"I am sure you are aware by now that the plague is connected to Kharnus, and Kharnus to it. He has power over all flora and fauna in the Deepwood, but I have never been able to direct his madness or control humans. And so, with some help, a solution was discovered to remedy this limitation. The results have been far more encouraging than they had hoped for. After all, they can be quite inventive in their own ways. You see, another party is terribly interested in your little cities. It just so happened their desires served my purposes. Madness has its uses as you can see, but it is only malice that can create the suffering I seek. Alas, let none of this concern you. You will not live long enough to meet them."