Archaic

“An Illustrious Past, An Exciting Future.”

―Archaic ~ Penumbra: Black Plague

Archaic scientists, as seen on a projector.

An unnamed, covert worldwide organization founded in 1519 by Francesco Melzi, with the foundations of the organization being the private works of his teacher Leonardo da Vinci, the only form of a name the organization has is an internal nickname only ever used sparingly, Archaic. It is a science research organization focused primarily on xenology.

By the 21st century, the organization has attained 30,000 members and 203 installations worldwide. These installations are usually designated "Shelter Research Station", followed by the name of the province it's located on, abbreviated to "The Shelter" by internal personnel of each respective installation. In Penumbra: Overture and Penumbra: Black Plague, only one of these installations make an appearance, being Shelter Research Station Greenland.

Structure

The Archaic is divided into four notable ranks, five in total. The specifics of how these four ranks function between each other is unknown, as such the information on each rank is based solely upon the way the rank is presented in official Archaic records. For a list of known personnel, see the list on the Shelter Research Station Greenland page.

Temporary

The lowest rank one can get, the Temporary members are those the Archaic consider disposable enough to reassign across different projects.

Lower Caste

Ordinary members of the organization, the Lower Caste is made up of Archaic personnel of importance to a designated project.

Chief Staff

Members of importance to a designated project, the Chief Staff are of higher rank than the Lower Caste, however still require advisement from the Elevated Caste.

Elevated Caste

Of higher intellectual minds than most, the Elevated Caste are the highest rank an ordinary Archaic member can get.

Central Caste

Not part of the traditional structure, the Central Caste is made up of the leaders of the Archaic. Nothing at all is known about them except that their power is absolute, appearing in several Archaic records. However, the Elevated Caste can decide to conceal any projects from them if they find Central Caste involvement to be disruptive, as is the case for Shelter Research Station Greenland.