WIP
R. Roger: This is Ralph Roger from BCB America. Today, we have Mr. William Frederick, the Administrator of the non-governmental organisation humbly called the Centre. Please welcome him.
[AUDIENCE APPLAUSE]
W. Frederick: Thank you for hosting me, Mr. Roger. I hope to educate the audience and debunk the many misconceptions surrounding the Centre.
R. Roger: Indeed. Our viewers have sent in many queries about the Centre, in addition to the common criticisms of your organisation. Are you ready for them?
W. Frederick: I'm prepared for anything.
R. Roger: Let's start with the easiest question. Your Centre is frequently accused of animal cruelty against the shar-
W. Frederick: Stop. We do not acknowledge that term. It is a term borne of our species' fear of the unknown, suggestive of a submissive stance. In the Centre, we use the term 'Selachian entity'. It grants us the resolve to overcome centuries of superstition and allows us to execute our mission statement.
R. Roger: To punch Selachian entities?
W. Frederick: Officially, we prefer the term 'pugnātorial damage'. But we have accepted the term 'punch' in vernacular. By the way, I must address the absurd moniker coined by the media. 'SPC' actually represents 'Selachian Pugnātorial Capabilities' and only that, guidelines in which we conduct ourselves for the sake of the mission.
R. Roger: Administrator Frederick, you have mentioned guidelines. That relates to my initial question, that detractors expressed the opinion that the Centre is excessive in its mission, that these Selachian entities are being hurt unnecessarily.
W. Frederick: Ralph, given the nature of Selachian pugilism or pugilism in general, there will be pain. However, I must dispute the accusations of excessiveness. Pro-Selachians have even accused us of conducting genocide against Selachian entities, a fallacious deceit birthed purely from their ignorance. Even the lowest members of the Centre know otherwise.
R. Roger: If you would not mind, please share with all our viewers.
W. Frederick: A deceased Selachian entity means that there will be less of them to inflict pugnātorial damage against. The Centre does not terminate Selachian entities; we only inflict pugnātorial damage and the Selachians are our targets. After all, the Centre also runs countless conservation programs to ensure there will be enough Selachian entities for the next millennium.
R. Roger: Administrator, regarding excessiveness, there are also allegations of the Centre utilising Deviant technology to fulfil your mission.
W. Frederick: They're real. Deviant technology is a necessity.
R. Roger: But won't that be excessive when you're dealing with Selachian entities? Statistics from the UAS states that more people have died from road accidents than from Selachian entities annually.
W. Frederick: I see you were severely misinformed by pro-Selachians, but I don't blame you. Deviant technology has been making our work more efficient, and has allowed us to handle all types of Selachian entities – both Baseline and Deviant. And I have to correct you about the UAS' statistics; it only refers to Baseline Selachians. Deviant Selachians are an entirely different matter.
R. Roger: Yes, I think we are aware of the threat of hostile Deviant beings. However, why does the Centre focuses on Selachians?
W. Frederick: Hm, I'm afraid to say that it's a trade secret. I can say that it is for the good of all Mankind. It's a thankless job really, to be at the frontline and all.
SPC-140 – ACTIVE – It's a Shark-Punching Book!
SPC-682 – ACTIVE – Easy-to-Punch Shark
SPC-1258 – TERMINATED – Cetacean Insurgency
SPC-1981 – ACTIVE – RONALD REGAN[sic] SHARKED UP WHILE TALKING
SPC-2000 – ACTIVE – Bright-Zartion Selachian Replicator
SPC-2165 – HIATUS – The Lost Entity - The Original
Boatswains of the Cog of God
A widespread and orthodox religion. Boatswains believe that the Planet Earth is a ship (specifically a Cog) sailing on a celestial ocean (some more literally than others), and that God (the captain) has chosen them as the petty officers entrusted with keeping good order among His crew.
The Johnson Heresy, or the Johnsonists, are an American heresy based in the state of Deseret. They believe that God's true name is YAT, and that he is akin to the admiral of a fleet. Those who have lived virtuous lives of service are rewarded with great wealth, a doctrine known as the "Commission Gospel". High-ranking members of the Johnsonists are known for their elaborate luxury recreational craft.
Great American Watchmen
An association of individuals dedicated to the preservation of American fine arts and cultural purity, the GAW encounters an abnormally high amount of Deviant art. Founded as a secret society in the early days of the UAS and dissolving and reforming countless times since, the GAW's current headquarters are in California. The Centre believes that some members of the GAW produce Deviant art as a form of appreciation of American culture and history.
Liberated Cetacean Union
See SPC-1258
Marshal, Carter, and Shark Ltd
An auction house reserved for the wealthy and specialising in Deviant technology, it was originally run by the Houses of Marshal, Carter and Shark. Business suffered decline due to rumours of Mr. Shark being a shark, supported by Mr. Shark's lack of presence in the company. This ultimately led to a coup that overthrew Mr. Shark and his allies. The company has since been renamed 'Marshal and Carter Ltd', and is trying to rebuild its reputation. Rumours alleged that the slander campaign and coup were orchestrated by the Centre, although these claims were quickly silenced.
Whereabouts of Mr. Shark are currently unknown.
Navigations Unseen
The esoteric arm of the Global Organization of Countries, the Navigations Unseen's mission is to use and understand Deviant phenomena for the betterment of humanity. Founded during the First Benthic War, the NU was crucial in preventing the extinction of baseline humanity at the hands of the Sharkic Empires. Under the stipulations of the Marianas Treaty, the NU is one of the few organizations with the power to conduct expeditions in deep-sea locations without unilateral approval from the GOC.
While not opposed to the Centre's mission, the NU does not consider SPC-001 a major priority and is primarily oriented around the preservation and improvement of human lives. As a naval and scientific enterprise under the auspices of the GOC, the NU's view on Selachian threats is fundamentally one of documentation.
Prometheus Laboratories
A Deviant technology conglomerate, Prometheus Laboratories is involved in Deviant technology trade worldwide since the 20th century. Many Centre researchers have approached Prometheus Laboratories to produce Deviant technology devices that the Centre refuses to fund, essentially becoming the unofficial R&D branch of the Centre.
Although Prometheus Laboratories was proposed to be merged with the Centre, all such proposations were denied. This was believed to ensure status quo, and to prevent the loss of an unofficial R&D branch that ultimately aided the Centre's interests.
SCP Foundation
An extra-dimensional organisation focused on the containment of all Deviant technologies, it has notably interfered with Centre operations on multiple occasions. Most notably, the SCP Foundation's Department of Extra-Universal Affairs has funded a schism within the Centre – causing sceptical personnel to oppose the Centre under the banner of Containment Initiative.
Ultimately, the extra-dimensional origins of the SCP Foundation has caused most dissenters to return and re-pledged their loyalty to the Centre. Despite that, the "SCP Foundation" is speculated to be dangerous and will be dealt with harshly.
Below is a list of Centre-relevant items held by the SCP Foundation:
Sharkicism
Sharkicism as a whole can be divided into two main groups: Abyssal Sharkicism and Surface Sharkicism. While the two share a name and a theology, only Abyssal Sharkicism has any real power.
Sharkicists are dedicated to the direct worship of SPC-001. They originated in the now-sunken city-state of Adytum. (More to come?)
Surface Sharkicism
Sharkicists who live primarily on dry land have almost nothing in common with their abyssal cousins. Many of them are essentially baseline humans who find the theology or aesthetics of the Abyssal Sharkicists appealing.
Abyssal Sharkicism
Adherents to Abyssal Sharkicism control over 90% of the world's oceans, and have done so since approximately 1500 BCE. Abyssal Sharkicists are almost universally CYAN ABYSS entities, though some individuals have been observed to have appearances closer to baseline humanity. While Abyssal Sharkicists as a whole possess a shared goal, Sharkic substates have formed over the course of the centuries.
Known CYAN ABYSS sub-states and their locations are as follows:
- Atlantos, Western Atlantic Ocean
- Salmonari Kingdoms of Pannonia, Eastern Europe
- Varuna State, Indian Ocean
- Confederation of Adytum's Lakes, Lakes of Central Asia
The Marianas Treaty
The Marianas Treaty of 1968 was established at the end of the Second Benthic War, and dictates the terms of interaction between Abyssal Sharkic societies and terrestrial societies. Roughly 95% of all terrestrial nation-states and an unquantified majority of Sharkic states are as well. The Centre is not a signatory of the treaty and as such does not need to adhere to its points; however, several other NGOs with a significant oceanic presence accepted the terms.
The most significant points of the treaty are as follows.
- A ban on baseline human military and scientific use of deep-ocean waters, defined as 100 km beyond the end of the continental shelf, unless previously approved by the CYAN ABYSS government of the relevant area. Recreational expeditions are exempted.
- A cessation of CYAN ABYSS attacks and abductions from signatory terrestrial states. Vessels in deep-ocean waters are not protected.
- License for NU inspectors to enter Sharkic waters to ensure adherence to the above.
- A CYAN ABYSS representative at any organization with an oceanic presence, possessing full voting rights and veto power over any action involving naval deployment.
World Wildlife Foundation
A mysterious organization, possibly funded by the Global Coalition of Countries, dedicated to speciating, conserving, and preserving wildlife. The WWF is known for having "Species Conservation Preserves", in which they house wildlife. They are believed to be responsible for preventing the beginning of a fifth mass extinction event. Their public fronts are concerned primarily with the preservation of all wildlife, but rumors suggest that they have a special interest in collecting Deviant wildlife, possibly for weaponization purposes. While uncanny similarities exist between the WWF and the SCP Foundation, reliable intelligence indicates that the two organizations do not collude.
The presence of the WWF, the SCP Foundation, and the Centre in this timeline is almost certainly a result of SPC-001 interference.
Geography:
Empire of Cipangu: Japan. Has wide presence and cultural influence in the Pacific Islands, but does not interfere in states that have received its cultural influence.
Goryeo: Korea, just using an older name. Haven't elaborated on it much.
Jianese Federation: China, currently a federal military/technocratic meritocracy.
Pan-Celtic Union
Sovereign Slavic Republican Union: Like the USSR, except structured medievally with independent duchies, baronies, etc. The claims to sovereignty, republic, and union are all tenuous. Seat of power in Kiev.
Union of American States
- California Region (California, Jinsan, Burr, Sierra Nevada, Deseret)
- American Space Agency
Clearance Levels:
- OVERT: Equivalent to unclassified. Approved for public dissemination.
- UNQUALIFIED: Equivalent to confidential. Approved for general distribution within the Centre and to allies.
- QUALIFIED: Equivalent to secret. Basic need-to-know access to relevant classified information.
- PRIVY: Equivalent to top secret. Operational level secrets with need-to-know access.
- ORACLE: Equivalent to above top secret. Strategic level secrets with need-to-know access.
Marine Fighting Team: The basic pugnātorial special operations units of the Centre, trained in both armed and unarmed underwater operations. Each unit has a unique codename such as MFT CENTURION, or MFT MYRMIDON. An MFT member is called a "frogman".
Codenames:
CERULEAN GLOVE: Cetaceans affected by the Deviant technology detailed in Project SPC-1258.
CYAN ABYSS: The ruling caste of the Sharkic civilization. CYAN ABYSS entities utilize Deviant biotechnology to augment human base stock with selachian and cephalopodic grafts. See Groups of Interest for more information.
GREY WANDERER: This universe's version of SCP-140-A; the last Daeva. Currently trying to manipulate the Centre into acquiring an extra-universal copy of The Chronicle of the Daeva and merging it with The Chronical of the Sharkic War.
ONYX POET: An extradimensional entity tied to several Deviant artistic works. Appears to possess knowledge of, and display hostility towards, SPC-001.
SPECTRAL SOUND: Codename for the surgically modified pilots and biomechanoid constructs produced by Project SPC-2615. Some specialized MFT squadrons are equipped with these units, and they are also used as part of Project SPC-682
NOTICE FROM THE CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE COORDINATION AND PROJECTS OPERATION COMMAND OFFICE
[The CICAPOCO is functionally a counterpart to the Foundation's RAISA or CI's DeCIRO. For every SPC article, CICAPOCO would issue notes to indicate if the project is active, on hiatus, terminated etc. If the project is not active, it will list conditions where said project may resume operation. P.S. Be as concise as possible, optimally even more concise than the Special Containment Procedures.]
Project #: SPC-[INSERT NUMBER]
Selachian Pugnātorial Capabilities: [To the Centre, anomalies are kept for the purpose of dealing with Selachian entities. Detail how your anomaly-based project can aid in the Centre's objectives.]
Project Component(s): [The counterpart for Description. The most notable difference would be that the Centre is more willing to combine anomalies together for a single project. Be clear and list out the various components of the project in question, and why the Centre is interested in them. Of course, not every component has to be anomalous. Some can be mundane everyday tools, repurposed for the Centre's goals. Heck, there can be projects with no anomalous objects as components.]
Augmentation Summary: [Not all anomalies are intended to deal with Selachian entities. Here, the Centre will detail what they did to the anomalies acquired to make it compatible with the Centre's objectives. Feel free to go into detail what the Centre did.]
Enhancement Summary:[Some things are already well suited to pummeling Selechian entities. Here the Centre will detail what they have done to improve or enhance the effectiveness of a pugnātorial project. SPC projects may have both an Augmentation Summary and an Enhancement Summary (in cases where the project was first modified to fit the Centre's objectives and then later improved) or just one or the other.]
Deployment Record: [This is where the Centre records the effectiveness of their projects out on the field. It can range from AARs of fights against Selachian entities, or interviews, or surveys, or test logs etc. Whatever that suits your article's purpose, really.]
Notes:
sirpudding: The BBC is an institution from our world, and I think in general we should try to avoid those, since the Centreverse diverged thousands of years ago, SCP-1329 indicates that the Centre uses a language that's related but not identical to our languages, and part of the appeal here is the bizarro-world distortion of the familiar.
I also think we might want a glossary tab, or otherwise a tab with worldbuilding elements, where we can list the security clearances, [Greek letter]-[Colour] priority system, common code names (like CYAN AYBSS) and phrases (like Selechaian Entity), geography and similar.
Abyssal Sharkicists are almost universally CYAN ABYSS entities, though some individuals have been observed to have appearances closer to baseline humanity
Note, their undesea cities are living Halcosts as well.
Hades Shoal, Western Atlantic Ocean
HADES SHOAL is a Centre codename, and was expressly an "outpost". It corresponds roughly to Y'ha-nthlei.
kenneth1221: I think having a few things from our world is fine, simply to add some contrast so the really bizarre divergences stand out. In terms of divergence, I have personally been treating it as kind of like SCP-1968 retrocausality or a time boom from Flashpoint — enough to make changes, but also enough to still be recognizable. I'm assuming most people have been doing something of that approach.
Glossary sounds like a good idea. We should also work on codifying the terms. In my proposed changes, I raise a few questions and write misgivings, if you're wondering about my concerns.
Changed the HADES SHOAL to "Atlantos". Also, is the "World Wildlife Foundation" distinct enough to stand on its own, or should I fold it under another group like the NU?
Question: what sort of standardization are we putting into this terminology, if any?
I was thinking colors could be a sign for standardized Deviant clades (ex. CYAN for Sharkics, GREEN for fairies/magical creatures, GREY for unknown capabilities/relation to Serpent's Hand), with the other term serving as further information/encoding? My proposed additions would be WHITE as relating to 001, CERULEAN for augmented cetaceans, and CHROMA as Thaumiel/high-priority/something significant.
For baseline sharks, codenames could be puns of species name (ex. DOUBLE SQUATINA for Squatina squatina or angelshark).
Other information could be ERIN representing the Pan-Celtic Union, POET/ARTIST/PAINTER/MUSE for information-based projects/entities, and GLOVE/GIRDLE/UPPERCUT/other fighting-related words for SPC-components. Maybe terrestrial locations would be associated with a symbol, such as TURKEY for the UAS, while Abyssal locations could be codenamed after demons/death gods?
Other than that, I've been operating off of free association, and if you guys don't think an organization would put so much information into obvious codenames, we can disregard parts or all of this schema.
sirpudding: I think the WWF being some shadowy GOI is hilarious.
Code names have largely been free association, or easter eggs for me, If there's a consistent scheme across all works, I'd be surprised.
sirpudding: I added the Boatswains to the GOI list and Enhancement Summary to the template.
So we've used the color priority scheme three times now:
SPC-140 — Omega-Black
SPC-682 — Alpha-Orange
SPC-1984 — Beta-Red
I don't think that this actually bears explanation or codification, but we could if we wanted to. I think that the Greek letter is strategic priority, with Alpha being routine everyday operations and Omega being the upmost strategic priority, with the rest of the alphabet falling in between. The color is which tasks have priority over others, and go in color spectrum order with Red being low priority, Violet being high priority, Black is "drop everything to do this", and White is "emergency all-hands".
What about mainlist style titles? Should the hub include them?
Wrong: Responses
The BBC is an institution from our world
Personally, I was thinking that the B stands for Britannian or Brythonian, not British.
Code names have largely been free association, or easter eggs for me, If there's a consistent scheme across all works, I'd be surprised.
Same for me as well. But I think 'two words' ought to be a standard for how codenames are made. A standardised codename scheme… well, GOC does that already.
What about mainlist style titles? Should the hub include them?
I personally did not implement it, but it seems to be highly-practised. I suppose we can anoint them with nicknames.
kenneth1221:
…I just realized I may be the only one who's been adhering to 'two words, one color'. 'Two words' is fine.
How many of these codenames do we want to include? I've added a few that I think are important to the canon, and I think that should be the general guideline.
Tossed in nickname ideas for my SPCs, and cleaned up some of my geographical information. Added a tab "Notes for Authors". It's up to you guys whether you want to keep it. Also added a possible idea for a sect of the BotCoG. Again, I value your opinions.
Also, I don't have any ideas for a SPC featuring them yet, but what do you guys think about making AWCY a pseudo-Masonic organization? Artisan Workers Cohort of Yosiah/Yerevan/Yrusalem. The logic being, since Deviant tech and art's well known, men like Da Vinci would've been anartists, and would've had to go somewhere.
Personally, I was thinking that the B stands for Britannian or Brythonian, not British.
"Broadcast Britannica Corps"? "Brythonian Broad Cast"? I don't see any particular reason not to put reversals in slightly unorthodox form.
sirpudding: I have used one word code names at least twice: "VENUSBERG" and "MFT CENTURION".
Wrong: Response.
How many of these codenames do we want to include? I've added a few that I think are important to the canon, and I think that should be the general guideline.
Maybe mostly for the GoIs. That being said, I am very liberal on the codenames and I don't think they matter much in the long run.
Artisan Workers Cohort of Yosiah/Yerevan/Yrusalem. The logic being, since Deviant tech and art's well known, men like Da Vinci would've been anartists, and would've had to go somewhere.
That can work out.
sirpudding: Another random factoid: at least the part of the UAS that includes Seattle uses "talents" as the primary denomination of currency.
sirpudding: Here's a thought (maybe more for SPC-001 as SH document than the hub): So SPC-001 is the Mistaken Beast, the "god" of Sharkicism that they are trying to eat. This is either us being amused by the typo, so the Centre is forced to punch sharks in order to keep the universe going. Or it's the poor dead dream-shark of SCP-1449 (and As It Always Was, As it Always Will Be) and the centre is forced to punch sharks in order to keep the shark from waking up. Did djoric write the dying shark or did the dreaming shark dream him?
kenneth1221/LORDXVNV: by the way. I hereby release all of the ideas I contributed to this page for use by sirpudding or MrWrong in any SPC related efforts, in the case that I disappear from the site for another 2/3/4+ years.