In the maw of the mountains, we lay here bleeding. All 'til the dead canary sings.
'Til the Dead Canary Sings.
In a holler between mountains, nested in the belly of Appalachia, a lone Foundation Site lies.
Geological Research Site-898. Founded on blood and coal dust, it sits as the central headquarters to the Department of Geology. But there’s far more than just stone out in these woods; between monster and man, the small and isolated Site stands alone under Appalachia’s ancient shadow.
Older than civilization, older than mammal, older than bone, these mountains' pasts run deep and red.
And will evermore.
Run the River Red is a closed, loosely-anthological series by
This series will explore themes of Appalachian horror, exploitation within the region, folklore, and the desperation that people can be driven to in the face of extremes; all resting within the day-to-day lives of Site-898's personnel. It's not all doom and gloom though, for people will be people, and these mountains hold a wonder alongside their danger.
Collections
While somewhat anthological, certain entries will have through lines and direct connections to one another — they are also listed chronologically. For ease of reading and organization, entries are color coded as follows:1
RED CANARY Casefiles
The war within the mountains. Dealing in Site-898's feud with Marshall, Carter and Dark.
Hunter's Trail
All eyes on you.
Crown of Antlers
Upon the throne Monarchervus deus.
Mine Town Musings
Miscellaneous. Slice of life, world building, and stand alone things that do not fall into the above categories.
SCP-8987 - THE BROOK RUNS RED
By Dino--Draws
Where it all began. A whistleblower, a coal mine, and bloodshed down below.
The beating heart of where we lie, the documentation you have selected is of historical significance to the Department of Geology.
SCP-8988 - OROGENESIS
By Dino--Draws
Sing it to sleep.
Update 19/05/1976: File:OROGENESIS.aic
OROGENESIS.aic is now ONLINE. SALUTATIONS!
⬨ SCP-2888 - Dead Canary ⬨
By Dino--Draws
Every coal mine needs a canary, and the Red Brook Mine is no different. The ones we keep down here just happen to be dead.
This is a good sign.
⬨ SCP-8306 - The Foreman ⬨
By Dino--Draws,
Rosyfox2002 and
TealQuacks
An old spirit walks these grounds with us, haven't you heard him at night? Bow your head, speak with care, and leave something on your windowsill.
He was here first, after all.
Black Lungs
By Dino--Draws and
Rosyfox2002
"Sounds like you've got a story, son."
Dr. Atticus Rune finds common ground with the specter of the Red Brook Mine.
SCP-8446 - Monarchervus
By Dino--Draws
As deer tangle their antlers out in the woods, Site-898's Cryptozoology Sector is born.
SCP-5315 - "Boneyard"
By TroutMaskReplica
People go missing all the time out here.
SCP-8411 - Paper Birch Trail
By Dino--Draws
You feel the tree's eyes upon your back. Are trail signs meant to look like that?
SCP-9990 - Neglected Idylls
By Dino--Draws,
TroutMaskReplica and
Rosyfox2002
Now you must answer my questions nine, sing ninety-nine and ninety.
O' what, pray tell, in the mountains fell, and who is the hunter's folly?
SCP-9404 - Hidebehind
By Dino--Draws and
Rosyfox2002
The Cryptozoology Sector decides to catch a monster through… unconventional means.
Wanna help out? Join us for a drink!
SCP-8852- Cave Accident
By TroutMaskReplica
Exactly what it says on the tin. Quite literally, even.
SCP-9455 - Red Monday
By Dino--Draws
Hunting season.
The Appalachian Mountains are ancient beasts.
Their birth spans over one billion years, starting with the continental collisions that formed the supercontinent Rodinia, and continuing into the formation of Pangaea, far older than the very evolution of bones. The ancient formation of these mountains has left them rich with the bounty of the Earth, something that has long come to be exploited and mined ever since Britain stepped onto the continent.
It's not just the resources, though.
Appalachia is a region historically drowned in destitution. The communities within mountains have lagged behind the states around them, struggling both economically and from a lack of infrastructure in the wilderness. The corporations that were quick to exploit the labor of people who had been all but abandoned by their brothers have chewed up and spat out many in these woods.
The SCP version of the Appalachians is a fair bit more wild and dangerous, by virtue of the true existence of supernatural elements, and thus will diverge from the real life location in a multitude of ways as time goes on.
While being Canon neutral in terms of its setting, Run the River Red will dip its toes into both From 120's Archives and Black Diamond Billions from time to time.
Site-898 itself rests in the depths of the Northern Appalachian Mountains — within Dutch Mountain, Pennsylvania. Sitting right in the Coalbed Swamp, miles from the nearest cities, the Site is isolated from the Foundation at large and partially self-sufficient. Their biggest point of outside contact with the rest of the Foundation comes from twice a year supply shipments, and whenever they detect something that requires the alerting and aid of staff outside their own. The Department of Geology has gained a reputation as a result: odd loners and eccentric mountainfolk who often find you before you find them.
It's typically not you who calls upon Site-898. The DoGs will come howling first.
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