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Thraxas · Posted: Sat May 23, 2009 11:37 am Post subject: The Next Generation

The instructions from Nalimar were clear and Dharzhal intended to fulfill them to the letter. The mushrooms could be the delicacy for which the Tangled Web might gain its renown. And, if the Matron Mother gave the go ahead, they might be the tool by which the next generation of Distopia could be tested upon an unsuspecting populace, and ultimately by which the Spider Queen could gain ascendency in Sosaria quickly and permanently.

But refinements were necessary. All obvious side effects had to be removed. Humans must not be able to detect it by an obnoxious or peculiar taste, odor, or any kind of sudden alteration in their, or someone else's, behavior. The changes in mental processes must be slow but steady.

Dharzhal made a list of the desired properties:

It had to be inexpensive to make so that huge quantities could be manufactured quickly.
Since large quantities would be made, shelf life had to be very long; spoilage must be kept at an absolute minimum.
The recipe had to be simple, but the ingredients not easily acquired.
There could be no simple antidote nor remedy for its effects.
It had to be untraceable in the bloodstream.
Dilution in water or food must not significantly reduce its effectiveness.
It must greatly enhance the flavor of food but not be overtly addictive.

With these things in mind, the drow alchemist set to work. He decided upon a crystalline form, one similar to the Papuan poison variety; one that would remain in the bloodstream for a very long time without breaking down.

He had plenty of stocks of the older Distopia to experiment with but he was running out of time. He locked himself in his laboratory and went straight to work.

Kal'iksix · Guest

Dharzhal was the latest addition to the House. With his expertise in manipulating chemicals, the Goddess thought it right to send him to Kal'iksix. Timid as he is at times, one thing he knew and knew well was his place within the house. "Respectful, the best quality any male could have," Kal'iksix thought to herself as she rubbed her swollen abdomen, "one quality you better learn quickly little one."

Kal'iksix was looking over the final supply list for The Tangled Web when Dharzhal entered the audience chamber of the house. Kal'iksix grumbled at the laxity of the guards but allowed him to approach. For him to seek her out, must have meant something that would benefit her.

"Ilharess," he spoke with a respectful bow and kept his eyes to the floor. Kal'iksix smiled but let it quickly fade as she returned his greeting.

"You dare interrupt me? What is it?!"

"I wish to speak with you regarding my special brew. It may be of use to you at the Web."

"Come," Kal'iksix motioned to the seats in front of her.

As Dharzhal began to explain his concoction, Kal'iksix forced herself to remain cool and stern but inside she was praising the Goddess for sending this male to her. The idea was brilliant and would be a good way to manipulate her enemies or possible would-be threats. When Dhar got to the part of the Patron's instructions, Kal's excitement turned to utter rage. The Patron was giving orders behind her back without consulting her. "He must be reminded of his place. Just because I carry his child, does NOT give him the power to bark orders. I still have the final say!" she thought as she continued to listen to Dhar.

"You have my approval and blessing to go forth with your production. We will find suitable test subjects for you."

"Bella Dos, Ilharess," Dharzhal responded with a bow and quickly left the chamber.

"You will be without a father if he continues to give orders, little one. He is not only the reason for your existence, but the reason you continue to survive," Kal'iskix spoke to her son as she returned to the supply list.