Crimson Chains

What do they mean, the markings? The crimson chains that line their faces, might they be some sort of tattoo of allegiance? What is their function? Judging by the items we procured from the lot, the masks were what controlled the Justicars. Do the tattoos perhaps have more to do with separating their minds from their bodies, or something such? The way that woman stares unseeing into the ceiling, unable to move, as if comatose... It must have something to do with them.
 
Her words still ring in my mind. She asked for my help and she will have it. Tharan was right, things are not always as they seem. I am still not fully convinced he is not a madman, but I know well that even mad men can hold wisdom, so perhaps it truly does not matter. He will be a joy to fight beside, and hopefully to spar with as well, once we are out of the fray. Perhaps with a good match I could even repay him for my earlier failure, my promise to Erinon of keeping him out of trouble, miserably broken, however unintentional. It has been a while; I do not miss this feeling.
 
We have set off for the headquarters now. I do not know what will become of the Justicars when we arrive, but I will not allow an innocent to come to harm under my watch. Whether this is what they are, however, remains to be seen. I would like very much to speak with the earth genasi when she recovers from this state, if she recovers. I hope she recovers. I wonder, why did the spell Rush cast affect her so? Is it connected to the marks?
 
If the crimson chain is a literal thing, a link spanning a hundred faces or a thousand, can it be broken? If so, what would happen once the link was severed? How would one accomplish such a thing?
 
Furthermore, it seems we have all had rather odd dreams. My companions seem to have dismissed it, but I admit I am not fully convinced. The vision of that darkness is quite...haunting. At least I learned what the ring does, at long last, or partially anyhow-- it seems that it has an effect against Supremacy creatures, the same kind as the Hook Horror we were heading to fight. Perhaps that is what the obscured creature in my dream was. Somehow, it made me think back to the pool of the spirit. The dark tendrils that filled the water, apparently from another ring, one which Erinon holds. Perhaps it too is connected to the dreams, perhaps not. Either way, it is time I return to the task at hand. We have a long walk ahead of us.