Seeking Greenlights: Yes
Page Type: SCP Article
Elevator Pitch: A miniature model of a town where the townspeople are alive, and the prayers of the faithful can cause miracle like anomalous events. For containment, the Foundation decides to answer the prayers of the townspeople themselves, stopping the anomalous events. While the Foundation is successful in eliminating the anomalous events, the containment team is now playing god.
Central Narrative: Whatever force answers the townsfolk prayers gives disproportionally large responses. Desire for a sunny day can lead to local droughts, and a call for rain a raging storm. The Foundation, to prevent these anomalous events, begins to answer their prayers instead. But they are overeager, and make too many interventions. It causes the model townspeople to put less effort into everyday work, and pray more. As unanswered prayers can trigger anomalous events, the Foundation makes even further interventions. In an effort to break the cycle, the Foundation makes changes to procedure policies. We see how these policies affect the lives of the model townspeople. Ultimately, though, the Foundation cannot break the cycle. And the model town erupts into a war of faith. Containment personnel, recognizing their failure, request that containment procedures be revised. Cede godhood back to whatever entity held it earlier, and contain rather than prevent the anomalous events.
Hook/Attention-Grabber: The Foundation plays god and we see the societal consequences. Metaphorically, it illustrates why the Foundation should stay in the shadows to secure, contain and protect, rather than take over the world or something.
Additional Notes: All feedback is appreciated!
