Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate Diary #2

RPG Vault presents us with a second developer diary for Ossian’s Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate adventure pack, with lead designer Luke Scull talking about factions and companions in the game.

The Night Masks are a powerful thieves guild that operates out of the city of Westgate, although in actuality, thievery is amongst the least of the group’s activities. Most commoners believe they are a nuisance the ruling council of the city manages to keep under control, but the truth is far more disturbing than that. The Night Masks have their fingers everywhere in Westgate, and no less than three of its 10 ruling noble houses are directly controlled by the evil organization.

The rulers of the Night Masks are an enigma, and all that is known by those not part of its upper hierarchy is that the undisputed leader of the organization is simply known as the Faceless. Who or what the Faceless may be is unknown, but rumor has it that several different beings have held the position over the years.

Recently, a rival guild calling itself the Ebon Claws has arisen to challenge the Night Masks’ dominance of Westgate’s illegal activities. Springing up remarkably quickly, this new faction has so far managed to get the better of its rivals. On several occasions, gang warfare has broken out in the streets, particularly in the Harbor Loop. This has not gone unnoticed by Obid Teltas. The acting high priest at Morningstar Haven, he is a blustering man who, despite his position, has the general manner of a used ox-cart seller. He has made a public vow to rid the streets of the evil “festering in its bowels”, but as yet, his actions seem to have amounted to little more than attempting to convince a few hired mercenaries and adventurers to probe around.