Entry 45
What a fascinating session. At the behest of my colleague and esteem professor of conjuration, Vibeke Tyllesen I have agreed to aid a foreigner. One Mainane Smith. Lady Smith seems to suffer from a severe diagnosis of amnesia.
She also has a curious pattern of sigils, equations and brands covering her body in a spiraling counter clockwise fashion. I examined the brands and have deciphered them as Infernal. One phrase repeated a hundred times over “Praise to Mammon”.
My research notes have revealed that this name refers to the baatezu lord, Arch Duke Mammon, Lord of Avarice and Greed, The Ruler of the Third Layer of Hell.
Lady Smith sought answers to the marks she now bares. She claims to have no knowledge to the how or why she now carries these brands. In fact she claims to have no knowledge of her life prior to arriving in the country of Barovia over a year ago.
To directly answer Lady Smith’s questions I deducted that going straight to the source would be the most prudent course of action. Vibeke agreed.
Within the secured walls of the summoning pit I concentrated my focus upon the name of Lady Smith’s tormentor. I knew I had not the will power to summon the Arch Duke himself, though I wagered that one of his minions would find the call irresistible.
A pit fiend who named itself as Thur’arok the Deceptive manifested within the circle. I established the command of conjuration and set about the proper wards. Lady Smith asked her questions. The fiend offered no solution and revealed little of her inquiry. Instead the devil offered her a contract. Lady Smith declined. I was disappointed.
After the ritual I retired to my chamber with Lady Smith and continued to examine the strange tattoos. I was unable to dispel them. I failed to remove whatever curse lay upon her memory. I also failed to hypnotize the foreign woman.
I am intrigue by this woman's condition and I consider this a unique opportunity to learn more regarding outsiders and the lower planes. Whatever aliment this woman suffers from is currently beyond my comprehension and skill. Though I am resolute that with research and experimentation her secrets shall be made known.