The Book of Malady ~ Chapter the Second

The Release of Maladius at the First Moot, 1099 Tale by Falcon, 23rd March 1100

I must advise you to show the utmost caution when facing the demon. I know him as Maladius, Master of Plagues, and he is one of the most powerful of the plague demons. Overshadowing the terrible demon that we brought down at the Convocation of Guilds.

The story of his release is a sad one, demonstrating that even the wisest may be fooled. Though I do not know the whole story, I will relate what I saw with my own eyes.

It was about nine turns of the Moon ago, at the first Moot when the Healers heard word of this demon. It was said that he was responsible for the many attacks by plague cultists who had been happening across the land. Some strange man had given a parchment to them. It was said by him that this would release the demon from where he was held and then cast him into the void so he could do no harm. Lady Constance asked if I would like to accompany them and also requested that I watch this stranger, as she was concerned that his words were less than truthful.

So we set off, at first with some confidence. Our group consisted, for the main, of healers and armourers; this seemed a strong enough group and should have been capable of handling most difficulties. Unfortunately, this pride was to prove our undoing.

At first upon entering the lands, we found some of those who had been taken by the plague, then journeying a short way on, encountered wood-elves who demanded to know why we were in their forest. After proving that we were not there to harm them, one offered to lead us, though this later proved to be a deception. He was one of the followers of this creature and hoped to set us against the true elves that called this their home. After journeying on and numerous conflicts we discovered the true nature of our guide and managed to convince one of the local elves to assist us. He led us on until we came to a dark portal, which took all the power of the majicks that were wielded to bring down. Proceeding down a dark stair we found ourselves in a place apparently filled with demons. This was where the greatest folly occurred. As I stepped forward to face these creatures, I was struck down from behind. What I did not know was that these demons were my comrades cloaked in illusion. The creature at the heart of this place hoped to force us to defeat ourselves. The enchantment was eventually broken, but it took all the remaining power of our healers to deal with the wounded.

We then proceeded on and found that which we sought. The spirit of an elven king bound Maladius. Though we asked the spirit to aid us, he refused believing that the demon should remain bound where it was. We should have listened to his words; I should have listened to the unquiet voice within myself. But the time when I should have spoken past and it was far too late. One spoke the words in the scroll, but the stranger's treachery came to pass. The last line of the scroll, which would dispel the demon to the void, had been rendered invisible. So the creature was released and summoning one of his own to aid him, he fell upon us. Three of my comrades fell, before, he dismissed us from his presence and we returned to the place of the Moot...

I cannot caution you enough, that this demon is hideously powerful. If he is anything like his brother, who was at the Convocation, it will take many to defeat him.

Any weapon could wound the demon that we fought there, but he was hideously strong and took many blows to strike down. I severed his right arm, but it took many strikes to do so, even when he was struck to the ground. He cast deadly magics and was able to summon a powerful demon to assist him. Once he was struck to death all who were there felt disease afflict them and it was fortunate that so many were present who were able to heal the wounds and illness.

One further warning. Once the demon was defeated, we all left, to return to Pompeii, but upon hearing of our battle, my friend, the scribe Pyrites, was concerned that something of the demon may be left when it had dissolved away. He journeyed there alone and found a hideous insect upon the ground that cast malodorous diseases upon him. Fortunately, he held a staff enchanted with healing magics and was able to destroy it and its retinue of flies and heal the good earth once more.

This, I believe, was a demon weaker than Maladius. I say to you that you must take every precaution. If this truly is the Master of Plagues then I truly believe that an army of the mightiest warriors, healers and mages should be sent to deal with him. And they must be armed and armoured with as much knowledge as possible. Who knows the depth of power of this terrible creature?