[Moderated Quest - Prologue] An Ill Omen

[SirArtemis]

Despite his efforts, Artemis still drew the attention of more than a few pairs of eyes. However unfortunate, he knew he’d be able to handle it on his own and giving a distraction to his likely allies seemed a worthwhile chance to take. Strangely, a sudden onset of a headache filtered into his senses, seeming both out of place and certainly unwelcome.

He’d have to worry about that later. A trio of fireballs and a pair of gusty rushes of air raced toward Artemis, threatening his pathway. Realizing the danger, he took stock of his opponents down below and found a trio clustered together.

’That’s my mark.’ His body vanished, jumping almost fifty feet away just behind the trio. His blades erupted from their sheathes with a speed that seemed unnatural as their black metal ripped their lives away. His weapons, enchanted to slice through organic material like butter, did just that – he pierced vital organs with the precision of a surgeon, dropping the three while the fireballs and wind gusts struck hard where he should have been. The confusion granted Artemis precious seconds as the troops were unable to tell if they had gotten their mark.

While the rest looked around for where the black figure had gone Artemis continued his hunt. His movements remained quick and silent as he pushed off the rocky surface of the mountain toward another duo whose weapons were still pointed up at the mountain and scouring for signs of their enemy.

His blades rode the wind, slicing horizontally in a spinning dance of darkness – one, two – and their voices were silenced forever. Turning once more, he noted those that remained standing, pressing off the stones and rushing toward them. He knew he would be noticed by these ones, but with his speed, perhaps they would be caught unprepared and flat footed.

After all, an avatar of death was wiping Althanas clean of their stain. They would need a miracle to stop this dark figure from punctuating the end of each of their stories. Their narrative had reached its climax.

[Devyn]

Devyn stumbled out of Vincents arms, hands patting down her sides as she made sure that everything was still on her. She didn't seem to have lost anything vital, and so she sighed thankfully and turned to Vincent, uttering a hastened "thank you" before drawing her dagger. She certainly hadn't been very useful so far, but with her close range weapons, she hadn't been exactly sure what to do. Now wasn't the time to hesitate, however, and so she drew back her arm and flung the dagger at a nearby attacker, watching with satisfaction as the man with the strange contraption went down. She could always retrieve it later, and Vyn knew she wasn't yet completely defenseless. After all, she had her iron rods and a number of sharp bits of metal hanging from her waist.

A sizzling drew her attention, and glancing to the source of the noise, Vyn yelped, backpedaling from the advancing patch of water, which seemed to be crackling with electricity.

"Vincent! Oi, electricity!" she yelled at the man, head swinging round to search for any better places of cover. This was getting increasingly dangerous, with various bolts of... elements flying all over the place, as well as the mysterious stones which exploded near electricity. Yes, she'd definitely have to look out for those as well. The shards of rock were flying too, and she tried her best to keep them all in sight. Being hit by one of those probably wouldn't turn out very well for her or anyone else in the small group of unfortunate civilians. There seemed to be a mysterious sniper somewhere in the trees, but seeing as their opponents had begun to shoot at him, she doubted that he was hostile towards them, something that she was very thankful for.

Yes, we need to get out of here now. Either that or find cover so that we can regroup. A flash of movement dragged her attention as she stood braced against the wall. It was a newcomer, who probably was the sniper originally from the trees. All this was madness, and so she slowly started to slide along the wall towards the house that Cain had started to investigate before being interrupted by the now defeated Terrance. They had never found out what had made the noise, but she figured that opening the door wouldn't hurt. If it truly was empty of people, there might be things that they could use in there, like extra weapons, since flinging her iron rods would surely be a mistake.

Stopping at the door with a sabre mark through it, Vyn swiftly pushed it open and peeked inside, hand on a rod, ears straining for any sign that trouble was coming from behind. Noise decimated the entire village, the sound of shouting, shots being fired and running feet. It was risky to turn her back but also risky to go in with no usable weapon. Hopefully, whatever had made that noise, if there had been a noise wasn't dangerous, there at all, or in the best case scenario, could help them.

[jdd2035]

Cain couldn't help but to appreciate the effects of rapid and accurate gun practice.He couldn't help but smile "Very fine practice" he commented as the fire erupted from the hill and it looked as if it were slowing thanks to the mysterious stranger. Shots passed unto the pale elfs body ~So much for a live prisoner~ was the thought that passed through his head as the electrical shots ran through the elf's body.

The question was did he have time to do what flashed through his head? His thinking was that if he could get the elemental firearm from his unconscious assailant he could return fire and maybe coordinate a counter offensive. A fast person could get away from the fire and Cain was faster than most. Cain let the pale elf drop his hand still loosely holding on the barrel of the weapon letting it slide. As soon as the pale elf hit the ground Cain tugged on the weapon until the leather straps were taut. Drawing his cutlass he cut the leather straps, he then pivoted on his foot and made a beeline for the door that he had marked before every thing went all a hoo.

Cain upon making it to the buildings he flattened himself against a wall. He had to run things though his mind he had seen crossbows fired, he had fired his own pistols, and he had seen this elemental firearm fired. From what he could tell what ever it fired a little more than half of its rounds. He was not used to firing any thing like a rifle but the concept was the same. He ducked his head out to see the enemy position and back out of the firing lines. Aiming accurately at this distance would take too long, aim amidships was the plan. He once again stepped out aimed for the center of the enemy group and fired a trio of shots from his captured elemental firearm. The first shot was low and sent the stone erupting into fragments, the next pelted one of the enemy combatants along with the last shot.

Lightning was starting to cause the spent crystals to erupt just as if it had stuck a powder magazine. "Looks like she's coming on to a strong blow!" Cain shouted there was a touch of exhilaration in his voice as he kept under cover. He watched the pale elf's body from time to time ...was it breathing? He might have to investigate if he got the chance. Damn circumstances causing him to abandon his plans.

[Cards of Fate]

All around the scholar, shit was hitting the fan. He watched as the sniper went to town, slaying three men as if they were an inconvenience. He watched the pirate make a move for the gun, and he watched the mechanic dash off looking for cover that was slightly less thundery. The scholar listened to the mechanic’s very astute conversation and quickly changed venue with a dash and a roll to be crouching behind another garden wall. He silently thanked the villagers and their astute sense of walling in their various gardens and farms with good stone and mortar. Crouched in cover he hissed as Devyn left his sight, ducking into an abandoned building.

“OI I CAN’T KEEP YOUR ASS SAFE IF YOU KEEP WANDERING OFF!” he howled as he glanced over his cover at the remaining fire squad. Growling he glanced behind him looking for something to end this fight quickly. That’s when he saw the wagon. Well, more like the remains of a heavily charred wagon, but the massive center axle had been doused in the rain, and was still a formidably massive piece of wood. Ducked, the scholar hatched a scheme so harebrained it might just work…

He rolled forward and blinked once, twice, three times to close the gap between him and the massive would be projectile. Gripping it with both arms he hoisted it onto his shoulders with a grunt, groaning slightly with the sheer size of the massive club. Normally it would take two or three men to simply carry this thing with great difficulty, let alone to throw it.

But Vince was about seven men, give or take.

Roaring he spun once, twice, three times before sending the massive log careening through the air at the horde of gunmen. Without looking to see if it hit, the scholar quickly ducked into cover after the mechanic.

[Lye]

As Devyn entered the dark, muggy residence, faint light leaked in. A single room. At the back, a hearth with a cold iron pot dangling above the blackened remains of a fire with moldy stew congealed inside. The center of the room stood a table, it's surface stained unevenly by a dark, dry fluid. Knives of various size buried deep in the grains at the four corners. Chairs that once stood for the residents lay still on the floor, scattered about. The ripe scent of copper loomed in the air. From the table, similar dark splotches decorated the floor, one trail leading to the far wall where three beds stood evenly apart - two large, one small. The trail led under the smallest of the three where linen sheets had been drenched in dried maroon. At the foot of the bed, a doll of twine, buttons, and hay stared lifelessly at Devyn. The hand-print of a child marked its crudely fashioned body.

The shelves to the opposite side of the wall stirred and various decorations cascaded to the floor. Flashes of elemental energies illuminated a pair of yellow eyes upon the top shelf. A faint hiss came from them as the pirate hurriedly entered.

Outside, Terrance's body lay in a pool of muddy water. The heavy downpour pelted his damp clothes. A breath. Though softly, his chest raised, and fell. The signs of air stirred the puddle growing by his lips, bubbling slightly as the puddle grew to envelop his lips. Stray shots hissed, crackled, and skittered across the street beside him as the majority focused on the building where Devyn and Cain took refuge. Small fireballs pelted the thatch roofing, threatening to ignite it, but staved by the storm.

"Two targets, building to the right! Move up!" one combatant shouted. "Forty nine! Take point!"

Only the sound of rain, and spell fire replied.

"Forty nine!", the demi-human with several horns and a lack of hair called out. He turned, only to find the felled body of his comrade and the flash of steel in the night bite at his throat. The soldier opened his mouth to bark another command but only the thick gore of crimson bubbled forth. His final act of life clutched two hands at a split throat and collapsed to the rocky mountainside.

The clatter of rock shifted the attention of the forward party, their rifles downrange toward the crude residence. Seeing Artemis, mid-stride, they directed their weapons toward his airborne body. Fingers readied on the triggers, the range far too short to dodge.

Grunt! Crack! GYAAAAAH~!

The weight of a wood axle slammed into the men, splinters sundering the flesh of those in close proximity and knocking others to their back. Only a duo of the two dozen remained. One, a female elf with unusual, red markings on her skin, clambered for her rifle across the damp and rocky earth. The other, a duo toned, winged fey looking no older than twelve, lifted his rifle toward Artemis and managed to squeeze off the last two bolts of ice from his magazine.

The onslaught of fire had ceased. Only the howl of wind, the percussion of thunder, and the roar of rainfall remained. As Vince took refuge inside with the others, the hairs of his arm stood on end. Mere fractions of a second later a column of light erupted just beside the home. Dirt, rock, and explosive crystals shot out, aimed to test the structural integrity of the home. The crack of thunder roared so loudly, it shook the earth and rattled more objects from the shelves of the residence. Crystals exploded and blasted chunks of thatch free from the roof, rain pouring in from the openings. Stray shards scattered about the room, punturing holes in the bedding, breaking clay plates, and hitting anything that may or may not be in their way.

During the mayhem a large, blue crystal fell from the shelves. Bound to it, a piece of parchment. As the stone came to rest near Devyn's feet, a heavy crossbow and quiver of nearly twenty bolts shifted in the corner and toppled to its side. The feline upon the top shelf, skittered with a howl and lept onto Cain's head. It's sharp claws bit deep and knocked his tricorn free from his head as it bolted for the shelter of one of the larger beds.

---

"Sir, they've nearly eliminated all of the first wave..."

*A dry, amused laugh, dripping with venom*

"Excellent. Truly excellent!"

"Sir?"

"This data is phenomenal! What of 029?"

"He was disarmed and I cannot confirm his vitals. Look."

"Hmm... If he's not dead, the mud will surely suffocate him."

"What about the field subjects? What are your orders?"

"Prime the second wave. Have they finished repairs?"

"Yessir. And I had them primed moments ago. They are ready to deploy."

"Perfect. Activate them and send them out."

"Yessir!"

*More strange feedback*

"Sir?"

"What is it?"

"What if they escape?"

"They won't. The second wave has proven efficient. Even so, no one would believe their stories..."

*mumbled* "... I hope you're right..."

"What was that?"

"Nothing! Second wave activated. Time to AO, 5 minutes from the eastern village!"

Plenty of data and opportunities here. Let me know if you have any questions or need more specific details of something.

TL|DR:

Artemis is successful in his attack, but has two projectiles squared for his back.

Vincent successfully neutralized much of the remaining forces.

Devyn & Cain have taken refuge in the home and the scene is painted out for them.

There are two remaining troops and a breathing Terrance. A crystal in the room has fallen near Devyn and a piece of paper is tied to it with twine. The message reads below in the spoiler should you choose to read it.

Spoiler:

*Written in charcoal* This is my special rock. Mommy and Daddy said I can't keep it. They say the bad men will come. If I hide it really good, no one will know! If you find this, put it back, it's mine! It's really cool and if you keep it by the fire, it will glow! Be careful though, if you drop it when its glowing, fire will shoot out!
- Elizabeth's Rock

[SirArtemis]

Artemis heard a pair of shots screech and crackle as they fired behind him. Turning to the sound he saw two frosty projectiles aimed his way. He crossed his daggers in front of him as a makeshift shield, letting the bullets strike the dehlar coating of his weapons with a sharp crack each. They struck hard, exploding upon impact with a chilly energy that coated the weapons slightly and landed upon Artemis’ armor. Thankfully, his undersuit absorbed some of its energy; that and his weapons had all but neutralized the shots.

He saw horror splay across his foe’s young face. ’Too many kids fucking die in wars that aren’t theirs,’ he thought angrily. He lowered his daggers, sheathing them quickly before lifting his bracer and transforming the weapon once more before firing another pair of projectiles out – one for the boy and one for an elf scurrying upon the ground to retrieve her weapon. As they struck true, he saw the fae boy and the elven lass fall limp upon the ground, unconscious like many of their allies.

He reverted Judicis once again and raced over to the sleeping fae, pressing his bracer against the boy’s exposed skin. He then stood and raced over to the elf, doing the same, followed quickly by the others he had knocked out but not killed. Judicis would absorb their memories and sort through it, perhaps shedding some insight on the happenings of the area as clearly this wasn’t a case of simple bandits.

’Judicis,’ Artemis thought, reaching out to the sentient voice. Strangely, he heard no reply and his headache came back to the forefront of his thoughts. “Damn it,” he mumbled softly through his mask. “Bandits my ass. What group of bandits can suppress sentient artifacts so easily?” He rushed on to his allies, hoping that Judicis’ magic had at least properly collected the information. One man in particular had drawn his attention – the pale elf who rode in on a horse.

Artemis approached the man who lay upon the ground, turning him over. As he did, the figure gasped, his eyes rushing back and forth as though waking from a horrible nightmare. Artemis pressed his bracer against his forehead, copying over his memory into Judicis as he did the others.

Artemis removed his mask, his bright blue eyes looking at the pale elf. “I take it you want to live, and I’m not one to kill needlessly. I’ve seen enough battle to know when a man is being used like a tool, and you, my pale friend, are someone’s tool. Tell me who pulls the strings, and whether you help me beyond that or not, I will sever them. My instinct tells me we have little time, and I trust my instinct, so tell me what you can and quickly.”

His words landed upon the elf as heavily as the countless rain drops that began to soak the young man’s dark hair and scruff, washing away what little blood had accumulated on his armor during the brief altercation. Another crack of lightning struck nearby, the rumble rolling through the ground and vibrating through his very bones.

Whatever was at work here, they were organized and dangerous. And one thing he could say for certain – his allies were as far from organized as a group could be.

[Devyn]

Before she'd fully stepped through the door, Devyn felt something... off. Maybe it was the fact that everything was so much more quiet. To go from the chaos outside to this ominous lack of noise was like stepping into another world, and she wasn't quite sure if she liked this world or not. It was dark in the space, and as the woman squinted, gaze raking the single room, the "offness" seemed more prominent than ever. There were no obvious signs of whatever had made the noise, but that didn't calm her nerves. It could be anywhere or nowhere at all, and that in itself was disquieting.

After staring at her surroundings for a few more moments, Vyn located the sense of unease that lingered in the place. It seemed completely abandoned, with the iron pot at the back and the scattered furniture. The less normal looking objects of interest were enough to make you wonder what happened, yet turn away from ever finding out. The knives looked to be useful, but something held her back from picking them up immediately. The odd, dried fluid on the table and the strange splotches on the floor had no apparent source. As Devyn followed the trail with her eyes and came to rest upon the stained bedsheet and doll, she shivered. It was like there was a presence in the room, watching, despite the fact that whoever had resided in it was long gone.

This was the residence of one of the villagers. They lived here until something happened, something bad. Absently, Vyn wondered if the rest of the houses were like this. Did they seem to be deserted for much longer than they actually had been? Did this coppery scent linger in each room, never to fade? Did it drift by on each floor?

A clattering sound could be heard, and the woman snapped to attention as she watched various ornaments fall off of the shelves, a flash of light illuminating a pair of yellow eyes. Taking a few steps back, she spun around quickly to look at Cain as he entered the building, relief showing clearly on her face. It wasn't one of the attackers. However, Vincent still hadn't arrived. Brushing away the inkling of concern, she turned back to face the table in silence, moving a few steps forward so that she was standing by its edge.

Gather your wits. It's just a table full of knives, nothing truly unusual. Reaching out to grab a medium-sized knife with a serrated edge, Vyn yanked it from the table and adjusted the grip so that it fell comfortably into her hand. She repeated the process with the next few knives and then turned back to the Captain, an unspoken question in her gaze. What made that noise, then?

The silence was stronger than ever, and she turned away again. This had been the only respite from whatever this mess was, and there were better things to do than stare at people with questions they couldn't answer. This time, it was the doll that pulled her in, staring creepily at the woman from its perch on the floor. Vyn had never liked dolls, but this one she decided she'd dislike very strongly. It was quite possibly the most nerve-wracking doll she'd seen yet. The hand print and buttons didn't help in the slightest.

When Vince arrived, it wasn't the door that alerted her. instead, it was the thunder. And then, it was the explosive crystals raining down upon the structure like cannon balls, blasting the thatched roof open and letting the rain pour down into the room. The shards of crystal ricocheted round, and the crashing of various objects could be heard over the roar of the sky.

"What the fuck? Can we get even a freaking minute of rest?" she cursed, eyes wide. To make matters even worse, her hair had begun to get wet. It would take forever to begin combing it.

The stone by her feet held the most attention, though, and so Vyn ducked down, both to avoid any shards and to pick up the stone. It had a piece of parchment strapped to it as well, and so she deftly tore it away, callused fingers sure while the rest of her body shook.

This is my special rock. Mommy and Daddy said I can't keep it. They say the bad men will come. If I hide it really good, no one will know! If you find this, put it back, it's mine! It's really cool and if you keep it by the fire, it will glow! Be careful though, if you drop it when its glowing, fire will shoot out!
- Elizabeth's Rock

"Vince, Cain," Vyn began, clutching the charcoal stained parchment and stone in her hands, the swaying knives hanging from her belt. "Maybe you guys should see this,"

[Cards of Fate]

Vincent had instinctively rolled out of the house to avoid the shrapnel. He watched the cat burst from the house like a bat out of hell, and he snatched it into his arms and shushed it, shielding it from the rain and gently stroking it as he walked inside. Surely the cat had seen hell these past few days, and the last thing it needed was to be wandering around where it could get hurt. The feline let out a low grumble from its throat and hissed at the scholar, but its teeth and claw couldn’t even pierce Vincent’s skin.

“Maybe you guys should see this.”

The words pulled Vincent’s eyes from the cat to the mechanic, who held a very familiar stone in her hand. Vince paused for a moment and took a sharp breath. His fears were confirmed, Magicite. He’d seen this sort of application before, in the guns of his partner in crime leading the Hierarchy, Alyssa Snow. This stone mirrored the ones in her twin pistols, so he imagined it did something similar. He took the note with one hand, cradling the cat who had calmed down significantly in the other. After reading it over, the scholar nodded grimly.

“I only vaguely know of one organization that would know of, and can actively use these crystals in weapons. If we’ve just pissed them off, I’m afraid we’re in a danger…” He paused and handed the note over to Cain who glanced over it curiously. He glanced over the rifle in the pirates hands curiously.

“May I see that?” The scholar asked raising an eyebrow. The pirate nodded, preoccupied with the letter and passed the gun along. Vince ran his hand down the barrel of the gun, checked the sights, and rested the butt against his shoulder. Resting his cheek on the stock he peered down the sights, careful to keep his finger off the trigger. Turning out the door, and making sure his path was clear, he placed his finger on the trigger and squeezed a shot off. A bolt of ice spiraled out of the barrel, and as the action sprang open one of those strange crystals flew out like a spent bullet cartridge. The scholar cooed slightly.

“We’re going to need to be a lot more careful…these things are way more accurate than your standard muskets…”

[jdd2035]

Cain grimaced as the cat clawed about his head and poor tricorn. He'd have to invest in a new one when he made it back to port. "Bloody minded, mutinous sod!" he cursed and took oaths but he understood how panicked such a creature would be and held not true ill will.

Cain read the note "this sounds like magic" Cain said handing the note back. "I have no answer for it, and it don't signify." Cain retrieved his elemental firearm from Vince "Thank you" he smiled at the mage? sorcerer? what ever he was. "I think I will go scout and collect some more ammo." He had felt almost lubberly when it came to magic, he understood the very basics of how the elemental firearm worked and went out.

He made his way up the hill where some of the attackers had popped out of. When he made it to their sniper nests he found...crap. Literally, the attackers were waiting days for Cain and his group to show up and as such crapped in their nests. Looking a moment longer Cain found what he was looking for. The little boxes that fit into the bottom of the fire arms. He'd figure out how they worked as he kept a watch.

He sat on a rock and scanned his surroundings. At sea he had an unabated view of eighty miles in any given direction. But now His view was blocked by trees, rocks, mountains, buildings and every thing else between him and the horizon. Never the less he saw movement. It was in the trees. He'd better let his group know "On deck there! Strange Sai....Strange group approaching. Two points to starboard! In the trees!" He shouted above the din of the storm. For those that didn't understand nautical terms he pointed in the general direction with the barrel of his elemental rifle.

He checked the box in his elemental firearm looked like twelve shots left. Not counting the extra boxes he had just collected from the dead and smelly snipers nest. "Yes this should answer well against what ever magic might be coming our way." Cain said to himself.

[Lye]

Birds of various shape and size which had taken to the treeline for refuge took flight to the dark, stormy skies. Their startled cries called out to one another in warning. The group called out by Cain marched onward, about two scores strong. The limited light from cloud cover obscured the finer details, but they moved linearly and in rows of three.

The front formation consisted of low, stocky forms - wider than they were tall and unusual in shape. This consisted of a much smaller fraction of the group and moved awkwardly as if labored by great weight or forcibly moved.

The mid line consisted of the greatest number, nearly half the total group. Varying height, they all seemed humanoid, and familiar to the two dozen already scattered across the mountainside.

The rear line consisted of about a dozen more humanoid figures. Compared to the mid line, they held something larger in their hands. Staffs? Bows? Whatever they were, they seemed thinner and longer than the contraptions already seen.

Meanwhile, Terrance's shocked and dazed expression met the determined scowl of Artemis. His mouth opened to form words, but a volley of stomach contents spilled forth instead. Coughing, sputtering, and reeling from the equivalent of hostage torture, the elf struggled to regain his sense of time, place, and self.

"I-- You-- They'll kill us," Terrance rambled nonsensically. The albino winced, hand gripping at his stomach then another on his skull. "Hnngk!"

"They're in my head! Oh, gods it hurts! I can't-- They want my to..." Terrance clenched his teeth, and forced a breath into his lungs. The hand on his stomach sloshed through the mud, then patted at his chest, then hips.

"Where is it?!" he winced. When his fingers found the separated leather strap, Terrance's eyes shot open. He glanced over Artemis, unfamiliar with the figure and unable to determine friend or foe. The object he desired, however, was not on this stranger's person. Immediately, Terrance shot his hand into the folds of is drenched cloak and from it produced the likeness of a revolver. He firmly thrust it toward Artemis, finger tense on the trigger. Then, he motioned it toward his own temple.

"I'm dead one way or another, there's nothing you can do. Just get out of here!" The firearm pressed against Terrance's head, he closed his eyes, and...

---

Elsewhere...

"Wave two is about two minutes out, and it looks like 029 is still alive."

"Damn it! Is he talking?"

"The lighting strikes are causing interference, I can't make it out, but it looks like he won't be a problem soon enough."

"He won't do it. Not after becoming self aware. Tell the marksmen to make him the primary target. As for the other bodies, terminate them. You know the protocol."

"Yessir."

---

The bodies scattered throughout the mountainside, unconscious or otherwise, convulsed. Those that had been knocked out woke enough to let loose a harrowing scream of agony. Screams drowned out into gurgles and sputters as the flesh from the base of their neck warped and twisted. Like a scene of nightmares, wet pops, slurps, and sharp cracks sounded off as skin, muscle and bone burned with a deep umber light. Each body writhed and twisted as embers stretched across their skin, bubbling, hissing, and turning to ash. Each corpse left a blackened stain.

Terrance is in a state of panic. He has not yet pulled the trigger, but if no effort is made to stop him, he will kill himself. He is hesitating out of doubt, confusion, and fear.

The bodies have all vanished and in quite the gruesome manner. Those that have been exposed to the effects of high temperature magic and witnessed the scene might have an inkling. Any weapons that were on the corpses at that time were also lost, many of which similarly strapped to them like Terrance. Speaking of, Terrance is exempt from the strange disappearances.

Artemis: When you review the memories, you will find them hazed, broken, and fleeting. At best, you will see series of images from the victims' eyes. The details of which will be difficult to make out, part of the effect of what is cutting off communications. By attempting to commune with your bracer, the headaches of the mental strain will hit you like a Monday morning hangover. Of all the images, you will gather a theme of details:

Clean and nearly flawless machined walls.
Strange artificial lighting unlike any torch or lantern, similar to sunlight, but no clouds or sky overhead. Only more walls.
Glass cylinders large enough to hold a body, seen as though under water.
Cleanly cut dark elves, but only masked faces as the victim is subject to immense pain.
Spells being shot from a rifle downrange at stationary targets, as others to the left and right do the same.
Lastly, the dark hideouts of their nests as they emerged to open fire on people, children, bandits, merchants...

Cain: You have not been noticed yet. You've found a total of six spare magazines from your scouting. They are all partially full with 5-7 rounds each. Many of the magazines used were on the corpses that vanished.

Others: Currently safe. Still raining. Windy. Lightning still a potential threat.

Devyn: The mechanic might recognize a sound familiar to her off in the distance. Sounds like metal against metal similar to a forged hinge, high pitched with a slight rattle as if the tolerance between the metal wasn't close enough for smooth, silent operation or in need of a thicker lubricant.

Again, I'm open for questions. I'd also suggest deciding what you all want to do as a team. Do you have enough information? Do you want to flee? Do you want to complete the mission? How far are you willing to go for answers? etc.