Lore

==================================

OBSERVATIONS:

– As already reported, Dominion forces successfully managed to infiltrate Megatech Station, eluded or eliminated all perimeter resistance, sabotaged the tower controls, destroyed a wing of Hellfire tanks, dispatched a sizable estimate of Megatech troopers and bots, permanently dismantled an enemy War Construct, and neutralized four Exile mercenary
squads along with a Warbot before unleashing the Eldan Annihilator held there to destroy the entire facility. That these accomplishments were all the work of a single agent serves as still further proof of the shoddiness of Exile defenses.

– While our operative was able with minimal interfacing to reprogram the Annihilator, the full range of its destructive capabilities is still uncertain. Speculations as to the unit’s original annihilatees remains under debate, with popular theories
ranging from tectonic reconfiguration and satellite creation to repelling trespassers. But who such trespassers could have been remains unanswered and perhaps unanswerable.

– Though a laudable act, the total destruction of the facility and its hundreds of on-site Exile personnel does leave us guessing on several fronts: was the prevalence of cybernetic security forces a purely tactical decision or had the Exiles made progress in analyzing the Annihilator’s circuitry?
If the latter, perhaps the timing of our assault was even more auspicious than anticipated.

HYPOTHESES:

– While the assault is being widely (and rightly) hailed as a military success, a surprising amount of useful intel on the Eldan was also gleaned in the process. We now know that for all their omnipotence the Eldan still felt the need for external security units. Large ones. This strongly suggests either vigilance against a previously unrecorded threat or simply distaste for their activities being
observed. Which of these proves the case, only time will tell.

– Furthermore, considering the speed with which even Exile scholars were able to bring the Annihilator online, we can also safely assume that it is self-powered, technically accessible, and almost certainly not the only of its kind. Sweeps for comparable energy signatures in unmapped regions are already in progress.

==================================

RECOMMENDATIONS:

==================================

– While FCON reports corroborate that the Exiles’ ability to construct another research emplacement in the region will not be possible soon, that the present whereabouts of the Annihilator is uncertain is an ongoing topic of concern. While our operative’s decision to board a transport ship in order to survive the explosion is understandable, the failure to observe the Annihilator’s probable destination, let alone pilot it back to base for more extensive reconditioning, is very much regretted.

Lore

==================================

OBSERVATIONS:

– Although the disappearance of the Elder Cube within mere moments of its obtainment was admittedly a failure, it was at least a highly instructive one. While we are still sifting through all the implications of the reports, several new revelations have already put our research far ahead. Not least among these is the confirmed existence of the Elder Cube itself, and with some degree of certainty its continued existence on Nexus.

– That the Eldan used Skeech as test specimens has already been well archived. That some remain not only preserved but alive would seem to be the result of properties inherent in the environment and not the Skeech themselves. Dissection by the newly dispatched teams should settle the issue, interference by the Caretaker or construct reinforcements notwithstanding.

HYPOTHESES:

-The notion that the Elder Cube “rejected” Artemis Zin on genetic grounds or according to criteria for which
we have no template should be investigated, but seems unlikely. The Caretaker’s central role would seem to preclude this possibility, as he/it made no direct reference to such hurdles. Moreover, Zin herself was not the operative who physically recovered the key fragments.
To all of which we must add the by no means inconsequential fact that she survived its ostensible rejection.

– Where then did the Elder Cube go? Unknown. Was its relocation the desired outcome all along, either on the Caretaker’s part or the Cube’s? Failure as an integral stepping-stone to all solutions is a critical Eldan concept that we have seen exemplified time and again.

– Again we see evidence that they linked prestige with intellectual challenge.
While this assertion alone is of mild intrinsic value, it is comforting to note that, godlike as they were, the Eldan were not incapable of hubris. They consistently saw themselves as “gladiators of the mind” pitting their wits against the deepest secrets of the universe. We are thus encouraged that their motives and therefore artifacts are within the scope of our understanding.

==================================

RECOMMENDATIONS:

==================================

-Further data is required, especially regarding the capabilities of the guardians of other yet undiscovered labs. While our operative performed adequately under the circumstances, it would have been of interest to see their disposal methods of trespassers. An expedition along these lines is already being assembled.

Lore

==================================

OBSERVATIONS:

-A bizarre phenomenon has been observed in the Deradune region’s tar pits. Bones of long-dead creatures are reemerging from the muck, reanimated as mindless killing machines. Locals and our own troops have dubbed the monsters “skeledroids.”

-Exo-Lab A37 was discovered near the tar pits, suggesting a possible connection. Lady Artemis Zin, explorer and galactic celebrity, entered the facility as part of what she called “her mission.”

-Lady Zin
reports she encountered a helpful avatar of the Caretaker who assisted in bringing the exo-lab defenses back online. He was also of assistance in preventing the subsequent deaths of Lady Zin and her team.

-The tar pit itself does not appear to be caused by any long-running Eldan experiments. However, natural seepage may be partly responsible for the skeledroid phenomenon in this area. If some substance or alchemical concoction mutated into something that could reanimate bones, the seepage may have
hidden it.

HYPOTHESES:

Lady Zin’s report confirmed the extreme danger of augmentation, most notably the fact that a creature need not even be alive to be infected – even a skeleton, so long as it is organic in origin, may act as a host for the nanobiotic parasite.

This raises the unsettling possibility that augmentation could jump not only to dead bones, but to completely inorganic life forms.
Even computers, vehicles, and starships. Did the Eldan face a rebellion of their own dead, or the disposed remains of their failed experiments rising to take the lives of their creators? The very fact the record before you exists seems proof they did not – for if augmented Eldan existed, surely they would have shown themselves. If anything, the number of corpses amid the wreckage shows the dangers of anything or anyone
fighting against the Eldan.

What about the Caretaker? The Eldan AI has shown a considerable diversity of personalities, and one of those could conceivably have deceived and betrayed the Eldan, tricking them into leaving the planet or even sabotaging a lethal experiment. This too seems extremely unlikely, however – all evidence points to the Caretaker’s current fractured state as a result of centuries of neglect and network decay.

==================================

RECOMMENDATIONS:

==================================

– It is unknown whether physical contact with skeledroids can lead to inadvertent augmentation, but so far the test subject appears to be doing well and shows no signs of infection. The subject’s identity and status will be monitored without his knowledge for now.

No need to start a panic, now, is there?

Lore

==================================

OBSERVATIONS:

– The Eldan installation designated Bio-Mech Facility 498 appears to be the largest structure dedicated almost entirely to the process of augmentation. It should be considered extremely dangerous, and warning the general population of the danger is highly recommended.

– Calidor Antevian, the cleric brother of the “Vigilant Star” Toric Antevian and a self-proclaimed “seeker of truth,” entered Facility 498 and encountered a mutated variety of the
typical augmentation nanites.

– Inside a previously undiscovered recombination chamber, Calidor was infused with primal energy and microscopic nanites. Unlike most augmented beings, Antevian appears to have maintained control of his faculties. Indeed, he claims to have “Ascended,” and now seeks disciples to join his “Ascendancy.”

HYPOTHESES:

Augmentation is indeed one of the Eldan’s most versatile, widespread, and dangerous creations. Mutation was inevitable. This particular mutation, however,
poses an even greater threat. As tragic as ordinary augmentation is for the augmented, those infected are as good as dead anyway. Calidor’s “ascendant augmentation,” however, has driven him mad, yet left him in control of his faculties. Worse, a mere touch can transfer these mutant nanites to a new host, potentially adding to the Ascendancy’s numbers with little effort.

It would be the height of arrogance to presume Calidor Antevian’s loyalties still lie with the Dominion. Despite the strange situation
he has turned against the empire and should be considered a traitor. Care is advised in killing or capturing the renegade cleric. So far, anyone sent to take Calidor down has instead become part of his cult.

Some have already hypothesized that mutated augmentation may have been at least partly responsible for the disappearance of the Eldan. This seems unlikely for the same reason it seemed unlikely in the Deradune region – we would presumably have seen augmented Eldan among the other augmented creatures
(or “Ascendants”).

– ==================================

RECOMMENDATIONS:

==================================

– For all intents and purposes, Dominion citizens should consider themselves under quarantine while in the Ellevar region. Under no circumstances should citizens speak to, touch, or even contact representatives of the Ascendancy. Especially those to whom those citizens were once close.
This means taking great pains to prevent Commander Antevian from contacting his brother. This may prove difficult, as the Vigilant Star is not known for taking “no” for an answer, but with luck he will see the logic of this position.

Lore

==================================

OBSERVATIONS:

– The Osun of the Kel Voreth ruins – a tribe of mighty champions, gifted bladeforgers, and deadly darkwitches – are truly imposing examples of that bloodthirsty species.

– Recent encounters with these “Voreth Osun” reveal they have been dwelling in the Kel Voreth ruins since the days the Eldan were still present on Nexus. They share Kel Voreth with many deadly elementals and subterranean mutants.

-The Voreth Osun have begun to amass a huge store
of weapons and armor over the last several centuries, awaiting the day when they could reemerge on the surface of Nexus.

-The creation of the Osun appears to have been the Eldan’s first great success, a fully engineered race capable of defeating any foe and ruling over any subject. But the Osun rebelled against their overlords, inviting a deadly response from Eldan Annihilators that drove most tribes completely underground.

HYPOTHESES:

According to our findings at the Kel Voreth site in Auroria
, the Osun – or “OS-1” as the Eldan originally designated them – may have been intended as the Eldan’s first completely hands-off experiment. Before the Osun were unleashed on Nexus, the Eldan had created many less intelligent life forms, or servitor species. The Osun were to be intelligent enough to create their own society, civilization, and perhaps someday an empire – overseen by the Eldan, of course.

In other words, in a very real sense the Osun might have been the race chosen to lead the Dominion.
A species of giants with innate technological and alchemical talents, the Osun were more than ready to believe they deserved to rule.

Unfortunately for the Osun, there was a fatal flaw in their logic. They believed they deserved to rule alone – without the Eldan. Rising up against their creators, the Osun chose war and were brutally defeated by the Eldan’s terrifying Annihilator constructs.

The actions of the Voreth tribe may be the first rumblings of a new worldwide uprising of
Osun. Yet it is a testament to the severity of their earlier loss that they have remained underground so long, even though the Eldan have disappeared. If the Osun are the reason the Eldan are gone, their behavior is inexplicable. No, it seems far more likely the mighty Osun really were licking their wounds and rebuilding their considerable forces, waiting until there could be no chance of a second defeat.

==================================

RECOMMENDATIONS:

==================================

– Dominion law specifically prohibits the consumption of unlicensed alchemical beverages with transformative qualities. Any citizens seen consuming the potions of Osun darkwitches, whether or not those citizens are in control of their faculties, will be prosecuted as soon as Dominion prosecutors can figure out how to do it.

Lore

==================================

KEY FINDINGS:

-The rumors of a strange, mutated form of augmentation appear founded. The self-inflicted form of augmentation affecting devotees of the so-called “Ascendancy” permits them a modicum of control (or at least the illusion thereof). Although it does not rob the victim of conscious thought, it does confer the well-known perks of the process, including: increased strength, endurance, and fortitude.

-The undisputed leader of the Ascendancy is Calidor Antevian, brother of the legendary hero Toric Antevian. Now christening himself “Brother Calidor,” the erstwhile Vigilant cleric appears to be the primary carrier/figurehead for the entire cult.

– Augment Facility X426 is the sole source of this “Ascendant” augmentation. It has also been confirmed as the facility responsible for the production and (no pun intended) ascendance of the bipedal cyborg popularly dubbed “Metal Maw,” which may help to
explain the unusual characteristics of the nanobiotic infection.

CONCLUSIONS:

From all available evidence, the Ascendancy appears quite interested in disseminating their “gospel” of augmentation planetwide as soon as possible. Our records confirm that Calidor Antevian was a figure who saw himself constantly in the shadow of his brother Toric, the “Vigilant Star,” who leads our Radiant Legion. It is quite conceivable that defects he observed in his own personality played a role in the subservient
attitude of those who now follow him. Calidor’s fervently expressed urge to spread the irreversible effects of “Ascendant” augmentation to new acolytes – willing or otherwise – led to his followers’ attack of the local Pell in an audacious attempt to convert them.

That said, DRED analysts consider it doubtful that Ascendant augmentation played any role in the disappearance of the Eldan. For that matter, there is no evidence that the movement even existed before Calidor formalized (or in his words
“discovered”) its existence.

Augmentation as a general concept has cropped up time and again in our studies of the Eldan, with the events at Augment Facility X426 serving only as the most recent (and dramatic). However, as there have been exactly zero reports of augmented Eldan wandering Nexus, it is the judgment of this panel that such an outbreak ever having occurred is a remote possibility. DRED has determined after encounters with the Ascendancy that had similarly augmented Eldan existed, they
would have certainly wiped out half the galaxy by now.

==================================

ADDITIONAL

==================================

Chemical analysis confirms that Metal Maw is indeed composed of a hyperbonded megasteel alloy. Visual analysis confirms that Metal Maw has a truly enormous mouth. Further analysis is not recommended without substantial armed backup.

Lore

==================================

KEY FINDINGS:

– Based on the latest evidence, the Eldan conducted their most dangerous experiments on Farside. The bio-domes here are generally intact, along with numerous surviving specimens or descendants of same. They are supremely volatile and should be approached with care if at all.

– We discovered substantial evidence of terraforming experiments. Machines devoted to this purpose are not only present, but operational, often
resulting in overlapping biomes in unstable juxtaposition. Mutations of fauna indigenous to the surface were also reported, along with vacuum-adapted specimens.

– Farside is heavily infested with mutated squirg, their dangerous attributes likely the result of prolonged exposure to the primal energies already noted in the area. Due to this, they are consequently more aggressive.

CONCLUSIONS:

Eldan terraforming technology was once the envy of the galaxy. Legends and atmospheric evidence of their
power to manipulate ecologies, worlds, and even star systems were ubiquitous even during the heyday of the Commonwealth. While signs of such mastery have occasionally been found on the planet’s surface, Farside’s terraformers are of another order of magnitude entirely.

These show signs of abandonment but not outright destruction, suggesting that their deterioration may simply be the product of natural forces or an exhaustion of local resources. Countering these innocuous speculations is the
Halon Ring. While such formations are hardly unique, our readings indicate that whatever caused its creation did so in the recent geological past. For now the involvement of terraformers is moot.

As scientists, we must be open to the possibility the Eldan did not ascend to godhood, a concept the high sentinel herself has granted us dispensation to pursue. All of which leads us to the startling possibility that there may have been no single reason for the Eldan’s disappearance. We have been proceeding of
late under the assumption that they are dead. Yet perhaps they simply pulled up stakes following a confluence of unexpected events that needn’t have been fatal. An asteroid may have impacted Farside during a critical conflict between Eldan and Megadroids. The squirg may have taken up residence following a parasitic outbreak. Rampant augmentation may have unbalanced an as-yet-undiscovered Focus or Primeval.

Or perhaps the Eldan really did ascend to godhood. That would certainly be welcome news in
certain quarters.

Unfortunately, all evidence suggests that the disappearance of the Eldan was abrupt, thorough, and (above conjectures notwithstanding) involuntary. Their continued silence since our arrival is not encouraging.

==================================

ADDITIONAL

==================================

Breathing apparatuses are required for survival over large stretches of the Farside surface. For more on their forcible removal from Exile personnel, please see Mondo Zax.