Link to article: SCP-6835.
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[[include theme:black-highlighter-theme]] [[>]] [[module Rate]] [[/>]] **Designation:** SCP-6835 **Threat Level:** Theta **Special Containment Procedures:** Tactical Operations Unit Earnshaw-4 ('Foo Fighters') has been tasked with investigating all reported sightings of SCP-6835, and expunging any recollection of the event from all witnesses. By order of the D9 Council, there are to be no further attempts to capture, or otherwise impede SCP-6835. [[include component:image-block name=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/1871UFO.png| caption= Earliest known heliotype depicting SCP-6835, captured during the Year of the Great Frost. | width=190px]] **Report:** SCP-6835 is the //Black Wyvern//, a //Ferdinand//-class air frigate which vanished along with its crew during the closing stages of the War of Alarian Aggression. Periodically, SCP-6835 will appear above populated areas under Rupertian jurisdiction (hereafter referred to as a Manifestation Event) at an altitude of between 25000 and 30000 hands. SCP-6835 Manifestation Events are typically concurrent with the onset of sudden and intense thunderstorms; whether SCP-6835 itself is responsible for these meteorological phenomena remains uncertain. Within minutes of appearance, SCP-6835 will begin rapidly descending at speeds of up to 170 kh per hour, before vanishing within a distance of 150 hands above ground. The earliest known SCP-6835 sighting is attributed to the HMA //Queen Amelia//, whose crew reported witnessing a WAA-era craft in the vicinity of Mount Kingspear. The //Amelia//'s captain, one Julius Abadie, apparently possessing some degree of familiarity SCP-6835, refused direct orders to track the vessel's movements, instead joining his servicemen in utterance of a short prayer. Foundation agents embedded in the Rupertian Air Force investigated the sighting, and subsequently expunged all witness' memory of the incident. To date, the Foundation has made three attempts to intercept SCP-6835. In all cases, the pursuing aircraft were downed after experiencing apparent catastrophic engine failure. While the wreckage of these vessels have since been retrieved, in all cases no human remains could be identified. **Additional:** The following account of SCP-6835 was published in the //Fort Charles Times// by Lord Theobald T. Whitestone, 7th Earl of Eastchapel, documented for future research by the [[[Department of Mythology and Folkloristics Hub | Division of Folkloric Studies]]]: [[div style="border:solid 1px #000000; color:#000000; border-radius: 10px; background:#ffeece; padding:5px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding:10px"]] [[=]] [[size 200%]]**ATTENTION ALL AVIATORS**[[/size]] [[size 150%]]**BEWARE THE BLACK WYVERN!**[[/size]] [[/=]] As any groundgawker[[footnote]]Aerial slang term; used to refer to individuals who are inexperienced with aeronautics and navigation.[[/footnote]] worth his rations knows, the dutiful airmen who service this great nation are a valiant, though superstitious folk, with their own curious customs and beliefs. In the past, I have not shied from relegating some of the more extravagant sky-tales, from the somber sully-gullies[[footnote]]A species of legendary seabird. Supposedly, male sully-gullies are deserted by their partners after mating, and become so distraught as to fly directly into aircraft propellers, to disastrous consequence. These creatures are believed to have originated as a practical joke, whereby credulous new recruits are tasked with keeping watch for sully-gullies, their white beaks and azure plumage making them difficult to spot in clear skies.[[/footnote]], to the boundless delights of Cloud Nine[[footnote]]In aeronautical folklore, Cloud Nine is an idyllic afterlife awaiting all honorable airmen, which is inhabited by a race of beautiful bird-maidens. Here it is said that wind and rain are absent, and the Moon is always full and bright, with the night skies awash with dazzling aurora displays.[[/footnote]]. Tempting as it may seem to dismiss such tellings as mere guff and claptrap, on my reputation as a scholar and a gentleman, the following account is as veracious and indisputable as the skies above. In the waning days of the War of Alarian Aggression, the //Black Wyvern// was renowned as one of the finest frigates of her class. Under the watchful command of a shrewd and daring sundog[[footnote]]Aerial slang term; used to denote a seasoned aviator.[[/footnote]] by the name of Phileas Faustus (pictured), the //Wyvern// emerged unscathed from countless skirmishes across the Northern Front. This run of fair fortune was not to last however, and whilst traversing the thick mists above West Arthuria, the //Wyvern// was beset by a roving band of mercenaries. While no fatalities occurred, the frigate's engines took heavy damage, and with her hydrium reserves low, the chances of a safe return to Rupertian airspace were slim to none. At a minute past midnight, as it appeared their situation could grow no bleaker, the //Wyvern//'s crew were visited by none other than the Devil himself, come shambling forth from the howling abyss in search of fresh subjects. [[include component:image-block name=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Gustav_von_Alvensleben_2.jpg| caption= Last known heliotype of Captain Phileas Faustus, taken shortly before his disappearance.| width=190px]] The Prince of Dust assured Captain Faustus that he could see to the //Wyvern//'s safe voyage home, a service he was more than happy to provide, in exchange for the immortal essence of the first crewmember to set foot on land. The quick-witted captain hastily accepted this bargain, though no sooner than words passed his lips the Devil had vanished, and the //Wyvern// began moving of her own accord, sailing the High Heavens speeds unsurpassed by craft or comet. In less than an hour the dirigible's crew were greeted with the clear and starry skies of the Motherland, only coming to an abrupt halt once the Son of Shadow returned, eagerly awaiting his prize. Refusing to condemn any of his men to the pustulous pits of the Weeping Wastes, Captain Faustus instead took the Devil by surprise, seizing the ship's cat by its tail and sending it plummeting to the ground below. As the feline was considered a full member of the //Wyvern//'s crew, the Devil no longer held claim over the souls of any human occupants. However, while the Devil may on occasion be outwitted by mortal men, he rarely takes such instances in his stride. Thus it was that the Devil placed a curse upon the //Wyvern//, forcing the vessel and her crew to remain adrift in the sea above seas until the end of time. In the years that have elapsed since, airmen from all corners of the Empire have reported sighting the Dutchman of the Air during their travels - always descending, but incapable of landing. It is said that when the dread ship draws near, three distinct omens will manifest on passing vessels. First, the ship's cat will become irate - eyes widening, tail stiffening and hair standing on end, attacking its crewmates indiscriminately as though avenging the sacrifice of its fallen brother. Next, the onboard wireless will begin to falter, becoming hot to the touch and producing only static, accompanied by faint whisperings and the distant echoes of inhuman moans. Finally, the craft's resident Wolkenholt[[footnote]]Literally translating as 'cloud-goblin', the Wolkenholt is a diligent and good-natured sprite said to reside on aircraft. Usually depicted as a short bearded figure, smoking tobacco from an enchanted silver pipe, which also functions as a flute.[[/footnote]], knowing what fate his ship awaits, will at last put out his pipe and remove his cap of invisibility, before solemnly singing his final sky-shanty. Pity not the //Wyvern//'s crew, dear reader - rest assured, knowing that what dwells within her duralumin belly no longer holds any closer resemblance to godsfearing Rupertians than a common sea slug. Save all sympathies instead for those unfortunate enough to encounter the Horror of the Heights, and be drafted into the company of the damned. You have been warned. [[/div]] [[footnoteblock]] ------ [[=]] [*http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/dr-leonerd-s-author-page More from this author...] [[/=]] ------ [[div class="footer-wikiwalk-nav"]] [[=]] << [[[SCP-6834]]] | SCP-6835 | [[[SCP-6836]]] >> [[/=]] [[/div]]