9. Captain Of The Guard

If the party has not come across Willard Rataess (Random Encounter #12), read the following: You see a man sitting at a small table being used as a desk. He looks up at you, his beady eyes searching for recognition before he leaps out of his chair and pulls his sword. The man in this room is Willard Rataess. The leader of the Black Fist mercenaries here in the ruins, as well as Valanunthe's second in command. He is also a wererat, and although he will not transform into a rat he will take the form of a ratman if harried. Only read this part if Willard was not in the room: It looks like somebody is living in this area but is not at home. Read the following whether Willard is present or not: There is a lantern and some fuel oil sitting on a crate, as well as a bedroll lying on top of some straw bedding in the far corner of the room. In the east wall there is a small recess containing an empty wash basin. Against the south wall you see a small table and a single chair. On the table is a small chest. On the west wall is a lever in the 'Up' position. The chest contains 100 gp and a silver dagger. If the lever (9a) is pulled read the following: You hear a faint rumbling sound as if something large is sliding against stone. This lever reveals a secret hallway leading to Valanunthe's room. It also alerts Valanunthe that the door has been opened, so she will be aware. If someone in the party rolls a 1 on a 1d6 (dwarves get a 2 on 1d6) they will have an idea where the wall opened up (f