Fade to Black

I suddenly find myself in a field late at night, and a dark floating spear appears in front of me.
 
“I am The Darkpiercer, Patron of the Battlefield. It seems you have found your way to a temple with something I want.”
 
I know stories of patrons appearing in front of their warlocks and demanding specific actions, but it has never happened to me before.
 
“Lord Darkpiercer, I need to return. My companion was just attacked, and I am needed to assist”
 
“Unfortunately, the Elf has already been dissolved, there is nothing anyone can do to help her. But, I will grant you this: in the unlikely event another of your companions parish while you are here, and no other entity intervenes, I will ensure their survival.”
 
“Thank you, Lord Darkpiercer, what is it you need of me?”
 
“The owner of this temple, a Dwarven deity of Greed, has collected many treasures. He allows guests in his temple an opportunity to take from his hoard, but only if they pass his test. You will take this challenge and obtain the Shadowmark.”
 
“What is a Shadowmark?”
 
“You do Not need to know this. I have given you this task, and I will not take failure lightly. Now go, it seems your companions have reached the entrance chamber.”