SCP-XXXX-A refers to structures produced by SCP-XXXX-affected individuals (henceforth referred to as SCP-XXXX-B). SCP-XXXX-A instances are characterized by unnecessary or impractical height and/or width relative to their function (if applicable), and utilization of recently-developed technology, even if experimental and/or unsafe. SCP-XXXX-A instances are designed to be aesthetically pleasing or attention-drawing. The majority of SCP-XXXX-A instances (~85%) primarily attempt to achieve high elevation rather than extraordinary width.
Currently, the total number of SCP-XXXX-A instances are unknown. Due to SCP-XXXX's vague definition, numerous structures which aren't under observation may classify as SCP-XXXX-A instances and vice versa. The following list is of definitive SCP-XXXX-A instances, confirmed by numerous sources:
SCP-XXXX's influences on individuals are only apparent in ~2% of the population. SCP-XXXX-B instances are more susceptible to SCP-XXXX's influence than average individuals, and tend to exhibit a heightened interest in the construction of buildings, fascination with architecture, and a desire to pursue structural engineering and similar subjects as a career choice. It is believed approximately 75% of individuals in architectural fields are affected, to some degree, by SCP-XXXX. In most circumstances, however, SCP-XXXX-B instances fail to satisfy their intention of constructing an SCP-XXXX-A instance and alternatively pursue the construction of average buildings.
Throughout the construction of an SCP-XXXX-A instance, SCP-XXXX-B instances' will undergo a series of cognitive alterations. SCP-XXXX-B instances' personalities will begin as clinical and stringent, however, will gradually shift to mania-induced and enthusiastic. Once construction is concluded, SCP-XXXX-B will proceed to begin construction of other, smaller buildings, typically citing that SCP-XXXX-A is their greatest achievement in their lifetime.
At the time of writing, the exact anomalous properties of SCP-XXXX-A instances are unknown.
Addendum A - Documents Recovered from the Wanderer's Library
On May 7th 2018, Mobile Task Force Sigma-3 ("Bibliographers") recovered multiple documents from the Wanderer's Library in the form of papyrus scrolls, leading to the discovery of SCP-4000. The scrolls have been dated between roughly 300 BCE and 100 CE (though the exact time periods are unknown), and are believed to originate from the Library of Alexandria. They are replicated in full below, with miscellaneous information expunged.
Blessed be the gods.
The construction of the Mouseion, and as such, the Great Library, is advancing significantly. Though I have only been here for thirteen days, as I have been invited by one of the grand Demetrius’ scholars, there is notably more work and dedication being put into the development of this establishment of knowledge than into the ones in Rome. Just yesterday, the workers finished constructing the last lecture hall, a magnificent sight to behold, with care being put even into the most minuscule aspects.
The gardens are an especially lovely addition, built in a way so that there is no shadow for most of the daytime, so that the thinkers all gathered here may study in peace, able to enjoy both the flora surrounding them and the breathtaking view of Alexandria- or the marvelous features of the library itself, for that matter. The peaceful nature of the gardens makes for an enjoyable experience within them- particularly the Garden of the Muses, granting its visitors a wonderful view over the Great Harbor, with its sculptures and trees of many variety, has won me for itself. It is the spot my colleagues may find me most of the time, if I am not participating in debates in the reading room or studying the numerous splendid scrolls already in our possession.
Though the tract for scriptural acquisitions was right by the archive, I haven't a chance to see the work of the men there for myself. When I arrived, I thought it peculiar that the thinkers, by order of Demetrius and, according to some outlandish individuals, the Basile himself, didn't allow for strangers, no matter their degree. I have counted six guards watching over the entry points at all times, only letting those with signed permits pass.
Of course, I have heard of the rumors which tell stories of a vast, hidden archive, filled with all knowledge of mankind. The talk is nonsense in my eyes, for the lack of place the second archive could occupy. And yet, the secrecy of the leading thinkers is making me both upset and intrigued- what could they be possibly hiding that would warrant these procedures, and why did they deny it to all but themselves?
I hope to soon receive an answer to this riddle- the scholar who invited me, an eccentric of excitable nature, is forming ties between me and the thinkers, in an attempt to grant me a permanent stay within these walls. It won't be too long until I have gained enough trust, and I believe that it will greatly benefit my work.
Blessed be the gods.
The library has finally been completed. For years we have been adding more and more to the Mouseion, to all its parts alike, but thanks to the significance of the door we have found, the men of the Basileus had a particular interest in constructing the place to protect it and keep it hidden from the rest of the world. Though the land beyond is a strange and vast place, with rules and aspects that made some of us go mad over the incoherency, its people are a friendly bunch, and attempt helping us both at understanding and embracing the strangeness of what they themselves call the Library. Truly, for years we expanded our knowledge based on merely the texts inside, and for countless years it shall continue and establish Greece as the leading force in arts and culture.
In the recent days, suggestions have begun arising - now that our establishment of wisdom is finished, we figured it fair to invite those holding the power on the other side. Never have we spoken to their HEAD LIBRARIAN, but his people assured us that he has no interest in such matters, and neither the other maintainers ranking high. The others fear them. Vaguely human, abysmal beasts Heracles would slaughter without hesitation is what my friend whispered to me as we have passed one with no legs or mouth. And yet, they never attack unless provoked - a younger scholar made the mistake of stealing their scrolls, and they have taken him away. The people of the Library told us that he would become and stay keeper until his debt is all paid, we, however, had nothing to fear.
As Alexandria is continuously growing around the Mouseion, the Basileus suggested to expand the city into the Library by increasing the size of the door. The Library’s occupants, however, insist that this would be a grave mistake - individuals may live there, but settlements would put the Library, and in return the settlers, at risk. Keeping this in mind, our highest scholars proposed a sort of private quarter near the door inside, for us thinkers to stay there and study. We have yet to put forth this idea to the ones on the other side, but some architects have already been tasked with working on and designing such a building. It must consist solely out of wood, of course, as the door is too small to fit through our usual building materials.
Much to our surprise, Demetrius is not in support of this idea. He claims Mouseion to be the greatest accomplishment of ours, one that needs no simple wooden additions in foreign and strange lands. However, upon directly asking the Basileus to grant this request, and he assured us support and resources. Despite this, I worry greatly about Demetrius - the years seem to have taken their toll, the grandness of the library has irredeemably astonished him. It is no great loss, though, as his work is more thorough and brilliant as it has ever been.
The future in these regards may be uncertain, but the Gods are with us. I have no doubts that Alexandria will soon become the capital of the world, and us, the Greeks, the holders of wisdom far beyond anyone’s understanding.
Blessed be the gods.
It has yet been merely seven years since I have joined the Library. While it is still as beautiful as I described it seven years prior, and the insides as vast as they are, the philosophers and great minds in the main hall have decided to once again begin construction for unknown reasons. Their claims are to fortify the Library, but I ask, from whom? Who would attack the Library?
My probing has yielded few results. I've recited by worries to Euclid, yet he said in due time it will be revealed. Others prove as fruitless as he. One has shared with me that the decision was almost unanimous, and I am deeply concerned because of this. I've made one swear unto me an oath to allow me to be part of the conspiracy, and he claims he will ask for a vote. I eagerly await the result, though it may take much time.
Blessed be the gods.
It has been a long time since I catalogued the Library's progress, due to the secrecy of the undergoing. The Library fortifications have been completed, as expected. A vast wall now surrounds the library, and guards stand on duty night and day. I believe these fortifications for the best after I have learned of their purpose, which I eagerly have been awaiting to write about. Now, I may do so.
In the minds of many humans, mainly the uneducated, there is a subtle tick in which we build colossal structures, for a purpose which I cannot state, nor have the ability to. While this may not be an issue into of itself, for an unknown cause, the people infected with the Minds of the Sky have a tendency for burning the buildings which they built. Such grand structures include the Great Traveler's Congregation House, the Tower of Babel, The Towers of Greece, and many more.
We believe the Library is next, and this is why we have protected it. We have designed tests to make sure no infected get in, and we have prevented all fire-starting tools from entering the border. With the gods help, may we protect mankind's knowledge.
The following documents are believed to be written by different individuals than the author of the former.
Written by Apollo, son of Alexander II
We suspect the attack is imminent. My observations of the populous outside of this library conclude that, over three hundred years after its founding, the Minds of the Sky are ready to begin the burning. We've taken extra precautions, both physical and magical (much gratitude to the Inner Library), in order to prevent its destruction, but I am unsure if it is enough.
Through vigorous searching and experimenting, we've come to a conclusion that the Minds of the Sky believe The Pyramids of Egypt to be some form of deity or important structure. We've considered the destruction of the oversized tombs, though my vote has been cast downwards by the others, citing that their destruction is very much too difficult. Pathetic excuses, but I will remain true to the others.
We may only hope that the day comes and passes where they will not disturb us.
They will arrive shortly.
The Minds of the Sky are advancing upon us, as seen by their torches on the horizon. The guards have prepared their weapons, and we have prepared scrolls of mysticism. Golems line the outer perimeter.
If I may be honest, to whomever reads this, I am frightened. I was never trained in combat, nor was I ever fit for such. They have weapons, I have a scroll. The other philosophers and thinkers appear confident, but my own feelings believe them to simply be arrogant. I don't want to believe as such, but I do.
They have arrived closer now, and as I write this, the archers have begun firing. Thankfully, we appear to be winning. Their men die, yet our soldiers remain protected by the fortifications. Some philosophers have begun their runic chanting, and have summoned shields of light to protect us. The golems do not do so well, as they are poorly constructed, however are effective at holding off the hoards.
I return briefly to state that the countermeasures are doing wonderfully. There was no purpose in being fearful, as these are merely peasants with torches. Our men tear them down, and at one point, a golem sacrificed himself to kill a dozen at once. I feel remorseful, in some sense, that we are simply killing misguided simpletons, but the council has decided on this path inst
The horror! In some fatal flaw, the peasants found an entrance to the Library unguarded! They attacked from the inside and began burning the books, which the fire began to spread quickly. We don't understand how it could happen, but I write this from inside the inner library, which we will attempt to cut off from the rest of the world.
With further conversing with the council, we have determined that three hundred years prior, when the Library was being built, Demetrius was one of the Minds of the Sky, and had anticipated the day his work would be burned. He prepared the Library for destruction and educated the peasants on its layout, all for some unknown purpose.
The Library is gone. We must live eternally in the Inner Library. I have not a clue what will happen now, but I will leave this task to our predecessors.