Dr. Dorothy Hemphyll

Overview

Dr. Dorothy Hemphyll is the darklord of Immerabt. Unlike virtually every other darklord, Dorothy's acts of darkness sprout from her (albeit twisted, prideful, and obsessed) altruism. Hemphyll believes in the preservation of life at all costs (even at the cost of sacrificing all quality of life.) Her wretched alchemical machines can keep the soul in a body that is little more than a zombie, continually pumping various vile liquids into and out of her patients. Even terminal patients can be "spared" in this way, although it is a torturous state to live in.

Background

Hemphyll is a dabbler in transmutation wizardry, but she is more focused on studying the principles of High Alchemy. In addition to the standard High Alchemy discoveries and her soul-binding serum, Hemphyll also discovered a way to make her unique Biomechanical Golems, which she usually makes from victims of terminal diseases.

Hemphyll is a member of, and later the leader of, the Healer's Guild. They are sent out to gather patients "in need" of treatment at the Quarantine Fortress on Gaol Isle. This re-purposed prison is where Hemphyll resides, conducts her research, and treats her patients.

Hemphyll's only mentioned act of aggression was an act of betrayal and violence against her former lover and then current assistant Hermann Leawly. Upon seeing the worst of her devices, he flew into a panic and tried to destroy them so that the helpless souls could pass on. Hemphyll injected Leawly with a incapacitating disease that manifested too quickly for her to cure, so she hooked him up to the machines right alongside those he was going to save.

Current Sketch

Since becoming a darklord, Hemphyll has realized that the toxins and pollution created by the very technology her civlization depends on is a horrid threat to life and health. The grind she used to be so enthusiastic about now all but prevents her from making innovations or even undertaking social projects to help alleviate the lack of sanitation in the domain. In addition, her profession makes intimate contact with others all but unfeasible.

Going back to early in her childhood, Hemphyll has a disdain, even active contempt for, religion and the divine. Consequently, there are no real divine miracles happening in the domain as there are in many more fortunate places.

Dr. Brad Harrington is a recent arrival on her medical team.