Report #78457
NOTICE: THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN CENSORED BY ORDER OF THE STAR COUNCIL. SENSITIVE
INFORMATION HAS BEEN REMOVED.
Brief: The following is a journal recovered from the remains of ,
captain of the . It was discovered by captain of the
.
9 Estar, 174 aCE
My first entry. I’ve long loathed the idea of keeping a written record of my
actions, but I require something to alleviate the terrible state of mental ennui
that I find myself in on this long voyage. My name is , captain of the
Celestian aethership . On one of my recent patrols, I encountered a
gnomish caravan, whose captain spoke of a peculiar endeavor being attempted by
his brethren at that location, in which they required no small degree of
assistance and were offering no small reward. The promise of monetary
compensation and a sense of adventure that accompanied this information have led
me to the present moment. I reside now within the bowels of my vessel, three
days out from New Celest. By my calculations it will be another two before I
reach the Facility. May the Supernals protect.

11 Estar, 174 aCE
Established contact with the gnomes of the Facility around noon, Prime Time.
The Facility. Odd how in all my aethereal explorations, I never once visited
this place. I, who have visited the desert dunes of the Dramube, the caramel
caverns of Crumkindvia, and the fabled workshops of Xion. Only a quirk of fate
resulted in my avoidance of this region of the void. But I digress. It was quite
difficult locating someone of importance for me to direct my inquiries too. I
was greeted at the entrance of the aether dock by a beady eyed gnomish beater,
who warned me against any violations of the peace. I asked him repeatedly for
information regarding the gnomish project, but he was quite the dullard; he
either ignored my questions, or repeated the same lines that he had delivered to
me earlier! In fact, most of the gnomes of this Facility share this mysterious
quality, almost a kind of selective deafness. They either ignore me unless I
physically assault them, or they will only respond to select questions or
phrases. One Miss Skritch even asked me if I required help, then stood mutely as
I futilely attempted to acquire that help! I have retired to my aethership for
the time being to reconsider my course of action; it seems that I will receive
no aid from the gnomes, and if I wish to be a part of their endeavor, I will
need to locate it myself.

12 Estar, 174aCE
I took some time today to explore the grounds of the Facility, though I regret
doing so now that I have seen the deplorable conditions outside of the gnomes’
ivory tower. The air is acrid, filled with smoke, and the breezes carry the
stench of a thousand rotting things. Great blocks of metal, stone, and crystal
form enormous walls that create a maze like barricade around the building the
Facility itself. A riot of multicolored flora covers these walls, a rainbow of
green and pink and purple that adds a touch of beauty to this otherwise wretched
place. The strangest of oddities that I have seen here however, are the gigantic
multihued slugs that infest this place, seemingly thriving on the filth and rot.
They are everywhere, their squirming, undulating bodies spreading their vile
slime everywhere. One cannot take a step without walking into some slug’s
secretions. But that is not all they are good for. I slew one to examine its
internal workings, and was quite surprised to watch it begin to crystallize! I
have taken some notes on this phenomenon, and have secured a number of these
creatures. Even if my expedition to the gnomes fails, I hope that some good may
still come out of this trip.

14 Estar, 174aCE
It has been three days, and I still am not closer to discovering the location
of the gnomish project. I have explored every nook and cranny of this place, and
have touched, pushed, pulled, and turned every object I could find, with no
luck. I feel as if I am missing some vital clue that is resting right under my
nose, something blatantly obvious. Surely however, this is only part of some
test, some scheme to validate the ability and skill of prospective assistants.
The gnomish mind has a reputation for being fiendishly cunning; perhaps they
have no desire to work with those who do not share such a trait. I will remain
vigilant, and hopefully will locate what I seek by the end of this week. On a
more hopeful note, I have finally managed to gain the attention of gnome long
enough for him to talk about something other than their usual nonsense, and have
secured for myself some lodgings within the gnomish Facility. The chambers are a
bit cramped, but they will do. The was not meant for prolonged
inhabitation anyways, and this will be a refreshing change of pace.

15 Estar, 174aCE
Success! I finally made contact with one Newt Blasterson, head of the
Facility. As I had expected, the key I sought was right under my nose! The
central pillar that I had long walked around was actually a type of elevator,
and its controls clearly marked! Once I understood this silly little fact, it
was trivial for me to ride the lift upwards and explore various levels that I
had missed before, eventually finding my way to Mr. Blasterson. To my
displeasure however, I found Mr. Blasterson to be quite a surly and unpleasant
fellow, and as taciturn as his fellow gnomes. The only information I could glean
from him was that he was working on some type of great device, much resembling
the constructs that we ourselves have erected within the nexus worlds, and that
crystals were essential to its operation. Perhaps this is what the gnomish
captain was speaking of? I will have to make more inquiries, but I do believe
that I have located what I sought to find.

16 Estar, 174aCE
As I had expected, there was a link between the crystallizing gastropods and
the crystals that Mr. Blasterson claimed he required. Exploring the various
levels of the Facility, I managed to discern that the slugs were used by
to . I would then proceed to give the chemicals extracted
from their bodies to , who would attempt to refine crystals from them.
It seems to be a simple enough task; kill slugs and give them to the designated
gnomes. Quite the contrast when compared to what I went through to find the
project in the first place!

17 Estar, 174 aCE
It has already been a day, and I am regretting my prior assessment of the task
at hand. It is grueling, disgusting work, not helped by the fact that I awaken
each day cramped from the bed provided to me, which sorely lacks in size. The
climate and exertion quickly raises the heat to unbearable levels, but I fear to
remove my robes. It is too dangerous, as the deceptively lethargic slugs are
fearsome foes, and not only strike with great ferocity, but absorb an
astonishing amount of punishment. I consumed half a vial of healing draught
doing battle with a single beast! I fear I will need to be much more prudent if
I do not wish to drain my resources within the week.

18 Estar, 174 aCE
I made an important discovery today regarding the monstrous slugs, though I
fear the solution will be more trouble than the problem. I had noted before that
the beasts seemed to have an unnatural level of endurance. Now during previous
hunts, I had noticed that the beasts will on some occasions latch onto my flesh
to consume my vitae, but had written off its significance. I now know that the
beasts, in during so, replenish and nourish their own bodies! I am fortunate
that the beasts are so slow that it is an easy matter for me to erect a
protective barrier between my attacks to absorb the attacks of my foe. The
solution is simple, though it will much lengthen the duration of my task.

21 Estar, 174 aCE
100 slugs. I feel as if there should be some importance to this number, but I
reach inside and find only emptiness. The work is grueling and slow, but I press
on and hopefully will manage to conclude this task soon. I grow tired of this
climate and this repetitive, monotonous task before me. I miss the winding
streets, crisp ocean air, and radiant warmth of my home. Indeed, I have begun to
wonder whether the gnomes understand the magnitude of my abilities. As capable
foes as these slugs are, surely I can be of more use as a researcher than as a
simple errand boy?

23 Estar. 174 aCE
I have requested a change of quarters from the gnomes. The quarters are much
too cramped, contrary to my earlier assessment. I grow tired of waking up and
banging my head against the ceiling, and having to stoop to exit my room. If the
corridors are sufficiently large, then why cannot the rooms also be as
accommodating?

24 Estar, 174 aCE
I was astounded to discover today that my request was rejected. A gnome
approached me today, begging my pardon, and informing me that no free areas were
suitable for my occupation. Ridiculous of course, considering the numerous
adequately sized storerooms that I had encountered on my initial sojourn through
the Facility. Could the gnomes not have simply granted me use of one such
location and set up partitions? I cannot stand much more of this inconvenience.
If need be, I will set up camp on the grounds. The slugs do not seem overly
aggressive, and I believe I have sufficient magic to keep them at bay whilst I
rest.

25 Estar, 174 aCE
Was badly mauled in the night. I was wrong in my estimation of my own
abilities. The foul gastropods swarmed around my recumbent form, and if not for
their dripping slime I would have been another meal in their gullet. I was
forced to spend the entire day creating some type of accommodation for myself
along the walls utilizing the abundant plant life. I suppose the monstrous size
of the vegetation is one such benefit of this beastly atmosphere.

3 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
Another setback. The incompetent scientists whom I divest unto the
managed to fail at their assigned task and . Inconceivable! As
if my efforts were not time-consuming enough, I must now take into account the
inability of these creatures to uphold their part of the enterprise! The gnomes
even had the audacity to reject my demands for payment. As if the fools could
continue on without my assistance!

5 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
I have reviewed my previous entries and feel that I have lapsed in my
behavior, and thus write this as a form of atonement for my actions. I shall
admit that it was I who offered my services unilaterally, that it I was who
placed myself into this position of servitude. I can only endure and soldier
onwards. I fear however, that I am not suited for this task. My mind demands new
experiences and novelty. Such is the reason for which I delved into the vast
tunnels of the Underdark, assisted the Tolborollans in contacting the great
spirit of the Lake, and hatched the egg of a fearsome dragon atop Mt. Zoaka. I
pray the Light gives me strength in this time of trial.

13 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
Where has the week gone? I have slain over 500 of the slugs, and yet still
there are no signs of completion. The gnomes continue to rebuff my inquiries
regarding the progress of their endeavor, claiming that I would not be capable
of understanding, nor that I have enough of a stake in this project to warrant
inclusion into their discussions. The arrogance of those misers! I am beginning
to feel as if the gnomes are deliberately plotting against me, leaving me
toiling in darkness whilst they steal the fruits of my labors.

14 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
I chide myself as I write this, for only now do I realize my naiveté this
past month. Only now have I noticed the gnomes scurrying around the grounds,
peculiarly close to my camp, always cutting at this, or trimming at that. They
claim to be simple gardeners, preventing the creeping ivy and vines from
overwhelming their home, but I know better. I can see how their eyes dart
towards me when they believe I am not watching, or how they investigate my camp
when they believe I am not there. They believe themselves so cunning, but I
notice the subtle details, the shifted leaves, the books, in slightly different
places than before. And the way they “garden”, creating open views towards
the Facility, so that any may spy on me from that ivory tower. I will spend
tomorrow observing my campsite, to confirm my suspicions, but I do not doubt
that I will only find proof of the deeds I suspect.

15 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
The gnomes are more cunning than I thought. I spent the entirety of the day,
and even most of the night, overlooking my camp under a protective shroud of
invisibility from the walls. The fact that I saw nothing must mean that the
gnomes noticed my presence, or more sinisterly, have been monitoring my journal.
I will take care to keep it on me at all times from this moment forth, lest my
very thoughts be compromised.

17 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
One of Mr. Blasterson’s assistants inquired about the lack of slugs
delivered to the laboratories lately. I sent her off with a vague reply
regarding supply issues and a temporary bout of illness. This confirms to me
that the gnomes seek to possess my labor, but I will need to be careful in the
future. They may suspect that I know of their conspiracy. I shall continue to
play along until I find a suitable time to strike.

22 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
I continue the hunt for the slugs, even as I begin to formulate a plan to
deal with the gnomes once and for all. It has become apparent to me that they
will NEVER have enough slug corpses, that their scientists will NEVER , that Mr. Blasterson will NEVER finish his machine. I cannot accept
this course of events, not after the weeks of toil that I have performed in good
faith to the gnomes, with not even a hint of compensation. I will demand news of
the endeavor from that damned Blasterson tomorrow. If he rebuffs me once more,
then I will be forced to take action.

23 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
Mr. Blasterson has informed me that his project is near completion. This news
has surprised me, and I do not know how to take it. Has he some foreknowledge of
my intentions, such that he is attempting to facetiously assuage my concern? I
fear this means that the gnomes may have some way to read my thoughts without my
consent, perhaps some advanced skill of the telepathic arts. I fear the
consequences of such a finding. Of course, it may also be that the gnome is
telling the truth, but I find this highly unlikely given the signs of conspiracy
I have seen all around me. Regardless, if the former case is true, then there is
nothing I may do. I will pray then that the latter case is true and prepare
accordingly.

26 Urlachmar, 174 aCE
Rage. Anger. Hate. I did not know I could feel these emotions with such
vehemence, or directed at a being of pure essence. But this gnome, this MISTER
Blasterson, has provoked these feelings within me. When I provided him with the
, I did not know that it would be the final one, the last
that would complete Mr. Blasterson’s great engine. When the brilliant beam of
light shot upwards, boring a hole through the ceiling, I could scarcely believe
myself. I almost believed the gnomes would have been grateful for my assistance.
But after two months of blood and sweat, of battle under the most arduous of
circumstances for no reward, and the deceitful machinations of the gnomes
themselves, I should have known better. Mr. Blasterson, absorbed in his pride
and hubris, barely noticed the man who had made all of it possible. For two
months of my life, I received nothing but a pittance, a handful of gold
begrudgingly given and no more respect than that which a dog receives. Well, I
will show him. I will show all of those arrogant, conniving, manipulative
gnomes. I will show them all how to show respect to a man of MY stature and
height! I will show them the power of the Light, and what it does to foul
villains such as them!

Debrief: The gnomes indicated that shortly after the completion of their
project, attempted to assassinate Newt Blasterson, who managed to
fight him off. His original plan failing, then took several gnomes
hostage and barricade himself within a storeroom. He held onto them for several
hours before being slain by a gnomish rescue team. The gnomes have released to
us his body and personal effects, but have imposed sanctions on New Celest for
the actions of . We recommend the Star Council make appropriate
concessions to the gnomes and resecure auronidiom sphere trading rights.
part in this event should also be classified Top Secret.