RPC-348

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Area of initial seismic activity (yellow) with epicenter (orange).

Registered Phenomena Code: 348

Object Class: Beta-Purple Beta-Black

Hazard Types: Geological Hazard, Regenerative Hazard, Titanic Hazard

Containment Protocols: RPC-348 is to be levitated within a 5 cubic meter room in Site-084. A holding apparatus is to be affixed to the eastern wall of the containment chamber, and will act as a scabbard for RPC-348.

Testing Parameters: A specialist in seismology must remain on site at all times, and will be granted any equipment requested within reason. If any of prior containment protocols are not met, earthquake warnings are to be given to every population center within a 300 km radius until containment protocols are restored.
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Testing is allowed with permission from a regional director. Apropos to Incident Log RPC-348-C12, and the subsequent Directive 203.32A, data from experimentation cannot outweigh the risk presented by RPC-348. As such, all testing is hereby prohibited. Engagement with RPC-348 may be approved by 3 concurrent Level 5 ranking members, and with in coordination with the Executive Branch of [DATA REDACTED].


Description: RPC-348 is a 1.4 meter long-sword that carbon dates to around the 7th century AD and is chronistic to swords of the Tibetan Empire. RPC-348 features a molten blade, the temperature of which typically ranges from 1320°C-1340°C, when not heated further. The hilt consists of a black leather grip, beneath which are Tibetan inscriptions that translate roughly to “Destiny Be Answered”. The pommel1 is mineral-like in composition and is fashioned in a triangular shape, reminiscent of a mountain. A second inscription is found upon the pommel that roughly translates to “[The] Reckoning's Palm".

No materials of the sword, nor any surrounding materials,2 are affected by the extreme temperature. The heat generated by RPC-348, while quantifiable, is non-causative. Serial readings of RPC-348's temperature indicate that it waxes and wanes3 in predictable, rhythmic cycles that last approximately 50 years.4

When in contact with the ground, RPC-348 produces significant seismic activity. This effect is mitigated if RPC-348 is elevated off of the ground through contact-less means, such as a wall scabbard, though mild tectonic perturbations in the surrounding area can still be detected.5 The percentage of RPC-348 touching the earth has no effect or relative negation of its seismic capabilities.

RPC-348 exhibits additional properties when heated. However, the means by which RPC-348 is heated is causally anomalous. The blade will not absorb additional radiation in the form of heat or be affected by increases (or decreases) in ambient temperature. Instead, the blade increases its temperature when in the presence of certain individuals of Tibetan ancestry, and returns to its native temperature range when not.

When RPC-348 reaches a temperature exceeding the threshold of its native range, the blade drips its molten contents, and onto the ground unless in its containment apparatus. These sloughed droplets are designated RPC-348-1 and mimic the effects of RPC-348's contact with the ground, but to a lesser degree. However, RPC-348-1 is by no means seismically insignificant.

The creation of RPC-348-1 does not reduce the mass of RPC-348. Because of this, RPC-348 has been labeled as a Regenerative Hazard.


Database Geotag of RPC-348.

Discovery: RPC-348 was obtained on ██/██/████ at the epicenter of ten major earthquakes around Qonggyai, Tibet. After the initial detection, Authority seismologist Peter Maltineau requested an expedition to the region along with seismology/geology/vulcanology specialists MST Zulu-12 "Red Hot Hand". Once the team arrived at the coordinates, the well-known Chongye Valley, or the "Valley of the Kings", further reconnaissance identified the epicenter of the seismic activity as a previously unknown burial mound near Taktsé Castle.

After gaining entry to the site, RPC-348 was quickly identified as an object of interest and deemed likely causative to the surrounding seismic activity. Following the request of a small, mobile forge, RPC-348 was successfully contained, and its immediate anomalous properties were ascertained and ceased with relative ease.

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Photo of excavations subsequent to RPC-348's discovery. Taktsé Castle can be seen in the top right, upon the hill.

The specific tomb from which RPC-348 was recovered features insignias and hallmarks of Tibetan royalty, consistent with the purpose of the valley. After this discovery, additional such chambers adjacent to the major burial mounds in the valley were also discovered and were subsequently excavated.

While no second instance of RPC-348 was found, the tombs featured an identical scabbard and housing apparatus intended for a sword of RPC-348's exact proportions. This construct is present in royal tombs dating back to the earliest ruler of the Tibetan empire, Songtsen Gampo. The tomb RPC-348 was discovered in was that of the latest of the Tibetan empire's major rulers, Langdarma. This indicates that RPC-348 may have had a cultural and political role in determining the succession of rulers in the area.

RPC-348 was discovered outside of its scabbard. It is unclear by what means or for how long RPC-348 had been in contact with the ground.




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