Desma Valavani's Field Notes

My elixirs have yielded negative results, and thus my pursuit of knowledge on the ailment of the local flora, and of Aurelio, remains my primary objective. A direct correlation is difficult to surmise, for, upon entering the temple, Aurelio was and has remained the sole victim of this rapid illness. Furthermore, he does not display the same symptoms as evident on practically every inch of foliage within several kilometres of our location. Day and night I run tests, doing my due diligence, hoping that a particular compound or a missing component will unveil itself. Given the circumstances lingering over this Site of Power, I have argued for the relocation of our camp, but Aurelio refuses to listen. At the start of this venture we believed a finite crew would be the best means of implementing our resources. Yet now we find ourselves stranded. What little time remains to us is unknown, forcing me to expedite my theoretical process in the hopes of developing a cure. One last thought: given where we are, if this is a curse of the Realms, or of El Dorado, will my efforts here be in vain?

Minor excursions and tests have run their course. I must double my efforts to test my formula and acquire samples from advanced subjects. One particular subject that has my interest is the Carnute that lies trapped within the ruins. I believe its connection to Sylvan’s Cradle is key to understanding the corruption that runs rampant, for it too displays telltale signs of infection. Yet, without a crew, we have no means of capturing this hostile spirit. My responsibilities as quartermaster and head of research are now at odds, tested by Aurelio’s stubborn refusal of any means of medical support. Every morning his condition grows worse, and soon he will altogether lack the strength or will to accept his daily rations. I find myself at an impasse with a ticking clock hanging over my head, lacking the expertise of Ms Skłodowska-Curie to develop a proper remedy. An executive decision must be made, a catalyst to spark action. We need access to the ruins that lie beyond our reach. A task I cannot enact alone. All I can do is hope that help arrives. Testing my formula on the infected Carnute is integral to my work if I am to achieve any means of success.

Uncovering a safe route to the interior of the ruins has proven most difficult. Every entryway is overrun with swarms of Bound, depriving me any means of access. The secrets within lie beyond my reach. However, during our initial reconnaissance efforts, we spotted peculiar fungi of the region that I have not seen elsewhere within the Realm. I believe this particular mushroom, showing the typical signs of infection, has a direct correlation to the ruins which lie beyond our reach. Testing my formula on the fungi is the next step in defining its limits. That being said, I must ensure my wellbeing before attempting any means of extraction. Standard safety protocols may not suffice in the presence of the fungi, and I cannot afford to fall in the midst of our dire circumstances. Failure to accommodate this necessity could result not only in the loss of our collective labours, but also that of Aurelio’s life. Reflecting upon past entries, I must ask: do I fear the loss of the expedition, or that of my colleague?

Given the state of the ruins, and the surrounding woodlands, I believe access to the chambers below is of utmost importance. This ailment runs deep within the roots and would require the efforts of an elaborate excavation to reach its depths. But perhaps such an open site might unveil itself down in the bowels of these ruins. Collecting samples from several trees, the safest course of action available to me, has provided some insight to my efforts. The chemical composition is near complete, but whether the formula is applicable to both flora and human specimens is yet to be determined. Aurelio continues to stubbornly deny my aid as he has always done. Then enters the matter of quantity. What is necessary to cleanse the roots–if only temporarily–may be beyond the confines of my ill-equipped workspace. Such obstacles I must surpass, for, should my concoction prove adequate, I believe the salvation of both Aurelio and the Realm lie in wake. The fate of this expedition, and ourselves, falls to me. Remember your training at the university, your research with the Calcularia. Trust the formula, trust the science.