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Locations of Interest » Nx-02
Nexus #: Nx-02
Civilian Designation: Annwn (Formerly Avalon)1
Population: Unknown
Area Class: Camelot
Nx-02, as depicted by a Foundation sketch artist subjected to SCP-6916.
Nexus Interaction Protocol: Due to the Foundations' revoked access to Nx-02, interaction protocols are to focus on disinformation campaigns, civilian redirection, and historical analysis. Anomalies relating to Nx-02 have had their containment procedures reevaluated and altered to support these interaction protocols. If individual/s successfully access Nx-02, they are to be retrieved as soon as possible and subjected to an interview and amnestic and oneirological treatment.
Access and traversal into Nx-02 by Foundation personnel is to remain a high priority, to prevent an LV-Zero "Lifted Veil" scenario.
Containment Facility: Site-12
Description: Nx-02 is an island located within a partially extradimensional space, accessible from any coastline within the British Isle and Northern France. To date, the only known way of accessing Nx-02 is to apply a Newman-Hyatt Key2, following subjection to a specific oneirological and mnesiological triggers. When applied, individuals are able to walk to Nx-02 via a causeway connecting its coastlines with that of the mainland. This access can be revoked and those who attempt to reach Nx-02 with revoked access will be subjected to translocation and be redirected back to the point of perpetration.
As of this documentation, it is believed that Nx-02 is not inhabited by any living denizen. However, Nx-02 is home to several spectral entities, consisting mostly of canine, cervine and avian animals. Ruins and landmarks found on Nx-02 do suggest that the island was once inhabited and had some working industry. This theory has been further corroborated by the cadavers scattered across the island. These remains include both humans3 and members of the anomalous hominid subspecies homo sapiens tumuli and homo sapiens sidhe.
Homo Sapiens Tumuli: Colloquially known as Tuatha Dé Danann or Tuatha. Before 1988, they were a thriving populous, inhabiting Nx-03 and Ireland. However, since then, their numbers have dwindled significantly, with most now inhabiting the Free Ports. Physiological differences include tapered ears, longer lifespans, prominence of black and red hair pigmentation, and a moderate allergy to iron and silver.
Homo Sapiens Sidhe: Colloquially as Fae, Gwyllion, Sidhe, Tylwyth Teg, Aos sí, or Fair Folk. Due to current and historical animosity between them and other hominid subspecies, the current population's size and habitation are unknown. However, a small demographic has been reported inhabiting Three Portlands. Physiological differences include tapered ears, gold-pigmented iris, longer lifespans, prominence of grey and white hair pigmentation, eyebrows joined with hair at temples, pointed cuticles, petal-like wings with nacre texture and gloss, and a severe allergy to iron and silver.
Due to shared physiological traits and natural affinity with thaumaturgy, homo sapiens tumuli and homo sapiens sidhe are often mistaken and misidentified for one another.
- Prof. Saifur. L. Otters (1994). Thaumic Evolution: The Secret Miracles of Modern Biology
The majority of the botanical life on the island is non-anomalous, with the exception of the species Alnus argentum. Due to their silver and iron-rich xylem, these trees give Nx-02 various thaumactive saddle points4. Ignoring this, when alive, the fibres of the trees have properties identical to that of non-anomalous trees. Although, when chopped and dried, the wood's properties alter to be similar to that of steel.
The island, and possible the space itself, appear to be under the direct control of a human entity, identifying itself as Arawn ap Carnonos, who claims to be the ruler of the island. The entity has demonstrated numerous thaumaturgical workings, including atmomancy, necromancy, and oneiromancy. Currently, due to differences in goals, relations between the Foundation and Arawn are strained, with the latter revoking all access to Nx-02 from Foundation personnel.
This symbol, known as a triskelion, was found carved into many of the ruins located on the island.
Due to a lack of documentation, exploration, and situational miscommunication, the history of Nx-02 is mostly unknown. According to research and interviews conducted by the Global Occult Coalition and Unusual Incidents Unit, Nx-02 was, prior to the 1880s, under Fae governance. As a result of the backlash caused by the Sixth Occult War, Nx-02 underwent destabilisation, resulting in its destruction and a loss of around 14% of the Fae population. Despite the acceptance of these claims by the anomalous community, recent research and uncovered evidence suggest that the claims are historically inaccurate. Whether this negationism is a result of either inaccurate record-keeping or deliberate distortion is yet to be determined.
Instead, evidence points towards Nx-02 originally being a human habitation, not a Fae one. Initially, this was only a claim made by Arawn ap Carnonos, though after assessing the discoveries made by Foundation exploration and evidence collated by the Department of History and the Department Of Mythology And Folkloristics, this claim appears to have some degree of truth. Documented evidence, however, is divided, with earlier accounts confirming its existence, whilst later ones dismiss it as either an error in geographical calculation or the creation of folklore.
Before the turn of the millennium, several Greek writers wrote of an island within the British Isles, known as the Cassiterides. These writers also included priests of the Followers of Mekhane - the historical precursor to the modern Church of the Broken God. According to their scrolls, during their downfall and assimilation into the Roman Empire, the Followers established and maintained a peaceful trade deal with the inhabitant of the island, exchanging metallurgic and scientific discoveries with ores of iron, copper and tin from the island's fruitful deposits:
These lands are cold. Not deep like those of the Alpes but a [damp/wet] feeling. It almost always rains. The [Mabyn/sons/brothers]5 do not appear to mind. They are used to such [damp/wet].
We did not know what to expect. [Unknown phrase, untranslated] spoke so highly of [Albion's]6 metal and people yet the [faithless/athists] scholars deemed the natives simple.
We arrived at Cassiterides at [dusk/twilight]. To our surprise, we were greeted warmly by the [Mabyn/sons/brothers] leader. All eight met us at the shore, attended by their [wonder/miracle] workers, smiths and warriors, some of whom were [ghost/"afterlife-stranded"]. Introduced, we were taken to the fortress, a [castle/palace] of stone and iron, surrounded by paddocks of silver trees.
At night, we dined in the halls, provided with rich oils and coals to strengthen our bodies after such a journey. We spoke of enlightenment, engineering and art, and were shown the workings of the [Mabyn/sons/brothers]. Such kindness they gave us. It is good not to have to fear.
Despite our efforts, these natives, the [Mabyn/sons/brothers] remain [faithless/athist] and will not join us in our plight for Mekhane. Despite this, the trade remains. Our pilgrimage may have failed once more but we shall be safe for the foreseeable future.
- Scroll Found in a Followers of Mekhane Ruin (50-100 BCE)
During the Roman's first and failed attempt to invade Britain, Caesar made several observations of the British Isles' geography and culture. In one of his passages, he noticed the existence of two islands located within the Irish Sea:
Britain is triangular in its form, and one of its sides is opposite to Gaul. One angle of this side, which is in Kent, whither almost all ships from Gaul are directed, looks to the east; the lower looks to the south. This side extends about 500 miles. Another side lies toward Hispania and the west, on which part is Ireland, less, as is reckoned, than Britain, by one half: but the passage from it into Britain is of equal distance with that from Gaul.
In the middle of this voyage, are two islands, Mona7 and Annwvn. Mona, in the north, extends about 33 miles in size, and though may provide uses in rest and coordination, it does not show any great promise. Annwvn, however, shows greater promise. Extending about 60 miles, the island appears to be a great source of gold, tin and iron. Unfortunately, the island is also fortified, believed six, with Siddi found on the eastern bank holding up to a thousand men. It will prove to be an issue in our attempt.
Many smaller islands are supposed to lie there, of which islands some have written that at the time of the winter solstice, it is night there for thirty consecutive days.
- Julius Caesar (55 BCE). Commentarii de Bello Gallico
Whilst the works Caeser had compiled were useful, a majority of their claims were confirmed to have been gained by inquiry and hearsay rather than direct experience, casting doubt on whether any of the entries were wholly accurate, including the island's existence. During the second attempt at invasion, Claudius's Roman forces could not locate the island described by Caesar's passages, further cementing the idea that the island was nothing more than a fantasy.
These divisions in passages made at the turn of the millennium, the claims made by Arawn and the dimensional nature of Nx-02 have led the Foundation to assume that at some point in the past the island known as Annwvn or Cassiterides was once a part of baseline reality before being removed and exiled into an extradimensional space to form Nx-02. Further research to support this theory is underway.
Addendum: Recovered Documents
During an expedition into Nx-02 on 06/04/2000, the remains of the Arausio, a clipper used by Her Majesty's Foundation for the Secure Containment of the Paranormal, was discovered. Numerous supplies and documentation were recovered from the boat, including several rubbings, sketches, and notes, created by Second Lieutenant Nathanial Logan. Below is a description of Logan's rubbings:
- A tree of unidentifiable species is seen planted. A flow of golden wind or dust is seen intertwining the tree, with the flow emanating from its branches and leaves. On the ground, several creatures, reptilian in shape, are seen feeding on the tree's roots and flow.
- The reptilian creatures are seen attacking the tree with their bodies, lightning and fire. A serpent-like creature coils the tree, defending it and retaliating against the attackers. (Notes: Further described in Extinction of Behemoths.)
- The serpent sits at the base of the tree. Cuts can be seen on its body but its face is serene, encompassed with the golden flow. The damaged roots depicted in the first image have been replaced with shelves of books, merging with the untainted tree roots.
- Three human/humanoid figures stand separately: one matted with fur and holding a bunch of reeds, one wielding a hammer and sickle, and one with wings flying in the air above. The faces of the furred humanoids and humans appear to be deliberately ugly and feral, whilst the winged ones appear graceful and beautiful.
- Three beast are seen fighting: one dressed in armour and wields several blades, one with wings and claws, and one with five hands and tentacles. All three appear to be heavily wounded, blood and golden flow emanating from their cuts.
- A group of winged humanoids is seen ripping a beast's deformed carcass and doning its flesh, the golden flow coiling around them. Behind them, furred humanoids and humans appear to be engaging in savage warfare, committing exaggerated acts of violence.
- A group of winged humanoids are seen flying above died and suffering furred humanoids and humans, inflicting streams of light and fire upon them.
- The humans are depicted forging metal, petting canines, growing reeds, and conversing with a coiled serpent.
- Several humans are seen attacking winged humanoid. The humans, stronger and armoured, charge forwards with swords and axes, causing the winged humanoid to cower and the golden flow to dissipate. Above the humans, a serpent is seen.
- Humans are seen dancing around a fire, appearing to engage in metal forgery, crafting and more exaggerated acts of savagery. Beneath them, the winged humanoid are seen huddled together around a small stream of golden flow.
- A single winged humanoid figure is seen rising above a group of winged humanoids, all bowing and praising. In its hand, a sphere sits, golden flow erupting from it.
Following the discovery of HMFSCP's involvement and successful expedition into Nx-02, the Foundation was able to uncover further documentation in the Juniper Archive in Site-44. Many of the entries had been foxed or consisted of only a few phrases and drawings. Below are the surviving excerpts of Corporal Idris Berach's diary during his time on Nx-02:
Only a few remains of the Arausio's crew were discovered during the expedition to Nx-02 on 06/04/2000, with Brigadier Ab Ifan, the leader of the party, being one of them. The whereabouts of the Berach, rest of Arausio's crew and the creatures described by Berach are unknown.
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