Thraxas' Journal

[mcian]

October 58, 416

Damian showed me where his former alchemist, Darthos, had been experimenting with a substance they called "Utopia." He said it had the power to make humans very happy and docile, to the point of insensibility; very easy to control by the authorities. He explained that some component in the mix befouled it, making some humans hallucinate and go insane. That was the reason he relieved him, sending him packing. He had a plan to "infect' Yew with the substance but some do-gooder named Itannar, of whom I am familiar, ruined it by discovering the Utopia-laced wine bottles to be used in a festival. Much of that material remained, and was disposed of, but there were vats of the substance still in the early stages of development.

I took this basic substance and carefully tested the components, finding two that might have been the culprits. One was the Chaga mushroom. I tested it with Zoogi fungus and found that to be acceptable. The other was an rare membrane from a wolf spider. I substituted a more common variety and lessened the quantity. Having tested it on several subjects, I found no ill effects at all. Whether it was mostly the mushroom or the spider membrane, I do not know, but it does not matter. The substance is now ready for use.

Apparently, Damian had decided to take a short holiday. I told Jexmir about it. He was convinced Damian would never allow us to use the material without his oversight and permission. Thus, we carefully followed the Elder as he departed his castle with one of his coffins in tow (disguised of course). His guards were easily dispersed and we made off with the coffin with him in it.

I wanted to just kill him and be done with it, but Jexmir would not have it. He said he would take responsibility when we decided to release him. He kind of expects to be blamed anyway. He has returned to the Underdark to oversee the production of his wine, which, if untainted, is quite good.

The party in Papua went well. Most everyone drank some of the wine at one time or another, so all have had the first dose. The second will come a few months down the road. I will manufacture a reason for it.

My plans are two-fold: create a docile, highly productive working class to assist in mercantile trade and create a common problem to blame Delucia for it so that war with them would be inevitable.

I need slaves and I need sacrifices. Far too long has my god waited for his due. I will make this realm the new beginning. Where I failed in the old, I shall not here. It will take time, but I have all of that I will ever need.

[mcian]

February 55, 417

Things are progressing very, very well!  The initial dose of Utopia has not worn off yet as the citizens of Papua are working like madmen!  Although they are tiring and some have become ill from it, I am sure to bring in enough meat to maintain their health - slaves are no good to me starving or dead!  It is a small price to pay for the work, plus it renders the added boon of me appearing to be a rich employer, generous to, and considerate of, my dear workers. 

I am searching for a buyer for the massive amounts of black rock we have mined in the northern desert.  We have a good stockpile of it, well hidden, keeping its site a secret.  There is enough of the material to blow up an entire city now, I think.  Delucia may be our first target, but that is yet to come.  I have heard of a criminal family known as the Morenos, and also something of a cult, the Zog Cabal.  Fascinating!  Apparently this Cabal has the same basic beliefs that I have - that ultimate annihilation of this realm is necessary.  I do not yet know their viewpoint, much less fathom it, but mine is annihilation to usher in a new, glorious, age whereby those who have served my god faithfully will rule supreme in it.   If these aims coincide, I may have just discovered the buyer for the black rock.  Time will tell.

On another note, Jexmir has returned with more of his potent Deepwine and I must see that some of it gets proper treatment.  He is only useful to me for this.  If I had no other, he would be dead by now.

As far as the Elder is concerned, that fool is trapped at the base of a waterfall.  My only fear is that some stupid goblin or other saw us hide him.  Perhaps it would be better for me to go and move him to a new location.  I will think more on this before I decide.

[mcian]

May 17, 417

Thank the gods that is over!  I must have paid for five hundred gallons of wine alone!  Fortunately, Jexmir brought his ship, the Kylanth, in at the last moment with reserves to save the day.

The Archon is still balking about going back to work in the mines.  There is growing dissention among the workers, despite the effects of the Utopia, which, I think, Jexmir is still spiking his wine with.  (Quick note:  He is acting strangely lately, so I need to check with him to make sure we are still on the same tack - need to ask him if he laced the wine stocks properly).  Toby, who took the name, Sten, and got a makeover face-wise, is even growing tired of the daily treks into the desert.  I had to remind him that without my protection, he would have been arrested and likely executed already.  He got the point, but I am watching him nonetheless - he has a habit of backpedaling and taking flight when things get rough for him.

I met a merchant from the Trinsic area.  She was bemoaning prices for reagents sold in Moonglow.  I got confirmation from the usual sources.  Her story seems legitimate and it is natural someone would take an interest.  Still, I am wary and must take all precautions.

I performed the first ritual to my god.  There is a perfect spot, just outside Papua, where nothing grows, where there is an abattoir and a pentagram ringed with stones.  It will serve as a perfect spot for the sacrifices necessary to regain the blessing of my god.  I found a drunken derelict wandering in the jungles - he was the first of many.

I succeeded in observing a glimmer, though it did not speak to me.  I am unworthy as yet, but this will change very soon.