Category: Lore

Grizelda knows that the march towards surgical perfection is a slow one. But as a lifelong scholar, she’s found true enlightenment in the minutiae. Every subsequent slice of the scalpel more considered, every loop of filament more thoughtfully threaded than the last. Bonding bones, linking ligaments, and mending muscles are all parts of an intricate medical dance, after all, and although she considers herself adept, she still has much to learn. As she often reminds her victims, it’s taken countless years of research and trials for her to ensure that their flesh and organs will remain viable for repeated experimentation long after the donor has been excised.

Does it hurt? Only if she doesn’t use anesthetic. You may want to hold that mirror steady with whatever you’ve got left, if you’re planning to remain in her good graces…

Grizelda’s head can exist independently when detached. As one of the undead, she doesn’t require air, blood, or food to survive, and can speak without lungs or vocal cords thanks to the dark magic that animates her. Although her mobility is limited in this form, the prehensile tentacles slithering within her skull can be used for ambulation when extended from her neck.

The primary purpose of those tentacles, however, is to bind her to a host body so that she can assume control. The tips can expand and contract at will, allowing them to pierce soft tissue like a needle and anchor themselves with barbs. Once buried in place, she can use these tube-like extremities to inject her ichor, allowing her to manipulate the flesh and feel its nerve endings as if they were her own.

While it’s technically possible for her to possess a living host, trial and error have led her to the conclusion that it’s generally preferable to exsanguinate them and remove the problematic head first.

“Ah, you’re awake…! A little early, by my calculations… but no matter. The operation is nearly finished, whether you’re sedated or not. No, no… Don’t try to speak just yet… I haven’t reattached your vocal cords. Behave yourself and we’ll revisit the subject later.

“As you can see, I’ve relieved you of several of your more interesting components… I must say, the flesh is quite supple and well-groomed. Don’t worry, you’re not in any real danger… of dying, that is. I’ve simply rebuilt you into a more suitable configuration using my spare organs and extremities… You may have noticed that I’ve made several improvements upon your original design. Your creator was so… unambitious.

“Now rise, thrall, and assist me with the final touches on your former meat. We have much work to do if my new form is to be properly defiled before the full moon is at its zenith.”

✶ ✶ ✶

Grizelda is a lich of immense power. She’s spent several lifetimes researching arcane medical wisdom and eldritch craftsmanship, imbuing her surgical technique with dark magic. She frequently grows bored of her corporeal form, swapping appendages like most people change accessories. While some might choose to surrender their soul in the pursuit of loftier machinations, Grizelda is only interested in furthering her carnal pleasure with increasingly outlandish operations. In addition to her phylactery, she is extremely protective of her original tail, and will find a way to reattach it to whatever form she might currently possess.