They will insist on it, even as everything has already collapsed.
SCP-8789 Affected Community
Special Containment Procedures:
Foundation personnel are to monitor global networks for reports of joint environmental and medical oddities in rural population centers. Particular attention is to be given to clusters involving memory loss. Upon confirmation of Stage 2 or later signs, the establishment of a quarantine zone is to be prioritized. Any individuals attempting to enter or exit affected areas are to be detained, amnesticized, and monitored until the end of the SCP-8789 event.
Mobile Task Force Beta-777 (“Hecate’s Spear”) is to be notified immediately upon a confirmed sighting of SCP-8789. Additional support from local Foundation Sites is authorized depending on population scale and stage progression of the specific event.
Following securement of the area, teams are to be embedded into the affected community. Deployment duration is limited to a maximum of six hours. Upon return, all personnel are required to undergo psychological evaluation, followed by a mandatory rest period of no less than six hours and thirty minutes before redeployment.
Drawing produced by SCP-8789-1 juvenile, depicting investigating personnel
All personnel within must be dressed in relatively simple costume, consistent to that of early European dress1. They are to be instructed to maintain minimal interaction, so as to avoid raising suspicion within the affected populace. Each grouping must include at least one member fluent in Middle High German or a mutually intelligible dialect able to converse without difficulty.
Continuous containment and complete neutralization of SCP-8789 is deemed unachievable at this time. Efforts are to be focused on the identification and neutralization of SCP-8789-2 prior to its fulfillment of Stage 8. While early identification of SCP-8789-2 is critical to current action strategy, it has proven consistently difficult. Embedded personnel are advised to monitor affected individuals displaying behavioral deviation from established patterns and unusual awareness to their environment.
If a scenario arises where SCP-8789 is still active beyond the beginning of Stage 10, all Foundation personnel are to withdraw from the area. Further engagement is to be suspended pending review from Site-91 Command.
Description:
SCP-8789 is a recurring anomalous phenomenon affecting isolated population centers, most commonly rural and agricultural communities. Manifestations occur through a structured series of patterns, which have been designated as stages (detailed in ADDENDUM 8789.2). While the order of progression is consistent across events, the intensity and duration of each stage vary depending on the actions of the affected population. At this time, there is no predicting where or when an SCP-8789 event will appear, as instances emerge at random worldwide after fluctuating resting periods2.
SCP-8789 produces two classes of entities. SCP-8789-1 designating humans who have undergone mental alteration due to being within an SCP-8789 event. Such affected individuals experience gradual identity overwrite, where after varying amounts of time their personalities and memories are replaced by those of a separate identity originating in the Late Middle Ages. These imposed identities consistently state the current year as “the year of our Lord 1310,” and assert the current location of the event within the settlement of “Kritzedorf”3.
SCP-8789-1 identities are not random; across studied events, all documented identities have been shown to reoccur remaining behaviorally consistent and unchanged in personality, social role, and relationships. Additionally, each identity manifests only within hosts of consistent gender and approximate age range. Despite these consistencies, these identities do not retain information between SCP-8789 events. This leads to patterns and behaviors that can be partially quantified and mapped (For further detail see ADDENDUM 8789.1).
All instances of SCP-8789-1 demonstrate abnormally hostile resistance to contradictory information. When confronted with knowledge outside their perceived reality, subjects will create false memories to stay within their worldview. If confronted with something that cannot be explained, they will become abnormally maddened, often seeking to destroy the unknown, keeping up their perception of reality by labeling such “Heresy” or “Black Magic.” This anger can extend to people as well, as persistent attempts to challenge an instance’s identity or reality consistently results in violence, regardless of the SCP-8789-1’s baseline personality.
Once fully integrated affected individuals will frequently alter their environment to better fit their assumed identity. Including remodeling residences, creating new clothing, and the destruction of items that do not align with a feudal society. Due to the risk of escalating stages, personnel operating within are advised to avoid direct confrontation, so as not to cause further agitation and instead maintain behavioral conformity within SCP-8789-1 expectations.
SCP-8789-2 designates a singular random SCP-8789-1 instance within each event that undergoes additional anomalous effects. SCP-8789-2 exhibits a partial awareness of the anomalous event it is going through. Demonstrating behavior centered on the accumulation of thaumaturgical power, achieved through the direct or indirect facilitation of SCP-8789-1 fatalities. Instances appear to possess an awareness that failure to maintain a sufficient rate of fatalities will result in their rapid physical deterioration. This accelerated aging that happens to SCP-8789-2 is theorized to occur due to the host body’s inability to sustain the accumulated anomalous power, ultimately resulting in death if continuous growth is not maintained.
As deaths occur, SCP-8789-2 displays an evolving development of different thaumaturgical practices and an increase of the potency of these practices. While its baseline personality corresponds to one of the known identities, its behavior is twisted, exhibiting heightened aggression and paranoia. Further, due to its irrationality, previously established relationships no longer inhibit its actions. Methods employed to further its power vary depending on the personality of the host identity, enacting manipulation, sabotage, poisoning, and most often direct violence.
Attempts at negotiation or reason with SCP-8789-2 is deemed impossible. Instances will actively attempt to senselessly eliminate individuals who become aware of their identity as an outlier in the community, regardless of circumstances in which it may be in4.
Any individual who enters the area after the event has fully manifested is also susceptible to infection. Once inside, at a minimum of six hours, individuals will begin exhibiting early-stage symptoms and once symptoms manifest, progression to becoming an SCP-8789-1 is irreversible. The affected area of an SCP-8789 event is determined by a collective perception of the affected population rather than fixed geographic or local legal limits.
At present, an SCP-8789 event will only end when one of the following two conditions are met.
- SCP-8789-2 is unable to constantly gain sufficient thaumaturgic power through the death of SCP-8789-1.
- SCP-8789-2 is terminated by external or internal means.
Upon fulfillment of either condition, all affected will revert to their original identities. All anomalous environmental and physiological effects will cease immediately. However, physical injuries sustained and damage to the area remain, often resulting in significant death and injury, necessitate large scale medical attention, amnestic admission, and relocation.
ADDENDUM 8789.1:
Following is a partial catalog of recurring SCP-8789-1 identities. Entries are composed of those deemed significant due to their influence on community behavior and deviation from expected patterns. This catalog excludes approximately 200 lower-impact identities, primarily field laborers and dependents. Full records are available upon request from Site-91.
The Mayor - Reeve “Matern”
Occupation: Village Headman
Matern functions as the primary authority figure within the community. Manifesting within a male host, recorded age range 68-80. When in an event, his actions have a significant impact on the community’s structure even once the community becomes more chaotic.
Matern will always demonstrate continuous effort toward maintaining order, acting as a stabilizing head. He is notably outspoken against accusations of supernatural influence, advocating for protections for lesser spoken members who often are put into the spotlight as suspicious.
During middle Stages he will repeatedly attempt mediation if division or persecution happens within the community, this involvement will generally delay escalation.
While his actions are presented from a place of compassion, it is likely really coming from a psychological need for constant approval. Matern holds an unwillingness to make decisive decisions that accuse members of the community. This desire for everyone to be innocent no matter the significance of the evidence, collectively ends in a short-term positive to the community's morale but impedes progress in identifying SCP-8789-2.
The Elder - “Grolmes”
Occupation: N/A
Grolmes acts as a secondary authority figure, often as an advisor to Matern or, replacing him upon Matern's absence. Manifesting within a male host, age range 63-78.
Grolmes is generally at odds with Matern in leadership decisions, with a preference for quicker punitive action upon growing doubt. Often observed manipulating the community's outrage to consolidate influence.
During later Stages when further distrust grows in the community, Grolmes regularly attempts to gain by taking out those he deems “unnecessary” or “useless” with the reasoning of them being heretics. Doing so to “quickly put an end” to conflict but usually exacerbating it instead. Such actions inevitably enable further SCP-8789-2 advancement by increasing unneeded civilian deaths and enabling continued outrage.
The Butcher - “Wikmen”
Occupation: Laborer
Primarily functions as a field laborer but specializes in butchering. Highly valued by the community for his knowledge and ownership of varied tools for animal processing. Manifest within a male host, age range 42-58.
Displays a gruff and withdrawn personality. Rarely interacting with anyone unless prompted to, in later stages shown to change to be completely compliant with authority. Readily participating in communal actions when directed.
Wikmen has been recorded stealing from others to keep up his status as a butcher, this can lead to conflict upon finding and becoming agitated upon confrontation.
Is married and maintains a hostile relationship with his brother Volkwin, the community's Knacker.
The Blacksmith - “Valten”
Occupation: Smithing
The sole professional metalworker within the community. As some members have the ability to smith, it is not uncommon to go around Valten. Manifest within a male host, age range 38-49.
Operates alongside his spouse aged 40-51 and daughter aged 11-15.
During his time in the event, Valten will take over a smithy if one can be found in the affected area or he will attempt to make his own with varying difficulty. In later stages he will manufacture tools to be used as weapons upon request, his ability to do so is great. This is to be noted as before later stages start he is quite defiant to the creation of weapons for others, even upon request.
The Barber - “Örtel”
Occupation: Barber/Medical Practitioner
A usually essential member as the looked up to medical professional, (taking care of wounds, dental problems, lancing, blood letting ext.) manifest within a male age range 40-55.
His knowledge in the medical field is limited compared to current day standards and is he not professionally educated (Something Örtel himself is proud of.) but is overly cared for by the community often being mentioned as the kindest of them.
Is a widower with no known relatives.
Örtel is often sought out for illness by other SCP-8789-1’s if the priest is not available, despite treatments on the sick having no measurable effect, he will display confidence in the ineffective medicines he provides.
Örtel is to be monitored closely. Despite his limited medical knowledge, personnel with medical training have noted instances of apparent intentional neglect of wounds, unwarranted tooth extraction, and, in later stages, an increase in unnecessary procedures including trepanation and amputation.
The Drunk - “Petrus”
Occupation: Laborer (inactive)
Seeks out alcohol constantly including sources that would normally be destroyed (e.g., canned or sealed containers). Despite limited availability, they exhibit persistent intoxication regardless of the substances obtained. Manifestation holding the largest age range of observed instances 25-50.
They are typically ignored or dismissed by other SCP-8789-1 instances and are notably never accused of wrongdoing, even during heightened paranoia and communal violence.
To date, Petrus has not been recorded as an instance of SCP-8789-2.
The Tanner - “Arnest”
Occupation: Tanner/Woodworker
Processes animal hides for leather production. Manifesting within a male age range 20-30. Often closed up in isolation from others due to the nature of his trade.
Is married but informally separated, living alone visited rarely by his siblings.
Displays limited social interaction and is bad at social cues. When paranoia grows in later stages he is likely to stay closed up in his house, intentionally not participating in discussion leading to him often befalling suspicion.
The Stumpter - “Elze”
Occupation: Laborer (Inactive)
Continuously searches for a missing horse named Hille, described with consistent physical characteristics across events. Manifest in a female host, age range 24-36.
Elze exhibits minimal engagement with large community events, instead maintaining a consistent search for her horse. In later stages, this fixation persists even during periods of extreme violence. If one comes in contact with Elze and inhibits her search she can turn agitated and even violent5.
The Midwife - “Osterhild”
Occupation: Head of Midwifery/Medical Practitioner
Responsible for childbirth and often injuries amongst female instances. Manifest within a female host age range 58-74.
Acts as a general representative for women in the community during discussions, especially in later stages.
Osterhild continues to perform her role as expected throughout the event, many women in town who do not work as field laborers will act as midwives under Osterhild. She frequently interacts with families and is considered a trusted figure within the community even with her extremely abrasive personality.
The Priest - “Reynhard”
Occupation: Clergyman
The most influential figure within the settlement holding services for the village and visiting those who are ill. Manifest within a male age range 45-59. In his given residence taking care of two orphaned children.
If SCP-8789-1 aged 0-13 arise to the scenario without their parents they will also be taken in by the priest, often with the confabulation of their “off on business and he is taking care of the children till the parents come back”.
Responsible for treating individuals affected by illness, being extremely vital to have for the overall community’s health in early stages.
The Sacristan - “Vasold”
Occupation: Sacristan
lives with the priest as a layperson assisting him with tasks, also working to keep up their residence.
Displays quiet and observant behavior. Notably engages in private hunting of small animals for seemingly no benefit.
The Knacker The Executioner - “Volkwin”
Occupation: Knacker
Older brother of Wikmen. Initially acting as a knacker responsible for disposing of animal carcasses.
In later Stages when the community's aggression becomes organized under the guise of justice, Volkwin assumes the role of executioner. This job of his is described by other instances as having been denoted to him “several months prior.”
In cases where Volkwin does not manifest, personal justice is more likely and chaos befalls the village more quickly.
Below is a list of individuals consistently named by SCP-8789-1 but have never been found in a scenario.
“The Hermetic Scholar”
An unnamed individual but described as a holy alchemist, often cited as the source behind strange objects that are kept in the community’s homes. Claiming such items were recently acquired from this figure, though this is evidently untrue.
King “Henry of Gorizia”
Described as the ruling authority to whom taxes are owed. SCP-8789-1 instances consistently express open dislike toward this figure, portraying him as distant and unreliable.
“The Cultist”
Described as a group of foreigners allegedly executed recently, usually claiming days prior to SCP-8789-1 manifestation. Justification of the killing was based on their use of “black magic.”
ADDENDUM 8789.2:
The following outlines the observed progression of an SCP-8789 event, categorized into stages. The duration and patterns of each stage vary depending on the actions carried out.
Stage 1: The earliest indicator of an SCP-8789 event is the affected area’s land experiencing a general decline, drought-like conditions, declining soil health, fissuring, and plant decay. These effects are all dependent on the region, emerging without any ecological cause and remaining confined to the event’s boundary. It will consistently intensify as the event progresses, regardless of outside factors’ attempts to revitalize.
Detection of SCP-8789 at this stage is nonexistent, all data regarding it is obtained through later analysis following a confirmed event. Such ecological conditions are, on the outside, indistinguishable from, albeit odd, natural environmental conditions and are often reported through civilian channels without suspicion.
Stage 2: Affected individuals experience a gradual physical and mental decline. Some populace in the area will begin with general sickness, independent of individual health, over time becoming less effective at combating infections closely resembling immunocompromisation.
At this time those affected will also start with subtle memory loss, difficulty finding words, misplacing items, confusion with time/place, and sudden mood or personality changes. This stage is the earliest reliable indicator of an SCP-8789 event.
Stage 3: Cognitive degradation accelerates, contributing to the loss of personal memories, as subjects' minds are gradually replaced with foreign thoughts. Linguistic skills degrade with individuals gradually substituting their native language for Middle High German and eventually being completely replaced. This process reaching conclusion as individuals will have transitioned into full SCP-8789-1 instances, accepting identities consistent with those in ADDENDUM 8789.1.
During the ending of this stage, partial awareness may persist briefly, with subjects who are previously aware of the anomaly often attempting to forcibly recall conflicting memories before complete identity overwrite.
Stage 4: At the fulfillment of the entire base population converting into SCP-8789-1 instances, mass reconstruction begins. Modern effects are destroyed, commonly through burning in communal piles. Remaining materials are repurposed to better remodel into a pre-industrial settlement.
Expected social structure forms at this time as well. If identity Reeve “Matern” does not appear, the community will go to elect an authority figure and begin operating as standard.
This stage generally lasts a few days, at a minimum hours.
Stage 5: At random a single SCP-8789-1 will become an SCP-8789-2. This occurs without an observable trigger, gaining immediate, instinctual understanding of its objective.
Stage 6: Immediately upon the death of the first SCP-8789-1 meteorological conditions will begin to greatly worsen in the area. At this stage, the first fatalities are typically indirect, resulting from conflict or illness. All deaths should be assumed suspicious in any case.
If or when an SCP-8789-1 is discovered dead an increase of paranoia will start. The community will begin at this time attributing deaths to supernatural causes, resulting in accusations of witchcraft and heresy.
Stage 7: Organized or unstructured witch hunts emerge, with individuals attempting to identify and eliminate perpetrators. While these actions are intended to neutralize SCP-8789-2, they consistently result in increased civilian fatalities with almost no success in finding the offender, inevitably accelerating SCP-8789-2’s development.
Stage 8: Fatalities increase to a level at which SCP-8789-2 exhibits a marked escalation in capability. With thaumaturgical ability exceeding that of uncoordinated groups’ ability to oppose it. Effective resistance would require large-scale organized action from the remaining population, which is unlikely at this time. Thaumaturgical abilities significantly have increased in both potency and frequency of use, resulting in casualties transitioning from isolated individuals to groups.
Progression beyond this stage is considered dangerous. Continued advancement of SCP-8789-2 will result in a harder-to-control situation and an increase in lethality. Due to this, prompt neutralization of SCP-8789-2 is strongly advised upon confirmation of Stage 8 conditions.
Stage 9: Social cohesion collapses entirely. Authority figures lose all influence and violence becomes normalized across the community. Organized groupings dissolve, replaced by spontaneous mobs and retaliatory violence without provocation. Accusations of heresy and witchcraft become constant and indiscriminate. Violence at this stage is no longer directed or influenced by any one individual. Driven entirely by fear and the belief that continued deaths of suspected individuals will resolve the state the community has come to.
Stage 10: Five incidents have come this far.
Once approximately one quarter of the population has perished, SCP-8789-2’s need for concealment completely ceases. It will begin openly utilizing its abilities for the quick elimination of the remaining populous.
Behavioral patterns change further. SCP-8789-2 no longer acts for any type of personal reason. Not viewing the community as people at all.
In multiple incidents, it has been noted that SCP-8789-2 often utters words and prayers incoherently and without reason.
(Estimated 50 or more have perished.)
Stage 11: Three incidents have come this far.
The entire base community is gone and the original population is effectively destroyed at this time. If anyone persists near the effective area they likely will be designated the next target of SCP-8789-2.
SCP-8789-2 acts without personality, only further driven by the need for power as it ceases verbal communication. Once unable to find more sacrifices, SCP-8789-2 will begin traveling beyond the event boundary.
(Estimated 200 or more have perished)
Post Stage 11: One incident has come this far.
The following are excerpts from reports submitted by MTF Beta-777 and attached research personnel, detailing the SCP-8789 event in relation to stage progression. It should be understood that any information beyond this point is based on a single available data source. As such, subsequent stage developments beyond this point is derived from a single incident and remains speculative. While earlier stages are supported by corroborated evidence, the events described here on cannot be definitively confirmed.
Further procedures aimed at improving early identification and neutralization of SCP-8789-2 are currently under development and will be appended at such time.
Additional Documentation:
