Malus Sceleris
Malus Sceleris is the ruler of Nosos, residing in Sceleris Manor. The only son of a widow, Malus never received any affection from his father. He eventually murdered him by contaminating his bed linen with disease pathogens. Cursed as a darklord, he is always under the effects of a Speak with Plants spell, which affects all plants within a mile of him. Any trees speak to him with the voice of the ancient forest where he grew up, forcing him to go through his guilt. Because of this, he orders all trees in his domain of Nosos destroyed, and only allows people to grow other forms of plants if they pay a "Green Tax", basically one gold coin per month for every cubic foot of flora owned.
Malus is immune to level draining, ability score damage and all forms of poison and disease. He has several scientists experimenting with creating newer and deadlier varieties of toxin, and uses these to his advantage. Because of his immunity, he can simply smear the pathogen on his hands - which is why he always wears white gloves. When he wishes to infect someone, he simply removes his gloves and shakes their hand.
One of the diseases he has bred is Brain Fever, which lowers intelligence. Because his minions have spread the rumour that Brain Fever is acquired from prostitutes, infected parties are weakened both in mind and in reputation, which makes it perfect for discrediting rivals. A more lethal disease is "Elevens", a muscular disease which causes two vertical muscles in the neck to stand erect, hence the name.
Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue
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Domains of Dread |
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Domains of Dread - p93 | |
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Domains of Dread - pp92-93 | |
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Domains of Dread - pp92-93 |
