Per 
For collaborative writing efforts of:
"Agents Polk and Rodney?" the Administrative Assistant cried in shock. "But those guys are the two biggest pinheads in the entire Foundation!"
"A couple bowling enthusiasts, eh?" The Chief replied thoughtfully. "That just might come in handy on this mission."
"No, I mean they're complete idio- ah, forget it; I'll send them!"
x
SCP-XXXX.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: We'll add to this later.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a black ten-pin bowling ball measuring 21 centimeters in diameter. Three painted blue curved lines are on the left side of the object and the finger inserts are colored red. SCP-XXXX is sapient and displays behavior commonly associated with megalomania; it views itself as a noble and will coerce other individuals to worship it and follow its instructions. If these demands are not met it will continue coercing or attempt bodily harm by rolling directly into the individual1. SCP-XXXX demonstrates the ability to bend reality in any enclosed room allowing it to accomplish a variety of feats including: size manipulation, levitation, and matter alteration. While SCP-XXXX appears to be an highly-potent reality bender, this ability becomes extremely weak when it outdoors and only works at close range. A single SRA is enough to completely nullify its ability regardless of it being in an enclosed space or not. SCP-XXXX also possess the ability to create SCP-XXXX-1 instances.
SCP-XXXX-1 are instances of bowling pins that come into visual contact with SCP-XXXX. Upon making visual contact, the instance will instantly animate. SCP-XXXX-1 instances are sapient and display extreme loyalty to SCP-XXXX to where they obey any order given by it without question. They will attempt to enact violence on any individual appearing to harm SCP-XXXX no matter the severity. SCP-XXXX-1 instances possess telekinetic abilities which mimics the usage and length of human arms and are able to locomote by performing short hops or moving their bodies side to side while tilting forwards. Other than being able to vocalize and being highly elastic than what the material of their bodies should allow, they possess no other anomalous traits. All SCP-XXXX-1 instances loss anomalous properties upon being separate from SCP-XXXX for a period of 10 hours.
SCP-XXXX-A are a pair of bowling shoes with the left shoe is orange with yellow laces with the other shoe sporting the exact opposite color scheme. SCP-XXXX-A is sapient and shares a consciousness between the two instances. It is able to locomote by itself by moving as if a person had been wearing SCP-XXXX-A. Its personality has been described as jovial but grating; it is extremely loyal to SCP-XXXX and has described itself as 'his royal highnesses' two right-hand mans.' Although SCP-XXXX-A can function independently from SCP-XXXX, it prefers to stay close to it at all times.
SCP-XXXX-B is a bowling pin with a painted red "X" across the belly. It is similarly in appearance and behavior to other SCP-XXXX-1 instances with the exception that it personality is kind but naïve and expresses disinterest in obeying SCP-XXXX. It is not known why SCP-XXXX-A remains animate without prompt from SCP-XXXX, but it claims that this is due to 'creative difference' between the two entities. SCP-XXXX, SCP-XXXX-A, and instances of SCP-XXXX-1 displays universal hatred towards SCP-XXXX-B to the point where they will go out of their way to shun it or attempt to inflict physical damage upon it. SCP-XXXX-B stated it has no interest in being the presence of the three anomalies.
…
History: The Foundation became alerted to a potential anomaly in Chandler, Arizona after several local claimed they witnessed a large group of SCP-XXXX-1 instances breaking into a bar to retrieve a large beer keg before disappearing into the night. Due to the nature of the anomaly and footage captured from nearby security cameras, Agent Polk and Agent Rodney decided to investigate 'Roller's Kingdom', an abandoned bowling alley on the outskirts of the city.
Both agents entered the premises and discovered SCP-XXXX resting on a leather office chair in the main alley sucking the contents of the keg via a small hose connected from the tap to its thumb insert. SCP-XXXX was also surrounded by all available SCP-XXXX-1 instances in a semi-circle, utilizing their elasticity to bow while being voraciously praised by SCP-XXXX-A as it performed a tap dance routine for the purpose of entrainment. The containment team was requested by Agent Rodney, SCP-XXXX, SCP-XXXX-1 instances and SCP-XXXX-A fought back with fierce resistance but was ultimately incapacitated with relative ease. SCP-XXXX-B was found in a bird cage with the office of the establishment and expressed delight upon being taken away from the area. All anomalies were delivered to Site-15.
An interview with SCP-XXXX and SCP-XXXX-A2 was originally scheduled by Dr. Barrs but due to an impending hernia surgery, Agent Polk volunteered to take his place.
Interviewer: Agent Polk
Interviewee: SCP-XXXX
Foreword: This interview was taken shortly after containment was established.
[BEGIN LOG]
The scene begins in the interview room. Agent Polk is sitting at the table, organizing his notes. He occasionally glances at SCP-XXXX who is resting in a milk crate across from him. Agent Polk clears his throat.
Agent Polk: Hello SCP… Agent Polk takes another glance at the document. …XXXX. Nice to meet your acquaintance. My name is Polk and I'll be looking over you for the time being. Now, let's begin-
SCP-XXXX: It's astounding how you scum-sucking peasants think I'd be bothered to remember your name, much less heed you. Like I would negotiate with the rest of your turd-flinging monkeys in this depressing outhouse you call a fortress. You're lucky that Skidlers or the rest of my subjects aren't here right now. I would roast more of your abdominal qualities, but I not a fan of burning trash.
Agent Polk: (Whispers to himself) twenty seconds in and I already want to break my foot up your ass… Agent Polk sighs. Okay. Now, now. Let's keep it civil here. All we're doing here is having a friendly chat.
SCP-XXXX: You? A friend? (SCP-XXXX laughs incessantly) Now I can see why they call you the funny one. You insult me with your so called accommodations. This is a paltry fiefdom in comparison to my glorious realm. There is but one lane here; my kingdom holds in excess of one dozen lanes!
Agent Polk: It does not! There were seven lanes and a mirror on one wall.
King Ball: Silence!
Agent Polk: What?! You're gonna… okay. Okay.
Agent Polk clasps his hands, takes a deep breath, then fakes a smile.
Agent Polk: Listen, let me rephrase it: all I want is for you to calmly explain what you and your pals' lives were like back before we came. That's it. After that, we'll take you back to your… subjects and then you can play with yourself. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll have no choice than to tell the nice men in coats how difficult you are.
SCP-XXXX: Try me. Agent Polk shrugs in an exaggerated matter.
Agent Polk: Oh well, I tried. Looks like I have to tell Arnold to fix your cell. Agent Polk slowly rise from his chair,
SCP-XXXX: Fix? Don't you dare move, what do you mean by fix?!
Agent Polk: Well, here how it is your majesty. We a have a little rule here, 'play nice or don't play at all'. You see, we give a lot of the anomalies here plenty of privileges, but that's what they are: privileges. Movies, music, trips to the outside, there are so much that goes under that umbrella. That includes personal activities. In your case? Hm… I reckon they remove that kid's bowling playset and put your buddies in separate cells. Maybe, even going to trouble of sound-proofing your cell.
SCP-XXXX: You dare threaten true royalty?! You scoundrel! SCP-XXXX attempts to exit the milk crate but only succeeds in moving it forward several centimeters. Agent Polk appears to be genuinely smiling.
Agent Polk: Nope, that job is up to the nice men with coats. I only have convince two or three people give or take will get the ball will rolling. Unless you want to start playing nice that is.
SCP-XXXX ceases movement. Faint growling can be heard momentarily before SCP-XXXX speaks.
SCP-XXXX: Oh you. You. You. Fine, I'll play your game. I'll play nice. What is it do you wish to know that hasn't be gleaned from my subjects?
Agent Polk: So you're finally cooperating? Fantastic. For now, we only want to know what led to your creation, the social dynamic between your subjects, and of course any notable events that we should be aware of. Clear?
SCP-XXXX: Crystal. My subjects and I have a very tender relationship: they want to be ruled, and who am I deny them that? They would be lost without me. They love to indulge in simple pleasures such as hopping, singing how great I am, and of course having the highest privilege of getting plowed by me. They might be single-minded but boy are they loyal. True undying loyalty to the crown, that's all a humble king like myself deserves.
Agent Polk: So… you're basically admitting your subjects are pinheads?
SCP-XXXX: Yes? They're bowling pins. For a supposedly bright organization you people can be dim sometimes. Agent Polk sets his clipboard down, and takes in a breath of air while maintaining a deadpan expression. Agent Polk resumes the interview.
Agent Polk: Should've seen that one coming. And what about the entity you refer to as 'Skidlers'. Are you referring to those old shoes? SCP-XXXX scoffs.
SCP-XXXX: Those 'old shoes' are one of the most important people in my cabinet! Skidlers, like my subjects had that particular itch to be ruled. But he had potential, he was bright! And most importantly, funny! His jokes are elegant like the fabric he's made from. He moves in ways that even the floor couldn't help but gape in awe. Truly a remarkable person to be fitting under my command.
Agent Polk: Really? Because of how you described him and the way he acts, it seems like he's an glorified jester.
SCP-XXXX: He does more than entertainment! He's my second in command, a crucial piece of kingdom. He manages the subjects when I am unable to, not to mention he's quick on his feet when it comes to impending issues. Without him I would not been able to secure my subjects more effectively. In fact, he was the one who came up with the idea of forming our personal theocracy, organizing the most revered noble figures of spirituality. They are known as the Brotherhood Of Ordained Bowling Saints!
Agent Polk:… B.O.O.B.S.?
SCP-XXXX: Silence!
Agent Polk: Alright, and what about the last one?
SCP-XXXX: Last one? Those were the last ones.
Agent Polk: Really? Then what about that other pin? The one marked with a "X"? Surely that most be related to you.
SCP-XXXX: Oh, you mean that pathetic insignificant worm who sulks in the corner way to much that he's basically fused to the wall paper? He's not important, what's the next question?
Agent Polk: He doesn't sound insignificant.
SCP-XXXX: Hmph. He was with us at one point, and now he's not. We keep him in the back so he doesn't stir up trouble. That's all you need to know.
Agent Polk: Sure. So that's it then? Pretend to play king in some abandoned bowling alley-
SCP-XXXX: Alley' has such negative connotations; it does not adequately describe the majesty of my realm. You may call it a 'bowling centre', or refer to it as 'the lanes'. Agent Polk sighs.
Agent Polk: …Alright. So all you've been doing is playing knights n' goblins at the center? How long has this been going on exactly? Did anyone see you?
SCP-XXXX: Ha! My glorious kingdom was founded on day one! Of course people saw us, I'm of royal blood; those monkeys would kill just to get their grimy snot-nosed fingers on me. I liked the attention at first but it eventually became a nuisance, so I banned the foreigners and made my domain private.
Agent Polk: Is that so? 'Cause it says here that your 'kingdom' went bankrupt three years prior-
SCP-XXXX: That's utter hogwash! I don't know where you pulled that from, but it's clearly false. My subjects and I can tell you otherwise.
Agent Polk: Last question, do you know what happened to Derek Shanaaz?
SCP-XXXX: Who?
Agent Polk: Derek Shanazz? The owner of Rollers' Kingdom? He's been missing since the center has been closed down and I was hoping if you or your friends know where he is. SCP-XXXX stays silent for eight seconds. SCP-XX-
SCP-XXXX: There is no Derek Shanazz. In fact, I am fairly certain that this 'Shanazz' person never existed. I would know about it. Looks you information is incorrect yet again, you really should brighten that blub more. It can really get you into trouble. Agent Polk inspects his watch.
Agent Polk: Looks like our time's up. Your regular researcher will handle you from now on. So this will be the last we'll meet. Stay frosty in that crate for a little bit longer, the guards will escort you shortly. Agent Polk rises from his chair and turns to the door.
SCP-XXXX: Oh, our little meeting's going to be cut so soon? Here I was expecting a wonderful evening in this hellhole. Don't worry, Mr. Polk, I'll be sure to remember your face for old times sake. I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other very soon.
[END LOG]
- Breach Incident
- 1) By way of some inciting incident, King Ball has the opportunity and/or power gain to take control of the Site.
- 2) King Ball instigates a hostage situation that can only be resolved by way of dramatic bowling competition showdown.
Re: #1… Crosstest going wrong? Coincidental breach of a different anomaly?
. I have several ideas that can work, first being your crosstest idea. But I think for how the bowling ball gained its powers… I think the relationship between the pins and king ball are what we should be focusing. Maybe he gets stronger for each pin he converts (increasing his EVE) and he gains the reality waring powers because of it. (The reason why he has EVE was that he used to be a human).
I just thought of one! Maybe someone bowls a 300 game during testing. It'd be rare and unexpected (but once someone is on course to bowl a perfect game, nobody's going to interrupt that) - and so maybe being in the presence of a perfect 300 game unleashes that extra power from him. (Or it's an overdose of, like, those "Bowling Screen When You Get A Strike" memes, all the way to the maximum?)
Huh… actually that does sound more pleasing than what I came up with. And it would fit King Ball's character as well. Yeah, let's roll with that.
On the night of XX/XX/XXXX, SCP-XXXX initiated a containment breach with assistance from a multitude of SCP-XXXX-1 instances and SCP-XXXX-A. During the incursion, it became apparent that SCP-XXXX gained the capacity to manipulate reality to a level similar to high-level reality benders. Security camera footage and witness testimonies shed light on the entire incident.
[BEGIN LOG]
I'll write the part about the whole 300 game thing here later. Right now I'll focus on the actual breach.
[Camera: Mimetic Office]The perspective is taken from a security camera inside a waiting room. Agent Rodney and Agent Polk and seated in the chair section. Agent Rodney is standing upright and grasping his hands together while Agent Polk is looking at his phone. Agent Polk glances at Agent Rodney and sighs.
Agent Polk: Rod, would it kill you to ease up for a moment? You're acting like you're on death row.
Agent Rodney: Easy for you to say, Polk. I don't how you can stand these mimetic immunization crap. I hate it every time they bring us up here and it makes me sick afterwards.
Agent Polk: Oh it was not that bad! Sure, you feel like some punched through your face at first but you get used to after while. I mean would want your brain to turn into jelly out in the field? I mean they were certainly not happy when you missed out on the previous check-up last time.
Agent Rodney: How was I supposed to know that girl was actually a trash can?! I mean… does the fact that literary anything can happen in the world put you a little off? Man-eating houses, psychopathic alien serial killers, and talking fire trucks?
Agent Polk: Of course, it scares the shit out of me. Why do you think I prefer to stay at the Sites? Sure the anomalies are close to home but at least I know what the rules if you catch my drift. Agent Rodney rolls his eyes.
Agent Rodney: Yes, secretly playing Tetris and eating ungodly amount of donuts is the most honorable thing an agent of our caliber can do.
Agent Polk: Oh Rod, I'm offended you would think I would do something like that. I hate donuts. I am more of nacho guy myself. Agent Polk smirks.
Agent Rodney: Eh, what else can we expect from the bastard we all know and love? But seriously, what is taking so long. They said our checkup was going to happen half and hour ago?
Agent Polk: We're not the only suckers here, Rod. Just watch some tv and it'll all come to pass-
Loud crash came from the corridor in the office; muffle shouting can be heard. Agent Rodney rise from his seat in confusion.
Agent Polk: Hm… I suppose we have to check that out huh?
Agent Rodney: I suppose. Let's not take the safety off just yet. It could just be an accident.
Both agents enter the corridor, both having on hand on their hips. The noise apparently coming from a door on the left hand side at the end of the corridor.
Agent Polk: You think someone is freaking out again?
Agent Rodney: What?
Agent Polk: You know I heard from a guy that some people can have extreme averse reactions to the immunizations. If I have to bet it's probably what were dealing with.
Agent Rodney: What?! I didn't that was a thing? Why didn't you tell me?
Agent Polk: I thought you already knew.
Agent Rodney: No, no one told about this! I didn't know there was a risk. I- you know what? Forget it. I'll freak about it later. Let's just handle this thing and be done with it.
As the agents meet halfway the door at end of the corridor swing open. Two doctor attempt to escape the room while being followed by a plethora amount of SCP-XXXX-1 instances. A female doctor is pull back into the room by her leg while screaming. Dr. Barrs is shouting at the agents waving both arms erratically!
Dr. Barrs: Breach! Breach! Get the director. Now! It's- Gah!
A nearby door is knocked off its hinges and falls on Dr. Barrs. Additional SCP-XXXX-1 instances exit the room and surround him. Both agents unholster their firearms and open fire on the instances. Some of the instances get shot but not do appeared affected detrimentally by the bullet.
Agent Polk: Shit! Get to the doors!
Agent Polk and Agent Rodney rush back to waiting room while being chased. More door are opened to reveal more personnel being subdued by the instances. Agent Rodney snatches one of the chairs in the lobby before both he and Agent Polk exit to the hallway. Agent Polk slams and holds the door shut while Agent Rodney props a chair against the door. Agent Polk further assists by removing his belt and tying in around the door handles. Both agents step back as they observe loud banging on the other side before running towards their right.
Agent Rodney: What the hell was that! It… wait! Those are the bowling pins we found in Arizona! The ones with the bowling ball and the shoes!
Agent Polk: Those royal pricks?! Where did those pins come from? There wasn't nearly that much back at that alley! The door the agents had previously barricade had been torn down by the SCP-XXXX-1 and are spreading out into the hallway.
Agent Rodney: We can figure it out later! Just move!
Agent Rodney pulls the fire alarm before both agents turn around the corner. The rest of the SCP-XXXX-1 instances enter more rooms accompanied by the sounds of gunfire and screaming.
[Camera: Cafeteria]
Agent Rodney and Agent Polk continue running through the hallways of the Site. The sound of the alarm continues to blare. Both agents nearly turn the next corner until Polk stops Rodney, they peek and see several security guards being handcuffed with zip ties by a handful of SCP-XXXX-1 instances. Rodney takes a deep breath as he reloads his weapon.
Agent Polk: We're going to need more than that.
Agent Rodney: I know, don't want to be empty handed. Are they still there? Agent Polk peers again, the guards and the instances are gone. The doors to the cafeteria swings back and forth before resting.
Agent Polk: It's clear… I think. God, it's going to be a nightmare trying to reach the office with these things breeding like rabbits. You think the director called for help?
Agent Rodney: I dunno, that's why I pulled the alarm. Our guns are not going to cut it, we're going to need more firepower. You think those things ransacked the armory yet?
Agent Polk: Unless they somehow gotten the code for the door, probably not. Make a quick stop there then the office?
Agent Rodney: Without a doubt.
Both agents move through the hallway, carefully sneaking by the entrance of the cafeteria. Rodney glances at window and stops, putting a hand on Agent Polk's shoulder.
Agent Rodney: Holy shit.
Agent Polk: What is it?
Agent Rodney: The window, look.Agent Rodney points to the window. Inside the cafeteria, SCP-XXXX-1 instances are pushing tables around as they organize captured Foundation personnel into a circle. SCP-XXXX rests in the center of the room, having grown to the size of around 3.5 meters in diameter. A flaming object resembling a crown floats above its body. It rotates in a clockwise-motion, suggesting it is under euphoria before directing its line of sight to the tables. One of the tables is lifted in the air by itself; its composition slowly transforms into white plastic before separating into a dozen of SCP-XXXX-1 instances. SCP-XXXX repeats this process with the other tables.
Agent Polk: (Whisper) Son of a bitch. That's… that's why there's so many? How did he get so big? I just… no, oh god. He is a fucking reality bender! This doesn't make sense, there's was no hume signatures on any of them-
Agent Rodney: We can figure out how later. Scratch the director, we need a SRA on this quick before it decides to escape the site.
Agent Polk: You think one can fully stop it? Are we sure the ball is even a bender?
Agent Rodney: It has to be how, else could it have escaped? Several SCP-XXXX-1 are approach the door. Agent Rodney momentarily panics before grabbing onto Polk; they run down the hallway and turn the corner before the doors opens.
Agent Rodney: Okay, new plan! Get the guns, brave ourselves, find the anchor, and pray to whatever god you have on your belt. Any objections?
Agent Polk: Yeah. You think that armory will be enough to brace the storm.
Agent Rodney: With any luck, maybe. Doesn't matter, let's us pray, then spray.
[Camera: Armory]
SCP-XXXX-A is walking towards the front of the armory door. It happily tap-dances as it moves, twirling its shoelaces in a jovial manner. It giggles to itself.
SCP-XXXX-A: "Happy days! Happy days to come! Hot deserts to cold faces; royal drapes to ugly concrete. Is this our fate? Ha! Contained no longer; the jailers are now the jailed; King Ball has them by the balls and now we get to play with them for-"
SCP-XXXX-A stops speaking momentarily before hitting itself with its own laces. It uses its laces to reach inside on of its collars and pulls out a sticky note and a pen. It writes on the note.
SCP-XXXX-A: I knew that sounded off. For King Ball sake, this dreary place has nearly drained me of my courageous talents. Ha ha ha. Almost. Now what do I pick here let's see… jokes, jokes, jokes… "It appears your stone walls couldn't handle our stone faces?" Eh, too choppy. "Looks you pinned your last foe?" Now that's borderline stupid. "Would you consider yourself to have balls of steel?" "Why yes sir, I do. Why'd you ask?" "Pow!"
SCP-XXXX-A uses its right shoe to kick upwards before resting back on the floor. SCP-XXXX-A scribbles heavily on the note.
SCP-XXXX-A: Huh? You sure? Cause the feel like cotten!" It practically writes itself! And to think I was cursed for been born as a shoe-
Sounds of pounding shoes are coming from the hallway. Two shadows are visible.
SCP-XXXX-A: I can always brainstorm later. Destiny arrives.
SCP-XXXX stores the pen and note back into itself and hides close behind a water cooler. Agent Rodney rushes to the keypad, frantically pushing in the code. SCP-XXXX-A attacks when Agent Polk comes into view. SCP-XXXX-A quickly wraps its laces around Agent Polk's body; his hands are tied together, a multitude of lace are roped around his neck and the force of the laces pushing his feet together forces Agent Polk to fall to the floor in the sitting position.
Agent Rodney: Polk!
Agent Rodney reaches for his gun at the same time SCP-XXXX-A uses its lace to pull out Agent Polk's firearm and jumps onto his shoulders. Both aim their weapons at each other.
SCP-XXXX-A: Rodney! Long time no see, how's the nonexistent kids and wife doing?
Agent Polk: You piece of shit excuse for a sole- SCP-XXXX-A taps the gun against the Agent Polk's head.
SCP-XXXX-A: Correction! It's Mr. Piece of shit excuse for a sole. But I would taken Skidlers too. It's nice to see you two up and about. How'd you like the free homemade decorating we've been doing. I think it's quite swell. Certainly a change a pace from simple of the old white and black color scheme. I mean, would it kill you to put on some drapes? I mean, hell, even a carpet here and there would do wonders don't you think Polky?
Agent Polk: You motherfu- SCP-XXXX-A tightening's the grip on Agent Polk's neck. Agent Polk struggles to breathe as Agent Rodney growls.
SCP-XXXX-A: Ah-ah-ah. I think you're forgetting who has the leverage here. Do you really want me to explain why?
Agent Rodney: SCP-X… (Sigh) Skidlers. Let him go. Now.
SCP-XXXX-A: No can do, Rodney. You didn't say the magic word!
Agent Rodney: Don't make me shoot you, Skidlers. I have plenty bullets to spare.
SCP-XXXX-A: Oh, thank you so much for the offer Rodney but I already have enough lead in my inserts. To tell you the truth I would be happy to let you go but fortunately, or rather unfortunately for you, King Ball wants to have a word with you two. I'm just simply to here to collect, I was just on my way to do so until you both dropped by. What are the odds, am I right? My, King Ball is going to happy-
Agent Rodney frowns and applies pressure on the trigger. SCP-XXXX-A turns the gun to Agent Polk's head; Agent Rodney releases the trigger.
SCP-XXXX-A: Woah, woah, woah. Let's not get too hasty here. I'm not here to kill you, King Ball wants you both alive but I'm sure he can understand things don't work out. accidents happen after.
SCP-XXXX-A tightness its lace around the trigger. Agent Polk begins to breathe heavily and frequently.
SCP-XXXX-A: You sure you want to play cowboy with your friend in the middle of the crossfire? Knowing that you would be the cause of Pork Belly's death here? I'll be more than happy to pay the price for his one-way ticket to hell. Are you?
Agent Polk: Rod. Don't. It's not… fuck… look it's not worth it. Just… make you sure you have a good shot okay? This is bigger than us.
Agent Rodney: Polk. Trust me. Just let me figure this out. Agent Rodney eyes the armory, the hallway, then back at SCP-XXXX-A. With a silent sigh, his muscles tense up and he slowly applies pressure to the trigger again.
SCP-XXXX-A: Oh, so you two are on the same page after all. Well, this is quite the pickle ain't it. I suppose we can stay here until one of us ends the stale, but luckily for me, I'm always a step ahead.
A whistling noise emanates from SCP-XXXX-A. Agent Rodney turns his head to see the armory door opening, revealing several SCP-XXXX-1 instances wielding submachine guns, all of whom who are aiming at him.
SCP-XXXX-A: I was directing my boys here earlier to clean out the place. I was simply checking by. Rodney, drop the gun. Please? You're only embarrassing yourself at this point. No one likes a sore loser.
Agent Rodney curses under his breath. He drops the guns and falls to his knees. The SCP-XXXX-1 instances pile onto him and restrain him with zip ties.
SCP-XXXX-A: You made the right choice boys. Let's see how your friends are faring well against your new director.
[END LOG]
Due to SCP-XXXX's actions of morphing nearby matter inside the building into SCP-XXXX-1 instances, the extent of its reality bending capabilities, and the absence of additional and non-essential personnel, Site-15 was successfully captured by SCP-XXXX. SCP-XXXX corralled most of the personnel and explained they were under hostage takeover and they're new duties were to please it and its subjects.
When personnel explained to SCP-XXXX that their duties still required them to contain the anomalies at the Site-15, SCP-XXXX initially refused until it was given access to files pertaining to several keter-class SCP objects it relented. SCP-XXXX allowed a majority of personnel to resume normal duties under intense supervision while the rest were taken to the site director's office, including Agent Polk. Instead of being sent to the office, Agent Rodney was instead sent to a containment cell until further notice.
The Foundation became aware of the takeover after the emergency signal was activated in Site-15 before being prematurely turned off and attempts at communication failed to elicit a response. Foundation personnel from the outside attempted to enter Site-15 but immediately encountered heavy resistance from SCP-XXXX-1 and was forced to make a retreat.
[BEGIN LOG]
SCP-XXXX-A is walking down the halls followed closely behind a group of SCP-XXXX-1 instances carrying Agent Rodney and Agent Polk. Agent Rodney clears his throat.
Agent Rodney: You couldn't trust us to walk?
SCP-XXXX-A: I could… but the way you're being manhandled really amuses me. Oh don't give me that face, the king wants to see you in person. Take pride in it! It's a huge honor.
Agent Polk: Honor? Or being made as an example?
SCP-XXXX-A: Hey, I make the jokes not the rules. Just beg and cry tears of shame and I'm sure King Ball will go easy on you… probably. Ah, here it is.
The group stops at the cafeteria entrance, now replaced with a set of red curtains. A pair of SCP-XXXX-1 instances stationed at the entrance pulls open the curtains and allows them entry. The cafeteria has been heavily altered: The floor and walls have been replaced with wooden tiles and gold respectively; the tables are missing with round triangular podiums taking their place, multiple SCP-XXXX-1 instances are dancing on them; drapes and flags are hung from the ceiling with artistic symbols relating to bowling; and a golden throne measuring 4 meters in length rests in the middle of the room.
More than half of Site-15's personnel are herded in front of the throne, a group of SCP-XXX-1 watch over them. Agent Rodney and Agent Polk are dropped by the group.
SCP-XXXX-A: Now you sit here and behave in the meantime. I'll be riiiiight back. SCP-XXXX-A walks out of view.
Agent Rodney: I think they've gotten practically everyone here. So it's final, we've been fully compromised.
Agent Polk: Shit. You think they're going to send an MTF to rescue us?
Agent Rodney: I pray to god we don't. I don't Site-15 to be the new Area-37.
Dr. Barrs: Rodney? They gotten you too? Agent Rodney turns around to see Dr. Barrs sitting behind him. Agent Rodney groans.
Agent Rodney: We tried to make a break for the armory before getting to the director. It was already occupied.
Dr. Barrs: At least you're still in one piece.
Agent Polk: For now. I don't even want to imagine what that thing's going to do to the director and us when its all said and done.
Dr. Barrs: You don't have to worry about the director. I talked around and I hear he already left the Site for an important meeting. That still leaves us however.
Agent Polk: God… we're still fucked. I'm going to be most fucked. That bastard is going to kill me I just know it.
Agent Rodney: We don't know that. Dash "A" said they need us alive.
Agent Polk: You don't get it Rod, I've been working with XXXX in the interviews. He's real vindictive son of a bitch when I worked with him. You both know how much he craves power, and now that he has it-Dr. Barrs: Look, gentlemen. It's no worth getting worked up over it now. Let's wait and see how things play out.
Agent Rodney and Agent Polk remain still as additional personnel are herded into the group. After sometime, SCP-XXXX enters the cafeteria, levitating off the ground. Agent Polk is shaking whiles Agent Rodney is clam, taking deep breaths slowly.
SCP-XXXX: Hmph. Miss me so soon? BOO! The flames of SCP-XXXX's crown briefly expand. The personnel are visibly panicking.
SCP-XXXX: Ha. And you thought you had the upperhand. Don't be scared. Really, don't. I would really hate my servants to clean up the piss from you peasants.
SCP-XXXX-A: Sire! SCP-XXXX-A jumps on one of the podiums. I see you have gotten bigger in my absence! How has the conquering been going?
SCP-XXXX: You mean the redecorating? Just splendid. I hardly had any complaints. SCP-XXXX glances at the personnel. I see you added more slaves to the collection. I can't believe I'm saying this, servants but coming here was the best decision we ever made. Am I right?
SCP-XXXX-1: YES YOU'RE ROYAL HE-WHO-ROLLS-ON-FOREVER-AMONGST-THE-BLIGHT-OF SOCIETY-FOR-HE-IS-THE-BEST-THING-TO-HAPPEN-SINCE-SLICED-BREAD HIGHNESS!
SCP-XXXX: That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Hm? Oh ho! What do you have here? Tweedle Dee and Tweedle dipshit?SCP-XXXX-A: Oh yes, sire! I brought here just like you asked. SCP-XXXX moves closer to Agent Polk
SCP-XXXX: I told you we were going to be seeing each other real soon.
Agent Rodney's breathing pace has quickened. Agent Polk has stopped shaking, a dark stain spreads across his pants. SCP-XXXX stares at his pants.
SCP-XXXX: Forgetting one of my rules already? Don't worry, I'll make sure you'll learn soon enough. Hello peasants! Sorry not sorry about the wait! I wanted to reacquainted with my new kingdom. But now that's its all said and done you can finally do what you were meant to do. Worship me as your new king, or in your case, Site Director!
Silence. SCP-XXXX whistles. The SCP-XXXX-1 instances raise their guns to the heads of the personnel.
SCP-XXXX-1 Instance: Clap. All personnel begin frantically clapping. One lone researcher is crying as he slaps his hands together feverishly.
SCP-XXXX: I really love the energy you're putting out there. Can't wait to see more of it in the future. Now onto the more important matters. SCP-XXXX levitates to the throne and rests on the cushion. A large paper scroll and feather pen manifests in midair. SCP-XXXX telekinetically manipulates the pen as he reads the scroll.
SCP-XXXX: Let's see here. Takeover Site-15, check. Enslave all the peasants, check. Do practice executions with willing volunteers? SCP-XXXX moves the list away from its line of sight, a handful of personnel look away from its gaze. SCP-XXXX chuckles. To be added. Hm. What do you know? It appears I'm already on track. It'll be a while until your Foundation throws a stink about my new sovereignty but I'll deal with it when the time comes. Until then, let's wait until my men bring in the rest of your friends in, you'll love the game we're going to play.
SCP-XXXX-A: A-Actually, sire-
Dr. Barrs: Everyone? That's-
SCP-XXXX: I'm sorry, what was that? The pen and scroll demanifests. SCP-XXXX levitates off his throne and quickly gets in front of Dr. Barrs. Sorry, can you speak up again. You //really need to speak up.//
Dr. Barrs: Um. Well, look SC- erm. King Ball… um. Bringing everyone would be dangerous because. It's hard to explain-
SCP-XXXX: Dangerous!? You think I'm that weak? Do you know who you're talking too. Ha! You're funny. Real funny. Me at danger? Preposterous! Tell me, dear peasant. What is so dangerous about your work that so requires your ill attention.
Agent Rodney: Because the world might end. SCP-XXXX turns to Agent Rodney; Agent Polk eyes him with a incredulous look.
SCP-XXXX: What was that Tweedle Dee?
Agent Rodney: You're not the only special one around here. This Site has plenty of anomalies, many of them Euclid and Keters. If they're not supervised it'll spell disaster for all us and your new 'kingdom.'
SCP-XXXX: I've seen your 'anomalies', peasant. I'm not scared. What harm can a bunch of wacky-magical computers can do. Skidlers why don't… Skidlers? SCP-XXXX turns to SCP-XXXX-A, who walks closer to it in an anxious manner. It is carrying a bundle of documents in its laces.
SCP-XXXX-A: I hate to disappoint you sire, but I believe that the peasants are telling the truth. I managed to get a hold of their documentation and it was… disturbing to say the least. I forced the remaining peasants to work at their stations just in case. SCP-XXXX-A hand over the documents to SCP-XXXX, who begrudgingly telekinetically grasp them and begins reading.
SCP-XXXX: You're overreacting, Skidlers it's only a bunch of computers… alright, I see how some of these might be a problem but they're nothing compared to my will… oh… oh that's not good. Wow… that's pretty horrifying actually. Jesus! What kind of hell have you've peasants been stirring up here?
Agent Rodney: The bitter kind.
SCP-XXXX-A: Sire, can't we simply make these… 'anomalies' disappear?
SCP-XXXX: I don't believe so. I tried my will and some already and nothing happened. I the next thing we should do is to try to destroy these… wait… no actually these anomalies would fit pretty well in my arsenal. Perhaps I can expand my territory? Tweedle Dee, I'll take you up on your author. Listen up peasants!
SCP-XXXX: I changed my mind! Most of you will go back to supervising whiles my servants will supervise you. Be patient with them, they have short triggers.
The SCP-XXXX instances wielding firearms chuckle amongst themselves but regain composure.
SCP-XXXX: The rest of you will stay here and participate in my game. I know your anxious on who's gonna be who, but frankly I don't care. Which makes happy to announce that the first one is my dear old friend, Tweedle Dee!
Agent Rodney: Me? Agent Rodney is pulled from the group and placed on his knees in front of the throne.
SCP-XXXX: Seems fitting that the first person who discovered our haven gets their fate chosen first. What do you say, peasant? Feeling lucky?
Agent Rodney: Not really. So am I going to work or play?
SCP-XXXX: Neither!
Agent Rodney: What?
SCP-XXXX: I have some extra planned you later. In the meantime, you'll be taken to where I keep the other undesirables.' Servants! Take this peaseant-
SCP-XXXX-A: Wait! Sire! There's something I want to say to him before he leaves.
SCP-XXXX: Hm. I'll allow it. Make it quick. SCP-XXXX-A walks up to Agent Rodney.
SCP-XXXX-A: Mr. Rodney, I have a question that begs your attention.
Agent Rodney:… What is it?
SCP-XXXX-A: Would it be fair to say you have balls of steel?
Agent Rodney:…Huh?
SCP-XXXX-A: Do you have balls of steel? Yes or no?
Agent Rodney: In the metaphorical sense? Yes? People think of me as a go-getter so I would say yes- SCP-XXXX-A kicks on of its shoes into Agent Rodney's crotch. Agent Rodney keels over in pain, eyes watering. Agent Polk watches in horror.
SCP-XXXX-A: Because they sure feel like cotton! All SCP-XXXX-1 instance and SCP-XXXX roars in thunderous laughter. Agent Rodney continues to groan in pain.
SCP-XXXX: Amazing Skidlers! That joke is one of your best yet. You can take him away now, I'm done with him. A small group of SCP-XXXX-1 instance carry Agent Rodney and move him out of the cafeteria. SCP-XXXX is about to select the next personnel but notices the cameras.
SCP-XXXX: It appears that I missed a spot. I'll just take care of that. The camera feed to the cafeteria abruptly ends.
[END LOG]
x
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20200109_Simulated_track_flare_lines_on_bowling_ball.jpg
Space saver.
Writer-to-writer messages.
Hey boogey, this is where we can discuss stuff about the plot and what not. Since I promised you that I will give you a detailed plot, I'll post it here. So the main anomaly is a narcissistic sapient reality bending bowling ball that can transform bowling pin into servants to do its bidding. Only one bowling pin does not find interest in obeying it an its a pariah in the group.
So the story stops with Rodney and Polk finishing an unrelated assignment in Arizona when they want to kill some time before heading back to the motel. On a long stretch of a run down road they come across what seems to be a bowling alley. The neon sign is not working but they can see that lights are on inside. Polk wants to go in to have some fun but Rodney feels skeptical but they decide to go in anyway.
They go to the main alley and see with bowling ball at the end of winning another round of bowling and then sits on its throne getting pampered by two bowling pins when it spots them. After some dialogue which escalates in Polk mildly insulting the entity and about to head back to the car, when the bowling ball orders the pins to capture both agents. Polk gets captured by a swarm of pin and Rodney escapes to hallway that's supposed to be fore employees.
The ball catches up with Rodney in the hallway and uses its powers to make itself big as a boulder. It then chases Rodney down the hallway and changes the walls and floor to make it a twisted version of lane. This all culminates when Rodney reaches a dead end in the form of a massive black pit and the ball knocks Rodney into the pit causing the footage of the camera to become static momentarily before resuming.
When Rodney opens his eyes (and when the camera begins recording again) he finds he has been transformed into a bowling pin with the camera still on his body. Polk is tied up and gagged in the background. The ball sends Rodney to the 'dungeon' so he can sort him out later while he has fun with Polk in the meantime. The dungeon is actual the main office of the building and Rodney is thrown in a small dog crate while the guard watching over him exits the room.
Rodney discovers SCP-XXXX-A in a bird cage tied up to the ceiling and learns from it that it was thrown in there after repeated question of its decisions with the final straw being that it stated that it didn't like bowling that much. Rodney also learns that there had been other trespassers before that were transformed into bowling pins and if he doesn't change back soon he will permanently become a SCP-XXXX-1 instance. Rodney convinces SCP-XXXX-A to team up to beat the bowling ball. After figuring out a way to escape the office, they go into the vents to reach the arcade as Rodney remembers seeing a payphone in there so he can contact the Foundation.
They both reached the arcade but realize they need coins to activate it. SCP-XXXX-A states that there are coins left in the register but they are in the main alley. Rodney tells SCP-XXXX-A to wait for it as it disguises itself as one of the bowling balls more favorite servant and sneaks over to the register to get the coin, witnessing the bowling ball toying with a still human Polk. Rodney goes back to the arcade and ask SCP-XXXX-A to give it a boost to the phone. Rodney contacts the Foundation and gives a quick rundown bringing up reality bending before they are suddenly caught by the ball.
The ball is about to do something before Rodney presents a deal to it; they both play a game of bowling. If he wins it would have to left it go. If the ball wins Rodney and Polk willingly become its servants. The bowling ball agrees and ties SCP-XXXX-A and Polk to the ceiling and gives the bowling alley and outer space look while enlarging itself and Rodney. It became very apparent that the ball wasn't playing fair as the bowling pins move in the direction of it when it rolls itself and deliberately move out of the way of Rodney's ball.
Rodney is fine with this as his goal is to stall for the team finally arrives here. He also appeals to its ego to delay time even more. When the bowling ball is close to winning the team finally arrives with the SRA. All changes caused by the bowling ball are reversed including its size, the alteration of alley, Rodney is turned back to normal and the pins deanimate with the exception of SCP-XXXX-A. Polk angry shoves the ball into a bowling bag as it attempts to sheepishly plead for mercy and hands it to the team. Polk and Rodney exit the establishment and settle going to a bat instead, which was their original plan.
Okay, now I can edit the page!
So, my hangup here isn't with a lack of detail; it's that so much of this stuff just doesn't seem to have a logical way of fitting into the context of an SCP article. From the very start/discovery, it's all pinned on: 1) a couple off-duty Foundation staff just happen to be the first to discover this blatantly anomalous place; 2) there's a/v of it all because they never stop documenting everything they see hear and do, even when they aren't at work; 3) a bunch of action sequences that are like cartoonish drug trips.. It's all extremely incredulous and doesn't feel like it has any place in what would be the Foundation's official documentation of such a thing.
I have no objection to an anomaly itself being absurd or less-than-deadly-serious/threatening, but I do still think there needs to be some grounding in realism, and rationality on the Foundation's part. Bodycams that "conveniently" stop and start recording based on whether the person wearing it is awake, and all these other storybook plot beats - it all comes off too convoluted and I can't see how they would justifiably fit into a SCP.
Ah I see your point. Well for the first one we can easily say they're investigating around the area for anomalous activity. And maybe they get the footage from the building's security cameras instead because the bowling bowl uses it's powers to supply electricity to it? But I can see why two and three might pose a problem. Hm… what specific details do you find as problematic and do you possibly have any suggestions as well? If certain aspects of the storyline become too convoluted to work with we can always modify it as necessary or even change certain part of it entirely. Though I want the main premise of being that Agent Rodney teams up with SCP-XXXX-A to save Polk.
I guess we could use stated accounts of the experience from Polk and Rodney to fill in some things. But it still doesn't feel like there would be logical reasons to chop that up and spread it throughout the article in dramatically convenient portions / in between other forms of info. Like, one interview would be one addendum - we can't really hop back and forth as suits the storytelling.
Maybe if we do a bit more envisioning of the situation, and of the anomaly itself, then something will come to us. Let's think about 1) "the current situation", i.e. when this document is being written in-universe. Like with 4601, that was a snapshot in time of the immediate aftermath of getting it into containment. In this case I think we can play it more like it's been contained for a while (some kind of established in-containment ConProcs might make for a better hook here). And 2) the anomaly on its own. What exactly does this bowling ball do, normally; or what would unfold without Foundation intervention? Things like whether it would be subtle and have affected the place for a long time, or the anomaly developed suddenly and no civilian could ever overlook the occurrences it caused. Like, what exactly was this Ball King's idea of running his kingdom - how it "sustained itself" or what "goals it aimed to accomplish" before these Skippers started meddling in things.
I might have sounded more negative than I intended earlier on; there are some good elements here and bits with potential. Maybe I just have a hard time seeing it without the groundwork built up yet. Also, I'll have to format this sandbox with more sections for rough notes and things (but probably after the weekend when I'm not on just my phone).
Well what if in-universe the video log captured the entire incident and the foundation just enters in the accounts between certain parts of the log to give clarity?
For the time of the article… we could have it be immediately right after getting contained. Or alternatively we could have it being contained after a while then it does something to create a situation where Polk has to be rescued by Rodney then recontained again
The bowling balls power is being sapient, able to roll around, being able to alter reality proficiently when only inside a room and able to create the bowling pins and SCP-XXXX-A. They both have the ability to have telekinetic limbs, sapient, being flexible and move. The ball's goal is to establish its own kingdom and expand its territory overtime. It plans on doing this by quietly gaining followers which slowly grants him the ability to fully brainwash humans for like he did with the pins. It also likes to turn other people it encounters into living bowling pins so they slowly and fully become SCP-XXXX-1 instances. SCP-XXXX-A became a exile/pariah and thrown in the dungeon for no fully obeying the ball. The ball likes to taunt his power can get constant self-gratifying treatment from his followers. All thinks its the best at bowling.
And it self-sustained itself by hiding within a town, extract as much humans as it can discreetly to build up its power to transform them into the bowling pins that will help him get that brainwash power to take over the city but Rodney and Polk catch him in the act. Polk gets taken hostage and the ball turns Rodney into a bowling pin and holds him at the same place where SCP-XXXX-A is kept. Maybe the Foundation realize this and the whole situation turns into an active hostage situation with the ball. And SCP-XXXX-A and Rodney will have to work together to not only rescue Polk but to beat the ball
What do you think of that?
Hey, I've changed the page layout a bit here. Will start organizing ideas a bit more here soon and probably have more to say then.
Yep, I certainly like the layout. But anyways, I see we have the general list of characters and there's something called the 'space saver'? What's that all about? Is that going in one of the logs or is it going to be a 3rd person intro similar to SCP-5039? I also like that one bit where the ball gets upset whenever his kingdom gets referred to an alley.
Anyways we should go over first why Rodney and Polk came over there and how they got the footage. I think for the first one (since you think the idea of them having fun after hours is a bit too much) how about we just have them investigate that general area and they stumble across the alley and find the anomaly. Then for footage, we could have the body cameras3 or footage captured directly from the alley's office, perhaps a bowling pin guard to watch over the monitor? That is after Rodney and Beta take out the guard?
Also I think the main selling point should be Polk getting saved by Rodney and Beta. It'll give the characters more motivation and I haven't seen an article where a foundation personnel teams up with another anomaly while out in the field. What do you think of these points I brought up?
(Weird, WikiDot somehow ate this message the first time…)
The "space saver" is there so I don't have to scroll down past so much every time I go to edit things on my phone. I just threw that joke in because I thought it was funny at the time, I doubt I'll get to actually include it in the article.
I still can't grasp all these different elements fitting together in a SCP format though. Like.. I don't think using bodycams doesn't make sense in itself, but that they wouldn't be present if these two are just out socializing while off-duty; which in itself feels a bit contrived, but could maybe work in different circumstances. But if they are on-duty and specifically investigating a case, then it doesn't make sense for them to not call in backup and deal with the situation in a more rational way. I think we could get away with these kind of shenanigans in a Tale because that's pure storytelling free of considerations like the contextual POV, and there's less of this kind of scrutiny from the audience in that format. Jamming another Polk and Rod adventure like The Junkers into this format doesn't feel like a natural fit to me.
My inclination at this point is to focus more on the anomaly instead, maybe post-containment. Putting it in scenarios where researchers engage it for testing purposes feels like richer ground for material. I'll try a bit more to stake out this plotline though, and see what comes.
Hm… I think I see what you're trying to say. Seeing your points, I think focusing on post-containment could be more practical. How about this: The anomaly was originally found by urban explorers in an abandoned bowling alley or maybe it became sapient one day during a bowling tournament. Either way, the bowling ball and its pins were taken into custody.
Then maybe after an interview, the researchers start preforming tests on it and perhaps during one of the tests they inadvertently caused the bowling ball to become a reality bender. Then when they are least expecting it, the bowling ball would attack; it would use its bending powers to take over the site and morph matter into non-anomalous pins to help aid in its quest for domination4. Agent Rodney and Polk could just happen to be staying at the Site during this time.
For what exactly it would be doing… it would morph the interior of the site akin to a twisted version of its own bowling alley, and perhaps it uses some of the personnel for its own entertainment while allow others to work on their jobs while under strict monitoring. Polk could have accidently insulted the bowling ball by referring to his kingdom as an alley and gets used for entertainment while Rodney gets thrown in the same place as Beta and after some back and forth talking they decide to work together and escape.
The takeover of the Site would morph into an actual hostage situation and while the Foundation forces on the outside plan what to do, Rodney figures out that can incapacitate the bowling ball by getting an SRA and activating near it5 It tells Beta where the SRA's are being kept and figure they can use the vents to reach that place. While Beta is getting the SRA Rodney would be captured, and in a gambit to save his skin he challenges the Bowling Ball to a bowling ball match to which it eagerly agrees. Polk and the other captured personnel are in the background. Rodney realizes that the bowling ball isn't playing fair and decides to stall for time and long as possible. Near at the last moment Beta comes back with the SRA and activates it; all the pins besides him become deanimate and the bowling ball is easily contained afterwards. Rodney could get huge approval while the procedures for the bowling ball are updated and its transferred to Site-43 instead.
This would solve the issue of why Rodney and Polk were there to begin with. This would solve how footage for this incident would be captured as the Foundation's security cameras would record the main events while for other portions perhaps inside the vents Rodney could activate his phone to document what happens. And best of all, we can still have the storyline of Rodney trying to save Polk as well and we'll still have opportunities to give the bowling ball characterization. Speaking of which, are we still going to incorporate that element of Rodney being transformed into a non-mind controlled bowling pin during this article or are we going to scrap that?
Hmm.. yeah, having that stuff take place inside a Site would solve some of those issues. When I think more on it, the bowling centre could have been a fun setting. But oh well.
Well, we can always have the bowling ball change places in the site so it would be replica of its original bowling alley. It would make sense since it considered that place its original kingdom. So, now that we've gotten the issue of Rodney and Polk reason being there, how the footage came to be, and the general plot of the story to where it makes logical sense sorted out… is there anything we need to address or do we start writing now?
Yeah, King Ball twisting the environment of the Site into something like a replica of its original home sounds like a neat idea. I do still want to put more thought and ideation into the anomaly itself - so that King Ball is not just the "generic breaching threat of the week"; I want him to have characterization and be a unique and entertaining figure in his own right. But it sounds like you're fired up for this Breach Incident storyline, so if you feel ready to start writing it out then go for it. Perhaps add more tabs onto the Drafts table above, to help compartmentalize each section or Addendum or however it might be divided and kept track of. I will also add a tab or two down on this Notes table to put down a couple rough ideas I've been brainstorming.
Actually before I start I have some questions: For the discovery, what do you think is better? Having the king being discovered at an abandoned bowling alley with a paragraph mentioning the incident or do we have the bowling ball break character during a local tournament because a man with filthy hands tried to touch it and it refused in a public manner accompanied by a video log? Which do you think is best?
Also, I really like the idea of the bowling shoes being a jester for the king. Maybe Beta was the original jester for the king before being replaced by the shoes. And for the religious members of the bowling pins army, maybe have certain pins wear folded wallpaper hats? Any thoughts?
Hmm.. Maybe it depends on if we have any kind of concrete origin in mind, or if this is another anomaly that just suddenly came into being one day for no real reason. I'm leaning more towards just the abandoned bowling alley angle - maybe King Ball was originally the business owner, but something happened that made things this way? Actually yeah, that could be an angle worth pursuing. I shall think on that a bit more.
I just written up the description of the bowling shoes (SCP-XXXX-A) and added the circumstances of how all four anomalies were recovered. Also, I think for better story-telling, we can have SCP-XXXX-B explain the circumstances of the owner and how the bowling ball came to power (Beta was alive previously but couldn't move or speak and subsequently became part of the main anomaly) for better effect. This not only gives backstory but also could be an opportunity for Agent Rodney and Beta to bond.
Cool cool, good work. Sorry I haven't been very present lately on the page here, but am still thinking about the article. I'll maybe come through with some revisions later, but keep going with the content for now.
Glad you liked it. I have an idea of how the rest of the dialogue will go but the interview is giving me the most trouble. I'm still brainstorming and I'll post more about it tomorrow.
Alright, sounds good. If it's just a matter of finding the particular lines of speech that may segue from one topic to the next or anything like that, feel free to use just rough plot beats and placeholders in the draft for now. Like, if you know you want any particular interview to cover [Point A] and [Point B], etc. in the story, you can just have some liner notes in brackets around the significant bits or whatever. Putting the main pieces roughly in place comes before joining them together proper (in my system, at least), so I think we can do that before fretting over small details.
E: I put a few notes under a heading (Plot C, for now) for a potentially different angle to focus in the SCP article. Not that I don't like the idea of the Breach Incident Story or anything - but it's always felt more suited to a Tale format / accompanying piece, to me. Maybe I'm wrong, but using this SCP as a vehicle for a more humanizing take on something real-ish might be better received by the audience than just "bowling-themed monster fights the good guys" (even though I do think Polk & Rod fighting monsters is ripe for material in its own time and place). I know you might not be keen to split this into a SCP and companion piece Tale (our last Tale experience was not typical of the scene; it was only so challenging/complex specifically because of the genre and elements we applied) but I think we'll get more exposure/votes from that angle. I dunno, maybe we can get around to posting an Ideas Forum thread and get an outside opinion or two?
E2: Actually.. maybe never mind this; stay the course for now.
…
To lay out ideas, working details, and other stuff.
The Anomaly
- Bowling Ball
- Apparent central source of reality bending phenomena at the bowling alley.
- Behavior and personality of a royal monarch. (A very regal and pompous sovereign)
- Believes that the bowling centre is its kingdom, and all the bowling pins are its subjects.
- Bowling Pins
- Made animate by the Bowling Ball King.
- They act as servants to the Kingdom and do their leader's bidding.
- Bowling Pin Beta
- A particular bowling pin who does not behave like the others and is insubordinate to the King.
- The Bowling Centre
- Located in a relatively isolated city/town.
- …
…
Narrative / Story
Plot A
- Polk and Rodney enter the bowling centre.
- Either casually bowling for fun, or deliberately staking out the place on a mission.
- They bowl a game or two (?)
- …
- The Anomaly manifests.
- The Ball King reveals itself and taunts/threatens the Skippers.
- Rodney and Polk are attacked by the pins; they get overwhelmed and separated from each other.
- Polk
- Gets trapped.
- The Ball King transforms Polk into a human bowling pin.
- Polk is held captive.
- Rodney
- Escapes.
- Meets Beta Pin
- Showdown
- Rodney challenges the Ball King to a bowling contest.
- The stakes: Polk's freedom vs. (something for Ball King)
- In the final frame of the contest, Beta Pin shows up and causes Rodney to win!
- Aftermath
- Containment (?)
Plot B
- Containment
- The anomaly is detected and brought into On-Site containment without too much excessive effort.
- Testing / Interviews
- Through some basic initial interactions with the anomaly by the Foundation, we learn some background details.
- This segment may initially establish the characterization of the SCP.
- Breach Incident
- By way of some inciting incident, King Ball has the opportunity and/or power gain to take control of the Site.
- King Ball instigates a hostage situation that can only be resolved by way of dramatic bowling competition showdown.
- …
Plot C (?)
- Containment
- The anomaly is detected and brought into On-Site containment without too much excessive effort.
- Testing / Interviews
- Through some basic initial interactions with the anomaly by the Foundation, we learn some background details.
- This segment may initially establish the characterization of the SCP.
- Backstory/Origin Revelations
- The drive of the article becomes an uncovering of the original identity of King Ball in his original normal human life.
- A series of Tests/Interviews gradually breaks King Ball down to the point where his personality is laid bare.
- King Ball was once a successful independent business owner, but troubles (maybe just the economy these days) have forced him to struggle just to make ends meet.
- King Ball was simply too overcome by his own pride to do anything but whatever it was that placed him in his current circumstances (as a powerful reality bender, but in form of a bowling ball stuck within his building).
- Additional Elements In Play
- The "special characters" like Beta Pin and Jester Shoes might have a unique origin as well.
- Whereas most of the servile bowling pins or whatev were originally inanimate objects of the bowling centre (hence their unyielding loyalty to King Ball), Beta Pin and Jester Shoes were also originally human employees who got "Beauty and the Beast"-cursed into becoming part of the anomaly.
- Beta Pin's insubordination to the King Ball can be motivated by this. (?)
- …
…
Research
Etc.
- …
…
…
Loose Ideas / Rough Snippets
King Ball: He hates the term 'bowling alley'.
King Ball: 'Alley' has such negative connotations; it does not adequately describe the majesty of my realm. You may call it a 'bowling centre', or refer to it as 'the lanes'.
King Bowl could have a "court jester" which is an animate pair of bowling shoes. Rented bowling shoes are typically styled in bright contrasting colours, similar to a joker's outfit. This character can provide some more intentionally comedic input from the anomaly, while King Ball maintains an air of dignity (albeit undercut by the unintentional comedy from his absurdness).
King Bowl has/had a clergy under his rule, which instilled a religious influence of his design on the pins. We can add some theocratic elements to the ruling nature of King Ball. And maybe jokes.
King Ball: Most revered are our noble figures of spirituality. They are known as the Brotherhood Of Ordained Bowling Saints!
Agent Polk: … (pause) B.O.O.B.S.?
King Ball: Silence!
For the Containment Procedures - we have an opportunity to justifiably list the (unusual) dimensions of the chamber, lol! The chamber should be modified to include at least one bowling lane, so the dimensions need to include at least a 23 x 2 m space for that; plus more space for room behind the play area.
SCP-XXXX is to be contained in a 35 x 5 m modified containment chamber. (Insert additional specs which subtly imply that there is a bowling lane in there)
King Ball is not impressed with the containment chamber he's being kept in.
King Ball: This is a paltry fiefdom in comparison to my glorious realm. There is but one lane here; my kingdom holds in excess of one dozen lanes!
Agent Polk: It does not! There were seven lanes and a mirror on one wall.
King Ball: Silence!
King Ball likes beer. He demands that a keg be kept available within the chamber. But NEVER bring any food or drink within the playing area near the lane!
(Though I don't think there's any way for a bowling ball or bowling pins to actually consume the beer…)
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