SotD - Travel Journal of Twisted Leave
From Desmond: 987 PS, De-cal Thank you and I do spend much time for my self when I can. Walk in the clouds is my favorite. The War effort is not going well and being felt everywhere. This disease is of much concern. I am providing additional resources where they can be spared and I have much faith in Isabelle, please head her word diligently. The update has been of great value. Remember you must trust and support each other. Your group has much potential and this task is vital to the protection of life and protecting the dragon is key. If you are where I think you are this is not an item that should be given to a person such as this Professor.
From: Toots Thaddeus, Hey Desmond. I have a question for you that I don’t think gets asked of you very often. How are you? I sincerely hope that this message finds you well. Other than gradually succumbing to a terrible disease and the soul rending heartache of having one’s love rejected I’m doing fine. I’ve been asked to pass on some additional information to you as my compatriots seem to have illustrated an incomplete picture for you; much like a young child scribbling on a piece of parchment. No need to fret. I am here to fill in the gaps they have left behind. First and foremost: The Professor. Notice how I capitalized his name? This is intentional; it is to illustrate the fact that it is being used as a proper noun as it is the moniker our antagonist has chosen to anoint himself with. We have confirmation through a third party, Nine (more on her in a moment), that this is not his true name, though at this time we have no other means of addressing him. If you are looking for news of The Professor you might want to check the estate in Wellspring we told you about. There are people there who were charmed into assisting the professor. Assuming they are still alive they may be able to provide you with information; though it might take some convincing. Here’s what we know: The professor is an elf of unknown age. He was a researcher looking into exotic diseases. He originally sold his soul to a group of patrons known as the cabal of which there are 13 members. Apparently this group refers to themselves as numbers one through thirteen; I know, the professor runs in the pretty weird crowd. We had the pleasure of meeting the member known as nine who informed us that she(?) used to be the patron of The Professor. It appears as though the cabal were not nearly evil nor powerful enough to suit The Professor’s needs. He broke from them and sold himself to an even worse, even more powerful entity of unknown name and origin. Desmond, this man is some seriously bad news. Apparently his family was murdered many years ago and this act of violence against them has driven him mad. He seeks to bring about, as best as I can tell, the Apocalypse. The necromantic disease that afflicts us is the means by which he intends to bring about the end of the world. Though we are afflicted with a predecessor of the virus currently spreading through the lands, it has shown great resilience and we have yet to find anything that will do more than slow it down. Thus far the only things that have had any effect are: -a parapet of health to halt the disease’s progress -Greater restoration to temporarily push back the disease; and -A paladin's lay on hands to aid one’s own fortitude to more effectively combat the disease, albeit temporarily Our work has determined that the professor has modified an existing virus with necromantic properties to achieve this. The original virus is known as the Scrumpox Virus. If we are ever to find a cure for this disease we must start with the known cure for this disease and take it through the same modifications as the disease. I am including a diagram that has all the information about the disease and the professor’s progress to date. I hope your interpretation of it is different from mine as I believe this to prove the professor’s plan is almost complete. We are currently working to prevent the professor from acquiring the dragon’s heart, however some of his agents have thrown the monastery into chaos and others have penetrated deep into the vault of seeds, surpassing us. Wish us luck Desmond. The motley crew that couldn’t even steal your pipe is now almost wholly responsible for saving Cre. We’re sure going to need it. Also, before I forget, make sure you make a little time today for you. I know that with all the war and plague going on right now it’s hard to find the time, but if you don’t make a little space every day for a little self care or self love you are not going to be able to take care of those around you. Ta ta for now, Toots Thaddeous
From Desmonds: 987 PS, De-Cal 28
Hello Remus,
I have been away for preparation in light of the war that seems to have come to Farshade. As a note the Royal wedding has been postponed due to additional threats and security concerns. I am glad to hear you have been able to connect with the Guild in Shivi and that you are far removed from the conflict that has found its way into Farshade.
As for contracts there is no removing a contract seal once it is bonded unless it is completed or the contract is revoked. I can inform you that the Council has update the task and I hope that this will help with the increased level of effort required.
Update 987 PS, De-Cal 24:
As the attacks on the Villages near Vasin has increased and reports have been consistent with the previous Kobold attacks this Contract has been given increased priority.
The White Fal Council authorizes an additional 1,000 gp to the halting of the attacks and kidnapping. If this is completed in the next fortnight then an additional 2,000 gp will be authorized.
As for these strange occurrences in Shivi, can you inform me what these cabal individuals are about. There are many fringe groups and I cannot advise further without additional information. Additionally, since you are stating the Professor was part of them. Speaking of, no one has heard of someone calling themselves the “Professor,” so I am afraid there is no precedent to engage in a contract.
This disease you speak of is most disconcerting along with the Professor’s plans. I am not sure his intend with the Sleeping Dragon Heart but I can tell you that he must not retrieve it. There are many legends of things that have been called that as many believe that these things can give items sentient characteristics. Though I have never actually heard of this working. Still the legends that include these have been enacted by vial individuals and ended in disaster.
After Imogen talked with the Hall of Halos, here in Wellspring, they did not have much to share about any disease that matches this description. Imogen was able to overhear on her way out that they needed to send a team to investigate an outbreak in the mines of Vasin. They are concerned as the physicians there said they had seen nothing like it before and that even the clerics there had not been able to halt it. That was all that she could gleam. If these are related to necromantic activities it would explain their tight lipped nature. This is outlawed in the empire.
Imogen has informed me that you have talked to Isabelle outside the city proper about this disease. I have advised her of what you have told me and have given her means to communicate through your Squad’s Journal. This one, that belonged to the Twisted Leave Squad, will remain linked to the Guild Hall.
Lastly, by what means did you “transport” to the mountains near Shivi?
From Remus: 987 PS , De-cal 27 Desmond, we have contacted the guild hall in Shivi. They have provided us a contract and have encountered some strange things. The Cabal is here and have opened a portal and have attacked the town. They say the Professor who was once a part of the Cabal is here and is planning an attack on the nearby monastery to retrieve the heart of the sleeping dragon. The Professor has developed a strange disease that has infected some of our party. This seems to be the same disease that has spread through Jhank’s home island. Have you heard of something that has been turning beings into undead Reever type zombies. Some of the party have set out to warn the monastery. I will depart shortly, I need some rest after our battle with the portal and #9 from the Cabal.
We haven’t been able to further our contract to rid the mountain of the Kobalts as we have been transported far away and the Professor proves to be a larger threat to the kingdom than the Kobalts. Is there a way to cancel the contract on the Kobalts and is there a contract on the Professor as this has taken quite a bit of resources and payment for our efforts would be appreciated.
From Wellspring Guild: 987 PS , De-cal 25
Remus, I have not been able to talk to Desmond in some time. Things have been difficult here. Everyone is on high alert after the attacks. Remember there is an order in Shivi and they will be able to provide aid and possibly more information. Please be advised that the Zullman House may use their authority to force a contract soon for the Region.
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