TotDL 2 Cinematic: Sometime before the start of the campaign...

 The apprentice enters the Master's chambers.  She swallows her fears, which have plagued her ever since her master died and was reborn an undead lich.  The mind was still the brilliance that was Katandramus in height of his power, but the body was now a rotting corpse; disgusting and horrifying to behold.  Still, it was the spirit that animated this desiccated carcass that kept her loyal.  That, and the incredible knowledge that it possessed, knowledge of the true nature of reality.

The chambers were dark, lit only by a few candles, for what did the Master need of artificial light?   But the candles were for her sake, of course, for she was still bound by mortal needs, including light to see by.  The vast collection of eldritch relics within amazed her, as did the vast library of works both brilliant and terrifying.  

"Well, has it been done?" The voice came from a dark corner of the room, but seemed to come from a much farther and alien place.  

"Yes, Master.  The seeds have been planted.  The fool Wollerdek has taken the bait, as has Dr Vordair in Lij.  The Seekers of the Wandering Star have already begun their trek to the Northern Reach, where they hope to contact the entity Atropus."

The darkness shifted and moved towards the trembling apprentice.  Blue flames now burned within the eye sockets that once held the blue eyes that she had fallen in love with year ago.  Katendramus' tall, skeletal frame, adorned with lush robes and magical accoutrements, towered over her.  A skeletal hand reached down and gently touched her chin, encouraging her to look upon him.  "Vordair won't be able to make contact unless the copy of the Manuscript is found.  Wollerdek will need to be able to gain it once Vordair arrives.  Have you determined how to unlock the enchantments that keep it locked within the tower ruins near Starfall?"

"Of course, Master.  There is a talisman that is linked to the tower, which is in the possession of the town Elder.  I have nearly finished the elixer that Wollerdek will need to do away with the Elder when the time comes.  Once finished, I will ensure Wollerdek gets it and provide him with the instructions needed to secure the Manuscript to give to Vordair."

"Excellent.  You have done well, my dear.  If all goes to plan, Vordair and his Seekers will set into motion events that will change the face of Urth forever.  Go now, we still need to find the original Manuscript as well as begin preparations for acquiring the Apocalypticon.  With these in my possession, I shall ensure the Demon Lord's favor when it finally makes it's ruinous arrival!"

Swallowing nervously, the apprentice watches as her master turns from her and resumes the unknowable arcane experiments that he tirelessly works upon.   "One last thing Master..."

The skeletal figure resumes it's arcane work and responds without turning, "Yes, what is it?"

"Our spies inform me that Randolfus continues to search for us.  His persistence may hamper our efforts.  We should have killed him when we had the chance..."

Katandramus laughs a deep, hollow laugh, which chills the apprentice to her core.  "Randolfus is an impotent and inconsequential insect.  Should he truly threaten the work, I will care for his demise personally, and gain much satisfaction from it.  But for now, I enjoy the thought of his suffering from the wounds you inflicted upon him and the curse I placed that prevents him from fully healing.  Let the fool believe he can stop me, it will make his failure all the more sweet."

The apprentice bows her head and departs the chambers, certain that her master underestimates Randolfus and that she will need to do something about the former inquisitor at some point.