Per 
| UNFINISHED IDEAS |
Human Growth Capsules: Grow capsules that, when used, grow life-sized "sponge people"; said entities correlate to an increased string of missing person reports within a given region.
Active Drafts
- A Lack of Light // Concept Proposal
- A Lack of Light // Brainstorming
- A Lack of Light // Draft Planning
- A Lack of Light // Draft
| GOAL |
Prepare a concept proposal that encapsulates the entirety of the premise within 500 words or less.
| Idea |
A shadow anomaly threatens to swallow a Foundation site and those within, forcing them to enact countermeasures amounting to torture by infinite light.
Location
A place where darkness is more common.
- Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
- Tromsø, Norway
- Utqiaġvik, Alaska
- Iqaluit, Canada
- Totoró, Colombia
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Lima, Peru
- Chongqing, China
- Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
- Douala, Cameroon
- Dikson, Russia
Other areas possible.
Possible Available Site Designations:
- 130 - Provisional?
- Secondary (aerial?) provisional site?
Others needed?
Anomaly
Phenomenon that causes shadows to become gates to a light-devoid dimension. Regardless of the level of light, if a shadow is cast, it is pitch-black. Objects dropped onto shadows will pass into them, entering into the dimension and disappearing from view. Observation of the interior is impossible; lights used to attempt to illuminate the dimension from the outside simply illuminate the surface upon which the shadow was cast, essentially closing the gate. Light-projecting devices used inside the dimension do not work. As the dimensional gates are tied to shadows, they can be moved and extended by moving the object from which the shadow was cast, as well as repositioning whatever light source is helping to cast it.
- Perpetual anomaly? Can possibly link it to long periods of darkness in location; seasonal darkness.
- Can shadows extend of their own volition? How to contain?
- Triggered by all light sources. Can shadows be manipulated by natural light? Manipulated only by natural light?
- How far does the phenomenon extend?
Narrative
Possible Narrative Point
- Site experiences the phenomenon.
- Discovery in a break room? Maybe a shadow cast on a table causes an object to fall through it, alerting a researcher or guard on break. Examination is required. As time goes on, they test using available D-Class and find that the threat is dangerous. No way to contain except with light, so they make modifications to the site to mitigate shadows. Constant lights on means stress and health problems. Rising tensions, deteriorating mental and physical health, possible violence between, death of personnel. Examination of phenomenon possible, but examination of dimension impossible.
- Why is the site there in the first place?
- Provisional Research Facility established to investigate the disappearance of… city? Unable to discover cause at the time of establishment?
- How to keep personnel from leaving the site and escaping???
- Has the site already vanished???
- Will a new site be needed? Will it have to be aerial?
- Why is the site there in the first place?
- Discovery in a break room? Maybe a shadow cast on a table causes an object to fall through it, alerting a researcher or guard on break. Examination is required. As time goes on, they test using available D-Class and find that the threat is dangerous. No way to contain except with light, so they make modifications to the site to mitigate shadows. Constant lights on means stress and health problems. Rising tensions, deteriorating mental and physical health, possible violence between, death of personnel. Examination of phenomenon possible, but examination of dimension impossible.
| Item Number |
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Change design, maybe? Standard, but boring. Look into the Containment Class System.
| Object Class |
Clearance Level: 2 or 3
Containment Class (Potential): Euclid / Keter / Esoteric
Secondary Class (Potential): Tiamat, but likely Apollyon
Disruption Class (Potential): Initially "Keneq", but progresses to either Ekhi or Amida
Risk Class (Potential): Initially "Warning", but escalates to Critical
I have no idea how I'm going to designate this. Given how the phenomenon works, it's not exactly containable, I guess? Difficult to contain at the very least, so I'd assume at least a Keter designation. I'll have to look into the different object and esoteric classes to really get a good designation for this, but I'm leaning towards Keter until then.
Also, look into the Containment Class System for the formatting design, as a possibility.
| Special Containment Procedures |
Special Containment Procedures: Due to the anomalous nature of its existence, containment of SCP-XXXX is impossible. Quarantine zones with a buffer distance of no less than 15 kilometers from the epicenter of an affected area are to be established and maintained, with all changes as to the affected area reported directly to all Site Directors for dissemination to appropriate personnel. Maintenance of all deployed APRP1 vehicles is to be conducted hourly; if maintenance is impossible, affected APRP vehicles are to immediately vacate the occupied area.
As of 24/09/20██, the following actions are prohibited:
- Entry into an affected area prior to approval by personnel with Level 4 Clearance or above.
- Entry into and prolonged occupation of an affected area by any means other than the use of approved2 APRP vehicles.
- Traveling more than 1 kilometer into an affected area.
- Research and experimentation not approved or monitored by remote personnel with Level 3 Clearance or above.
- Entrance and exploration of SCP-XXXX-D.
Will likely be the hardest thing to write for, honestly. The anomaly is the phenomenon itself, and this occurs, at least in the current iteration, within a specific period of time over the year, which would account for both the village in the area and the subsequent Provisional Site disappearing (current potential narrative). Since the phenomenon affects shadows in particular, light sources would likely be needed to counteract/eliminate them.
In this iteration of the containment procedures, the disappearance of Provisional Research Facility Site-130 would be known, with the conclusion that it was swallowed up by the dimensional gates being drawn to such. Because of that, a new Provisional Site would be established, but would have to remain aerial for a sustained period of time, likely when hours of darkness are most numerous. This would be a period of anywhere from several days to up to four or five months, with periodic returns to established Sites for refueling.
This likely needs more brainstorming.
| Description |
Description: SCP-XXXX is the designation given to a recorded phenomenon existing in several areas of the world where long periods of darkness have been documented to occur. Notable affected areas include the former cities of Tórshavn, Dikson, Totoró, Iqaluit, Lima, Malabo, and select areas of Chongqing3, as well as a 2x1m area in Antarctica. SCP-XXXX is observed to happen sporadically throughout these areas4, though the majority of occurrences last an average of three months, with recent trends showing occurrences from November to January.
During a XXXX-Iota Event, shadows produced within affected areas appear with a pitch-black color, regardless of the amount of visible light used to produce the instance. These instances, designated SCP-XXXX-1, are capable of taking matter into themselves. The size of the objects have been determined to be irrelevant, as any instance of SCP-XXXX-1 is capable of growing to accommodate. Instances of SCP-XXXX-1 can be moved around, either through manipulation of the object or repositioning of the light source used to produce the instance. Extensive testing has shown that objects partially introduced into an instance of SCP-XXXX-1 before said instance is moved will be severed at the object's point of contact with the instance. Objects introduced into instances of SCP-XXXX-1 are unable to be retrieved.
SCP-XXXX-D is the designation given to a rumored dimension existing inside any given instance of SCP-XXXX-1. Examination of SCP-XXXX-D from the outside has been deemed impossible, as all direct light exposure causes instances of SCP-XXXX-1 to vanish instantly. Introduction of various visible light sources into SCP-XXXX-1 before remote activation is ineffective. ((Author's Note: Possibly infrared/thermal sensors?))
It's a phenomenon that occurs over a widespread area, spanning at least the distance that a city or small town would cover. It has an effect on shadows in particular. During the phenomenon, the shadows are pitch-black, regardless of the level of light there is in the surrounding area. These shadows become dimensional gates that lead into a realm where light doesn't and cannot exist. Exploration of the dimension is impossible, since there's no light inside the dimension.
Trying to shine any lights into the gates ends in failure, as it will just eliminate the cast shadow and therefore close the gates. Light sources introduced into the dimension before being turned on will cease to work upon entry. Upon entering the dimension, the gate through which one entered would disappear from sight.
I'm still working on the possibility of the dimensional gates having the ability to "erase" objects in this dimension. For example, if there was a dimensional gate on a flat surface, and you stuck a pencil in halfway, only to either move the shadow or flood it with light, then the half of the pencil you stuck into the gate would be cut off from the rest, having disappeared into the other dimension. The biggest problem to that would be the fact that whatever surface the shadow is cast on would disappear, which could result in perpetual carving and cutting into surfaces beyond that, which could cause a world-ending event. It might be something worth looking into as an ending to the article, but I don't want to take it to such extremes right now.
The location hasn't been quite decided just yet, but I'm currently leaning towards Tórshavn, the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands. It experiences the most hours of darkness annually, coming in at approximately 840 hours, which is roughly a tenth of the total hours per year. I chose locations with more hours of darkness to accentuate the theme of the dimension hinted at in the shadows. The city itself would disappear into the shadow dimension as a result of the phenomenon, likely during some point in the year when they experience longer periods of darkness, and this would be how the Foundation is alerted to the anomaly.
Not sure if I'll need any addenda or notes for the article as of right now. As for potential test logs, I think the narrative wouldn't allow for it in the beginning, because once the phenomenon triggers, there's practically no hope, at least for the initial Provisional Site. The subsequent aerial Site would likely have procedures ready to mitigate these tactics, and only because of that would they be more prepared to run specific tests. Interviews are likely out of the question; the chance that someone from either Tórshavn or the Provisional Site is still around following the events in question is highly unlikely.
Maybe more than one location? I have several locations listed for potential areas where the narrative takes place. Why limit myself to just one of them? Why not all of them?
| Narrative |
This is a timeline list of ordered events that are likely subject to change.
- Tórshavn disappears, ~20,000 people vanish, all at the same time. The Foundation is alerted to it, probably via news broadcasts? They'll likely enact disinformation protocols; the world being privy to that many people disappearing at once would probably induce some sort of hysteria. Amnestics for all families of those that vanished. Pretty extensive and thorough procedures to calm the masses.
- Foundation personnel arrive at the Faroe Islands, where Tórshavn used to be. Strangely enough, they arrive at the beginning of the period where more hours of darkness are not common, mainly any month except January, November, and December (will probably have them touch down and establish a Provisional Site in May, where sunlight hours are more prevalent).
- I might even shorten the period of time to the duration of April to August, as those months are the only months right now that have more than 100 sunlight hours per month.
- During the investigation of the area, they find nothing. Being the Foundation, I doubt they'd just pack up and and leave after not finding anything initially; an entire city is gone, and that's cause to dig further, which would mean spending more time - pushing them into the period where the phenomenon triggers.
- It's at this point where they start seeing how the shadows are affected by the anomaly. The discovery of such a thing would probably have to be accidental, likely occurring in a place where investigations aren't taking place; maybe a break room/mess hall/living quarters. Progression is near-instant; wherever shadows are present, objects begin slipping into the dimensional gates, and the Provisional Site is swallowed up. Emergency message broadcast to other Foundation Sites and personnel, warning them about the shadows.
- Secondary Provisional Site established, this one aerial. At this point, they know about the phenomenon and the shadows, but not how it's triggered or how long it lasts before going inert again. All they know is that they need to stay off the ground and fully light everything up within the site to mitigate the potential casting of shadows.
- Will probably go further and turn this into a torture scenario. There's research conducted into the effects of artificial light on human health, and the results of such trend negatively. Cataracts, increased risk of cancer, diabetes, weight gain, depression, aggravation of bacterial and viral infections. On top of this, the radiation of such can trigger chemical reactions and cause pain sensation and sunburn, along with the increased heat from so much light. **However, they're in an aerial Site, and it can move, so they can simply leave the area during these periods. Doing so will leave them unable to research the anomaly, so the conflict comes from staying within the area in order to do their work while also making sure no shadows are present within or on the surface of the airship that they're using; having something like that happen might cause a lot of damage and potentially destroy the Site, killing everyone in the process.
Those that were swallowed by the shadow dimension in the first place - are they dead? I want to say no. My current thought process is that the dimensional gates, while dangerous and a threat to life and reality, are not inherently hostile. The phenomenon, origin unknown, simply triggers the events to happen. I also feel that the interior of the dimension, while completely unknown and unseen, is also not hostile. Whether or not the citizens of Tórshavn and the personnel within the Provisional Site are alive is currently unknown and almost a different story; no one knows the whereabouts or the condition of either group, just that the anomaly is connected to both. The assumption could be made that both parties were swallowed up by the dimensional gates; said assumption could be formed from later, highly-controlled experiments by the aerial site.
THE ENDING: I'm not sure how I'd end this except by exploring the possibility that multiple areas are affected. Maybe another news broadcast where another city disappears overnight, much in the same way Tórshavn did. This would infer that the phenomenon isn't just localized to the Faroe Islands, but might actually be worldwide and a bigger problem than initially expected. Which city, though?
| POSSIBLE IDEAS |
The only possible idea right now that I haven't explored is maybe introducing some sort of creature? I could bring in the faceless creature from a previous story about Purgatory, one that communicates via finger-tapping in various patterns on skin. I don't know how that would work with the overall narrative; it kind of destroys the mystery behind the shadow dimension, and I think I'd like to leave the reasoning and motive up to interpretation, rather than putting in a character to explain what might be going on. I'll keep it in mind for later, though.
Multiple possible iterations of the article?
Update Log
09/04/2019
- Addition of partial description.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class:
Special Containment Procedures:
Description: SCP-XXXX is an optical phenomenon existing within and around the territory formerly occupied by the capital city of Tórshavn, located on the eastern edge of the Faroe Islands. Initial awareness of SCP-XXXX was documented on 12/21/20██, when Foundation media monitoring stations intercepted a news broadcast regarding the city’s disappearance. Initial discovery of SCP-XXXX-1’s effects became apparent on 02/16/20██, 25 days after Provisional Site-130 was established in the area. Minute instances of SCP-XXXX manifest sporadically over an annual period, with more frequent, larger, and longer occurrences taking place during the months of November, December, and January.
During a(n) XXXX instance, umbral, penumbral, and antumbral sections of a cast shadow maintain a unified, complete opacity, regardless of lightwave frequency. These projections, identified as SCP-XXXX-1, are capable of taking in matter. The size of the objects have been determined to be irrelevant, as any instance of SCP-XXXX-1 is capable of growing to accommodate. Instances of SCP-XXXX-1 can be moved around, either through manipulation of the impinged object or repositioning of the light source used to manifest the instance, without compromising their anomalous qualities.
Addendum XXXX.1: Site-130 Experiment Log
The following experiments were conducted by personnel occupying Provisional Site-130.
Experiment XXXX-1A
Date: 02/19/20██
Purpose: Test effects of a singular XXXX-1 instance on a flat surface.
Process: Subject D-899 was instructed to manifest an instance of XXXX-1 upon the surface of a table, then place the provided object on top of the instance.
Result: The object proceeded to enter the XXXX-1 instance instantaneously. Depth measurement was incalculable.
Purpose: Test effects of multiple XXXX-1 instances on opposite sides of a flat surface.
Process: Subject D-899 was instructed to manifest two XXXX-1 instances on opposite sides of a flat panel in identical locations, then insert the provided plastic rod into one of the instances.
Results: Object entered into one XXXX-1 instance, but did not emerge from the other.
Purpose: Test effects of multiple XXXX-1 instances originating from the same manifestation.
Process: Subject D-899 was instructed to manifest multiple XXXX-1 instances using the same object, then insert the provided object into one instance.
Results: Inconclusive due to cessation of SCP-XXXX event.
Note: Portion of rod introduced into XXXX-1 instance was severed at the point of contact upon cessation of SCP-XXXX event.
Experiment XXXX-1B
Date: 04/04/20██
Purpose: Test effects of multiple XXXX-1 instances originating from the same manifestation.
Process: See Experiment XXXX-1A.
Results: Object entered into singular instance of XXXX-1. Other instances were not affected.
Purpose: Test maneuvering of XXXX-1 instance beyond physical restraints of inserted object.
Process: Subject D-899 was instructed to manifest an instance of XXXX-1 on a flat surface, insert the provided object into the instance, then manipulate the instance’s location.
Results: Object severed at point of contact.
Purpose: Test retrieval of objects from within XXXX-1 instance.
Process: Subject D-899 was instructed to manifest an instance of XXXX-1 on a flat surface, insert a tethered object into the instance a total of one meter, then remove it.
Results: Success. Object remained intact, considerably colder upon retrieval.
Experiment XXXX-1C
Date: 04/22/20██
Purpose: Test effect of XXXX-1 instance on inserted objects when exposed to direct light.
Process: Subject D-899 was instructed to manifest an instance of XXXX-1, partially insert the provided object into the instance, then expose the instance to direct light.
Results: XXXX-1 instance dematerialized. Object severed at point of contact.
Note: Subject D-899 was subsequently submerged into an instance of XXXX-1 that materialized from its own shadow. Subject was irretrievable. Subject request form submitted.
Experiment XXXX-2
Date: 05/01/20██
Purpose: Test effects of XXXX-1 instance projections on organic tissue.
Process: Subject D-6401 was instructed to manifest an instance of XXXX-1 on a flat surface, then place their hand in the path of the instance’s projection.
Results: Subject’s hand was covered in XXXX-1 instance, feelings of extreme cold reported in extremities.
Purpose: Test effects of XXXX-1 instances on inserted organic tissue.
Process: Subject D-6401 was instructed to manifest an instance of XXXX-1 on a flat surface, then insert an extremity into the instance.
Results: Subject reported feelings of numbness within extremity. Post-experiment medical analysis showed signs of superficial frostbite. Extremity saved; removal unnecessary.
Purpose: Test effects of inserted objects in XXXX-1 instances projected onto organic tissue.
Process: Subject D-6401 was instructed to manifest an instance of XXXX-1 onto their hand, then insert the provided object into the instance.
Results: Subject reported feeling the object pass through their hand without pain.
Note: Cessation of SCP-XXXX event detected. Object was severed at point of contact, after which subject vocalized feelings of pain. Post-experiment medical analysis revealed a portion of the object embedded in subject’s hand; removal of object successful.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: Instances of SCP-XXXX-1 are to be kept within standard humanoid containment chambers, retrofitted with perforated flooring and fluid collection tanks. Periodic induction of no less than twenty ounces of blood and 6 liters of distilled water per each instance of SCP-XXXX, every eight hours, is required. Excess fluid is to be filtered and reused.
Surveillance of all convenience stores within a 20-kilometer radius of Washington, D.C. is to be conducted by MTF Iota-12 "Window Shoppers" during all hours of operation. Instances of SCP-XXXX are to be secured and contained immediately. Capture of SCP-XXXX-2 is considered high priority.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a package of "Deluxe Grow-Your-Own-Human" expandable water toy capsules manufactured and distributed by the company Polynom. The date of production, as well as the location of any Polynom-based manufacturing facilities, is currently unknown5. When introduced to fluid, a singular SCP-XXXX instance produces a life-sized humanoid entity, designated SCP-XXXX-1, within approximately one minute.
Contained instances of SCP-XXXX-1, designated 1-A, 1-B, and 1-C, measure 0.94, 1.7, and 1.87 meters in height respectively, with variable weights for each throughout a 24-hour monitoring period. SCP-XXXX is composed primarily of superabsorbent polymer6 capable of absorbing up to 300 times its own mass in fluid, and blood of various types and species. Blood tests exhibit identical DNA strains, regardless of origin. SCP-XXXX are sapient, but only instances 1-B and 1-C are capable of visual communication and responsive to questions requiring a form of confirmation. Instances of SCP-XXXX-1 require blood infusions to remain functional and cooperative.
| Addendum XXXX.1: Infusion Experiment Log |
The following is a list of fluid infusions performed on former instance 1-D and their results. Extraneous results have been removed.
Fluid: Tap water, 20 oz
Results: Instance grew to 35.7 centimeters, remained immobile. Analysis of secreted fluid showed traces of blood and human DNA. Instance shrunk considerably after 8 hours.
Fluid: Distilled water, 20 oz
Results: Instance grew to 75 centimeters, exhibited limited mobility. Analysis of secreted fluid showed higher concentrations of blood and human DNA. DNA comparisons with secretions from previous tests proved identical. Dimensions of instance remained constant over time, though significant desiccation was observed over an 8-hour period.
Fluid: Type O+ human blood, 4 oz
Results: Instance immobile. Signs of cognitive function detected.
Note: Subsequent tests with other blood types, regardless of species, have been summarily removed due to no variation in results.
Fluid(s): Blood, 4 oz; distilled water, 20 oz
Results: Instance exhibited improved mobility and limited cognitive function. Interaction observed.
Fluid(s): Blood, 20 oz; distilled water, 4 oz
Results: Significant cognitive function observed, instance mobility limited. Interaction observed.
Fluid: Sulfuric acid, 4 oz
Results: Instance exhibited extreme reactive mobility and movements depicting experiences of pain, as well as excessive blood loss. Instance expired in a span of approximately three minutes.
Note: Testing discontinued. No further tests necessary.
| Addendum XXXX.2: Interview Logs |
The following transcriptions are from interviews of Junior Researcher ████████, who discovered SCP-XXXX, and the convenience store clerk who performed the transaction related to the discovery of SCP-XXXX.
Interviewer: Researcher Nolan Erichson
Subject: Junior Researcher ████████Researcher Erichson: Hello, Ron.
Junior Researcher ████████: Hey, Nolan. Got you doing the interviews now, huh?
Erichson: That, they do. They wanted me to ask you about the incident you had on vacation. To start, tell me what went down.
████████: Sure. I was at the store with my kid, buying some gas for the car. The little one found the package of toys and said he wanted them, so I bought them and —
Erichson: The cashier, was he suspicious?
████████: No, seemed pretty casual to me. Stoner type, honestly. Anyway, I paid for the gas and the toys, filled up the car and went home. We got in the house, and my son goes to the kitchen to get a glass of water, and I sat down. About a minute later, I hear some glass break and him screaming, so I go to the kitchen.
Erichson: What happened next?
████████: One of those things was thrashing all over the kitchen counter. Before I could actually grab it, it slipped off and started running through the house. Wasn't helping me one bit trying to chase it because of all the water. Eventually, I followed it outside and it fell in the pool; couldn't swim for shit. Was an easy catch at that point.
Erichson: And then?
████████: No 'and then'. I called you guys and that was that.
Erichson: I see. Did you notice anything about the entity in general? Maybe anything about the packaging?
████████: Packaging, no, but I wasn't really looking at it. The… whatever it's supposed to be, though — it seemed scared.
Erichson: Alright, that'll be all, Ron. Since you're still on leave, I guess you're pretty much cleared to go home, once all the paperwork's finished. Oh, how's the kid, by the way?
████████: Feeling nauseous and slow, but it's typical of the Class As. They'll be better in a little while.
Interviewer: Researcher Nolan Erichson
Subject: Phillip Gentry, "The Cornerstore" cashier/clerkErichson: Good evening, Mr. Gentry. Apologies for pulling you away from your job, but we have questions regarding an incident that occurred recently and we're hoping you could shed some light on the situation.
Gentry: Sure man, but uh… was the needle necessary?
Erichson: It's to make sure cooperation goes as smoothly as possible, Mr. Gentry, no need to worry. Recently, you were involved in the sale of a suspicious package during your shift at the convenience store where this incident originated from. What do you know about this?
Erichson slides a photo of SCP-XXXX across the desk. Gentry picks it up.
Gentry: Oh, these? These are those growing toy things. You put them in water and they— [Gentry makes a gesture signifying growth with his hands.] —get big, you know? These are pretty new around the neighborhood.
Erichson: How new?
Gentry: I'd say the last several weeks, at least. We get shipments of these once a week, usually a few packages at a time.
Erichson: Mm. What can you tell me about this?
Erichson taps the photo. Gentry leans in.
Gentry: Polynom… rings a bell. The dude who supplies us with these things7 has a little name tag with that word on it.
Erichson: Can you provide me a description of this person? Did you happen to catch his name?
Gentry: Oh, his name was some weird shit. Bunch of symbols. I think there was a triangle in there somewhere. He looked like a normal person, though, but he stood about…
Gentry stands up and proceeds to climb onto the chair, then raises his hand to the underside of his chin.8
Gentry: …this high.
Erichson: That's quite the height, Mr. Gentry. That didn't seem off to you at all? Usually, people are not supposed to be th— you can sit down, Mr. Gentry.
Gentry: Sorry. [Gentry climbs down and sits down in the chair.]
Erichson: To repeat, his height didn't seem off to you at all?
Gentry: I mean, sure, but I wasn't going to ask him how the weather was. I just let him drop off the package, and then I stocked it and moved on.
Erichson: I see. Beyond these interactions, have you noticed anything else? Anything particularly strange or notable?
Gentry: Nope.
Erichson: Alright, then. Well, thank you for agr—
Gentry: Actually, yeah. Kind of.
Erichson: Kind of? What do you mean?
Gentry: Seems like people have been going missing lately. I'm seeing fewer customers than I'm used to.
Erichson: People go missing all the time, Mr. Gentry.
Gentry: Yeah, but I mean like a lot more. The store I work at is used to getting ten, maybe twenty customers per hour on a good day, but we're getting roughly half that now.
Erichson: They could've found better stores to shop at, Mr. Gentry.
Gentry: There's no other stores close by. The Cornerstore is all the neighborhood has.
Erichson: I see. Thank you for notifying us, Mr. Gentry. We'll continue investigating into the matter. We'll have security escort you off the premises. Be sure to complete all the required paperwork and visit the medical ward for your Class A.
Gentry: What's a Class A?
The following is a transcription of an interview with SCP-XXXX-1, instance C9, recorded a few days after the interview with Phillip Gentry. Limited communication observed.
Interviewer: Researcher Nolan Erichson
Subject: SCP-XXXX-1, instance C
Note: All interactions provided by instance 1-C are non-verbal and have been transcribed appropriately.Erichson: Hello, instance 1-C. I'll forgo the introductions and get straight to the interview, if you don't mind. What do you know about this?
Erichson slides the aforementioned photo of SCP-XXXX to the other side of the table. Instance 1-C leans over the photo, then proceeds to tap the photo with one of its limbs. The photo becomes noticeably dampened.
Erichson: Is it familiar?
Instance 1-C nods.
Erichson: Does the name "Polynom" mean anything to you?
Instance 1-C nods again. Erichson observes instance 1-C for a few moments, then brings out a small folder filled with photos. Erichson arranges the photos in a grid upon the table.
Erichson: This is a list of people that have gone missing within the past six weeks. Do any of these people look familiar to—
Instance 1-C moves with urgency and interrupts Erichson's questioning, pointing at the photo of an African-American male, early 30s. It taps the photo several times, then points at itself. Erichson then points at the photo.
Erichson: Is… is this you? Are you this man?
Instance 1-C nods repeatedly and continues to tap the photo, then point at itself.
Erichson: Okay, great, that's progress. Do you know any of these other people?
Instance 1-C leans over the grid of photos and proceeds to tap on nine of them. Erichson then removes the photos from the grid, gathering the other photos and placing them back in the folder before laying the chosen photos back on the table in a line.
Erichson: These people… did they live in the same area as you?
Instance 1-C reaches for the first, seventh, and eighth photos and pulls them towards itself, then nods.
Erichson: And the others?
Instance 1-C looks over at the photo of SCP-XXXX, then taps it.
Erichson: Did they… did what happened to you happen to them?
The instance's head lowers and nods only slightly.
Erichson: I want to go back to a little earlier. I mentioned "Polynom". Do you know anything about them? Do they have a store, a headquarters? Maybe a manufacturing plant?
Instance 1-C raises its head quickly and nods, then turns toward the window.
Erichson: Do you know where it—
Instance 1-C stands up and moves around the table to the window, proceeding to pound on the glass. Erichson turns to observe. Exterior surveillance depicts another instance of SCP-XXXX-1, later identified as instance 1-B, being led through the halls to another containment chamber. Instance 1-C turns to face Erichson and points outside the window.
Erichson: Do you know them?
Instance 1-C moves back to the table and points to one of the pictures on Erichson's side. The photo is of an Asian woman in her mid-30s.
Erichson: Was that this woman?
Instance 1-C nods. Erichson reaches into the folder and pulls out the photo of the African-American male that instance 1-C identified previously.
Erichson: You said this was you, and you know who the other instance is. Instance 1-C, it's imperative that we find the rest of the missing people. You confirmed that this "Polynom" organization is involved, and that there is a building belonging to them. Can you show us where it is?
Instance 1-C looks back over to the window, and then returns to Erichson, nodding.
Note: When given a map, instance 1-C determined Washington, D.C. to be the location of interest. Foundation MTF Iota-12 was dispatched to investigate, but found no such building belonging to a "Polynom". More so, web crawlers were unable to dig up results on any organization of that name. Iota-12 has been stationed within the area undercover to conduct surveillance.
<TRutherford> What's the tall thing's motivation for doing this?
<Noumenon> Mm. Good question. I haven't thought of that. The tall thing in general works for a corporation, but even then, that doesn't answer the motivation aspect.
<TRutherford> Also, why is it selecting certain people?
<TRutherford> And why this particular "product"? What does the tall thing, or the corporation, have to gain from doing this?
* bonziBuddy [~uraniumem@91B8E12C:89E234A7:B63EB37A:IP] has quit [Quit: I am a monster and I made it so.]
* AwayTeethMothEyes [moc.duolccri.nevahenots.4A0594BF-CRInys|452603diu#moc.duolccri.nevahenots.4A0594BF-CRInys|452603diu] has quit [Quit: RockSleepMothDream]
<TRutherford> If they're just going to convenience stores, it hardly seems like a financial gain.
Inactive Drafts
Mainly I think the dialogue for Frank could use some cleaning up. Since these are instructional videos, I sort of thought he'd be a little less flamboyant than he's currently written. I thought of Tony Soprano for his personality more at first. I think the discovery of the video tapes also could use some revisiting, the old lady having them didn't work for me. The discovery of the tapes, in my opinion, doesn't need to be really detailed for this type of article. I think it could be as simple as the Foundation does an inventory of one of its warehouses and just finds these crates of tapes in some storage site without any explanation. Just an idea though.
One thing that I think could be funny is if you have a testing log for 173. In my head, I sort of saw the scientists thinking through the logic of doing this experiment, and then when it fails epically, everyone sort of realizing that yeah it was a bad idea but they are still convinced they need to do these tests for each tape in case one works. I really like the idea of him having a tape of his own containment, but instead it's actually a threatening message warning the Foundation to not betray him. I know in the forum you suggested Frank causing containment breaches. I don't think this should be an explicit power of his, but perhaps he makes an implicit assertion that he will do this if they try to contain him. He could say something menacing like "I contained all these anomalies for you, and I can let them all out too." So the Foundation decides the risk for trying to contain him isn't worth the risk.
- RealAmerican
Idea: A series of instructional videos detailing impractical, ill-advised, nonsensical solutions to containing SCPs.
Update Log:
07/31/18
- Made clarifications to SCP-XXXX-1's transcribed speech, as requested by user Alan Stock.
- Modified instance I-SCP-XXXX-0000 to now say I-SCP-XXXX-0001 for canonical purposes.
08/01/18
- Modified special containment procedures and description.
- Reclassification to Euclid, pending approval.
- Added incident log, transcription of new instance.
- Modified log of instances to include more SCPs.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: All instances of SCP-XXXX are to be kept in a secure video storage unit in the media archival wing in Site-31. When in observation, SCP-XXXX is not to be exposed to any strong magnetic sources or removed from its casing. Testing of containment procedures for various anomalous entities and objects mentioned in any instance of SCP-XXXX is expressly prohibited. Containment of SCP-XXXX-1 is considered high priority.
Description: SCP-XXXX is an instructional video series titled So, You Wanna Bamboozle…, with an approximation of nearly 4000 videocassettes. The label on each cassette, showing the series title, has been professionally printed, while other parts of the series title, namely the subject or topic of the video, have been crudely handwritten in ballpoint pen. Further analysis indicates that each tape is otherwise composed of ordinary material. Foundation personnel were alerted to the existence of SCP-XXXX during the duration of Operation "Yard Sale", where several agents encountered an elderly woman selling the tapes. SCP-XXXX was then secured and Class A amnestics were administered.
Each instance of SCP-XXXX begins with the same introductory musical theme, with the title of the video appearing from off-screen. The background is a set piece depicting a classroom. As the theme concludes, an overweight man of Italian-American descent steps into frame, wearing large amounts of jewelry. This entity is henceforth known as SCP-XXXX-1. SCP-XXXX-1 introduces itself as "Frank"10, then proceeds to welcome the viewer, delivering a short monologue about the subject of the current episode.
The footage then cuts to a shot of a previously identified and cataloged anomaly within its containment chamber. SCP-XXXX-1 steps into frame and gives the viewer a casual explanation of the subject, frequently gesturing towards and even initiating contact with the subject without consequence. SCP-XXXX-1 then proceeds to suggest ideas, colloquially referring to them as "bamboozles", to properly containing and/or utilizing the aforementioned anomaly using unorthodox means. In each instance of SCP-XXXX, these procedures are successful in containing and restraining the subject.
An investigation into SCP-XXXX-1's identity, as well as how it gained access to both Foundation facilities and contained anomalies, is currently underway.
The following is a transcription of the introductory monologue delivered by SCP-XXXX-1 in instance I-SCP-XXXX-0001, titled [DATA EXPUNGED].
[00:09] - SCP-XXXX-1: Hey, whoa! Hey, hey, how are you doing? My name's Jeff and welcome to the School of Bamboozle, a.k.a. the Bamschoozle. In this instructional video course, I'm going to learn you a thing or two about how to bamboozle anyone you want! Bamboozle your friends, your family, your worst enemies, your pets, your supernatural entities, your extradimensional anomalies, and more! Hope you're ready, because it's going to be a whale of a time!
[00:38] - SCP-XXXX-1: Let's get started with our very first bamboozle! My name's not Jeff. It's—
[00:43] - The monologue immediately degrades into distorted noise exceeding 110dB, regardless of the television's volume level. SCP-XXXX-1's face becomes obscured by a separate, extremely degraded video clip with shades of white and blue. The name "Frank" appears at the lower portion of the screen in gold.
[00:46] - SCP-XXXX-1: Ha, ha, I bamboozled you! Now that we got that out of the way, we can get down to the brass tacks, the thing you came to learn how to bamboozle. Today, I'm going to learn you a thing or two about SCP-001!
FURTHER ANALYSIS OF THIS INSTANCE IS PROHIBITED.
Subsequent introductory sequences in separate instances follow a standard format, with SCP-XXXX-1 introducing themselves to the viewer, then providing a summary of the last video and a short monologue about the current video, with subtle variations in each.
The following is a transcription of instance I-SCP-XXXX-0173, titled "So, You Wanna Bamboozle Da Movin' Sculptchah". The introduction has been redacted for redundancy. Transcription begins at approximately 36 seconds.
[00:36] - Footage cuts to inside SCP-173's containment chamber. SCP-173 is seen moving erratically about the chamber. SCP-XXXX-1 is seen entering the frame from the left, almost slipping on the reddish-brown substance on the floor. Despite not being kept within line of sight, SCP-173 does not attempt to incapacitate or otherwise eliminate SCP-XXXX-1.
[00:42] - SCP-XXXX-1: Whoa! Got to be careful in here. Don't want to mess up the suit, yeah? [SCP-XXXX-1 laughs.]
[00:49] - SCP-XXXX-1: This here's SCP-173. This little guy likes to move around when you ain't looking. If you're not careful, he can really do a number on you! Luckily, I'm here to learn you a thing or two about how to bamboozle this palooka so he don't come smacking at your neck like my cousin Paulie at the buffet! [SCP-XXXX-1 laughs again.] Check this out.
[01:10] - The camera follows SCP-XXXX-1 as it moves toward the far end of the chamber. SCP-173 continues to move about the chamber, stopping momentarily when SCP-XXXX-1 looks in its direction. The footage cuts to a close-up shot of SCP-XXXX-1 near the wall. SCP-XXXX-1 reaches into its pocket and pulls out a package of what are commonly referred to as adhesive googly eyes. SCP-XXXX-1 then proceeds to open the package, remove one of the eyes from the enclosure, and press it onto the wall. The sound of movement in the background immediately ceases. The camera cuts back to the first shot as SCP-XXXX-1 moves back toward the middle of the chamber and places its hand on the shoulder of SCP-173, which has been rendered still.
[01:48] - SCP-XXXX-1: As you can see here, the sculpture ain't moving anymore. All it takes is one of these little guys [shakes package of adhesive googly eyes] and you done did the bamboozle. That's it! No more getting bopped. It's like magic. Bambracadabra, boozle-azam!
[02:03] - SCP-XXXX-1 moves away from SCP-173 and towards the camera, laughing again.
[02:06] - SCP-XXXX-1: That's about it, all you need to know about bamboozling the sculpture. So simple, too! You think these Foundation jabronis would have thought of that, but I guess they're too… uh, what's the word… eh… scientifical to do the simple stuff. That's why your old pal [distortion event identical to I-SCP-XXXX-0001 occurs again] is here — to make things easy. Well, that's all for me. I'm going to go down to the deli and get myself a cheesesteak. Ciao, amico!
[02:38] - SCP-XXXX-1 waves and walks left, out of frame, leaving SCP-173 in the middle of the room. The intro theme and title card play for approximately 6 seconds, then fade away. The camera begins to slowly zoom in on SCP-173. At approximately 3 minutes and 31 seconds, the video begins to distort around SCP-173's head and face, slowly spreading out over the rest of the shot. Distorted noise can be heard at approximately 5 minutes and 47 seconds, notably increasing in volume roughly every seven seconds. At approximately 10 minutes, the video cuts to black and all noise is replaced by the sound of wind. The video ends at approximately 11 minutes.
Following the observation and analysis of instance I-SCP-XXXX-0173, Foundation personnel were approved to conduct testing of containment procedures for SCP-173 detailed within the aforementioned instance. Following current containment procedures associated with SCP-173, testers were told to proceed into the chamber and place an adhesive eye onto a wall of the chamber, then remove themselves from the chamber. Testing of containment procedures have resulted in failure. Current containment procedures related to SCP-173 remain unmodified.
The following is an extensive list of instances pertaining to SCP-XXXX.
| Instance Code | Instance Title | Containment/Utilization Procedure |
|---|---|---|
| I-SCP-XXXX-0001 | [DATA EXPUNGED] | [DATA EXPUNGED] |
| I-SCP-XXXX-0027 | So, You Wanna Bamboozle Dem Vermins | Hazardous material protective suit, wrapped in barbed wire and coated in insect deterrent spray. |
| I-SCP-XXXX-0067 | So, You Wanna Bamboozle Da Writin' Thing | Prosthetic limb. |
| I-SCP-XXXX-0173 | So, You Wanna Bamboozle Da Movin' Sculptchah | Googly eyes placed on a wall in its containment chamber. |
| I-SCP-XXXX-0272 | So, You Wanna Bamboozle Da Nail | Nailed into its own shadow. |
| I-SCP-XXXX-0294 | So, You Wanna Bamboozle Da Liquid Makuh | Replaced by an actual standard coffee-maker. SCP-294 was temporarily relocated into the waste management facility across from the building where it was originally housed. A note was found taped to SCP-294, reading "You really need to be careful with this thing." |
Approximately 4 days following SCP-XXXX's containment, Foundation personnel uncovered a new instance titled So, You Wanna Bamboozle Me. Upon discovery, the instance was sent to Observation Wing 11 for analysis. The following re-transcription begins immediately upon playback.
[00:00] - SCP-XXXX-1 steps into frame within its own containment chamber and begins to examine each instance of SCP-XXXX.
[00:17] - SCP-XXXX-1: You know, all I ever wanted to do was help.
[00:40] - SCP-XXXX-1 pulls an instance of SCP-XXXX from the shelf and looks at it, then smiles before putting it back and turning to the camera.
[00:51] - SCP-XXXX-1: I just wanted to make things easier, yeah? But you? You had to go and ruin everything. You had to take me prisoner. That's a no-go, buddy.
[01:13] - Footage cuts to Observation Wing 11. The analyst is sitting in a chair, viewing the current tape. The same shot can be seen on the television screen. Analysis of surveillance footage after the incident shows the analyst looking about the room, visibly nervous. Further analysis shows the television screen depicting the same movements, indicating that the video was, in fact, a live recording. SCP-XXXX-1 steps into frame.
[01:28] - SCP-XXXX-1: You see, I've been watching you for a little while now. I'm getting wise to how you work, finding the little details you don't want no one to know, and I'm starting to think that maybe I've been bamboozling the wrong things.
[01:59] - SCP-XXXX-1 is revealed to have been carrying a crowbar in hand. It gestures toward the analyst, who is still looking about the room, having now unseated themselves from the chair.
[02:12] - SCP-XXXX-1: I'm thinking I need to send you beans a little message, yeah?
[02:25] - SCP-XXXX-1 moves closer to the analyst and swings the crowbar directly at their knees. The sound of joints separating can be heard, followed by the analyst screaming and collapsing to the floor. SCP-XXXX-1 then moves closer and begins striking the analyst's limbs multiple times over the course of approximately 40 seconds.
[03:51] - Analyst: Please, stop! No more! I—
[04:00] - SCP-XXXX-1 strikes the analyst in the head with enough force to break open the skull, terminating them. SCP-XXXX-1 stands up straight and removes a handkerchief from its pocket, wiping its forehead.
[04:19] - SCP-XXXX-1: [exasperated] Let this be a lesson to you paisanos. [camera cuts to analyst's corpse] You done fucked with the wrong family. [camera cuts back to SCP-XXXX-1] I'll be seeing you again real soon. Ciao.
[04:40] - SCP-XXXX-1 drops the crowbar and walks out of frame. The camera pans down to the analyst's corpse as the musical theme and title card of the series plays, then fades after approximately 6 seconds. Approximately 4 minutes later, Foundation janitorial personnel can be seen entering the frame before the video immediately cuts to black at approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds.
Foundation janitorial personnel were able to recover the object used in the analyst's death. Analysis shows no anomalous properties, fingerprints, or DNA apart from the deceased personnel. Instance I-SCP-XXXX-0000 has been archived, pending further analysis.
