Lesser Anomalous Event Code: XXX
Ruins of Nan Madol
Object Class:
Location ‑ Yellow
Responsible Departments:
Department of Anthropology
Department of History
Hazard Types:
| Hazard Types:Additional Properties: |  Ideological |
 Memory Alteration |
 Mind-Control |
Abstract:
LE-XXX is classified as a localized cultural phenomenon of unknown origin. LE-XXX-01 instances have begun disclosing previously unattested myths concerning a deceased monarch of the island, none of which have been recorded in any prior oral histories of the island. Reclassification requests are under review.
Safe Handling & Usage:
All Authority personnel stationed on Pohnpei are to relocate immediately to the nearest regional outpost pending further assessment of meteorological conditions over the Senyavin Islands.1 All personnel in the region are to be debriefed on Pohnpeian mythological history before resuming field duties.
Documentation of LE-XXX is to continue remotely. All collected LE-XXX-01 accounts are to be cross-referenced against historical monographs. Since most LE-XXX-01 instances have been uncooperative with the Authority, use of enhanced interrogation tactics has been approved by OPDIS-22 Director Alain Tetuanui.
Description:
LE-XXX is a memetic anomaly affecting an undetermined number of residents on Pohnpei, the principal island of Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia. Although the date of its origin remains unknown, the earliest confirmed reports coincide with UNESCO-sponsored3 restoration activities conducted at the Nan Madol archaeological complex.4
Individuals affected by LE-XXX (designated LE-XXX-01) begin recounting a previously unattested body of oral tradition concerning the Saudeleur Dynasty, a centralized monarchy that ruled Pohnpei until it was deposed following a period of widespread oppression.5 These prophecies concern the final Saudeleur, Saudemwohi, claiming that he survived the dynasty's fall, fled across the ocean, and will one day return to Pohnpei.
No version of this myth has ever been previously documented; existing oral reports instead state Saudemwohi was vanquished decisively by the divine hero Isokelekel, whose victory led to the island's decentralized tribal system.6 Despite this, LE-XXX-01 instances recount nearly identical versions of the account across all regions of Pohnpei. No contagion vector has yet been identified.7
Since LE-XXX’s emergence, researchers have documented repeated instances of local populations undertaking pilgrimages to long-abandoned ancient ruins, reenacting archaic ceremonial customs, and expressing veneration toward the Saudeleur kings. Whether these developments are being caused by LE-XXX, or are preconditions for it, has not been determined.
Discovery:
LE-XXX first came to Authority attention on May 10, 20██ when Explorator Kauri Te Aroha of the Ocean Watch Society8 observed unusual activity during scheduled maintenance clearings of mangrove trees around the Nan Madol canal complex. Several volunteer labor crews reportedly were seen abandoning assigned work zones to clear alternative pathways in the vegetation connecting the isolated ruins. Audio recovered from Explorator Te Aroha's pocket recorder later revealed an LE-XXX manifestation by the tour boat operator.
Explorator Te Aroha visited several other historical locations in Pohnpei where similar LE-XXX statements were overheard from the locals. LE-XXX was initially assumed to be a tale from localized folklore traditions about the Saudeleur Era until several subsequent developments raised further concern. Explorator Te Aroha encountered several groups of men clearing overgrown causeways leading toward Nan Madol, and also observed shrines dedicated to various Saudeleur kings appearing at crossroads throughout the island.
While the majority appeared to be for the first two benevolent Saudeleurs, Mwonomwei and Inenen Mwehi, newer shrines appeared to be dedicated to the later tyrannical kings except for Saudemwohi. When Explorator Te Aroha asked a passerby praying at one why Saudemwohi alone lacked a shrine, the passerby became nervous and repeatedly insisted she couldn't share "sacred knowledge" to outsiders.
A request for RPC classification submitted by Explorator Te Aroha was denied by the Procedural Board of Inquisition, which deemed the phenomenon insufficiently anomalous for formal registry, and therefore outside the threshold for major containment operations. As of June 1, LE-XXX remains classified as a Lesser Anomalous Event pending further data.
Addendum-01:
On June 21, during Summer Solstice, an unknown number of individuals assembled at Nan Madol for an unknown nighttime ceremony. The gathering remained undiscovered until one week later, when Explorator Te Aroha documented evidence of ritual activity at the ruins, including kava bowls containing sakau root residue, Green Sea turtle shells, and Red junglefowl rooster feathers consistent with animal sacrifice. Attempts to track any potential persons of interest were unsuccessful due to the poor quality of trailcam footage and cell tower reception near the ruins.
Explorator Te Aroha forwarded his findings to Dr. Wasai Ehrlich, a Pohnpeian anthropologist and previous Authority Associate.9 According to him, Dr. Ehrlich became increasingly distressed after reviewing the field reports and subsequently requested that all future LE-XXX accounts be forwarded directly to him for analysis. When questioned about his concerns, Dr. Ehrlich stated that the locals had long feared the ruins after dark, and that Nan Madol was "the last place they should have chosen."
Addendum-02:
In response to recent weather reports and electrical storms over Pohnpei, Regional Director Tetuanui ordered all Authority personnel to vacate the island effective on July 10, 20██, ahead of Typhoon █████'s projected landfall in eight days. Authority Oceania Command Naval Headquarters Vessel10 has been deployed off the coast of Ngatik Atoll 96 nautical miles11 away from Pohnpei to assist with temporary evacuation efforts. Remote monitoring of LE-XXX remains ongoing.
Addendum-03:
On July 11, correspondence addressed to Alpha & Omega Security Firm12, was recovered from a local postal facility before the evacuation orders. The enclosed documents were identified as the personal research notes of Dr. Ehrlich and dated July 4. Subsequent attempts to contact Dr. Ehrlich have been unsuccessful. Review of Authority personnel records revealed that he had failed to report to any assigned locations since July 5. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
Following review of the recovered materials, an Authority reconnaissance satellite13 was directed to hover over the Senyavin Islands for the duration of the storm.
