Lore

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KEY FINDINGS:

– The origin of the Strain has now been identified. It appears that it was created by an intelligent biological anomaly that calls itself “the Entity.”

– The Entity was extremely interested in the operative who ventured through the portal into the cave, especially because of their recent interactions with Drusera.

– Based on the events in the cave, it would appear that the Entity has the power to create life based on another organism’s “primal
pattern.”

CONCLUSIONS:

Our search for the Eldan has taken a darker and more horrific turn. As before, our capable operative entered the portal that appeared at the archaeological site outside of Thayd – but instead of finding Drusera, they were confronted by a malevolent presence that eventually revealed itself as “the Entity.”

The frightening nature of this being can hardly be described in this report. Along with being physically terrifying, it seems possessed of advanced intelligence and an
intimate knowledge of the Eldan and their activities on planet Nexus. During the encounter, the Entity stated that it was also one of the Eldan’s creations, that it was responsible for the Strain, and that Drusera was not telling the entire truth of what transpired here.

The Entity seemed extremely interested in our operative, and was curious as to why Drusera had singled them out. Even more alarming, after subjecting our operative to a series of harrowing “scientific” tests, it used the operative’s
“primal pattern” to create a unique humanoid Strain mutation it called “the Skurge.” We can only assume that these abominations will play a future role in the highly volatile circumstances unfolding here.

It seems a foregone conclusion that the Entity had something to do with the Eldan’s disappearance, but the true nature of its involvement has yet to be discovered. Based on these most recent observations, we have delivered a strong warning to the Exile Council, and FCON has been put on high alert.
It appears that this Entity has larger plans, undoubtedly diabolical, and our ability to control the situation is questionable at best.

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ADDITIONAL

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– It has come to our attention that “Deadeye” Brightland has recently offered to “acquaint this Entity with some bullets.” Although we appreciate the bounty hunter’s willingness to offer his services,
it is the recommendation of XAS Logistics that we do not take him up on his offer. I have asked for volunteers to relay this information to Mr. Brightland, but none have yet come forth.

Lore

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KEY FINDINGS:

– The being known as Drusera seems to possess almost unlimited powers, including the ability to manifest matter using only her mind.

– The Entity is aware of Drusera’s capabilities and appears to be intent on somehow obtaining those powers for itself.

– Despite her apparent omnipotence, Drusera seems powerless against the Entity.

CONCLUSIONS:

The events which recently transpired within the alleged “pocket in time and space,” however
enlightening, do not bode well for the success of this investigation, nor for the survival of our fledgling Exile civilization on planet Nexus.

One fact does indeed seem certain: that the power of the Genesis Prime, the being we now call Drusera, is almost limitless. On many occasions during this most recent encounter, she appeared to possess the ability to manifest matter and create life at will. This very fact alone might be considered the most significant scientific discovery in our history, or
perhaps in the history of the universe itself.

Taking into account all of our collected knowledge about the Nexus Project, it would seem that the purpose of the Genesis Prime was to facilitate the Eldan’s desire to perfect creation – and from our observations, it would appear that they were successful. Drusera is gifted with near-omnipotence. There is almost nothing that she is incapable of.

Yet the threat of the Entity looms ever larger. Drusera greatly fears this biological abomination, and her
powers seem considerably less effective against the Strain. Despite her assurances that our operative was safe inside the anomalous space-time location, the Entity and its minions appeared there and destroyed everything that Drusera had so easily created. During this event, Drusera herself fled the scene – seemingly frightened to confront the Entity face-to-face.

Drusera has stated on more than one occasion that the Entity wants her powers for itself. If that eventuality were to somehow take place, the
consequences for planet Nexus, as well as the universe beyond, would be unimaginably catastrophic.

What conclusions can we draw at this point? The fate of the Eldan is somehow inextricably tied to the creation of the Genesis Prime, as well as the emergence of the Entity. But the relationship between these two is complex and frustratingly opaque. We can only hope that Drusera can give us further insight into what is happening before it is too late for us all.

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ADDITIONAL

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– Commander Stonebreaker’s most recent request has been soundly rejected. The supply requisition stating that his troops need increased beer rations “because of science” will under no circumstances receive official XAS approval or sign-off.

Lore

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KEY FINDINGS:

– The Eldan considered the Entity to be extremely dangerous, and attempted to destroy it in the Terminus Complex.

– The power of the Entity was too great, and the Eldan were instead destroyed.

– Arriving too late to save the Eldan, Drusera imprisoned the Entity in the Lightspire – knowing that the prison would not last forever.

CONCLUSIONS:

It appears that the question concerning the fate of the Eldan has finally been answered.

Based on the data collected during the Terminus Complex incident, it has been confirmed that the Eldan were indeed destroyed by the Entity. This fact comes as no surprise to the XAS, given the data that we have collected throughout our research here on Nexus.

According to Drusera, and corroborated by information extracted from datacubes throughout the complex, the Eldan attempted to destroy the Entity near the end of the Nexus Project. Unfortunately, the creature broke free of its restraints and
laid waste to the facility. It also appears that the Eldan were eradicated during this event as well. If any remain on the planet, we have yet to discover them.

Having arrived too late to help her creators, it appears that Drusera used her considerable powers to imprison the Entity in the monolithic exanite structure known as the Lightspire. It has now been imprisoned there almost a thousand years. According to Drusera, it won’t hold the beast for much longer.

What exactly does this mean?
First and foremost, it appears as if the Entity we have observed is merely a projection of the actual creature – not unlike Drusera herself. If indeed this is the case, then the true power of the Entity must be mind-boggling.

Secondly, despite her considerable capabilities, Drusera does not appear to have the ability to destroy the Entity. If the Eldan considered Drusera a god, then the Entity should be afforded the same status.

Further questions come to mind. Where, exactly, is Drusera?
If she is truly the Genesis Prime, then why can’t she destroy the Entity? Although her assistance has been extremely enlightening, there are still aspects of her story that are either unclear or misleading. Can we actually trust her? Do we have a choice?

The XAS has made a recommendation to the Exile Council that mass evacuation protocols be prepared for Exiles across planet Nexus. Of course, if the Entity escapes, such measures will more than likely be meaningless.

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ADDITIONAL

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– Despite these growing tensions, or perhaps because of them, Queen Myala Everstar has reiterated her intention to “hug each and every Exile on planet Nexus.” The XAS has been asked to analyze the physical and psychological benefits of such a program. Efforts at doing so are ongoing.

Lore

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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.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

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– 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

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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.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

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-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

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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.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

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– 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

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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”).

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

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– 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.