Benison Shinedark

Not much is known yet of the cleric going by the name "Sunshine", other than a letter that appeared mysteriously one morning...

To the adventuring party comprising Misters Toe-Chomper and Gulknackle, and the Lady Minnie

I am not sure as to how this letter will reach you in your igloo situated as it is far to the south of Old Grumpton. But Father Shadwick has assured me that he will "take care of it", and I have no wish to press him further on this matter.

I am writing to inform you of my imminent arrival so that you do not mistake my approach for some frightening frostworm or other such horror that lurks in that harsh and forboding permafrost. Let's just say that I have learned something of your group's "tactics" and I have no wish to have a trident thrown at my head before I get a chance to make my greetings.

My name is Acolyte Benison Shinedark, a cleric in the service of Miss Sarn. Whilst I would expect you to address me by my full and proper title when I am wearing the robes of my Goddess and performing her mercies upon the unfortunate, my adventuring companions have been known to drop the formalities reserved for the devout, and address me by the less formal moniker "Sunshine". I'm not sure if this came about as a playful corruption of my name, or due to my sunny disposition (apparently I can be somewhat tedious in my optimism), or even as a reference to my Deity, her divinity drawn as it is from the warming rays of the Sun. In any case, it seems to have stuck and I am now quite used to being addressed in this way.

I have recently returned to East Lexton after my most recent mission in the service of my lady, of which I cannot say too much, but in which I proved myself to be of some service to both my companions and to my Goddess. It appears that word of my exploits had already reached the ears of Father Shadwick, as when I entered the Temple of St Cuthbert he seemed to have been expecting my return and was waiting for me. As you know, he can be terribly "persuasive" and before I knew it I had agreed to set off at once to assist you in your quest. I barely had time to stock up at Trell's Adventure store, before he had me set out again on the cold and long trail south.

I trust you will find my services of some use in your endevours. The journey around the spine of Armagada and into the unknown lands beyond will be perilous and you will no doubt benefit as much from the might of my mace as from my healing hands before this quest is done. I have heard tell of diamonds lying in the sand as big as a fist, and whilst I have no need for personal reward perhaps I will find on my journey two shiney new "eyes" to adorn the icon of Miss Sarn that hangs in the temple. A fitting tribute to my Lady and her dominion over all the smaller glittering stars of our world.

Expect me eleven days hence - and please do ensure on my arrival that the barbarian keeps his pointy things to himself.

May the warming rays of the Sun shine upon you

Acolyte Benison "Sunshine" Shinedark