Infernus
Status
Supernatural Threat - Demon or madness manifestation
Also Known As
- Malphus - Alternative name used
Overview
Infernus is either a genuine demon of destruction summoned by Brother Thomas to destroy the Moors, or a manifestation of Thomas's shattered psyche. Regardless of its true nature, it represents an active threat to villages near Monasterio del Santo Reino, appearing periodically to commit heinous acts.
The Summoning
Brother Thomas's Account
According to Thomas's journal entries, months after the monastery raid:
- Thomas found an ancient, forbidden tome in the monastery library
- He performed dark rituals to summon "a demon of ruin"
- Named the entity "Infernus" (demon of destruction)
- Made a bargain to use its power against the Moors
- The demon appeared: "a fearsome creature, with eyes that burn with fire and a voice like the howling of the damned"
Initial Purpose
- Destroy the Moorish raiders who attacked the monastery
- Avenge the murdered monks
- Protect Christian lands from Muslim forces
- Give Thomas a weapon in his desperation
Loss of Control
Thomas's Final Journal Entry
"Infernus, a being of pure hatred and destruction, was summoned using ancient and forbidden rituals, calling upon the powers of the abyss to bring forth a being capable of wreaking havoc on my enemies. But soon, Infernus grew wild and uncontrollable, no longer listening to my commands. It continued to wreak havoc, but now without any direction or purpose."
Key points:
- Uncontrolled: Stopped obeying Thomas's commands
- Indiscriminate: Attacks without direction or purpose
- Persistent: Continues wreaking havoc 50+ years later
- Beyond redemption: Thomas believed he couldn't stop it
The Truth: Two Possibilities
Theory 1: Genuine Demon
Infernus is a real demonic entity that:
- Was successfully summoned from the abyss
- Initially followed Thomas's commands
- Broke free of his control
- Now operates independently
- Terrorizes the region without discrimination
Theory 2: Thomas's Madness
More likely, there is no demon - Thomas himself:
- Lost his sanity from trauma
- Created "Infernus" as split personality
- Commits atrocities while believing he's possessed
- Speaks and acts as "the demon"
- Has no awareness he IS the monster
The campaign materials suggest Theory 2 is correct: "Thomas believes he summoned a demon named Malphus (or Infernus) to destroy the Moors...Thomas has actually become the monster himself. In his madness, he performs heinous acts on nearby villages while believing he IS the demon he summoned."
Current Behavior
Manifestation
When "Infernus" appears:
- Eyes burn with fire (possibly madness or supernatural affliction)
- Voice like "the howling of the damned"
- Speaks in biblical verses and archaic language
- Crazed and enraged demeanor
- Pure hatred and destructive intent
Pattern of Attacks
- Emerges from Monasterio del Santo Reino ruins
- Attacks nearby villages without discrimination
- Performs "heinous acts" on inhabitants
- No longer targets only Moors - kills indiscriminately
- Returns to monastery ruins between attacks
Duration
Active for approximately 50 years, suggesting either:
- Supernatural preservation keeping Thomas alive
- The entity is genuinely supernatural
- Recent escalation of attacks (timeline unclear)
Threat Level
To Local Populations
- Unpredictable attacks on villages
- Extreme violence and brutality
- No pattern to target selection
- Creates climate of terror near monastery
To the Party
Potential encounter if they:
The Demon's Chamber
According to monastery descriptions:
"In the deepest chamber of the monastery, the adventurers come face to face with the dungeon's final challenge: a powerful and ancient demon, imprisoned within the monastery centuries ago by the monks who once lived there."
This suggests Infernus (whether real or imagined) is found in the monastery's deepest areas, possibly:
- Still partially bound by ancient wards
- Trapped by rituals Thomas performed
- Limited to the monastery grounds
- Needing to return there periodically
Campaign Implications
Moral Complexity
- Is it murder to kill a mad man who can't control himself?
- Can Thomas be saved or must Infernus be destroyed?
- What responsibility do the party have to protect villages?
- Is this demon real or psychological?
The Journals
Journal of Brother Thomas documents his descent and may provide:
- Clues to stopping Infernus/Thomas
- Understanding of what happened
- Possible banishment rituals
- Tragic backstory revealing the human cost of war
Connections