HUMAN OPERATIONS:
The three Royal Shadow Corps infiltrators departed from Elric's command tent wearing night-dark leather armor treated with alchemical compounds that absorbed light rather than reflecting it. Their faces were obscured by hoods and dark wrappings that left only their eyes visible. Weapons were minimal but deadly—short blades coated in fast-acting poison, garrote wires for silent kills, throwing knives balanced for accuracy.
Each carried an identical pack containing:
Three alchemical incendiary flasks designed to ignite wet grain
Smoke bombs for escape
Lock-picking tools
A suicide poison capsule (to prevent interrogation if captured)
Dried rations and water for the mission
A small crystal that would shatter if the bearer died (signaling mission failure to Elric)
They moved in single file, the lead infiltrator navigating by memorized terrain features. No lights, no sounds except occasional hand signals that communicated: Stop. Wait. Proceed. Danger.
