The Parasiticon

Full Item Description

The Parasiticon appears as a rather large text, fully 6" thick with heavy leather binding nearly black with age. Whatever writings which were on the outside have long since worn away. Within, however, the thick parchment paper is as clean and undamaged as when the book was first penned.

History

This work, by Melthsar the Abhorrent, represents the lump sum of his knowledge, both mundane and magical, though the latter is carefully hidden within the work. This large, lavishly illustrated tome is filled with encyclopedic articles on hundreds of parasites, mundane and mystical. The author seemed to go into great glee discussing their impacts upon their victims and many of the color plates within (hand painted) are full of very disturbing detail. Subjects include the Ahoi Worm, the Tomb Trilosydes and many others -Parasite, each more disgusting then the next.

Being prized by only the malevolent of individuals, unconcerned with integration with society, it has been seldom mentioned in official studies of magic. Those who have made use of it over the centuries have not left records of their works.

Magic/Cursed Properties

Buried within the massive text, detectable only by the odd phrasing or unusual word choice, are powerful enchantments and forbidden spells which cover the Domain of Parasites.

This work contains the collected spells of the Domain of Parasites as (eventually to be..) detailed in that submission. It also can be used directly for it is heavily infested by the corrupt magic of that school. One conversant in its powers can draw upon it to summon swarms of various parasites, though only once per week. Should an attempt be made to draw the powers more frequently, the summoned swarm will turn on the user. One had best hope that this lesson is learned while summoning one of the less lethal alternatives.

Possession of this book will also begin to corrupt the owner. They will begin to become infested by various small, innocuous parasites at first, but sustain no damage or illness, being but carriers. As time goes by, they will become more and more infested, both increasing in numbers and in variety, eventually becoming a veritable zoo of the disgusting creatures. The owner, however, will be oblivious to their presence, being neither damaged nor distracted by them. Others in their presence receive no such protection. The owner may appear visibly to be damaged by the pests, but this effect is cosmetic and again unnoticed.

Campaign Use/ Plot Hooks

This item is obviously well suited for a villain to use, even magic-weak persons could use the intrinsic powers of the book to bring pestilence on their enemies. In such a manner, the book could introduce the Domain of Parasites to a campaign.

Typical plots involve the heros being paid to obtain it, remove it from an enemy, or even perhaps destroying it. If the PC’s were to have it fall into their hands they may try and use it, but its effects will likely be disruptive to a party. It is in truth not inherently evil, just extremely loathsome. Its nature is unlikely to appeal to any but the most depraved or unstable individuals, as its infestation effect will quickly make the user completely revulsive to others.