Did you download Hackman? The latest freeware version introduces a file size limit, so it will only open the very beginning of the data.000 file. Check further down the topic for a link to version 7, or try a different hex editor.
The key in Lanilor's house should be straight in, sitting on top the shelf with a plant and banner. Was the black ring member there, at least?
Are the other council member quests being triggered properly? Either a dialog or story file swap with a working save should get Mardaneus to the council, but I would need your save to check that.
