A good coping mechanism

Summary:

Humans are humans, wheither they are anomalous or not.

A good coping mechanism

Retrom 15 Oct 2020 00:57

Humans are humans, wheither they are anomalous or not. (Second try with this idea, hoping to get greenlit with the new things I added)

I moved and trimmed your thread summary, since it was taking up extra space in the main forum screen. Try to keep thread descriptions (the text in the little box under the thread title) and titles short so you don't crowd out other authors in the forum listing. ~Zyn

Seeking Greenlights: Yes

Page Type: SCP Article

Genre (Optional): Drama/Emotional

Page Layout (Optional): Normal page layout, starting with a big amount of testing log with increasing reaserchers and SCP dialogue and ending with some interview logs.

Elevator Pitch: SCP-5XXX is separated into SCP-5XXX-1 and SCP-5XXX-2, contained together. SCP-5XXX-1 consists of 5 stuffed animals designated SCP-5XXX-1-A to E that are non-anomalous, but interact anomalously with SCP-5XXX-2. SCP-5XXX-2 is a Caucasian Canadian adult male which presents severe signs of social and physical anxiety. SCP-5XXX-2's anomaly only appears when he faces a situation of extreme fear and he comes in contact with at least one SCP-5XXX-1 entity. As soon as they touch, a protective sphere appears, englobing SCP-5XXX. Nothing can enter or exit the sphere until SCP-5XXX-2 calms himself or looses contact with all of SCP-5XXX-1 entities. The more SCP-5XXX-1s are being held by SCP-5XXX-2, the more its protective effect increases. The containment procedures only consists of keeping him in a standard humanoid cell and that testing is to be conducted weekly.

+ show block

Central Narrative: Description is followed by a comedically short recovery log stating it was simply recovered in its burnt house and sent to Site-252. Next is an interview log, discussing SCP-5XXX-2's power, with it firmly believing that it's his stuffed animals who are protecting him. Following are 15 test logs, describing which weapon or SCP was used to test the protective's field resistance, and SCP-5XXX-2's reaction to them. These logs increase in dangerosity until the tenth, where a nuke is proposed. This test is declined by Doctor Morter, site director of Site-252 and it states that he will now be in charge of testing. In the last five testing logs, far less dangerous and traumatizing, is dialog between Morter and SCP-5XXX-2, the SCP opening up to Morter and Morter being more casual with SCP-5XXX-2. The test logs stop and are followed by three interview logs between Morter and SCP-5XXX-2, discussing, in order, what SCP-5XXX-2 likes, his anxiety problems and finally, how he got his anomaly. The last log ends with a note by Dr Morter, stating that no more testing on SCP-5XXX will be made and psychological help should be provided to it on demand.

Hook/Attention-Grabber: I think that what will make this article special is the evolution of the researchers' vision of SCP-5XXX-2 through testing, from another anomaly to a human like any of us, but who wasn't able to get help for when he needed it most. Also, exploring the development of a simple and comforting friendship between a SCP and a Doctor will play a big part in the originality of the article.

As a courtesy to our readers on mobile devices, please collapse long posts. ~Zyn

Last edited on 15 Oct 2020 04:47 by Zyn Show more

Re: A good coping mechanism

Grigori Karpin 16 Oct 2020 03:47

Based on this updated version, I will GREENLIGHT this.

It is important when drafting to focus on the following things:

• developing -2's character: more than just frightened all the time - make him a real person, with real interests/feelings… or as best you can
• slowly developing the relationship between Dr. Morter and -2 in the interviews. This will be tough because how you sell it will depend entirely on the dialogue feeling real - I suggest -2 slowly opening up to Dr. Morter while the doctor also slowly grows to care for the boy.

Structurally:
- avoid repetitive testing, keep the testing logs to a minimum. 2-3 should do it.
- avoid spending alot of time and detail describing the anomaly. The star of this show will be your two very human characters.

For titles: consider something about isolation or no man is an island, something like that.

Anyway, good luck!

Last edited on 16 Oct 2020 03:49 by Grigori Karpin Show more

Re: A good coping mechanism

Retrom 16 Oct 2020 10:33

Thanks a lot!

Re: A good coping mechanism

PlaguePJP 17 Oct 2020 06:42

I don't have too many complaints here. Emotional articles like this aren't really my forte, but Grigori Karpin hit on the main points and pitfalls.

Connections between researchers and SCPs are a bit of a challenge to do well. There are many ways to do it incorrectly. You really have to develop the researcher's sympathy. In-universe, the Foundation is cold, not cruel, the researcher shouldn't be too immediately sympathetic. As the connection grows, then you build on the researcher's character.

I'm worried about the characterization of -2. Grigori also hit on that point. This is a real person, with feelings who just so happens to have an anomalous property. Do not write them as if they are not human. He's frightened yes, but he's also confused. Their whole world has been uprooted and they're in some cell and their only form of connection is with a cold, somewhat indifferent researcher. Slowly, they grow together and connect.

Since most of these criticisms have to do with your future article and not your idea, I'm willing to greenlight this.

Good luck!

Last edited on 20 Oct 2020 15:14 by PlaguePJP Show more