{A recently familiar, though altered version, of this poster has been placed on the notice board inside Town Hall, on the gate-post facing the Lower Stairs at the In-Between, and on the gates at the Temple of Tyr.}
7th Kythorn 152
Thralls Are Among Us!
Notice: As you may have heard there are illithid thrall reports within Sanctuary's city walls. At least a dozen illithid thralls entered Sanctuary 19 darks ago, and still they remain at large! It is the desire of the Society of the Ordered Mind (in a co-ordinated effort with the Watch, Spellguard, the Stouthearts, the Councils of Lower and Upper, and the Mycopolis) to locate, detain, and cleanse these thralls of the insidious illithid taint that resides within them.
How do I identify a thrall? Identifying an enthralled individual may often be a difficult, troubling process. There are tell-tale physical, emotional, and mental signs, that indicate one's enslavement to an Illithid. The first is physical scarring, consistent with ill-healed surgical cuts or rough, ill-healed burrowing marks. These are most commonly found around the head or neck of a thrall. The second physical sign comprises blatant bulges under the skin-indicative of a potential living implant existing under the flesh. Again, these are most commonly located near the head or neck of a thrall. Other physical signs may include an odd glow emitting from the eyes of the individual in question, strange slime oozing from the skin, erratic or spasmodic involuntary movements, or other unnatural marks indicative of outside control.
The emotional and mental state of a thrall will be the second tell-tale indicators of enthrallment. A typical thrall is often aggressive, secretive, and deceitful as it is forced to actively work to further the will of its master. They may also commonly have items of Illithid craft in their possession.
Upon discovery the thrall may attempt to lash out and strike against the one who discovered it. Should that strike fail, the thrall will then attempt to lie and deceive to the best of its ability.
In terms of mental differences for a thrall, they will exhibit odd personality quirks and potentially lack the means to express themselves as they normally would. Memory and the basic personality of an individual will remain intact, but there will be subtle differences and manifestations of the ulterior influence within the mind - the individual will be more prone to anger, he will not make use of phrases he may once have used freely, his viewpoints on matters will often be polarized and hostile.
In short, while there are numerous signs that indicate a state of enthrallment and as a diligent citizen you must exercise intuition and reason in order to determine whether an individual is, in fact, enthralled. The signs of a thrall are often readily apparent, and only continue to jump out - sometimes literally, in the case of an organic creature implanted within the thrall.
Oh gods, save me, I think I found one! What do I do? Do not attempt to subdue or otherwise let on you know the true nature of the Thrall. As noted above they will often become hostile when they believe themselves discovered. If you believe you have uncovered a thrall immediately file a report with the Society of the Ordered Mind, and inform the Sanctuary Watch, so that the matter may be quickly investigated. Do not be afraid of being mistaken, as thralls are often difficult to detect. It is better to be safe than sorry.
How do I protect myself and my family? The first thing to remember is that a thrall can be anyone, even someone you know. It is very difficult to protect yourself from your best friend, your lover, your child or a parent. However, by understanding the ways to identify a thrall you can better know how to protect yourself.
All citizens should be constantly aware of those that they associate with. Be careful when you are approached by a stranger who wishes you to help or follow them. Ask questions. Through asking questions it will often reveal the truth. Do not leave public areas with a stranger unless it is with a group of individuals you trust and believe are enthrallment-free like yourself.
Thralls are known for luring individuals off into abandoned buildings, abandoned homes, and ruins for their nefarious purposes. By knowing who you are associating with, asking questions, and traveling with friends you can better ensure your own safety!
In Closing: Do not underestimate a thrall. They are cunning and devious creatures with an evil master who survives by eating the brains of people like yourself. A thrall may promise you many things, from power to wealth if you only visit their master. Avoid this at all costs.
Knowingly associating with and aiding a thrall is grounds for being charged with endangering Sanctuary, which is a capital crime with a stiff penalty. To avoid this you should immediately report any suspected thralls to the Sanctuary Watch and the Society of the Ordered Mind. Your ongoing safety depends on it!
{The poster is unsigned}