The growing power of the Necromancer

[gamerguy2]

*Revan Dahl seats himself upon a throne of bone and iron. Two Demiliches take their place on either side of the Necromancer. A score of acolytes take their seat at the deathly congregation. Smoke fills the chamber and Revan Dahl rises.*

"Today my brother's is a great day!" *the congregation lets out muted approval. "Both my brother's have been recovered from the Underdark. They faught with the Drow Deities under Bane's banner. Our friends in Sshamath sent them to us. Lost for thousands of years. Their pain at the hands of the Elves is to be avenged. For thousands of years they have waited in the abyss for a day on which to take revenge upon the people of Corellon Larethian and their friends." *the congregation's voice in unison like the sound of a hollow wind echoes* "It has been too long!"


*Revan Dahl waits for quiet.* "Many of the people of Baldur's Gate have secretly been worshipping Bane and his brethren Mask and Myrkul. It is time to stab our enemies in the dark. It is time to bring all within our fold or be exiled to the void eternally!"*The congregation sucks in a deep breath in unison* "Now is our time!"*the congreagtion begins a chant that rises like a clenched fist beating at a stone door. Fire leaps from the eyes of the Demiliches as they remain silent and still*

[gamerguy2]

*The bartender flaps his arms around the guards and curious onlookers.* "No no no. Its just some kids scribbling on the walls of my inn. Barmaid"*he calls* "Grab a bucket and wash this off." *The barmaid scrubs the wall of the Friendly Arms Inn. The grafitti is faded needing further attention. She wipes her brow as she breaks from scrubbing.*

*The Fist guard is baffled. His commander asks*"What do you think it means?"

"It looks like some bad numeral. Like a marking or something."

*A gnarled sigil resembling the number "3" twice, linked together with points downwards like claws*

*The barmaid prays to Sylvanus for some rain. "It will be several days labor to fully remove this ugly mark from the side of the wall."

[gamerguy2]

The Necromancer sits alone. He seems to be conversing in thought to the empty room. He ponders the arrival of the Merchant. A few rumors have spread that a short merchant from another country has taken residence in the Baldur's Gate area. Possibly Candlekeep.

*He thinks to himself* Candlekeep is too strong and has many wards. There is no way to take this merchant by force. My servants need to be gathered. He must be taken secretly from Candlekeep. They must kidnap him secretly or wait till he is abroad from Candlekeep. Perhaps he will willingly serve me. If not a few days visit to my abode will break him. His network is large covering much of the Realms. Undeniably an asset to our cause. They must know. The merchant's network if it becomes ours will generate great wealth and power. "

*Bats depart by night carrying messages to unknown recipients. *

[gamerguy2]

*An acolyte enterss the Necromancer's hall*
"I have news for you Master".

*The Necromancer's eyes bore through him and then past him*
"Speak then."
"The Merchant is marked for Death by the Lords in Tashalar. Some altercation in his homeland."
*The necromancer sits utterly still. It seems he is both in his chambers and conversing elsewhere in the darkness. All that can be seen is his face and his red eyes*
"The Merchant aided in recovering 2 ships that he had a considerable investment. Reportedly he has doubled his money in his short stay. That Malarite Cranthor also wants him."

*Revan speaks slowly*
"Do not worry about Cranthor. He will turn the merchant over to me. Have you discovered information of his whereabouts?"
"We have been actively seeking him."*the acolyte replies.*
"We must find him before he is killed. Do not fail me. Failing in this task will bring my anger upon you."
*The acolyte turns pale.* " Yes we will bring him to you."

*The necromancer spends a moment of thought. He knows more help is coming. Their task quickly becomes a heavy burden. One which he knows will give him great wealth and influence. His allies and his liege will praise him for bringing the merchant under his sway. Willing or unwilling.*