NWN2: Mask of the Betrayer - Comprehensive FAQ @ NWN2 Vault

An exhaustive FAQ has been compiled over at NWN2 Vault covering a myriad of questions concerning Obsidian's next addition to the world of NWN, Mask of the Betrayer:

14.2.25 How will the expansion start?

The very first companion that you obtain in the expansion will be a neutral Red Wizard that will act as your introduction to the world, and you'll also be visiting sections of Thay in your travels. You'll find her right at the start of the expansion content, which sees your character recovering from the events at the end of Neverwinter Nights 2, where you and your party were trapped underground in the aftermath of a giant earthquake. Waking up in a cave, with the silver shard that existed inside your chest having been unceremoniously ripped out, you're left disoriented and confused, with none of your previous companions by your side. Unfortunately, it appears that few, if any, of them will reappear as a party member, although we're told that some of them will come back in cameo appearances. You'll still have companions in the expansion, of course, but you'll be drawing on an entirely new set of potential friends.