The Crimson Crest Research and Development Laboratory was an underground facility built beneath Cresta Carmesí Mountain following the discovery of Xankus, under the orders of PROELIUM and managed by Dr. Elizabeth Saied during its operational period.
Unknown to most of its employees, the laboratory’s purpose was to create a drug that enhanced human DNA, pushing it to evolve beyond natural limits.
After an incident that caused the Xankus to escape, the laboratory ceased operations permanently.
HISTORY
Establishment
Construction of the laboratory began in 1991, following the discovery of Xankus, and was officially completed by the end of that year, although some areas remained under construction.
During construction, PROELIUM secured a cavern where Xankus had been found in abundance, providing a limited source of samples for many years.
Study of Xankus
Initially cataloged as “Urusarus-SN” before being renamed Xankus, the specimen was studied on multiple levels to understand the disease it caused in the Silver Point tribe, as it was unlike any illness seen before.
Years of research yielded no conclusive explanation for the strange symptoms observed.
When staff eventually modified the specimen into a more tangible and viscous form, it inadvertently caused the creation of exotic animals in the surrounding area—events unknown to the personnel at the time.
To study its effects on humans, PROELIUM authorized the abduction of civilians and tourists to serve as test subjects. Over the years, these disappearances would give rise to the legend of the mysterious Crimson Crest dissapearences.
Infection
An unspecified accident compromised the laboratory, infecting most of the staff and transforming them into violent and savage beings.
Upon learning of this, PROELIUM decided to shut down the facility permanently, recognizing the danger it posed. This decision also led to the permanent burial of the original Xankus specimen.
Crimson Crest Events
A separatist faction within PROELIUM, including Dr. Elizabeth Saied, deemed the research too valuable to leave buried. This group reopened the laboratory to continue studying the remaining test subjects wandering the abandoned halls.
The faction continued to abduct innocent people, sending them to the lab to study their behavior and attempt to extract the original Xankus specimen.
The investigative team of Mysterious Eye would attempt to solve this mystery, inadvertently becoming entangled in the dark secret of Xankus.