Department of Chromatic Containment

The Department of Chromatic Containment (DCC) is a highly specialized governmental organization responsible for the regulation, containment, and study of dangerous chromatic phenomena. Established in the aftermath of the Umbral Incident, the DCC has become the primary authority on the safe handling and storage of hazardous magical pigments, colors, and related manifestations. Operating under the broader jurisdiction of the International Council of Chromatic Control, the DCC maintains numerous high-security facilities worldwide dedicated to protecting society from the dangers of uncontrolled chromatic entities and substances.

The heavily warded main entrance to the Department of Chromatic Containment's central facility, featuring multiple layers of chromatic nullification fields

History and Formation

The DCC's creation was a direct response to the catastrophic events of the Umbral Incident, during which an uncontrolled release of Voidure Black at a private research facility resulted in the complete disappearance of an entire city block. In the wake of this disaster, the international magical community recognized the urgent need for a dedicated organization to oversee the containment and study of dangerous chromatic substances.

The department was officially established through the Chromatic Safety Act of 1876, which granted it broad powers to regulate and control dangerous pigments and colors. The initial framework was developed by a coalition of chromatic scholars led by Professor Marina Spectralweave, who had previously studied under Dr. Elowen Brightweave at the Academy of Spectral Studies.

Organizational Structure

The DCC operates through several specialized divisions, each focusing on different aspects of chromatic containment and research. The Containment Division maintains the department's network of secure facilities, employing cutting-edge temporal stasis fields and other advanced containment technologies. The Research Division conducts carefully controlled studies of contained substances, while the Enforcement Division investigates violations of chromatic regulations and responds to containment breaches.

The department's headquarters, known as the Prismatic Citadel, houses the most dangerous known chromatic substances, including several samples of Voidure Black. The facility is protected by multiple layers of magical and technological security measures, including chromatic dampening fields and reality anchors designed to prevent unauthorized manifestation of color-based phenomena.

Containment Classifications

The DCC has developed a comprehensive classification system for chromatic phenomena based on their potential hazard level and containment requirements. This system has become the standard framework used by magical institutions worldwide. The classifications range from Class-A (minimal risk, standard containment) to Class-Ω (extreme risk, maximum containment), with special designations for unique cases that defy standard categorization.

Technical diagram showing the layered containment systems used in a standard Class-S chromatic containment chamber

Research Initiatives

Despite its primary focus on containment, the DCC maintains an active research program aimed at better understanding and controlling dangerous chromatic phenomena. The department's scientists have made significant breakthroughs in the field of chromatic stabilization, developing new methods for neutralizing volatile color manifestations. Their work has been particularly valuable in understanding the properties of substances like Shadowmatte and Umbral Carbon.

The department's most sensitive research focuses on what it terms "void interaction phenomena," studying the relationship between various ultra-black substances and their effects on reality itself. This research is conducted in specially designed void chambers under the strictest security protocols.

Notable Containment Operations

Throughout its history, the DCC has conducted numerous high-profile containment operations. One of the most significant was the Azure Crisis of 1923, where a leaked sample of Living Blue threatened to consume an entire metropolitan area. The department's rapid response and implementation of experimental containment protocols prevented catastrophic loss of life and earned them international recognition.

The department also played a crucial role in containing the aftermath of the Spectrum Wars, during which multiple hostile factions attempted to weaponize dangerous chromatic substances. Their efforts during this period led to the development of many modern containment techniques and the establishment of the Darkness Protocols.

Public Interface and Education

While much of the DCC's work remains classified, the department maintains a public education division responsible for increasing awareness of chromatic safety. This includes publishing guidelines for handling common magical pigments and operating a certification program for professional colorists and chromatic artisans. The department also works closely with the Guild of Systematic Thaumaturgy to establish safety standards for educational institutions teaching chromatic manipulation.

International Cooperation

The DCC maintains strong relationships with similar organizations worldwide through the Global Chromatic Security Network. This cooperation has proven essential in addressing cross-border incidents and preventing the illegal trafficking of dangerous chromatic substances. The department regularly participates in international conferences and joint training exercises with other magical security organizations.

Modern Challenges

In recent years, the DCC has faced increasing challenges from the emergence of new chromatic phenomena and the growing sophistication of illegal color trafficking networks. The rise of synthetic spectrum manipulation and the discovery of previously unknown color dimensions have required the department to continuously adapt its containment strategies and expand its capabilities.

See Also

• International Council of Chromatic Control
• Theory of Chromatic Interconnection
• Standard Spectrum of Arcane Colorology
• Meridian Institute of Chromatic Sciences

References

• "Chronicles of Chromatic Containment" by Professor Marina Spectralweave
• "Modern Methods in Magical Pigment Control" - DCC Technical Manual Series
• "The Voidure Protocols: A History of Containment" by Dr. Elowen Brightweave