Per 
- An upper society above our level of perception
- Masquerade mask allows the wearer to see this society
- Similar to how masques would work
- Citizens will only be wearing masks on certain dates. On all dates aside from these citizens will be snobby cunts and refuse to talk to anyone sent in.
- How will people look without masks?
- Black void?
- Faceless?
- How would i incorporate thieves?
Item #: SCP-X
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-X is to be kept stored in a secure item locker on site ██. Any personnel must both acquire site director permission and sign their name as well as the date and time the item is removed in the SCP-X logbook. If SCP-X-1-1 takes possession of SCP-X daily checks must be performed on its item locker until it returns.
Description: SCP-X is a mask reminiscent of those worn to masquerade balls in the 15th century. When worn the user will be able to both perceive and interact with a new 'layer' of reality inhabited by humanoid individuals classified SCP-X-1. Instances of SCP-X-1 are almost entirely human. They both look and act like humans, dressing in clothing generally worn by nobles in the 15th century. The only exception to this rule is that they seemingly cannot die by traditional means. If an injury, which would usually be fatal to humans, is inflicted on an instance of SCP-X-1 it will fall to the ground as if dead for around 5 minutes before simply getting back up with any injuries having healed. Instances of SCP-X-1 generally won’t interact with the wearer of SCP-X beyond occasional disregarding remarks unless a masquerade is currently occurring. On certain dates of the year masquerade parties will be held within this reality. While these events are occurring instances of SCP-X-1 will appear different to normal, wearing masquerade reminiscent of the 15th century. Instances of SCP-X-1 also begin to act differently than before, interacting with the subject wearing SCP-X much more than usual. It is currently unknown whether this change in both appearance and demeanour are voluntary or simply happen without the instance's knowledge. In certain areas of the reality of SCP-X cities and towns can be found. Within these cities large amounts of SCP-X-1 reside and architecture seems to be non-Euclidian in nature. The only known location of one of these cities is currently [REDACTED] in Italy.
Discovery: SCP-X was not specifically discovered but simply appeared in an unused anomalous item locker on site ██. It is currently assumed that the instance of SCP-X-1 (designated SCP-X-1-1) was responsible for this.
Subject: D-1872
Procedure: Subject is to be equipped with a bomb collar, and is to enter a standard humanoid containment cell with SCP-X. Subject is then to be instructed to put on SCP-X. Upon any sign of aggression or risk of breach the bomb collar is to be detonated. Throughout the test no less than two facility guards armed with automatic weapons are to be stationed outside the cell.
Audiovisual transcript (As taken from cell security cameras):
Researcher ████████: Okay everything set up please put on the mask
D-1872 hesitates for a moment but complies
D-1872: Was this supposed to do something?
Dr ████████: You don't see anything out of the ordinary?
D-1872 glances around the room then takes a step back
D-1872: Wait what the fuck?
Dr ████████: What’s going on? Tell me what you see
D-1872: I don't know this guy in a mask just kind of appeared behind me he’s not doing anything though he's just kind of standing there
Dr ████████: Can you describe the man?
D-1872: He's wearing some sort of old-fashioned outfit except his fucking face is missing
Dr ████████: What do you mean by "his face is missing"?
D-1872: His eyes, his nose, his mouth it’s not there it’s just flat skin
Dr ████████: You said he was wearing a mask describe it to me
D-1872: It’s a weird fuckin' party mask. Kinda thing they'd wear at one of those masked balls from the old times
Dr ████████: I see so he's not doing anything just standing there?
D-1872: Yep nothing. Man, I guess I got lucky I've heard enough stories of people dying during these damn tests
Dr ████████: Okay, we're going to begin terminating the test please follow the instructions provided
D-1872: Wait he's moving
Dr ████████: What’s he doing?
D-1872: He's reaching for something in his jacket
D-1872 begins to slowly walk backwards
D-1872: Wait it's just a letter I think it's trying to give it to me
Dr ████████: Take the letter
D-1872 presumably takes the letter as it appears in his hand
D-1872: Okay so what now? You want me to open it or what?
Dr ████████: Yes, go ahead and open it
D-1872 hesitates for a moment then opens the letter
D-1872: Huh, it’s just got a date and a location says it’s from "a friend"
Dr ████████: Any indication of who it’s addressed to?
D-1872: Yeah sorry I probably should have said it's addressed to a guy called [REDACTED]
Dr ████████: Interesting… What about this figure has he got anything to say?
D-1872: He's gone I looked up from the letter and he just disappeared.
Dr ████████: I see. In that case we will now begin terminating the test please stand by.
End of audio-visual transcript
Results/Notes: Invitation was recovered and classified as scp-X-2 from now on the entity D-1872 interacted with is to be classified as scp-X-1. The nature of SCP-X-1 is currently unknown however the possibility of it being a hallucination can be ruled out by the letter D-1872 was handed. Further tests are required to ascertain the nature of SCP-X.
SCP-X-2 is a standard letter which shows no anomalous properties. It was received from an instance of SCP-X-2-1 by D-1872 as part of a test performed with SCP-X. Written on the letter is the following:
Dear [REDACTED]
[REDACTED], Italy
21 March 2019
Don't be late.- A friend
Subject: D-1872
Procedure: Subject is to be equipped with a microphone and taken to [REDACTED]. Subject is then to be instructed to put on SCP-X. A temporary research station should be set up nearby to both observe and communicate with the test subject.
Start of audio-visual transcript
Dr ████████: Okay we're ready to begin the test D-1872 please put on the mask.
D-1872: Okay well here we go
D-1872 puts on SCP-X
D-1872: Holy shit
Dr ████████: Please describe what you see
D-1872: I'm in an alleyway and there's buildings everywhere not modern stuff though it’s all old
Dr ████████: And these just appeared when you put on the mask?
D-1872: Yeah it just sort of materialized around me, weird
Dr ████████: Is there anything out of the ordinary any weird geometry, other instances of the thing you saw before?
D-1872: Nothing that I can see right now
Dr ████████: I want you to try touching the walls for me. Tell me if they're physically there
D-1872: Okay? Damn you guys are weird
D-1872 reaches out with his hand and walks a little as if trailing it along a wall
Dr ████████: Can you touch it?
D-1872: What kind of question is that? It's there of course I can touch it.
Dr ████████: Interesting. Please leave the alleyway.
D-1872 turns to his right and begins walking forward before suddenly stopping
D-1872: Oh, shit it’s that thing from before
Dr ████████: The entity you saw in the first test?
D-1872: Maybe. It's wearing a mask and some sort of dress this time
D-1872: Oh god I think it just spoke to me
Dr ████████: Try speaking back to it
D-1872: Hello?
D-1872: No, I didn't mean to- aand it's gone
D-1872 takes another few steps before suddenly stopping again and looking around
D-1872: Jesus Christ they're everywhere and these buildings, they're not normal
Dr ████████: Please describe the buildings
D-1872: I don't know the geometry doesn't make any sense there's buildings growing out of the sides of other buildings they're too tall for stuff this old too
Dr ████████: Hmm okay. You said they're everywhere what do you mean by this?
D-1872: Those things you know the faceless mask monsters
Dr ████████: You spoke to one earlier. You shouldn't be afraid of them, go look around and tell me what you find.
D-1872: I guess you've got a point there
D-1872 begins to walk around, looking at non-existent buildings as he does
Dr ████████: See anything interesting?
D-1872: Nothing really just a bunch of buildings huh this one’s got a sign. "The eucalyptus club. Come engage in pleasures of the flesh." and its open!
Dr ████████: As much as exploration is important need I remind you that from our perspective you're still in an open field
D-1872: Yeah, yeah just let me check this place out you know, exploration and all that
Dr ████████: I guess it could give some insight into what these things are
D-1872: Now were talking
D-1872 appears to walk up some stairs and as a result starts to float, he makes his way along a raised plane before taking an invisible seat
Dr ████████: So, I take it that you're all settled in?
D-1872: Yeah, I think I’ve discovered an inter-dimensional strip club
Dr ████████: Can you describe your surroundings?
D-1872: It’s just like a bar with a stage no one seems to be running the place I just kinda walked in and took a seat. Few tables with some of those things sitting at them.
Dr ████████: No acts yet?
D-1872: Oh, wait I think it’s starting the lights just went out
D-1872: Huh there's a performer there but she’s wrapped in bandages… Oh god oh god oh god
D-1872 stands up and begins to uncontrollably vomit before hastily leaving what can be assumed to be the establishment
Dr ████████: What happened?
D-1872: Oh god this place is fucked up she had no skin I saw it all she took the bandages off and her organs just-
D-1872 interrupts himself, vomiting again
Dr ████████: Do you think you can continue the test?
D-1872: Yeah, yeah, I’m fine don't worry.
Dr ████████: Okay good please continue exploring
D-1872: Wait, wait shut up. Sorry. You were saying about a party?
D-1872 begins to walk in a new direction
Dr ████████: Are you okay? What’s going on?
D-1872: I just found out why everyone's wearing masks it seems to be some sort of celebration for the anniversary of something called "the conception"
Dr ████████: Hmm I see so where are you heading now?
D-1872: Apparently there's a ball going on somewhere some of those monsters are taking me there. They kept saying stuff about how rare visitors from "common realities" are.
Dr ████████: Check this place out then we'll conclude today's testing
D-1872: Sounds good to me I can't wait to get out of here I’m gonna be having nightmares for weeks
D-1872 continues to walk in silence before stopping again and looking around
D-1872: Woah so I guess this is the party
Dr ████████: Again, can you describe your surroundings?
D-1872: Its just a ballroom nothing too weird about it, chandelier, giant staircase not like the streets outside it's full of these mask creatures though
Dr ████████: Any sign of a host?
D-1872: Nope nothing there are drinks though.
D-1872 seemingly weaves between people and picks up a drink before taking a sip
D-1872: Jesus Christ this tastes like shit its bitter as hell
Dr ████████: Finish the drink
D-1872: Jesus if you so insist
D-1872 finishes the drink and raises his head a little
D-1872: Hmm I think the host is here someone just appeared at the top of the staircase
Dr ████████: Is he doing anything?
D-1872: I think he's about to make a speech
Dr ████████: Have a listen and tell me what he says
D-1872 stands still and listens for a total of five minutes
D-1872: He's saying something about the conception apparently everyone needs to "Die and be reborn again".
He looks around in shock
D-1872: The mask-things they're all passing out or dying?
Dr ████████: Dying?
D-1872: They're all just falling over I gotta get out of here
Dr ████████: No. Not yet.
D-1872: Wait some of them are getting back up what the fuck is happening
D-1872 falls forward face down
Dr ████████: D-1872? Are you okay? Terminate the test. Get a medical team down here NOW.
SCP-X begins to float off D-1872's face before disappearing
end of audio-visual transcript
Exploration results: D-1872 was found deceased. The cause of death was determined to be cyanide poisoning. 7 days after this test was performed SCP-X reappeared in its containment locker along with a letter. This letter is to be referred to as SCP-X-2-2.
Dear [REDACTED]
So how did you enjoy my little gift? I for one loved it these experiments were always such great entertainment but getting involved myself? Now that is what I find fun. I'm sure you have plenty of questions. You wish to understand us, and you will in due time.
For now, I'll leave you with one answer.
You see us upper reality folks can't be killed, were immortal. We can’t even experience the joy of dying, conception saw to that. But still, we celebrate with masquerades and allow those from a lower existence to exist alongside us, to celebrate alongside us, to show that we are the superior reality. A deathless reality is not as perfect as it seems. I’m sure a certain doctor would vouch for that.
- A friend
P.S I've made some alterations to that gift of yours. I want you all to have a nice look at our lovely reality.
subject: D-2098
Procedure: D-2098 is to be taken to [REDACTED] and is to be instructed to put on SCP-X. The temporary research base previously set up at this location is to be used to monitor D-2098's actions throughout the test. D-2098 is to be equipped with a microphone and headset for verbal communication between her and the research team present.
NOTE FROM Dr ████████: It is integral that D-2098 begins the test in roughly the game space as D-1872 did in the previous tests. We do not know what happens when someone enters this reality inside of where a building would be and frankly I for one don't want to find out.
Start of audio-visual transcript
Dr ████████: Okay we're ready to begin the test. D-2098 please put on SCP-X.
D-2098 slowly puts on SCP-X and the monitors in the temporary research base begin to flicker before showing the image of an alleyway in a 15th century street
D-2098: Huh weird
Dr ████████: Hmm we seem to be having some interference with our equipment please stand by
D-2098 ignores Dr ████████ and looks around, the images on the monitors change as she does
Dr ████████: Can you please describe your current environment
D-2098: Yeah, sure I’m in some kind of olden days alleyway
Dr ████████: I see… Okay please proceed out of the alley and explore
D-2098 begins to move out of the alleyway, her vision shown on the monitors. She eventually emerges and looks around, the monitors showing streets filled with instances of SCP-X-1 however this time without masks
D-2098: Oh Jesus what’s with these faceless people
Dr ████████: Don't worry they're simply residents of this reality they won’t try to hurt you
D-2098: Whatever you say
D-2098 proceeds down the alley and out into the street. She looks around as buildings begin to grow out of other buildings
D-2098: Woah this is trippy you can see this too, right?
Dr ████████: Just keep moving
D-2098 proceeds down the busy streets, instances of SCP-X-1 glancing over at her occasionally
D-2098: Don't these guys know that it's rude to stare? I know they don't have eyes but still its fucking creepy
A smaller instance of SCP-X-1 runs up to D-2098, pointing at her
SCP-X-1 (Smaller): Look mommy a visitor from the lower planes!
Another larger instance of SCP-X-1 runs up behind it before grabbing it and dragging it away while speaking
SCP-X-1 (Larger): Don't look at it darling, it might be dangerous. What did I tell you about talking to those disgusting miscreants?
As the two instances walk out of earshot D-2098 raises a single finger in their direction
D-2098: You guys have records of these things being such assholes?
Dr ████████: No, this is new
D-2098: Guess I should keep my guard up then huh?
Dr ████████: Just keep exploring for now
D-2098 continues down the street as she does the geometry of the buildings slowly become less and less logical. Instances of SCP-X-1 occasionally stop to point and "stare" before going back to whatever they were doing before.
D-2098: Buildings are getting pretty damn weird round here they're like growing out of each other gives me inception vibes
Dr ████████: Yes, we see that try to find a building you can enter
D-2098 walks up a set of stairs to a door and reads a sign above before throwing them open
D-2098: The oak tree theatre. You guys interested in stage plays?
Dr ████████: Take a look inside
D-2098: I'll take that as a yes then.
D-2098 steps inside, closing the door behind her as she enters a hallway extends out in front of her ending in another set of stairs
D-2098: You saw that, too right? That hallway was not this long when I looked before.
Dr ████████: Yes, geometry here seems… Non-traditional
D-2098 proceeds down the corridor and eventually reaches the stairs she begins to climb them
D-2098: So, you guys got any theories on why this place is like this?
Dr ████████: It's fairly common for physics to work differently in alternative realities this isn't anything new. For example, you're currently walking up a wall.
D-2098 looks around and realizes that as soon as she had left the staircase she had begun walking upwards as opposed to forwards
D-2098: Jesus Christ and I didn't even notice? At least I'm almost at the theatre hall.
D-2098 proceeds up the vertical hallway and eventually emerges into a large hall full of seats with a stage at the very front D-2098 takes a seat at the back
D-2098: Now I just wait I guess
Dr ████████: Yeah, give it some time this should be quite interesting
As time passes instances of SCP-X-1 enter the theatre and take seats, avoiding D-2098 completely. After about ten minutes the seats are all occupied save for the few adjacent to D-2098.
D-2098: Shows starting I guess
An instance of SCP-X-1 enters the stage and takes a bow, the crowd begins to applaud and cheer
SCP-X-1: Dear audience welcome, welcome. Today we have a very special performance for you. We will be giving you all a taste of the realities below us with a play written by one of them.
The audience lets out a cheer but is quickly calmed by the instance of SCP-X-1
SCP-X-1: So ill remind you to sit back, relax and enjoy the show
The instance of SCP-X-1 bows once again before leaving the stage. Instances of SCP-X-1 join the stage and perform a very heavily abridged rendition of Romeo and Juliet. After sixty minutes the play ends and the curtains close.
D-2098: Well that was certainly something
Dr ████████: It's getting dark out here we should probably conclude testing. D-2098 please stand by.
D-2098: Yeah, yeah, I got it
D-2098 removes the mask, forgetting that she had climbed multiple flights of stairs. The reality around her disappears and she falls to the floor. The monitors flicker and return to normal.
Dr ████████: God fucking damn it I told you to stand by
D-2098: Sorry. Hey at least im not hurt.
Dr ████████: Yeah that's all well and good but what about the mask?
D-2098: Oh yeah, it's gone
Dr ████████: Not again… Okay we'll terminate the test now and D-2098 don't you dare move
End of audiovisual transcript
Exploration results: Once again, SCP-X reappeared a week later in its containment locker along with a letter. This letter is to be designated SCP-X-2-3. D-2098 retained minor injuries from her fall but was okay overall.
Dear [REDACTED]
Did you enjoy our play? I had it organised specifically for you. We of course had to take some creative liberties with your literature to adapt it to our tastes. You know that girl you sent in last time seems to have quite the affinity for violence I even saw her grin when Romeo blew friar Lawrence's head off. She'd make a good ascendant but alas she was not there for the conception and is therefore, unfortunately, bound to your lower reality. You see, while your reality sees violence and death as something to be feared we take a different approach. We believe that death should be looked at with reverence and joy. It is our ability to not only conquer but celebrate this inevitability which puts our reality above yours.
- A friend
P.S The anniversary of the conception is upon us. I'd recommend that you join us in the revelry.
Subject: D-2098
Procedure: Subject is to be taken to [REDACTED] and is to be told to put on SCP-X. Prior to exploration subject is to be equipped with a microphone to allow communication between the subject and the nearby temporary research lab.
Start of audiovisual transcript
Dr ████████: We're ready to begin the test D-2098 please put on SCP-X
D-2098: Oke dokey
D-2098 puts on SCP-X, the monitors in the temporary research centre flicker and change to her view. Outside the alley instances of SCP-X can be seen wearing masquerade masks and walking down the streets. A faint cheering can be heard in the distance.
D-2098: Okay so cheering… That's new
Dr ████████: Please proceed out of the alley and try to find the source
D-2098 proceeds to leave the alley. The path ahead is completely warped, buildings seem to infinitely branch out of each other.
D-2098: God damn this is also new
Dr ████████: Please proceed down the path but be careful geometry's a lot weirder than last time
D-2098: More fun for me I guess
As D-2098 makes her way down the path and the cheering gets louder before eventually a large arena-like structure appears in front of her.
D-2098: I guess this is the source of the cheering?
Dr ████████: Seems that way. Try to find an entrance.
D-2098 walks up to the arena and a large stone door materialises in front of her. She opens it and finds a large ring of seating filled with cheering instances of SCP-X-1. Despite entering the arena through the door on the bottom of the arena she appears to have entered at the top.
D-2098: Guess I should take a seat?
Dr ████████: Go ahead.
D-2098 takes a seat and looks down into the middle of the ring. Inside the ring is a single instance of SCP-X-1 wielding a dagger along with a creature consisting of a writhing mass of tentacles.
D-2098: Huh. Weird.
Dr ████████: This could be very interesting stay and watch a while.
D-2098: If you say so
The crowd, along with D-2098, continue shouting and cheering as the instance of SCP-X-1 is torn apart by the creature. Roughly two minutes pass and two more instances of SCP-X-1 appear with spears and herd the creature through another large stone door which spontaneously appears at the back of the arena.
D-2098: Huh…
Dr ████████: This is brilliant, we should get a better idea of exactly what makes these things tick
D-2098: So I guess I should keep watching?
Dr ████████: Yes, of course since it's going to be quite difficult to get an autopsy we might as well get as much footage as we can.
D-2098: Well, no arguments here. You get the data you need and I’ll just sit back and enjoy the show.
The instances of SCP-X-1 begin cheering more intensely as the creature's opponent gets up and bows before leaving the arena through another spontaneously appearing door.
D-2098: Okay so what now?
Dr ████████: I guess we just wait
Another instance of SCP-X-1 along with another creature appear through two sets of doors. As this happens the crowd begins to roar with applause.
D-2098: Aand here we go again
Dr ████████: Okay just be quiet and focus on the fight the footage we can recover from this could be imperative to the research of this reality.
Ignoring Dr ████████'s request D-2098 begins to cheer loudly, losing herself in the spectacle in front of her.
Dr ████████: What did I literally just say?
D-2098 ignores Dr ████████ once again and only stops cheering once the instance of SCP-X-1 lies dismembered on the arena's floor.
D-2098: Oh, sorry was I too loud for you?
Dr ████████ groans.
Dr ████████: Just wait for the next round and for the love of god be quiet.
D-2098: Whatever you say.
Another door, identical to the others appears directly in front of D-2098 and the crowd begins to cheer loudly once again.
D-2098: Looks like it's my turn.
Dr ████████: God damn it I don't have nearly enough footage
D-2098: Fucking really? Your footage I’m about to be torn apart by a fucking tentacle monster and you're concerned with your god damn footage? Fuck you.
D-2098 jumps through the door in front of her as the crowd’s applause gets louder. She takes a moment to wave to the crowd before another door appears in front of her. It opens and the creature crawls out. The monitors flicker back to their normal display as D-2098's body is torn to pieces before falling to the floor.
Dr ████████: Fuck.
End of audiovisual transcript
Exploration results: D-2098's corpse was recovered from the exploration site along with SCP-X. Seven days later SCP-X disappeared from containment and was replaced by a letter. (Now designated SCP-X-2-4.
Dear [REDACTED]
Now that was a truly stunning performance. The defiance, the drama, the violence it was all so beautiful. And the entertainment you provided me was exquisite. Now for one more answer I'm sure this is the one you are most curious about is it not? You see inspiration is often fleeting and when one cannot die it is surprisingly easy to run out of traditional means which inspire the mind. Even ideas which root from immortality die out eventually. Ironic I know, we do not die but our sources of creativity do. Despite all this thanks to you I can see clearly, this story of your reality and it's people who face death with such tenacity despite not knowing what lies on the other side.
From A Friend
P.S I'll be taking this mask for now, however, I will return it once my masterpiece is complete. I wouldn't let you go without seeing it after all that you've done to help me.
Something that causes someones absolute beliefs to become reality
only works without doubt
