The Darkwood Mask is an Eberron novel written by author Jeff Lasala and published in 2008. It is the fourth and final installment in The Inquisitives series of independent novels. The story follows the inquisitive Soneste Otänsin as she attempts to uncover her next case in Korth.
Karrnath
A cold and unforgiving land.
A prominent aristocrat and his entire family are murdered in the heart of the capital city. Soneste, a young inquisitive famous for solving two high-profile cases, is called in to track down the killer. The eyes of her realm are upon her, demanding swift and certain justice.
Tallis could have been a war hero, but fate dealt him a different hand. He survives on the streets, a wanted man in the land to which he devoted his life, unable to give up the fight. Even if it means hunting down the worst of the worst in Karrnath.
Summary[]
The Darkwood Mask tells the story of the Brelish inquisitive, Soneste Otänsin, and her investigation of the murder of the Brelish ambassador, Gamnon ir'Daresh, and his family in Korth, the capital of Karrnath.
Notable Characters[]
- Soneste Otänsin: A young human and professional inquisitive. She works at Thuranne d'Velderan's Investigative Services in Sharn and is well renowned for recently solving the Blackfeather case though, her first breakthrough was when she found Shauranna Rokesko, a royal aide abductee. Soneste is Brelish and though she now resides in Sharn she was in fact born in Starilaskur. She has blonde hair, light skin and often wears a blue coat. Soneste once worked for Abraxis Wren as an inquisitive when first arriving in Sharn.
- Tallis: A Karrn half-elf who is now wanted after being accused of murder, theft, destruction of property and treason. He is known to be a patriot, a former officer in the Karrnathi army and a graduate of Rekkenark academy. His favored weapon is a hooked hammer and an array of magical items. His closest friend is Lenrik.
- Aegis: A warforged who was assigned to protect Gamnon ir'Daresh and his family. After their deaths, he has sworn to avenge them by assisting Soneste in her investigation. Aegis appears to favor no particular weapon and instead uses whatever he can get his hands on, though he has a shield welded to one of his arms.
- Lenrik Malovyn: An elf vassal of the Sovereign Host who favors Aureon. He is Tallis's closest friend and often gives him advice. He is described as having brown hair and wearing green vestments with a bronzewood amulet depicting the symbol of Aureon.
Reception[]
The novel received mixed reviews from fans. Stefan's Bookshelf gave the novel a positive review stating that the author expressed Karnathi and Brelish politics effectively.
