whackswilson's Sandbox

Item#: XXXX

Level1

Containment Class:

safe

Secondary Class:

none

Disruption Class:

dark

Risk Class:

caution

link to memo

SCP-XXXX prior to containment

Special Containment Procedures:¹ SCP-XXXX is to be stored in a 10 m x 10 m x 15 m containment chamber. A reinforced metal fence is to be placed around SCP-XXXX at a proximity of 1 m from its widest point. SCP-XXXX's current containment chamber is housed at Site-79.

Entry into SCP-XXXX's containment chamber is granted to all Level 1 and above personnel at Site-79 provided that visits be limited to once per week and no longer than five minutes.² This will be facilitated by a member of the lead research staff by way of 2 security officers stationed outside SCP-XXXX's containment chamber. Abuse of this privilege by any Site-79 personnel will not be tolerated. Physical contact with SCP-XXXX by Foundation personnel is strictly prohibited, and will only be allowed for testing purposes with authorization from two Level 3/XXXX personnel.

Note: I know this is a bit risky in the case of something unexpected, but in my professional opinion this should be a good boost for everyone at Site-79. No one can say that one hour of pure peace a week is a bad thing. And hey, we have the fence.
Also, I expect no one to try something like submit a transfer request to Site-79 just because of SCP-XXXX. There should be a genuine reason for any transfer, and if it is discovered that a member of personnel has purposefully fabricated their reasoning for transfer in order to gain access to SCP-XXXX, then they will be disciplined and demoted, in certain cases. Seems obvious, however I feel it necessary to clarify. - Site-79 Containment Specialist Dr. William Harris

Sculptures or other associated media resembling PoI-XXXX-2 are to be investigated for anomalous properties. Foundation assets will be allocated to investigating the whereabouts of PoI-XXXX-1 and PoI-XXXX-2 (see Addendum XXXX-3).

SCP-XXXX-1-A and SCP-XXXX-1-B are to be kept in the Site-79 Important Documents Storage. Access to either is authorized only to anyone holding Level 3 Authorization or above.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a 5.94 m statue depicting a man sowing seeds with a bag slung over his shoulder. The statue sits atop a 3.81 m pedestal depicting unshucked maize. High-power x-ray imaging indicates the interior of SCP-XXXX is reinforced with framework comprised of an unidentified metal. The exterior shows signs of weathering. Testing of the object's composition shows it to be made of bronze. SCP-XXXX's construction is recorded to have been completed in April of 19██.

SCP-XXXX's primary anomalous effect is psychological, and affects subjects within at least 5 m of the object's widest point. Subjects under this effect report feelings of calmness and peacefulness, which persists for approximately one hour after leaving the effective range. Chemical analysis of subjects show slightly increased levels of serotonin and endorphins. This effect is present in all subjects regardless of prior inclinations, such as subjects who have been diagnosed with depression or other emotion-altering diseases.³ Proximity to SCP-XXXX does not appear to affect the duration or intensity at which subjects experience the anomaly after exiting the effective range, with the exception being direct physical contact. Psychological and medical analysis of subjects that have received extended exposure to SCP-XXXX show no sign of permanent damage.

SCP-XXXX's secondary effect is also psychological, and is triggered by physical contact with SCP-XXXX.⁴ When contact is made with the surface of SCP-XXXX, subjects experience a major psychological shift, giving them a compulsion to perform various actions typical of a farmhand. This effect increases in severity until subjects are compulsed to purchase large sections of land in ████████ in order to "start a farm of their own." This affect is not permanent, dissipating approximately 18 hours after first contact is made. The affect can also be reversed using amnestic agents.⁵

The origin of SCP-XXXX's anomalous properties are currently unknown. As of the most recent review of this article, it is assumed that items created bearing a strong resemblance to PoI-XXXX-2 will acquire anomalous effects similar to SCP-XXXX. This claim is not substantiated, as objects created that are similar to SCP-XXXX, either through a similar depiction or via accurate modelings of SCP-XXXX, do not acquire similar anomalous properties,⁶ and contact with PoI-XXXX-2 has not been successful as of 06/16/2021.

Addendum XXXX-1 - Acquisition: SCP-XXXX was first discovered after multiple similar reports were brought to the foundation's attention of residents of ███████, ████████ disappearing, and later being found outside of the city in a state of delirium now known to be consistent with SCP-XXXX's secondary effect. Foundation agents embedded in the area investigated the incidents, concluding that all of the reports were connected to the ████████ state capitol building. SCP-XXXX was acquired by the Foundation after confirmation of the object's anomalous properties and replaced with a non-anomalous replica in its original location, disguised as a large-scale restoration project.

Addendum XXXX-2: Shortly after acquisition of SCP-XXXX, the foundation began investigations into its creator. ███ ██████ (designated PoI-XXXX-1), the recorded creator of SCP-XXXX, was taken into Foundation custody and questioned.

PoI-XXXX-1 Interview

ACCESS GRANTED

Interviewed: PoI-XXXX-1

Interviewer: Dr. Franziska █████

Foreword: Interview was conducted 14 days after initial Foundation acquisition of SCP-XXXX.

<Begin Log, ████ hours, ██-██-19██>

Dr. Franziska: Hello, Mr. ██████.

PoI-XXXX-1: Hello, miss… I don't believe I caught your name.

Dr. Franziska: Doctor Franziska.

PoI-XXXX-1: Franziska, yes. A fellow German.

Dr. Franziska: Mr. ██████, I have to ask you a few questions about a particular designing job you did about a decade ago, the ████████ state capitol building?

PoI-XXXX-1: Ah, I'm rather proud of that one. I think I designed… 25 pieces for that building? I can recall every single one, if I'm not mistaken.

Dr. Franziska: That's good. Do you remember the main piece you did for the building, the statue on top?

PoI-XXXX-1: Yes, that is the piece I am most proud of. It took ages getting all of the features right.

Dr. Franziska: I'm going to ask this outright. Were you modeling the statue off of somebody?

PoI-XXXX-1: PoI-XXXX-1 pauses for 4 seconds before continuing. Yes, I was.

Dr. Franziska: Please elaborate.

PoI-XXXX-1: Well, I was in the middle of designing it when I first encountered the man, I didn't catch his name. It was sunny outside, I was taking a walk, trying to get away from my thoughts. He brushed right past me, and I wouldn't have paid any notice to him if it weren't for his feet. They were bare, no shoes on. I looked up at the man and he just… stared back at me.

*PoI-XXXX-1 ceases talking for a period of time, appearing to be deep in thought.*

Dr. Franziska: Please continue.

PoI-XXXX-1: Yes, sorry. To put it simply, I thought he would be a good model for the piece, so I asked him to stop by my studio sometime. He agreed and kept walking. It was the strangest feeling, like a certain calmness.

*PoI-XXXX-1 clears his throat.*

PoI-XXXX-1: Yes, well. After that, he would arrive at my studio whenever I needed him to. I would venture to say that he helped me complete the project a great deal faster than if he hadn't. Afterwards I only met with him once or twice to talk about our interests and such. I'm very good friends with him.

Dr. Franziska: When did you last meet with him?

PoI-XXXX-1: Ah, it's been a while. Too long, I should say. I've been meaning to have another chat with him-

*PoI-XXXX-1 is interrupted by Dr. Franziska.*

Dr. Franziska: Could you be more specific please?

PoI-XXXX-1: Ah, sorry. Perhaps… a month and a half.

Dr. Franziska: Thank you, Mr. ██████, that will be all for today. We'll keep in touch.

*The sound of Dr. Franziska's chair moving can be heard.*

PoI-XXXX-1: Wait! I… need to say something else.

*Dr. Franziska sits back down.*

Dr. Franziska: If you please.

PoI-XXXX-1: Well, I just… I feel as though perhaps you think my friend may have done something wrong. I can assure you he hasn't, not ever. He… may have done something that would seem morally wrong, but I know him. He wouldn't do anything if there wasn't a reason for it.

Dr. Franziska: Frankly, Mr. ██████, we're looking for your friend not because of anything he did, but rather because of what he is. If he continued revealing himself to people like he did with you, I don't believe humanity would benefit from that. That is what we aim to do, benefit humanity by keeping him from continuing his actions.

*PoI-XXXX-1 suddenly stands up from the table.*

PoI-XXXX-1: But, you assume that that isn't what he already wants? He doesn't want to even think about our existence, and you just don't understand that at all! He's meddled in humanity enough to know that nobody would understand him except me, and you meddling with him only makes him depressed, so why don't you just stop?

*Audio feed is silent for fifteen seconds.*

Dr. Franziska: If you are going to be belligerent, I believe we are done here.

*Before the audio cuts off, PoI-XXXX-1 mutters under his breath.*

PoI-XXXX-1: All he wants is to work.

<End Log>

PoI-XXXX-1 was amnesticized and returned to his home in ████████ after the interview concluded, and was kept on minimum Foundation surveillance for three months. The subject in PoI-XXXX-1's statements is tentatively designated PoI-XXXX-2.

Addendum XXXX-3: On ██-██-19██⁷, at approximately 0300 hours, PoI-XXXX-1 spontaneously demanifested from his bed. A message typewritten on standard 8.5 x 11 in. typewriter paper manifested on the desk inside PoI-XXXX-1's bedroom. This note is designated SCP-XXXX-1-A.

SCP-XXXX-1-A Transcript - LEVEL 2 REQUIRED

A missing persons report was issued in the state of ████████ following PoI-XXXX-1's disappearance. Foundation assets allocated to searching for PoI-XXXX-2 are now to include PoI-XXXX-1 in their register of possible targets.

Addendum XXXX-4: On ██-██-20██, Foundation assets in ████████ acquired a text document believed to be used by PoI-XXXX-2 as a diary (designated SCP-XXXX-1-B). The object was discovered at coordinates ██.██████, -██.██████, in the middle of a corn field southwest of ███████, ██. Radiocarbon dating of SCP-XXXX-1-B indicates it to be about 500 years old, however the document itself does not show any signs of weathering besides yellowing of the pages consistent with its age.

SCP-XXXX-1-B Transcript - LEVEL 2 REQUIRED

ACCESS GRANTED

The following transcript has been translated from Koine Greek.

547521
From the moment I arrived here, I began my Work. I've claimed a piece of land for myself, and created an abode which I can rest in. I've also created my own stock, but I shall continue using the seed I brought with me. It feels like that is what is right to do. Consider it a small thank you to the heritage that I still hold dear.
I hope you're watching, mother.

573101
I've focused on my Work, but I have also found myself a people. The people of this country, I've discovered, are kind, even to an outsider like myself. I've sat and conversed with them, fed upon their food. I would say that I have lived with them by using their land.
They are a very understanding people. I would go as far as to say that I enjoy their company, and they enjoy mine. I've told them of where I'm from, although they seem to be quite skeptical. I don't blame them, those who don't know of the godly realm often do not believe in it if they are merely told. I dare not show them my power. I don't have anything to prove, there would be no need. They do not know either way, but I believe they suspect me, and are soon to inquire about my abilities.

573105
One of my friends slipped into my room while I slept and consumed a handful of my seed. I only learned of this late in the day, after my Work was done. I went to confer with my friends when I noticed that there was a commotion happening, which I investigated. I saw that a man was performing tricks for the surrounding people, using his stolen strength. I only looked upon his antics with disappointment, and sadness.
I talked to the man later in the day, telling him that I knew what he did. He seemed initially worried, as if I wouldn't have known. I assured him that there was no way I wouldn't have known. I also told him that it wasn't a problem, and that he would know why what he did was a mistake. He didn't understand, of course. They never do until it's too late.

574952
The man has learned his mistake. Small things at first. His lack of slacking skin, his significants developing gray hairs before him, his continued hold on sanity. He arrived in my house, and he asked me if he had truly ascended past mortality. I told him this was true, and he fell to his knees and wept. I approached him and comforted him, although I feel no remorse. His decision has been made, and nothing can be done about it now.
Regardless, my Work continues.

579657
I am truly remorseful on this day. I was once again approached by the man, however he looked like true hell. His clothes were all but gone, his hair had been long disheveled and hadn't felt a touch of water in years, and his skin was beginning to lose its color. He only looked up at me and said his final words - end me.
I had predicted this day would come, and I had prepared myself to withstand the pain. I wielded the scythe I used every day, and I shall continue to use every day. Today, however, is when I used it to do the Work of Hades.
I will feel no greater pain than this for as long as I shall live. I shall bear it, and continue.

667950
It's been so long. It is so hard to keep track of time, sometimes.
A new problem has interrupted my Work. A new people have arrived upon this land, and it appears that they don't take kindly to my friends. They have driven them from their homes, driven them far to the west. I find it hard to believe that they will find any welcome land there. I refuse to leave as they do. I wish them luck on their journey, but my power will allow me to stay. If they are to conquer, then they shall, but they shall not conquer me.

706275
In the morning, I met a strange fellow who looked at me like I was a god. It had been a while since I had felt that feeling. He asked me in his tongue if I would help him create an effigy of sorts, modeled after me. I agreed to comply, and continued walking. I'm not sure if this was a wise decision, but lately I have found myself in hours of leisure, craving a task. Perhaps this is what I need to break the monotony. What else would it be, if not merely a different form of Work?

706278
I find myself somewhat enjoying this new Work. It is not hard to stand still while this artist draws his sketches and prints, but I have discovered that I enjoy his company. I have lied to him, that I am a farmer and nothing more. This I do not want to do, but I feel I must.

Our conversations are lengthy, and I believe I enjoy them. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. It has been a very long time, too long, since I have interacted with a mortal meaningfully. I think that it has dulled my senses. I have decided to continue my relationship with this man past his project. It will be enriching for both of us.

706327
The man's effigy has been completed, and has been placed atop the central tower. I can admit that it is a rather stunning interpretation, I certainly respect him for his Work.

I truly do despise all the bastards up there still, living like gods. They don't understand Work. In fact, they don't know the first thing about Work. Work is not just working. Work has meaning. Work is an idea, an emotion. If you don't feel the Work, then you are not doing Work.
This man, he felt his Work, and he created something beautiful. I truly believe that.

I believe that I will invite him to join me. Most likely he will refuse, but if he does agree, I think that I would enjoy that.

I'm going to rid myself of this record. I will not need it anymore. Perhaps those fools will find it, try to discern something from it all. They won't discern anything, I know this for certain. And, if a fool is reading this, then congratulations. You're one step closer to becoming a god.

Footnotes

SCP Sandbox III

Sandbox III: Revenge of the Sandbox