Helix dracarys lumbricina
ITEM №: VNP-111 — previously designated SCP-111
Specification: VNP-111 is a species of artificially made land snails originally created by Dr. Wondertainment, now classified as Helix dracarys — or "dragon-snails" colloquially. While mostly sharing appearance with land snails, VNP-111 deviates from the baseline species in several areas.
Roughly 7-10 cm in length, members of VNP-111 have heads that resemble that of classic depictions of European dragons — with vertebrate-like jaw structures, complete with keratin teeth. These creatures have complex, reptilian eyes, and warm blooded metabolisms. Notably, VNP-111's have varyingly shaped structures on their head reminiscent of horns, though these horns composition are more akin to that of baseline snail eye stalks.
Members of Helix dracarys are capable of vocalizations in the forms of whistles, hoots and trills. This, combined with parental care and imprinting behaviors, has lead to the conclusion that VNP-111 have intelligence comparable to that of small mammals.
Helix dracarys includes six unique, identifiable subspecies:
- Helix dracarys draco, Slimebellies: vibrant red bodies, straight black horns, and speckled globose shells. Out of the VNP-111 in Vanguard's current possession, this subspecies is the most populous. They are incredibly hardy and resistant to temperature change.
- Helix dracarys drake, Oozedrakes: Yellow bodies, curved horns, and striped globose shell. Second most populous subpsecies, display more group oriented behaviors. Prefer warmer climate.
- Helix dracarys viperia, Goowyverns: dark blue-grey bodies, bumped horns, and flat shells. This subspecies has shown themselves to be semi-aquatic, most commonly gravitating towards bodies of water. Have a high tolerance for cold.
- Helix dracarys lumbricina, Blobwyrms: striped green and gold bodies, singular horn, elongated conic shell. Display similar behavior to oozedrakes.
- Helix dracarys lumidraco, Glowdrakes: blue-black bodies, straight horns, speckled globose shell, bioluminescent. Incredibly similar to slimebellies, glowdrakes are notably nocturnal species — and hold preference to darker areas.
- Helix dracarys wivre, Gunkwyverns: green, thin horns, domed shells. This dragonsnail subspecies are often times larger than the others, and shows propensity for inner-species territorialism, and live solitary.
Additionally, VNP-111 have the ability to produce a weak flame. Done in a methane sack via byproducts of their digestion, and their latent thaumaturgical nature. This ability to produce small, low heat flames is seemingly done to warn away potential threats, and as displays to attract possible mates.
Helix dracarys draco
Normalization Protocols: In-line with Vanguard's attempts to integrate paranormal species into the rest of the world, VNP-111 was analyzed for compabitlity. After extensive research via environmental simulation and small scale control releases, on 12/04/2023 it was determined safe for VNP-111 to be released into the wild of North America as a means to combat species loss due to climate effects and habitat loss — in part due to their hardier nature, and swift reproduction.
As of introduction, Vanguard will monitor and track the growth of the species and adaption to the wild over the next decades to observe stability. Some members of VNP-111 are to remain in captivity for the sake of conservation.
Addendum.111.1: In 16/06/2047, a regular population census of VNP-111 was undergone. During this, a new subspecies of Helix dracarys was discovered. This subspecies, H. dracayrs x G. stylommatophora1 appears to be the result of widespread hybridization of VNP-111 with a handful of other North American land snail species. How this was undergone despite differences in biology is currently up for debate, and the fact that these hybrids are fertile, are presently classified as a newfound property of VNP-111.
H. dracayrs x G. stylommatophora can be identified by duller colors and smaller sizes than the average Helix dracarys, as well as the retaining of eye stalks as well as complex eyes. This subspecies is capable of quiet vocalization, but possesses no fire-breathing capabilities.
It has been determined that the species Helix dracarys has established itself in a steady and healthy population — and have well adapted into the environment as both a useful decomposer and a keystone prey for other animals.
They have also become popular pets.
A hatchling H. dracayrs x G. stylommatophora, recovered during population census
Addendum 111.2: As of 05/11/2048, the Washington Virion has begun to spread throughout the United States.
This virus poses a threat to anomalous species2 within the now quarantined United States, VNP-111 included — as it has been found that the animals utilize an organ that conducts EVE to produce their fires, not just as display, but as a means of homeostasis. A loss of this ability will render members of the species incapable of regulating their body temperature, which could swiftly result in death. A large portion of other anomalous species similarly rely on EVE as part of their natural biology.
Efforts by Vanguard to determine a way to mitigate environmental damage and extinction risk to already threatened anomalous species is underway.
Below is a compilation of relevant communications in the protective efforts of VNP-111 and others.
To: s.yu@vanguard.int
From: a.zhong@vanguard.int
Subject: Current Situation
Hey, Samnang, we have a major issue right now when it comes to the virus. Can we talk?
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: a.zhong@vanguard.int
From: s.yu@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
Yeah, yeah I know. On top the humanitarian disaster that's charging us full speed, we've got a potential environmental one looming, too.
Doesn't help that Wilson's is out of the equation in terms of helping, this is more their wheelhouse than Vanguard's — but we'll have to make due on our own.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: s.yu@vanguard.int
From: a.zhong@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
God, yeah. I've got a proposal drafted up for possible course of action, but between mass relocation and the setup of conservation zones, I'm worried about funding and manpower. There's so much going on right now, it's a mess.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: a.zhong@vanguard.int
From: s.yu@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
I saw the proposal, can't blame you for the concern. Vanguard is stretched thin with the virus already and the GOC is breathing down our necks after the stunt with Aeonian Health last month. A project like this is easier said than done.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: s.yu@vanguard.int
From: a.zhong@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
Then what do you suggest? We start like… a fundraiser?
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: a.zhong@vanguard.int
From: s.yu@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
That could work — raising public awareness. However it may be… a bit troublesome, especially with some of the anomalous species.
I'm attaching two abridged files to this email, take a gander. Both these guys are already endangered, and the virus could wipe 'em out entirely but… well, it was a nightmare to get them legally protected in the first place.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: s.yu@vanguard.int
From: a.zhong@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
Fuck, yeah, right. Redwolves got the same treatment, too — and hell even today they're regarded as pests at best and monsters at worst.
But not all the threatened species are as frightening as those two, what about VNP-111? People love the snails, and their endangerment is an enviornmental crisis waiting to happen.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: a.zhong@vanguard.int
From: s.yu@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
Are you suggesting we use VNP-111 as a sort of… mascot?
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: s.yu@vanguard.int
From: a.zhong@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
Yeah, yeah I am! Think about it, they're small and cute lil things. People adore 'em, it's a treat to see those little things munching on mushrooms or dead leaves while going on a walk. Maybe it sounds underhanded, but we could use their appeal to advocate for the less… photogenic creatures out there.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: a.zhong@vanguard.int
From: s.yu@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Current Situation
That's… really smart, actually. And it just might work too.
Submit the proposal for Project Preservation, I'll pass this on to our website and social media managers. We may have a chance for this.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
Vanguard
⁂VanguardOfficial
Hello everyone! We here at Vanguard are passing on an important wildlife notice in these harsh times.
This project from our Environmental Department is being lead by Doctors Appline Zhong and Samnang Yu.
If possible, please donate at: https://vanguard.com/projectpreservation
- ECHOES 1,049
- HUMS 4,367
Addendum 111.3: On 27/06/2049, a density estimate population consensus of VNP-111 was undergone. In similar observation to other known anomalous species, VNP-111 is under noticeable decline due to the Washington Virion.
Project Preservation — a Vanguard environmental protection project that has proposed mass relocation of species to designated and regional sanctuary zones — is currently ongoing, though on very limited funding due to an unideal financial situation. The sanctuary zones of Project Preservation are large-scale fenced quarantine pens, and members of threatened species are planned to be tranquilized and transported after undergoing a physical exam to ensure the animals are healthy.
Efforts to do this have been met with extreme levels of difficulty.
While ranges of VNP-745 are all known and marked, tracking down the animals within their large hunting territories has been proven difficult. VNP-745 are nocturnal, and hide within brush and dug-out nests during the day to sleep. These camouflaged nests, combined with attempted night tracking, has lead to slow progress in the actual finding of VNP-745 instances to be located. Attempting to tranquilize members of the species at night has been proven dangerous for both the animals and personnel due to the speed at which they run at, and risk of aggravation.
Tracking efforts of VNP-966 packs via infrared equipment has proven reasonably successful, however only on small scale and at a slow pace due to the cost of said equipment, and the rationing of tranquillizers due to widespread efforts.
While sanctuary zones for VNP-939 are already established, these are areas are not protected in the same way that those created by Project Preservation are. However, due to their lack of any actual bodily systems, it is currently unclear if they are capable of actually contracting and spreading the Washington Virion. Due to this, packs are under limited observation currently, with further action not yet being taken.
To: s.yu@vanguard.int
From: a.zhong@vanguard.int
Subject: Project Preservation Update
Hey, how's your team's progress out there?
Cause we're struggling a good bit. Have about a fraction of the zones needed set up. However we did manage to tranq two health pairs of headlights this week, transport was a bit rough but it's progress. Couple sleep killer packs are being tracked, and the beavers are doing well.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: a.zhong@vanguard.int
From: s.yu@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Project Preservation Update
Around the same. It's a mixed bag with the dragon-snails. Sometimes we'll find healthy batches, sometimes other times I'll overturn a log and find clusters of empty and dull shells. It's disheartening.
I don't know what more we can do, honestly. I thought we had something with the donation posts. It's gotten us funding — but nowhere near what we're looking for to be able to pull this off.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
To: s.yu@vanguard.int
From: a.zhong@vanguard.int
Subject: Project Preservation Update
I think all we can do now is keep trucking. I know for sure I'm not giving up on these animals.
They deserve better than the shit the world's thrown at them.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
Addendum 111.4: Efforts by Vanguard's Environmental Department to continue Project Preservation continue onwards with uncertainty and difficulty.
VNP-5665 herds undergo yearly Earth-Galileo migration, which has raised concern over the possibility of VNP-5665 instances spreading the Washington Virion off-world. Due to the lack of the ability of the Environmental Department to carry out any operation within Galileo itself, it is currently unclear how to handle the situation short of finding a way to disrupt VNP-5665 migration.
Roughly four dams built by VNP-6622 instances within US have been lost due to infection by the Washington Virion impeding on the beaver's ability to channel hydroelectric thaumaturgy. Fear of possible power failures as a result of further damage to the species has thus brought them to immediate attention.
Attempts to set up thaumaturgical wards to keep other animals away from VNP-6622 dams are undergoing to try and stave off infection, as relocation of these animals is currently not possible without risk of further damaging the Canadian and American power grids.
VNP-2256 has made a resurgence. To continue to promote the continued growth and health of the species, observation and monitoring is to be kept to a minimum. Their original documentation is to be left alone, and no actual VNP file is to be written.
Due to raising global temperatures in the past decades, and enviornmental changes due to the incorporation of anomalous species, the Lone-Star Jungle has been established within the Southern portion of Texas. This temperate rainforest is home to a myriad of species, a large portion of which are anomalous. While the area is too large to be actively turned into a Sanctuary Zone, a small portion has been delegated as such.
Attempts to locate flocks of VNP-356 within the rainforest are undergoing, and members of flocks are to be either tranquilized or safely netted whenever possible for transport. However, due to their large size and enviornmental difficulties, this has so far proven difficult.
VNP-1405 have been a species in which Project Preservation has had reasonable success in the relocation to the Lone-Star Sanctuary Zone, as the megafauna's large size and freeze response lends them easy for capture.
While VNP-408 are an established species within South America, the population within the Lone-Star Jungle are at risk, as several hives have already been lost to swift spreading infection amongst their members shutting down their communication and camouflages abilities. Luckily, Vanguard communication with VNP-408 hives has been going well, and already six have agreed to travel to, and remain within, the sanctuary zone.
In spite of these difficulties in widespread management in terms of both funding and available personnel, Drs. Samnang Yu and and Appline Zhong have indicated continuous push in the project's survival.
On 13/10/2049 an unidentified package was delivered to the doorstep of Dr. Samnang Yu.
To: a.zhong@vanguard.int
From: s.yu@vanguard.int
Subject: Re:Project Preservation Update
Appline, you need to see this.
The plush came with a note in its box, I've scanned and uploaded it, you're gonna wanna take a look at this.
Hello Vanguard! It seems we're all between a rock and a hard place these days, with these tricky times.
It would be irresponsible of us not to help take care of our little guys after having made them in the first place, so allow us here at Wondertainment lend you a helping hand in your little project.
Included with this note is a cute little glowdrake prototype, hopefully you (and others!) will enjoy him! There's soon to be more where he came from.
- Dr. Wondertainment
It looks like we're getting help, after all.
Environmental Department
Shelter, Normalize, Inform
On 16/10/2049, a multitude of online shopping services began advertising for and selling small plushies of VNP-111,3 with branding and seller indicating that they are being produced by Dr. Wondertainment.
For four weeks after the initial discovery and selling of these listings, the Vanguard Project Preservation has received sizable donations from Wondertainment each Saturday — with attached note indicating the money is coming from the selling of the plush toys.
It is estimated that Project Preservation will reach its funding goal within the next month if this donation pattern continues.
Vanguard
⁂VanguardOfficial
We want to reach out a resounding "Thank you!" for all the generous donations, and for the appropriately wonderful help from ⁂Wondertainment with the project campaign.
We think they're gonna be ok.
- ECHOES 6,716
- HUMS 25,581
