File: PV-2025-09-20

Subject: "The Cacti of Hollow Pines: A Botanical Curiosity"

Prepared by: The Archivist

Introduction

In the arid landscape that surrounds Hollow Pines, cacti stand as enigmatic sentinels. While these plants are typically synonymous with barren deserts, the species thriving here are peculiar, exhibiting traits atypical to their relatives elsewhere. This investigation seeks to unravel these anomalies and their potential congruences with local folklore and myth, particularly those propagated by The Pale Veil.

Document A: Field Notes — Observation of Cacti around Hollow Pines

Date: September 18, 2025 Observer: The Archivist

Excerpt:

• 08:45 AM: Observed a cluster of Saguaro cacti. Normally a species found in the Sonoran Desert, their presence here is inexplicable. Their proximity to the landmarks identified with The Pale Veil symbols, specifically “◬”, suggests a deeper connection.

• 09:30 AM: Noted abnormal growth patterns — several cacti possess what appear to be natural carvings similar to the glyphs of The Pale Veil. Could this be natural erosion, or something else?

• 10:15 AM: Local wildlife seems to avoid these cacti, suggesting possible toxicity or other deterrents not typical to the species.

• 11:00 AM: Attempted to collect samples. Tools broke upon contact — unexpected density or perhaps a protective mechanism? Further analysis needed.

Photographic Evidence: Attached. The markings closely resemble archived glyphs documented in previous episodes of the Pale Veil investigations.

Document B: Historical Context and Folklore Analysis

Prepared by: The Archivist

Cacti hold a significant place in the folklore of desert communities, often seen as symbols of protection due to their resilient nature. However, local legends here speak of "The Choir of Thorns," a term recurring in whispered tales among older residents.

Interview Excerpt: Interviewer: The Archivist Interviewee: [Redacted for privacy], long-time local

Transcript: The Archivist: Can you explain what "The Choir of Thorns" refers to? [Redacted]: It’s old folklore. They say at night, the cacti around here sing. A howling melody that isn’t for human ears. Started after The Pale Veil made their mark here, decades ago.

Analysis: The notion of singing cacti aligns disturbingly with reports of auditory hallucinations recorded in the ledger missing page 13 (see open thread t2). The connection between the flora and The Pale Veil's activities must be explored further.

Document C: Laboratory Analysis of Cacti Sample

Date: September 19, 2025 Conducted by: [Name Redacted], Pale Veil Research Associate

Findings:

• Physical Analysis: The sample is denser than typical cacti, reflecting observations made in the field. The material deflects even specialized equipment.

• Chemical Analysis: Tests indicate unusual biochemical compositions; the presence of compounds structurally similar to those used in ancient mummification (related to open thread t324012).

• Miscellaneous: A faint luminescence was observed in the samples when placed under a UV light, not known in any other cacti species.

Note: All electronic equipment malfunctioned temporarily when the sample was brought into the lab, a phenomenon that warrants further investigation, potentially linked to Episode Title: "The Hollow of Worlds" (open thread t576739).

Addendum: Marginal Notes by The Archivist

Investigating the ties between flora and esoteric symbols in Hollow Pines has uncovered layers of complexity that suggest a more profound manipulation of natural processes than previously understood. The resilience and peculiar characteristics of these cacti might be an engineered aspect by The Pale Veil to protect or hide something crucial.

Hypothesis: The anomalous properties of the cacti and their connection to The Pale Veil indicates a bio-ritualistic application, manipulating nature to create living sigils or glyphs that harness some unknown power or protect a secret.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The integration of the cacti into The Pale Veil's mythology and potential ritualistic uses demands further investigation. The singing phenomena, the resistance to being sampled, and their unexplained biochemical properties suggest a manipulation of nature that could exceed any known scientific practices.

Final Note: As the sun set over Hollow Pines during the last field visit, a low hum seemed to emanate from the direction of the densest cluster of cacti. Whether this was the rumored "Choir of Thorns" or something else, the sound followed me, even after leaving the area. This investigation is far from over. The Archivist must delve deeper into The Pale Veil's texts and perhaps confront what has been guarded by these thorny sentinels.

We do not sleep. We wait.

[End of File PV-2025-09-20]