Cormond

Cormond
Gender	Male
Race	Human
Affiliation	Cathedral of Light (formerly)
Occupation	Priest (formerly)
Status	Active
Appearances	Diablo IV

Cormond is an NPC in Diablo IV, present during Season of the Malignant.

Biography

Cormond was a priest of the Cathedral of Light. He was aware of the true origins of humanity in regards to their angelic and demonic parentage, despite the Cathedral of Light omitting the latter in its teachings. Varshan, a senior priest, served as his mentor, and the pair resided at Velkhova.

The Malignant

Cormond's fortunes changed in 1336, when Lilith made her way through Velkhova. As with other places, the townsfolk were driven mad by her presence, and attacked him and Varshan. Cormond begged Varshan to flee, but he refused to abandon his flock. Thus, Cormond fled by himself. In his guilt, he searched for a way to cure his people. Cormond travelled to Orbei Monastery, where he found designs for Cages of Binding within the ruins, as well as some still functioning ones. He returned to his village with a Cage in hand, only to find it in ruins. Entering the church's undercroft, he found Varshan, maddened by Lilith's words, the only one left. Cormond used one of the Cages on him, hoping to remove the corruption, but something went wrong; the corruption burst out of Varshan. Consumed him, body and soul. Thus, Varshan became the first Malignant, but he would not be the last, as the corruption spread to everyone he touched.

Cormond found a way to use the Cages to rip out the dark power of the Malignant, and use it to humanity's advantage in destroying them. To this end, he allied with a trio of adventurers (a Barbarian, Rogue, and Sorceress), but one by one, they were killed by the Malignant. Without allies, and with his own strength failing, Cormond wrote to the Wanderer, requesting their aid.

Cormond explains the Malignant to the Wanderer

Cormond's letter never made it to the Wanderer, but he encountered the adventurer nonetheless. On the road to Menestad, he was attacked by a Malignant, and fled into a nearby forest. The Malignant pursued him, but was slain by the Wanderer. A greatful Cormond gave the Wanderer a Cage of Binding and told them to meet him at Orbei Monastery, where he would continue his research on how to stop the Malignant.

The pair reunited at Orbei, where Cormond explained how he'd found designs for the Cages of Binding earlier. If he could delve further, he might learn how to best use them, perhaps even cure the Malignant. However, he needed the Wanderer to buy him time, as the Malignant had spread to the Dry Steppes, and would soon reach them at Orbei. He asked the Wanderer to buy him time for his research by holding the Malignant at bay. He also left some new cage designs for the Wanderer, albeit untested.

The Wanderer and Cormond inside the Hall of Records

While investigating Orbei, Cormond found a hall of records beneath the old archive. He requested the Wanderer's presence, and explained the crypt was full of monsters. The Wanderer acted as his bodyguard as they made their way through the crypt, before finally emerging in the hall. Cormond ordered them to search for any mention of the Cages of Binding. In this, the Wanderer succeeded, and found an entry confirming that the Cages were an invention of old Zakarum, and had been distributed among their outposts in Hawezar. Cormond was overjoyed, but his joy turned to ashes as Varshan burst into the chamber, causing Cormond to flee in terror.

Cormond explains himself

The Wanderer defeated Varshan, but was unable to capture him, and the creature escaped. On the surface, they demanded answers from Cormond, who explained what had happened between him and Varshan, how he was inadvertantly responsible for the creation of the Malignant. While he apologized for his deception, Cormond still believed that Varshan and the other Malignant could be cured. He rode to Hawezar to find the Cages of Binding mentioned in Orbei, and hoped the Wanderer would join him there.

The pair explore Karamat's Reach

The Wanderer obliged, meeting Cormond outside Zarbinzet. Cormond directed them to explore old Zakarum structures in Hawezar. The Wanderer returned with a collection of writings, which Cormond poured through. He deduced that the Cages had come from Karamat's Reach, a hidden Zakarum outpost, sealed long ago. He and the Wanderer travelled to the site, and managed to gain entrance. Inside, they found a place of death. The Zakarum Inquisition had conducted experiments with Cages of Binding on Malignant, or at least Malignant-like creatures. The Wanderer found a stronger cage, but told Cormond that Varshan wouldn't be able to survive. Cormond was aghast. All those people corrupted, as good as dead, because of what he'd done? The Wanderer told him that they'd done all they could, and Cormond declared they would return to his village. Where it started, and where it would end.

The Wanderer and Cormond in the church undercroft

The pair reunited at Velkhova, still abandoned, and showing signs of Malignant infestation. After the Wanderer cleared the town of the Malignant, the pair descended back into the church undercroft, where Varshan was summoned and defeated. The Wanderer used the advanced Cage of Binding on Varshan's heart, finally ending him. A regretful Cormond returned to the surface.

Back at his wagon, Cormond explained that without Varshan, the Malignant would start to diminish, but that would take time. When the Wanderer asked him why he hadn't told them the truth about Varshan from the outset, Cormond asked "how could I confess to someone like you?" He explained that the Wanderer did not understand how people saw them, how they inspired fear and awe alike.

Despite the impending end of the Malignant, Cormond continued to make Cages of Binding, hoping that he could help those infected by Malignancy find peace. He believed Varshan would rest easier for it.

In-game

Cormond appeared as an NPC in Season of the Malignant in Diablo IV. He was usually found alongside his wagon, where he acted as a vendor for items pertaining to Malignant Hearts. A stash was present as well.

Points of Interest

At the wagon, players could occasionally find notes:

• Notes on Cages: "I've been tinkering with the cages, trying different assemblies. No closer to a cure, but I've left some designs that might prove useful. All untested, mind you. Do be careful. -- Cormond