SCP Idea: Remember What You Already Have

Summary:

A nostalgic object that could teach you a thing or two...

SCP Idea: The Memory Keeper

SuperPineapple7 20 May 2020 17:46

Seeking Greenlights: Yes

Page Type: SCP Article

Page Layout: Containment Procedures>Description>Tests>Interviews

Elevator Pitch: An illusory object that takes the form of a nostalgic object from an individual's past. If a subject's anostalgic, the item takes the form of a VHS tape titled, "Remember What Is." Contact with the object causes a vivid flashback of a cherished memory.

Central Narrative: A victim of the object shared it with those in their area after experiencing the anomaly. Awareness of the item was spread throughout the area, saying this object will "Show you the truth of life." This came to the attention of a foundation agent in the same area, who subjected themselves to the object.

Part of the narrative will consist of Diary entries of the last victim of the item before being contained. The person is divorced, has low income, and a poor social life. They come across their childhood blanket. Although confused with how it got there, they're overwhelmed by nostalgia after a flashback of their childhood life. They enjoy the experience. Wanting to relive the past, they take the blanket home, and receive more flashbacks. The individual drops everything to be with the item. They start seeing the life they built as meaningless, their past life far superior. When they seem on the brink of insanity, the person relives memories of the life that they have spent much time to build, including their marriage day, firstborn, and first job. They realize they'd leave everything behind to live in the past, that they'd choose to hang on to what was rather then what is. With newfound wisdom, they start to appreciate the life they've built and grow a brighter mood on life. Interviews are followed. The last segment will contain experiments on individuals to get different effects from the object. One will have a person go under Class-C and F Amnestics to completely eliminate their identity and past, then hold the object. Another will have the tape be played on a TV.

Hook/Attention-Grabber: Each flashback changes a subject's mental view on the present. They see the present world as worse than the past. Subjects' reactions to the change varies depending on the person. The subject continues receiving flashbacks, but the specific memories the object selects that the person experiences make them realize a good-natured lesson about how they should focus on the present rather than holding onto the past. When an individual realizes this, the mental effect ceases, and the object no longer functions for the individual.

Last edited on 09 Jun 2020 22:53 by SuperPineapple7 Show more

Re: SCP Idea: The Remote for Memories and Emotions

Orchitty 20 May 2020 23:39

I gotta say, the concept here definitely speaks to me. My long-term memory is pretty bad for the most part, so I take a lot of handwritten notes on things from my day-to-day life. When I've lost notes in the past, it has felt a bit like I've lost my memories.
That is to say that I think there is definite promise here for some good old existential angst. I do have some critique below for ya.

Elevator Pitch:

+ show block

The form usually is of a nostalgic object from the creatures past.

In the event of a subject lacking nostalgia for their past, how would the catalyst appear?

Central Narrative:

+ show block

While I do enjoy the anomaly on display here, you haven't really written about the narrative that would help structure the article. Such a narrative could probably be the story of one specific victims experience with the entity. Maybe the last user before Foundation acquisition. Who's to say? You, I believe.

I wish you luck in your refinement here, and I look forward to reading a future iteration.

Re: SCP Idea: The Remote for Memories and Emotions

SuperPineapple7 21 May 2020 00:11

I answered the first question, hope the answer makes sense.

Second, you think it would make more sense to be more of a personal description rather than from someone who has never interacted with the anomaly? Let me know!

Re: SCP Idea: The Memory Keeper

SuperPineapple7 22 May 2020 19:58

Spoken over IRC chatlog

+ Show log

[<sasarpillsa> It would be more interesting for me to see the effects of someone who can relive their past (even if there's nostalgia goggles), and how they see the present
<Superpineapple7> So like what I said above>
<Superpineapple7> Oh I see what you mean
<Superpineapple7> So maybe there could be a perspective change
<sasarpillsa> Yes
<Superpineapple7> But what would they think?
<sasarpillsa> It can depend on the person
<Superpineapple7> They think the past is better than the present or something like that
<sasarpillsa> Something like that
<sasarpillsa> Or when "times were easier", or similar
<Superpineapple7> Some people would go through crisis by watching the memories and experiencing them
<sasarpillsa> Yep
<sasarpillsa> and then researchers will have to see the aftermath of that crisis
<Superpineapple7> and since they can't just "stay" in the memories
<sasarpillsa> yep
<Superpineapple7> they struggle to comprehend the present
<Superpineapple7> how's that sound
<sasarpillsa> much more interesting than memory loss for me
<Superpineapple7> That could be a replacement?
<sasarpillsa> yep
<chiifu> ah makes me want to work on my draft
<Superpineapple7> K thanks I will look into that]

Last edited on 22 May 2020 19:58 by SuperPineapple7 Show more

Re: SCP Idea: The Memory Keeper

Duvel 22 May 2020 20:11

I'm a pretty nostalgious person, so yeah I can relate to the premise. Here's my thoughts about your idea.

+ Elevator Pitch

I like the idea of the SCP being a shapeshifter. Is it an object or does it have a mind of it's own though? Does the SCP have a reason to change into nostalgic objects?

Not a huge fan of the fact that they get teleported to another location, there's alot of skips that have their own little corner of the multiverse. I don't think it adds alot to the overall mystique. What if the SCP just induced really vivid flashbacks of certain memories?

+ Hook

Kind of split on this. I'm not entirely sure about the memory loss aspect of it. Nostalgia, even in the real world, makes people do some weird stuff. What if the people affected by the SCP are just so damn attached to reliving their memories that they start neglecting themselves in the present? It would make the SCP feel less predatory, which would add to the value of the story in my opinion.

In general I'm a fan of the premise. I think this would work best as a narrative skip that focuses more on the people and how they handle this and less on the object/creature itself.
Good luck with refining the idea and I hope my thoughts helped!

Re: SCP Idea: The Memory Keeper

chiifu 22 May 2020 21:13

Thanks for waiting. Keep in mind I cannot hand out greenlights.

Now, as much as I like the whole aspect and premise of your anomaly. It just doesn't seem to have enough… punch to it? Like, I can't really say whether I'd be interested enough to be immersed in the story.

There are also two aspects that stick out to me. Let me point them out:

The form is of a nostalgic object from the creatures past.

Are you regarding this to the individual that has come into contact with it? Or is it the anomaly itself?

In the event of a subject lacking nostalgia for their past, the anomaly takes the form of a VHS tape.

What is the significance of the VHS tape? Is the subject lacking nostalgia for a past able to access other individual's pasts?

Overall, I think the concept is interesting but a bit basic. Good luck to the concept though!

Last edited on 23 May 2020 03:09 by chiifu Show more

Re: SCP Idea: The Memory Keeper

DrConte 22 May 2020 22:13

I'd say that the basic idea is quite interesting even though you don't give the reader a real idea of what SCP really is: normally successfully SCPs are described in detail, and yours seems a bit too aleatory.

What do you mean with "can change someone prospective of reality and present"? It has physical abilities or is it just a cognito-hazard object?

Re: SCP Idea: The Memory Keeper

SuperPineapple7 07 Jun 2020 00:15

Spoken over IRC chatlog:

+ Show Log

[Hawkwind> 'If a subject lacks nostalgia for their past…'
<Hawkwind> that's kinda unusual, lol
<Hawkwind> Nostalgia is, in my experience, a pretty common human experience. I hope you elaborate, though!
<Superpineapple7> Yeah someone asked that soI had to take care of that lol
<Hawkwind> Like, maybe someone's ENTIRE FUCKING CHILDHOOD was wiped, explicitly for testing!!
<Hawkwind> OMG, that would be cool and horrible.
<Superpineapple7> Yeah that's up to your imagination :)
<Hawkwind> No, I'm saying
<Hawkwind> don't leave that up to the imaginination.
<Hawkwind> That's a story. Tell that story.
<Superpineapple7> Ooh. I'll put that in an interview log
<Hawkwind> So, does the anomaly change physical form?
<Superpineapple7> Yeah, for each viewer
<Hawkwind> No, I mean
<Hawkwind> does it LITERALLY CHANGE PHYSICAL FORM
<Hawkwind> or is it an illusion?
<Superpineapple7> actually, I was thinking it's an illusion
<Hawkwind> Mmk. Specify that.
<Superpineapple7> Noted.
<Hawkwind> Imagination is fun, but the Foundation is in the business of Securing, Containing and Protecting anomalies.
<Hawkwind> That's not something they'd leave up to the imagination.
<Hawkwind> 'Additional Notes: If a subject lacks nostalgia for their past, the anomaly does not function that subject.''
<Hawkwind> But you also said it turns into a VHS!
<Superpineapple7> Oh shite yeah that was for a past version
<Superpineapple7> I think imma take that out
<Hawkwind> So, I would divide this article into two halves.
<Superpineapple7> Mhmm
<Hawkwind> First, the narrative you've explained, with the blanket.
<Hawkwind> I think it's really great!
<Hawkwind> Very strong, solid narrative!
<Hawkwind> The second should be… Something else.
<Hawkwind> Have the Foundation mind-wipe someone, and hold the Object.
<Hawkwind> It turns into a VHS, and then have the Foundation play the VHS.
<Hawkwind> There's all sorts of directions you can go with that.
<Superpineapple7> I will put that into additional notes
<Hawkwind> Or you could just not, lmao
<Hawkwind> And just never address the point.
<Superpineapple7> what point specifically?
<Hawkwind> Slap a nice little [DATA EXPUNGED] on it
<Hawkwind> What happens when someone who is anostalgic holds the item.
<Hawkwind> Like, it's not relevant to the story you're telling at all.
<Superpineapple7> Ooh yes
<Hawkwind> So you absolutely have an excuse to just say 'lol, nothin' to see here, folks' and move on
<Superpineapple7> Yeah, that side thing isn't the real meat
<Hawkwind> And yeah, that's all I got! Nicely done!]

Last edited on 07 Jun 2020 00:17 by SuperPineapple7 Show more

Re: SCP Idea: The Remote for Memories and Emotions

DianaBerry 20 May 2020 18:37

[Place holder, will critique within 48 hours]

An entity that takes on a different form for each creature that sees it.

By creature, do you mean people? Like is the creature the normal person who the entity encounters? I would try to use a different word from creature if you’re not referring to something anomalous. Also, is the entity the SCP? The different wording you used left me kinda of confused as to what is what.

Anyways, moving on now. This loosely reminds me of SCP-4412, with the whole ‘object representing past’ thing. It isn’t too similar though, just pointing that out.

This idea is interesting and has some entertaining elements, but I do have a few concerns. I feel like the anomaly of it transporting people to a room of nostalgic tapes is a little bit basic. This sort of idea has been done in all kinds of pop culture, not just SCP. And the thing of ‘it makes you forget who you are’ is also a narrative that’s been seen several times here before.

What story do you want to tell? What do aspects do you need to make this story come together? What characters or aspects can the audience follow along the story? Who is the audience supposed to route for? What is the motive of this object? The motive of the characters? These are good questions to ask yourself to help with story development.

Overall, this idea didn’t do much for me. It feels rather basic and doesn’t leave much to attach to. I would re-access your idea and think of how to make a story work with your object.

Hope I could help! Good luck!

Last edited on 21 May 2020 16:52 by DianaBerry Show more

Re: SCP Idea: The Memory Keeper

Simartar 25 May 2020 19:35

Alright, sorry it took a bit longer than I thought to get to this placeholder.

First, I've got a few questions:

- It's not immediately clear whether the object has a specific draw to people anomalously, or if it's just a natural reaction that comes with an object that lets you relive good memories. There's a distinct difference here, as if the draw is anomalous it could come off as convenient writing.

- How will the article be framed chronologically? Would the diary entries be included as part of the Foundation investigation?

- For the ending, is the resolution when the final effect kicks in (that once the individual acknowledges that it's better to focus on the now/future the effects cease) the final note your article will end on?

Now, some thoughts:

- Diary entries, especially for something with a mental effect can be hard to pull off. I actually did my last SCP on an object that caused mental effects on the user with most of the story written through diary entries, and the main difficulty I found was conveying the story without making the entries seem too artificial. Ultimately they still need to sound like something a person would write just to vent/note what happened during their day while simultaneously moving the plot.

- This strikes me as more of a character piece with most of the plot revolving about one specific person's experience with the SCP. The details on what exactly happened with their marriage/firstborn are rather sparse, and if you're planning to spend most of the skip on this character you'll probably have to into further detail, as well evoke more emotion — maybe put them in a starting position that's worse off?

Overall this seems like a workable concept with some edits and polishing, once the previous parts are addressed I'd be willing to give this a greenlight.

Edit: discussed over IRC. Giving this my greenlight.

Last edited on 26 May 2020 21:50 by Simartar Show more

Re: SCP Idea: The Memory Keeper

Quadruple Stuffed 25 May 2020 20:15

Something about it all feels delightfully SCP-ey, but there's a strong chance some people might think the diary log part feels a bit too sappy, so I'd be careful with the execution.

Re: SCP Idea: Remember What You Already Have

RockTeethMothEyes 29 May 2020 21:55

Responding to IRC Chat request.

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This gets very very close to being a thing that makes you crazy. However, I think depending on the execution and pacing, it could be very believable. A lot of people hold on to the things they've done. We don't stop getting older, and the flow of time can be cruel and unforgiving.

I think this is missing a conclusion. There's a feel for how things get tense and the struggle against an internal conflict, but there isn't really much about what the turning point is or what happens after that turning point. Like, this

They then realize they would leave everything behind to live in the past.

doesn't tell me much of anything. It feels incomplete unless it's literally the last thing that our perspective character says in an interview or something cryptic like that. Since a lot of this focuses on "diary entries" even after the person is taken into Foundation custody, why not have an interview? It would give you a chance to dive into this character that's been built up to see firsthand the aftereffects of prolonged exposure. Something to think about.

Last edited on 29 May 2020 23:22 by RockTeethMothEyes Show more

Re: SCP Idea: Remember What You Already Have

Captain Cold 08 Jun 2020 19:09

Hey there! You sent me this on IRC so here I am to offer some feedback for ya!

+ Yarr, here be crit matey

I'd day you have a fairly concrete idea and what you want to do with it. Memory can be a heck of a thing, that still even can baffle us in the real world. So why wouldn;t someone want to live in the past, living out the glory days?
So hang ups I have is the discovery is a tad shaky. With everything going on in the world, a few people ranting about something that shows you the truth of life really doesn't seem like something worth investigating on its own. Perhaps the agent came across it, and lives through these flashbacks? Just someway to make the discovery a bit more plausible.
Secondly, how will in the narrative this object teach them the present is important? And why, when everyone else experiences a different effect? Is the SCP neutralized after that?
I'd say you're really close to having a working idea, just a few more changes and you'll be there!

Last edited on 08 Jun 2020 22:50 by Captain Cold Show more

Re: SCP Idea: Remember What You Already Have

Naveil 10 Jun 2020 20:24

Responding to IRC Request - will crit soon

Oh hey, I helped develop this idea ^.^

---

So first off, the core concept and narrative have the ability to hit very nice emotional chords, so there's something to build off of.

In terms of what I don't like, it'd probably be the testing logs at the end. I don't feel they'd work as you'd be deviating from your set narrative to do something else. I know you want to explore the different paths that can happen with the SCP, but you have to think if you'd be contributing to the story in a healthy way, or if you're tacking things on without a purpose.

Other than that though, the idea is pretty solid. I'll give this a tentative greenlight, just make sure to focus your narrative in a clear direction.

Last edited on 12 Jun 2020 16:10 by Naveil Show more