indeed the case that the company has only the word of the Guild recruiter as to the circumstances of the contract and its target. Could this Klendt be an innocent? I can hardly believe that to be the case, though, in Westgate. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

After close to six hours' travel, the group spotted the watchtower in the distance, outlined against a nearly-full moon. It being the dead of night, the only sounds reaching them were that of the breeze coming off the sea and occasional animal noises. Marik carefully scouted the base of the tower and observed that it was crumbling and cracked, apparently abandoned. No other way to enter was apparent save through the front door, which Marik indicated was trapped. Neither he nor Brok-Tul could figure out how to set off the trap without being injured in the process, so they took up positions a fair distance away and began shooting at the trap with their crossbows, hoping to set off the trigger. After about a minute, the trap was sprung, spikes falling across the entrance, and the party carefully entered the darkened tower.

The first level of the tower had ruined furniture and rubble strewn across it, with stairs leading upwards at the opposite end. Brok-Tul yelled for Klendt to come down and surrender, but received only silence in return. After careful searching, Marik discovered a gas trap laid across the stairs, which he was unable to disarm. Brok-Tul indicated he could summon a "giant gerbil" to set it off and did so, the party staying well away from the cloud of gas released; the animal appeared unaffected by it.

Creeping up the stairs, the party encountered another trap on the landing of the second level. While they were debating what to do, a thunderstone exploded in their midst and a previously invisible figure attacked their front ranks, swinging his sword wildly. The tangle trap at the top of the stairs was triggered, but only slowed up the party for a short time. Seeing the tide turn against him, the man ran for the other side of the tower, screaming that he surrendered, but was cut down by the party members pursuing him. (Apparently they considered it easier to fulfill the contract with a dead body. --R)

A number of items were found on his corpse, including the notorious backstabbing sword, which seemed to prove that it was indeed Klendt who had attacked them. While the others were searching the body, Aerikoth noticed a flicker of movement in the night outside, as the wizard had been keeping watch through a set of windows near the top of the tower. He warned the others that they had company, of an unknown type. Brok-Tul, tension in his voice, asked Marik to set some traps, but when Marik indicated that he was unskilled at the task, Rahnee led the others carefully down to the first tower level, to see if the strangers had entered. When no trace of others was discovered in the tower, after some debate it was decided to carefully exit, with Marik using his stealth skills to try and outflank any enemies outside.

 

[Carlo-One]

Three figures garbed in black awaited the group: Night Masks! One large individual, clearly an enforcer, carried a battle-axe, while the other two sported swords and crossbows. The lead figure, the smaller male, spotted Rahnee and Brok-Tul exiting. He quickly told the company to come no further and asked if they were with Klendt - to which a negative answer was given, Rahnee asking him the same question in turn. The large male recognized Brok-Tul and told the lead rogue, who was observing Aerikoth as he emerged from the tower, that Brok was an old "petty" enforcer. Marik, who had circled around the Night Mask group to block their retreat down the hill, commented on this and brashly began flirting with the female rogue, armed with a crossbow, who in response drew her blades and said she would welcome using Marik's entrails for fortunetelling.

The lead rogue, brushing off a comment from his enforcer that the Masks could take their opponents, told Rahnee that, since the Masks' business with Klendt had evidently been interrupted, perhaps both sides should simply go their separate ways. Stating that their business with Klendt was the recovery of several items, and that the items most likely had already been recovered, no more business was possible. The rogue reached out and tapped on the enforcer's back briefly, then repeated the question of whether they could leave amicably, looking back at Marik.

Rahnee told the others to let them pass, but Marik did not leave his post. The rogue, patience apparently ending, stated that they wished to leave...now. Marik instead made a quip at the female rogue - his last, for the lead rogue called out "Execute!" and the three Night Masks rushed Marik, who went down in a flurry of blades and blood. (An example of a person's character determining their destiny. --C). The Masks then took off westward, with the party in pursuit and Aerikoth taking a commanding position on the hillside from which to call down magics upon the Masks. Seeing that they could not successfully escape by running, the Masks turned to fight, but were defeated by Marik's enraged companions. Returning quickly to where Marik had fallen, Rahnee forced a healing potion down his throat, but the liquid pooled in his dead mouth. Jokull meanwhile had sought to bandage his wounds, finally giving up after it was clear there was nothing to be done.

After the initial shock of Marik's death had worn off, on Aerikoth's suggestion Brok-Tul and Rahnee set about the grisly task of disposing of the Night Masks’ bodies, chopping them up and throwing them into the sea. (The wizard is ever practical about such things, it seems, including getting the others to do the dirty work. --R). The party refused to give up hope that Marik could eventually be resurrected, Jokull being particularly adamant about finding assistance in Westgate. The group wearily set off for the city, Jokull bearing Marik's body on his back.

 

[Carlo-One]

A Matter of Priests and Rogues

When challenged on their return by the City Watch at the East Gate, the party explained they had lost a man in an ambush and sought the temples, so no further questions were asked. Upon arriving at the Mercenaries Guild to report the completion of their mission, Jokull stayed in the entrance area with Marik's corpse, while the others ascended to speak with Varen Malavhan. As Brok-Tul had made some comments interpreted as hostile by the clerk, two guards with swords at the ready were in place in Varen's office, which also happened to be occupied by Palla the Light, head of the guild. Palla expressed her condolences to Rahnee, mentioning that Varen had just commented on his surprise at the party's quick return, since they had just left the night before.

Rahnee affirmed that the party had completed their mission, but unfortunately had been ambushed by others at Klendt's hideout. Brok-Tul took the opportunity to remove Klendt's head from a sack and place it on a table, along with a female head. Varen, face wrinkling, confirmed that the male head was Klendt's and observed that he must have died terrified, based on the expression on his dead face. Brok-Tul then said the female was the one who had killed their companion, throwing down Night Mask insignia upon the table to emphasize her affiliation. Varen showed surprise at the presence of the Masks and asked for an explanation of events. Rahnee and Brok-Tul provided a summarized version, commenting that with the Night Mask "hit gang" there, Klendt would have been dead that night regardless.

Although the gems and coins Klendt had taken from the merchant were not recovered, Varen was satisfied that the party had completed the contract, so he paid their fee and also offered his condolences for Marik. Rahnee inquired whether the guild had any special arrangements with temples, with an eye toward resurrecting Marik, but Palla indicated that there were no such deals. She explained the guild was generous with its contract fees and mercenaries could spend their gold at the temple of their choice. As the party prepared to leave, Brok-Tul retrieved the head of the female Night Mask. Varen mentioned that they should return to register any new members, if needed, and that a range of contracts would now be available to the group, since they had successfully completed their first task. Descending the stairs, the party collected a shaken Jokull, who had earned the respect of the clerk with his dedication to watching over Marik’s body, and departed.

There being no temple of Helm in Westgate, the party decided to try the temple of Tymora first. Upon arrival, Rahnee explained to the temple priest that her friend had met with the wrong side of the Lady's Coin and that she wished to speak with his soul. When the priest asked questions about Marik's chosen deity, Brok-Tul had an outburst, telling the priest that it did not matter and that Marik should be brought back regardless. The priest retorted that bringing back the dead was not an everyday matter, but consented to speak with Marik's soul - for the reasonable fee of 120 gold.

The group headed upstairs to a private room for the ceremony. Although he was successful at reaching Marik's soul, the priest could only keep the channel open for a limited number of questions. In response to the question whether Marik wished to return to the living, the party was told by the priest "Of course I do, you idiot!" - bringing a chuckle forth from Rahnee and confirming that it was indeed Marik they were talking to. However, Marik's revelation that he was a follower of Mask shocked some and led the priest to refuse to attempt to raise him, citing temple policy. Aerikoth debated the logic of this decision with him, but the priest would not budge and Rahnee eventually called an end to things, thanking the priest for his efforts. (Is it ironic that they had no luck at the temple of Tymora in resurrecting their comrade? Or perhaps luck has less of a role to play in such things. --C)