Overview
This note summarizes the historical context of plague doctors and introduces SCP-049, an anomalous entity modeled after them, detailing its abilities, behaviors, and the mysteries surrounding its concept of the "Pestilence."
Historical Background of Plague Doctors
- The Great Plague devastated the eastern hemisphere, causing high mortality and altering history.
- Plague doctors were often untrained, mainly recording cases rather than curing patients.
- In the 1600s, they wore distinctive outfits with herb-filled beaked masks, believed to prevent illness.
Discovery and Containment of SCP-049
- Authorities investigated disappearances in a French town and found SCP-049 with hostile reanimated corpses.
- SCP-049 was taken into containment by the Foundation after this incident.
- It claims to have originated in 15th-century France and speaks several languages, including medieval French and English.
Appearance and Physiology
- SCP-049's plague doctor attire is biologically part of its body, including mask, robes, and gloves.
- The mask resembles a Zani theater mask rather than a traditional plague doctor mask.
Behavior and Interactions
- SCP-049 is generally polite, respectful, and initially saw Foundation personnel as fellow doctors.
- It is obsessed with curing what it calls the "Pestilence," which it distinguishes from known diseases like the bubonic plague.
Anomalous Abilities and Experiments
- Its touch causes immediate death in living organisms, used especially when it perceives the Pestilence.
- SCP-049 performs experimental surgeries on corpses, reanimating them, though they lose prior memory and higher functions.
- Reanimated entities are typically passive but can become aggressive if provoked or commanded.
Theories and Nature of the Pestilence
- The true nature of the Pestilence is undefined; SCP-049 insists it is the sole ailment of mankind.
- Theories include death/mortality, aging, a memetic disease like SCP-2718, or something not understood by humans.
- SCP-049's language suggests the Pestilence is not simply death or any ordinary illness.
SCP-049’s Personality and Impact
- Unlike many anomalies, SCP-049 is sociable, articulate, and expresses genuine desire to help.
- It regrets killing the lead researcher studying it, citing the need to cure him of the Pestilence.
- Debate continues whether SCP-049 is delusional or truly combating a real threat.
Key Questions and Theories on the Pestilence
- Uncertainty remains about whether the Pestilence is literal, metaphysical, or a delusion.
- Ongoing discussions and theories attempt to explain SCP-049's worldview and actions.