rpc the marble makers :-)
http://rpcsandbox.wikidot.com/marble-makers <- here is the link tell me what you think
rpc the marble makers :-)
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» rpc the marble makers :-)
Summary:
hello i made another article after 2 years
The chamber should be stocked with plentiful amounts of organic material for RPC-XXX instances to feast on.
feast on -> feed on
Any personnel who have interacted with RPC-XXX in any way are required to exit through the aforementioned airlock, incinerate their clothing, thoroughly bathe, and quarantine themselves for a period of several hours, as to prevent the spread of RPC-XXX.
"Personnel who have physically interacted with RPC-XXX are required to leave via the aforementioned airlock and proceed to incinerate their clothing, bathe thoroughly, and quarantine themselves in wait for symptoms of infection."
Protocol for a breach of containment is to fumigate contaminated areas with sprayers hooked up to sodium hypochlorite containers. These areas should then be rinsed down with distilled water after 2-4 hours have passed, before which access is restricted to prevent further contamination. Cleaners responsible for decontamination should wear sealed, disposable suits, as after an area is rinsed, the suits will be incinerated.
"Protocol for a breach of containment is to fumigate contaminated areas with sodium hypochlorite as soon as possible, then rinse down with distilled water after 2-4 hours. During this period, access will only be permitted to cleaner personnel wearing disposable sealed suits, which are to be incinerated post-operation."
When RPC-XXX-1 instances begin to build up, personnel should be equipped with nitrile gloves and corrosion-resistant platinum tongs to properly collect the entities for storage. RPC-XXX-1 instances should be stored in 0º C (-32º F) containment lockers. RPC-XXX instances are not to be allowed to grow past the fifth stage of their life cycle, and should be destroyed once they reach this stage.
"Buildup of RPC-XXX-1 is to be prevented via manual retrieval. Personnel should be equipped with nitrile gloves and corrosion-resistant platinum tongs for collection and storage in 0° C (-32° F) lockers. RPC-XXX colonies may not be allowed to progress past the fifth stage of their life cycle, and should be destroyed upon maturation to this point."
RPC-XXX instances latch onto organic material, and, after a duration of 30 minutes to an hour, will begin secreting a highly corrosive superacid1 that digests the material. RPC-XXX is highly resistant to most acidic chemical solutions, however is vulnerable to chemicals that are more basic, such as sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), which is effective in small amounts, but can cause collateral damage to a surrounding ecosystem if used too frequently.
"RPC-XXX instances grow onto organic material 30 minutes to an hour after direct physical contact, secreting a highly corrosive superacid for the purposes of digestion and consumption of such material. RPC-XXX are highly resistant to most acidic solutions, but are vulnerable to simpler chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). This particular compound is effective in small amounts, but is known to cause extensive collateral damage when deployed in significant quantities."
I'm still not really sure what these creatures are like. Are they more like hair, or more like masses of dandelion seeds that can spread with wind? The exact mechanism by which they spread is never explained.
When introduced to an ecosystem, RPC-XXX will feed on the organic matter by releasing the aforementioned acid. When there is no organic matter present, RPC-XXX will enter a dormant phase where production of acid and RPC-XXX-1 instances are halted until more organic matter is introduced for consumption.
"When introduced to any environment, RPC-XXX feed until there is no more organic matter present in their vicinity, at which point individual instances begin hibernating. Production of acid and RPC-XXX-1 is halted at this point, and recommences only when organic matter is reintroduced."
RPC-XXX instances grow in the direction of which they are feeding, and will degenerate parts of their bodies furthest from the feeding site. This allows them a rudimentary form of movement over long periods of time. Despite being very resistant to acid chemicals and physical removal, RPC-XXX is very vulnerable to prolonged changes in temperature. The environment of East Russia, with its coolness and moisture, is almost perfectly suited for the growth of RPC-XXX instances. RPC-XXX is unable to grow in aquatic environments, and when surrounded by water, RPC-XXX instances will enter dormancy until all water is removed, and the instance has dried.
"RPC-XXX instances grow in the direction on which they are feeding, with anterior body parts ceasing activity and decomposing over time. This is a rudimentary form of transportation over long periods. Despite their resistance to physical force and acidic substances, instances are vulnerable to prolonged changes in temperature. Excessive moisture and direct submersion also triggers dormancy."
As such, the environment of East Russia is almost perfectly suited for growth of RPC-XXX: its coolness and moisture remain stable throughout the year."
In which way are they "vulnerable"? Does this kill them?
The infection caused when RPC-XXX latches onto human skin is very easy to spread, and is very easy to ignore and misdiagnose when in stages where it can be easily treated. When trace amounts of RPC-XXX get on the skin, the infection manifests as a rash, intensifying in severity over several hours. Within a day, skin can become noticeably burned, and constant scratching can cause secondary skin infections. RPC-XXX infections should be treated as soon as possible, as the more severe an infection gets, the more painful it becomes to remove, as any agitation using chemically basic solutions will cause it to secrete more acid onto the skin.
"Skin infections caused by RPC-XXX spread rapidly, and are commonly ignored and misdiagnosed in stages were adequate treatment is easily available. Trace amounts of RPC-XXX entering contact with the skin can rapidly provoke rash, which intensifies in severity over the course of several hours.
Within a day, infected skin gains noticeable burns, the scratching of which can cause secondary infections throughout the body. Treatment of RPC-XXX infection should be as rapid as possible, as the process of handling and clinical intervention becomes exponentially more painful to the patient: any agitation, particularly that involved in application of chemical solutions, cause immediate secretion of acid onto the skin."
Any individual who is infected with RPC-XXX is to enter a 3-week quarantine period, during which they are required to bathe three times daily using a special shampoo and body soap that contains very small amounts of sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite causes chemical burns when applied in large amounts, so it is necessary that not too much is used. Any individual on Site-115 who presents signs of a rash without contact with RPC-XXX are required to enter a diminished quarantine period, during which they will be monitored closely, and if the rash persists for longer than 3 days, they are then placed in full quarantine.
"Any infected individual is required to enter a 3-week quarantine, during which they are to bathe thrice daily, using special shampoo and body soap containing small amounts of sodium hypochlorite. Only small amounts may be used during each bath, as large amounts provoke skin burns.
All persons in Site-115 presenting signs of rash without contact with RPC-XXX are required to enter a lesser quarantine and monitoring period. Should rash persist for longer than 3 days, this will upgrade into full quarantine."
What is the actual composition of the shampoo and soap? Can it be made using commercially available products, or does it require local production? Are persons with which infected individuals have made contact traced and quarantined too?
RPC-XXX presents an extreme threat to both ecosystems and to humans. Instances are easily able to adapt to different environments, and can grow without sunlight and can subsist in areas with only miniscule amounts of organic material, such as mold and bacteria colonies.
"RPC-XXX presents extreme threats both individually and ecologically. The capability for individuals to grow in radically different environments, and subsist in areas with minuscule amounts of nutrition (such as other mold and bacterial colonies) and absent sunlight means that nearly are environments are apt for massive spread."
RPC-XXX-1 instances are marble-sized spheres created by RPC-XXX after a period of 3-4 weeks once they reach stage 3 of their life cycle, but are able to mature once they reach stage 4. They start off squishy, and full of a clear fluid composed of digested organic matter and acid. Once matured, they become semi-opaque, white in color, and incredibly dense, but brittle. A single RPC-XXX-1 instance weighs in at approximately 70 grams, and can withstand up to 250 gigapascals of pressure before shattering. The means by which RPC-XXX produces RPC-XXX-1 are entirely unknown, and any attempts to closely dissect RPC-XXX instances have been met with failure, as RPC-XXX reacts violently to excessive prodding by releasing corrosive superacid. The composition of RPC-XXX-1 is believed to be mostly carbon, due to the large amount of organic material that RPC-XXX consumes. Due to their extreme density, RPC-XXX-1 instances slowly sink down into the soil, presumably depositing at the bedrock layer.
"RPC-XXX-1 instances are marble-sized spheres created by RPC-XXX after a period of 3-4 weeks upon reaching stage 3 of their life-cycle (see below), but mature only after their parent instance reaches stage 4. They are initially soft, and full of a clear fluid composed of dissolved organic matter and acid. Once matured, they become semi-opaque, white in colour, and exceptionally dense, yet brittle.
Singular RPC-XXX-1 weigh approximately 70 grams, and can withstand up to 250 gigapascals of pressure before shattering. The means by which RPC-XXX-1 are produced is entirely unknown: close dissection of RPC-XXX instances results in the release of copious amounts of acid. RPC-XXX-1 are believed to be primarily composed of carbon, given the large amount of organic material RPC-XXX consume. In their native habitat, the density of RPC-XXX-1 causes them to slowly sink into the soil and presumably deposit at the bedrock layer."
After an incubation period of several hundred years underground, this stage emerges from the ground slowly, feeding on organic matter in the dirt and low to the ground. RPC-XXX will attempt to root itself onto large, nutrient-rich plants, such as trees, but has also been observed consuming other sources of organic matter, such as decomposing animal or plant matter, bones, and even other RPC-XXX instances.
How do they know how long the incubation period is, or if there is an incubation period at all? This is incongruent with how quickly they grow onto the skin. It would make more sense for this growth to be prompted by appropriate moisture instead.
Are stages 3 and 4 differentiated in anything but the growth of RPC-XXX-1? The earlier segments suggest that RPC-XXX changes between these stages.
During this stage, RPC-XXX produces a more potent superacid, which quickly eats through any organic matter exposed to it, and is capable of dissolving inorganic material.
Earlier in the article it's explained that this acid is produced at any stage of development rather than only late stages.
After the initial discovery of RPC-XXX on 5/17/2017 within the Khabarovsk Krai, more instances were discovered over the course of the summer forming a prominent boundary of where they appeared.
"Following the initial discovery of RPC-XXX on 5/17/2017 within the Khabarovsk Krai, more instances emerged over the course of the summer, forming a prominent boundary around the area of initial emergence.
The prevailing theory behind the appearance of RPC-XXX is that RPC-XXX-1 instances are located deep within the topsoil of Eastern Russia, and were able to begin sprouting RPC-XXX and spread to the surface due to ideal climate conditions. This would explain how RPC-XXX keeps returning in areas where it has been wiped out, and how RPC-XXX is appearing in new areas so suddenly. This has raised concerns that instances of RPC-XXX-1 could be located deep in topsoil in other regions of Earth, and that as climate conditions gradually change, it could provide opportunities for dormant instances of RPC-XXX-1 to sprout, and proliferate in new areas.
"The prevailing theory behind the rapid appearance of RPC-XXX is that RPC-XXX-1 instances are abundant within the topsoil of Eastern Russia, beginning to grow and spread due to ideal climactic circumstances. This would explain the continued reemergence of RPC-XXX in areas where complete extermination was carried out, as well as their emergence in other geographically disconnected locations.
This has raised concerns that instances of RPC-XXX-1 could be located in the topsoil of other similar regions, thus potentially providing future opportunities for RPC-XXX to emerge and proliferate due to changes in climate conditions."
OL Site-XXX is a derelict manor that has been completely consumed by RPC-XXX. It was discovered on 5/21/2023 by a fumigation team flying overhead, and a ground research team was dispatched from Site-115 to investigate. OL Site-XXX is monitored by an on-site outpost team, which are equipped with sets of tungsten shears, used to trim any amount of RPC-XXX that grows outside the manor, before being incinerated by the on-site incinerator. OL Site-XXX is maintained and repaired to prevent its complete collapse, and receives material and personnel from Site-115.
"OL Site-XXX is a derelict manor that has been completely overrun by RPC-XXX. It was discovered on 5/12/2023 by a fumigation team observing infested areas from the air, followed by a Site-115 research team dispatch.
OL Site-XXX is monitored in situ by a permanently stationed team responsible of continually trimming and incinerating RPC-XXX growth via tungsten shears. External scaffolding and reinforcements have been deployed to prevent the complete collapse of the original structure, together with limited repairs. Material and personnel are supplied from Site-115."
The instance of RPC-XXX that lives within OL Site-XXX is believed to be the final stage of growth for RPC-XXX, during which it secretes its acid in an aerosolized state, which corrodes any matter around it, and irritates the eyes, mouth and throat, nasal passages, respiratory system, and exposed skin. RPC-XXX is incredibly tough in this final stage, and shows resistance to both acidic and basic chemicals, and is even mildly flame retardant. RPC-XXX-1 instances created by this instance of RPC-XXX are the size of small gourds and weigh almost 90kg depending on the size.
"The singular, massive instance of RPC-XXX that covers OL Site-XXX is believed to be the ultimate stage of growth of the anomaly. This instance continually secretes acid in an aerosolized state, corroding surrounding matter and irritating the eyes, mouth and throat, nasal passages, respiratory system, and exposed skin.
It is exceptionally resilient, displaying resistance to chemicals typically used to remove lesser instances and even proving mildly flame retardating. RPC-XXX-1 growing throughout the area have been observed to be the size of small gourds and weigh almost 90kg."
A concerning development surrounding RPC-XXX surfaced when instances were discovered near the banks of the Amur River on 7/21/2021. Subsequently, RPC-XXX-1 instances were discovered in the river and alarmingly, at the bottom of the Sea of Japan, presumably from the river. From there, researchers were able to follow instances of RPC-XXX-1 carried by ocean currents to the South China Sea, a popular region for searching for pearls.
"A concerning development surrounding RPC-XXX surfaced when instances were discovered near the banks of the Amur River on 7/21/2021, followed by the emergence of RPC-XXX-1 within the river and, alarmingly, the bottom of the Sea of Japan. From there, ocean currents were observed to carry RPC-XXX-1 to the South China Sea, a popular region for the sourcing of pearls used in jewelry."
Following this development, 30 jewelry samples from local sellers in Manila were purchase by the Authority. It was found that 24 out of 30 of these jewelry samples were made with RPC-XXX-1 instances. From this, it can be assumed that, for as long as RPC-XXX has been present near the Amur River and its tributaries, estimated 2-3 years, instances of RPC-XXX-1 have been present in the South China Sea, and circulating around the world as faux pearl jewelry.
"30 samples of jewelry were purchased from local sellers in Manila, of which 24 were positively identified as hibernating RPC-XXX-1. It can be assumed that, for as long as RPC-XXX has been present in the environs of the Amur River and its tributaries (estimated 2-3 years), RPC-XXX-1 have been simultaneously present in the South China Sea, being harvested and then circulated worldwide as faux pearl jewelry."
If they prevailing theory on the nature of RPC-XXX is true, the worldwide spread of RPC-XXX-1 could result in ecological calamity, and multiple operations are underway to recover jewelry that contains instances of RPC-XXX-1. Alongside this, ocean currents will continue to spread RPC-XXX-1 across the ocean floor.
"Should the prevailing theory on the nature of RPC-XXX prove true, worldwide spread of RPC-XXX-1 could result in ecological calamity. Multiple operations are underway to recover compromised jewelry and observe the movement of RPC-XXX-1 across the ocean floor."
Very neat article, absolutely made by the details and thoroughness with which the anomaly has been ingrained into the world, although I feel there is some absence of detail as to the physical composition and biology of individual instance and the composition of the acid they use to digest matter.
Good work!
The chamber should be stocked with plentiful amounts of organic material
Scientific language should be used here. Something like "No less than one cubic metre of organic material.
The fuzz that RPC-XXX is composed of is also easily able to rub off when brushed up against
Perhaps better suited to be named as an offshoot of mycelium rather than being called Fuzz, as it's essentially the same as mycelium.
Other than that, it looks good to me. Perhaps include that they use herbicide sprayers made up of aerolized sodium hypochlorite? But due to its danger to humans can not be spread in large quantities. Good make for a good filler image with people using sprayers in a contaminated zone.
Tone Alterations:
"Any instance of RPC-XXX that is spotted in its native habitat of Southeast Russia is to be destroyed by using a sodium hypochlorite solution, followed by a complete fumigation of the surrounding area with the aforementioned solution."
Instances of RPC-XXX detected within the Southeastern regions of Russia (primarily the Oblasts of Khabarovsk, Priorsky, and Sakhalin) are to be located, contained, and liquidated utilizing a sodium hypochlorate solution. The area surrounding the detected instance is to be fumigated over a period of two weeks by Site-115 personnel.
"The chamber should contain plants that are watered twice daily. The containment chamber is to be built with a 5-meter deep dirt floor, and fitted with a one-way entrance door and an airlock, as well as a room for personnel to quarantine themselves."
Any containment chamber should include a layer of soil approximately 5 meters in depth as well as suitable plants which are to be watered twice daily on a regular rotation. Any containment chamber should be fitted with an airtight seal in order to avoid any contamination, including the required intermediary decontamination areas.
"Any personnel who have interacted with RPC-XXX are required to exit through the aforementioned airlock, incinerate their clothing, thoroughly bathe themselves,"
Following physical contact with RPC-XXX, all onsite personnel are to incinerate their clothing, undergo the proper battery of chemical baths for decontamination,
"RPC-XXX is a species of fuzzy, mold-like creatures"
RPC-XXX refers to a species of fibrous, mold-like organisms
"the Amur River in Southeast Russia, but were since found to have proliferated all across Southeast Russia"
the Amur River in Southeast Russia, but were since found to have proliferated throughout the entire region. (maybe province/local biosphere, etc.)
"latch onto organic material and will begin secreting a highly corrosive acid that digests the material after 30 minutes of attachment"
latch onto organic material and secrete a highly corrosive acid, digesting the given substance within 30 minutes of attachment
"This acid has been identified as resembling Nitric acid (HNO3)"
The behavior of the acid is analogous to baseline Nitric acids (HNO3)
"and is believed to be secreted by complex structures in the fuzz"
and is produced by complex organelles within the fibrous structure, by some unknown means.
"RPC-XXX will feed on the organic matter by releasing the aforementioned acid."
instances of RPC-XXX utilize their natural properties to feed on any available organic material.
"Despite being very resistant to acidic chemicals and physical removal"
Despite the intensive resistance to physical removal,
"and when surrounded by water"
and when fully submerged
"Small hairs"
small fibres
"Small hairs from RPC-XXX are capable of latching onto human skin, and can begin growing and cause an infection, which is very easy to spread and to misdiagnose when it is able to be easily treated"
Microscopic fibres from RPC-XXX instances are known to be hazardous upon contact with human skin. While easily treated, the growth of fibres and subsequent infection regularly go undetected due to misdiagnosis.
"skin can become noticeably burned, the constant scratching of which can cause secondary skin infections"
the infection begins to resemble burns, often leading to secondary inflammation as a result of habitual abrasion. (you can just say scratching if u want.)
"the more painful it becomes to remove"
the more difficult it becomes to remove
remember, clinical tone is all about sterility and dehumanization
"individual who is infected"
individual found to be infected
"required to bathe three times daily using a special shampoo and body soap that contains very small amounts of sodium hypochlorite"
required to undergo a chemical bath thrice daily, utilizing a sodium hydrochlorate solution.
"Anybody who the infected individual had physical contact with is placed into a lesser quarantine, and any item that they touched is analyzed for presence of RPC-XXX. Papers that were handled have their information copied, before being incinerated, and any other object or furniture is cleaned with sodium hypochlorite, if possible."
Those in contact with the infected individual are to be placed under lesser quarantine, any item the infected individual may have handled is to be analyzed for any instance of RPC-XXX. Should the items in question be documents of importance, they are to be photocopied in a sterile environment and incinerated. All handled items are to be cleaned with sodium hydrochlorate, if possible.
"Any individual on Site-115 that presents signs of a rash without contact with RPC-XXX are required to enter a lesser quarantine period, during which they are monitored for 3 days, and if the rash persists, they are then moved into full quarantine."
Should any on-site personnel within Site-115 present signs of a rash without contact with RPC-XXX, they are to enter a lesser quarantine period, during which they are monitored for 3 days, and if the rash persists, they are to be moved into full quarantine.
"to both ecosystems and to humans"
to the entirety of Earth's biosphere.
"and can grow without sunlight and can subsist in areas with only miniscule amounts of organic material, such as mold and bacteria colonies"
having been observed to grow independent of the presence of sunlight or abundance of organic material.
"The fuzz-like mycelium that RPC-XXX is composed of is also easily able to rub off when brushed up against"
The fibrous mycelium that RPC-XXX is composed of easily ejects upon contact,
"RPC-XXX-1 instances are marble-sized spheres created by RPC-XXX after a period of 3-4 weeks once they reach stage 3 of their life cycle (see below), but are able to mature once they reach stage 4."
RPC-XXX-1 refers to instances of small spherical structures produced by RPC-XXX during a 3-4 week period within Stage 3 of the life cycle (see below).
"They start off squishy, and full of a clear fluid composed of dissolved organic matter and acid. Once matured, they become semi-opaque, white in color, and incredibly dense, but brittle."
The structures begin in a translucent and gelatinous state, suffused with a thick fluid composed of organic material. Over time the objects become more opaque, and once matured develop a rigid lattice allowing for an incredibly dense yet brittle structure.
"as attempts to dissect RPC-XXX instances result in the instance producing copious amounts of acid"
as instances of RPC-XXX will impair their own internal structures with acid as a defense mechanism, making any attempts at dissection extremely dificult.
"The composition of RPC-XXX-1 is believed to be mostly carbon, due to the large amount of organic material that RPC-XXX consumes"
There is a technique called spectroscopy which allows scientists to pretty reliably measure the chemical makeup of a material, i think it would be interesting to include this here, or an explanation as to why it doesnt work for the anomaly.
"until stage 4."
If you are going to use numbers, capitalize the word so we know its a specific term "Stage 4", otherwise use the word: "stage four."
"When 3-4 weeks have passed in the third stage"
3-4 weeks into the third stage,
"and is able to quickly dissolve"
and is able to more rapidly dissolve
"is a derelict manor that has been completely consumed by RPC-XXX"
Was once an abandoned estate, which has since been consumed by a large number of RPC-XXX instances.
"5/21/2023"
please use a date in the past, preferably pretty far in the past. At the very least *most* RPC articles are meant to be written such that they are on the site, in universe, being read in the present era, meaning they are likely written in the past.
Setting an article so far in the future is just silly.
"by a fumigation flying to an infested area"
by a team of fumigators responding to a reported infection,
" every 4 months"
four months
"the trimming and destruction of RPC-XXX instances growing outside of the manor"
maintaining an acceptable level of growth around the estate's exterior
"ensuring that the structural integrity of the manor remains high"
ensuring the integrity of the estate's various structures to prevent any collapse.
"There is only one, massive instance of RPC-XXX that grows within OL Site-XXX, and it is believed to be in the final stage of growth for the anomalies. This instance is able to secrete a more mild, aerosolized acid along with its normal acid, which corrodes any matter around it, and irritates the eyes, mouth and throat, nasal passages, respiratory system, and exposed skin."
Within the lower levels of the site an instance of RPC-XXX was discovered that greatly differs from any others observed. The instance is far more massive than any other encountered and is capable of secreting a second variety of aerosolized acid, capable of significantly corroding surrounding matter. It has also been observed to irritate the eyes, mouth and throat, nasal passages, respiratory system, and exposed skin of humans. Researchers believ the instance may be an example of a theoretical sixth stage of development in the RPC-XXX life cycle.
General Additions:
Very well done conceptually, but there are some structural changes I'd reccomend.
1. First and foremost I think your collapsibles are in need of headers, just some bolded or enlarged text at the top that leads into the content, look at some other articles for examples of that.
2. Move the final image of jewelry to the right, or just make it larger, it cuts off the text in a weird place.
3. This one is optional, but I feel as though just visually the article ends kind of abruptly, perhaps you could add one more addendum, maybe like an announcement distributed by the authority,
one that looks like this
announcing the recall of pearl jewelry across the coast of the South China Sea, or something like that.
In any case, prety good work so far. Touch up on that clinical tone a bit and you'll be golden!
/forum/t-14470076/rpc-the-marble-makers#post-