Chapter 0: prelude

An experienced adventurer, champion of his nation or an extremely lucky thief - you are a legend and you don't accept any invitation, but you were unable to resist the invitation you received mysteriously and talking to your deepest feelings, as if an author knew everything you care about.
The invitation takes you to a slaughterhouse on the outskirts of Baldur's gate city. Inside, you observe several people working hard cutting the meet. The owner of the slaughterhouse is surprised by the guest, but soon recognizes "that's right! The disciple really wanted to meet you. You should wait for job to be finished though!" He share his opinion that Bajaz lears surpriseingly fast for his age.
After waiting another hour you finally meet Bajaz - an average man of undetermined age.

He has a pleasant voice and charming manerism. The story he share next is unbelievable: he claims to be a warlock.
"Three of us signed the pact with our patron a few decades ago. Azrail broke the pact decade ago and left to wonder around the other planes of existence. Curran broke it soon after, but stay in Faerün just as I did. While I was exploring human life aspects Curran...
"Bajaz continue story explaining that Curran - weakest of three turned out to be envious and willing to prove his superiority have found much darker patron. According to Bajaz's patron Curran managed to summon a demon - soul eater and is feeding that demon, slowly bringing him to power. Bajaz plan to hire team of adventurers to hunt down the demon and hopefully bring Curran to justice for the countless lives he have ended the last decade.
To prove his resolve Bajaz bestow you a magical item as an advance payment for the job to be done

Having answered the call of his patron, that gave very little information on why this was to be done Pin simply knew it as another task set before him. With the advance in payment it will likely be dangerous. He talks with the man asking about his former companion and the problem he has created. Pin will try to be respectful as he digs for information but also seeks information they might be useful to Pin's skill set.
So we are to hunt down this demon and his warlock. What can you tell me of the creature and his new thrall, your former companion? Can you describe them? Do they have known associates? Any know weaknesses? How did you learn of this threat and where is it that we are to go and hunt them down? Do you know anything about the demons domain, home level of the abyss, known associates...?

Well... Bazaj is obviously looking for the right words We only know something has turned pirates into undead. And Barlur's Gate have sent a few well armed ships full of soldiers west to never return. Everything else is a speculations based on what knew about Curran as he were decades ago.
Bajaz share that Curran's magic domains were related to summoning and necromancy. While undead are not ususally know for their mobility for the two problems to be aligned if must be demons, but you realize those are are just speculations.

A young looking elf sort of appeared in the corner of the room. She looks around, sighs, then leans against the wall. "I guess I am needed here. Like the stars just aligned perfectly. Said I needed to come, you know. Like I a heard about a warlock dude causing problems... Like that is not good, you know. Best find him and stop him... " She stares off into the corner for a little bit nodding like someone is speaking to her... "Umm Like when are we leaving? Stars and weather should be clear... Like no problems..."

"So, I better be prepared to fight on water then.

What about this patron, what more could you tell me about it? What is it being fed to to give it power? Does it have any weaknesses? If you don't know, do demons have weaknesses in general?

And your former friend, when was the last time you saw him? What race is he? Did he have any weaknesses or vices that he indulged in? Did he drink a lot, gamble, love women a little too much, that sort of thing? Does he have other associates that he may try to contact?

Lastly, where are you sending me to start this investigation? Do you have any helpful contacts there?"

Cargo asks, "Do you any other persons and such working with Curran as I doubt, he is working alone and just with the demon?"

"Perhaps hunting them could lead us to Curran if the path isn't already clear."

We are leaving tonight. Bajaz provide you with axact location of the docks and ship name.

Bajaz last seen Curran in decades and share that Demon is just a speculation (see above) Actually the new patron is also a speculation. Curran's only weakness is obsession with power... and he lost lost the power of his original patron Bajaz is willing to keep his current and Curran ex-patron's identity in a secret.

Bajaz suggest to discuss journey plan once whole party meets abroad the ship.
There is nothing left to investigate at Baldur's gate. Bajaz believes you need do no preparation.

Last know Curran's location is at Moonshae Isles. I think he moved there to hide from me whatever he has been doing there for the last decade. We must be able to find some people at the Isles who can share some insight. Given they are still alive...
We will begin at The Isle of Snowdown controlled by the vampire Lady Erliza Daressin

No need to swim, I've got a ship. You must be prepared to fight fiends IF any attack crew or party abroad the ship.

My interest piqued by the insightful invitation, I deign to go to the slaughterhouse, eventually meeting this Bajaz. "So I'm to fetch this Curran person? Searching first in the Moonshaes specifically on an isle controlled by a vampire?" The smirk I always seem to wear twists into a silent laugh. I turn as if to dismiss this suicide mission when I'm presented with a ring of feather fall. A rather rare and useful item indeed. After a moment's hesitating, I flash a smile and take the ring. "When do we leave?"

"Will you acompany us the whole time? ... Bajaz?" the deep voice of the outlander rumbles, while indirectly asking how to address their benefactor and client.

Curran Ash is full name.
No, no, we were no group and I am no adventurer. I just know the other two warlocks through my patron, I've only met them a few times as a matter of fact and never both at a time.
Modesty is virtue, my child. My last greatest deed is learning to be a good butcher. But I will help you to the great deed in next some days.
Don't expect great cooking on a ship, but you can order it any time. My cook does not sleep. I'll bring sweets and vegetables enough to balance lack of his cooking skill.
Bajaz assures Bhrok he is part of the team just like everyone else "until we get back home safe"
Just call me Bajaz. We are partners in this journey. I'm neither your patron not client. The gift your received is not a payment. You can keep the gift either way. Weather you show up yourself at the Desteny tonight is your decision, but I really hope to see you