Item #: SCP-057-IT
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: Due to its nature, SCP-057-IT is impossible to contain and thus must be monitored by Site Nettuno in its current location, which is approximately ██ km away from the coast of Sardinia. In the case of a containment breach, either due to variation in the central chasm's diameter or to the emergence of instances from within, SSM-II ("Legio Atlantidis") must be dispatched along with Submarine Unit 1; in parallel, Submarine Unit 2 has the order to surface as quickly as possible to maintain radio contact in any circumstance.
Any incident involving SCP-057-IT must be notified to the S5 Superintendence, especially in cases such as attempts of communication from SCP-057-IT-A instances and/or their leader. Concerning SCP-057-IT itself, SSM-II is authorized to conduct explorations around the anomaly and any shift in its architecture or urban layout must be reported to Dr. Giuseppe Pistillo, head of the Underwater Archaeology Division of Site Nettuno.
The surviving instances of SCP-057-IT-B are contained in the ERM-23 of Site Nettuno, equipped with a saltwater pool with the purpose of recreating their natural habitat. Such instances are to be fed at least once daily with seaweed, crustaceans, mollusks and small sea fish. Personnel wanting to communicate with an SCP-057-IT-B instance must speak atin and/or Greek; if necessary, they may apply for the use of an "Anderson-Sumire" Neural Translator Mk-II. Due to the low risk of a containment breach, simple regular checks from the staff are to be considered sufficient.
The Italian Branch of the Foundation actively collaborates with the French Branch since 2016 to trace other "cities" similar to SCP-057-IT or to its instances connected to the Cult of the Great Eye of the Mediterranean, supposedly responsible for the atrocities committed within SCP-057-IT.
Description: SCP-057-IT is a city located on the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea at around 300 meters of depth. The buildings composing SCP-057-IT are built mainly with a mix of stone and seaweed, while the center of the city consists of the "mayor's" house and of a chasm. The latter is circled by stone statues circa 5 meters tall from which emanates a high intensity bright yellow light; these depict vaguely anthropomorphic marine beings that, according to the instances of SCP-057-IT, represent the deities worshipped at SCP-057-IT. At the time of writing, despite the number of explorations, the total numbers of residents of SCP-057-IT is unknown.
These "residents" are humanoid beings circa 1,50 m tall with webbed hands and feet, along with skin of an undefined green nuance and gills on the neck. Worth of notice is the absence of a nose. Lastly, their skin is particularly resistant to lesions such as slashes and abrasions thanks to the presence of scales on the upper and lower extremities.
The instances discovered and/or classified as "residents" of SCP-057-IT so far are to be divided in two groups: the SCP-057-IT-A group is the most numerous, comprised by at least 60 instances at the time of writing, who have showed themselves to be extremely hostile and to possess much thinner scales; on the other hand, the instances designated as SCP-057-IT-B are conversely friendlier and possess much thicker scales; this last group is composed at the moment of 24 12 individuals.
As they lack lungs, the instances of SCP-057-IT-A and IT-B cannot remain for extended periods of time outside of water: when allowed to do so, the IT-B instances appear to be amused by the presence of SSM-II agents or of the research staff.
It is important to point out that, at time of containment, some instances showed wounds and signs of mutilation to the gills, hands and feet: most of these wounds have been mostly healed at time of writing, thanks primarily to the on-site specialized medical unit's support.
The birth of SCP-057-IT-B-12 on the 27/12/2017 at Site Nettuno has demonstrated that SCP-057-IT-B instances possess reproduction mechanisms similar to mammals. They give birth 6 months following mating, but it is to be noted how SCP-057-IT-B-12 possesses scales similar to SCP-057-IT-A, in contrast to its mother, SCP-057-IT-B-5: this indicates how thicker scales is not a shared genetic heritage or distinctive of the mild behaviour of SCP-057-IT-B instances. Even SCP-057-IT-B-8 and his brother, SCP-057-IT-B-11, present scales thinner than their parents', SCP-057-IT-B-1 and -3. SCP-057-IT-B-1 has revealed it is caused by some technology the offspring is not equipped with.
SCP-057-IT-B instances have a social and cultural evolution different from SCP-057-IT-A instances. They are very curious, adapt easily to changes in the environment and are capable of communicating in Latin. The oldest among all instances knows Greek as well. In 2017, it was noted that SCP-057-IT-B-8 and -11, 10 and 8 years old, have started to speak in Italian and that SCP-057-IT-B-12 can understand Italian, Latin and Greek.
Statue depicting one of the SCP-057-IT instances. Photo taken by SSM-II Squad B.
SCP-057-IT-A and -B instances tend to explore vast marine areas. The oldest among IT-B instances has stated to have seen "small grey things that were spreading in the Southern sea" and that these tried to attack them. It is theorized that the SCP-057-IT-A and -B instances migrated in different parts of the Mediterranean Sea before settling near Sardinia, and that they encountered SCP-044-IT-E during this time. Captain Lorenzini, chief of Naval Unit 1 tasked with containment of SCP-044-IT-E, has stated to have never noticed any instance of SCP-057-IT.
It is also supposed that SCP-057-IT-A and -B instances are the descendants of peoples that lived up to the 14th century BCE on the island of Nisyros before it was devastated by a volcanic eruption. Some of its inhabitants would have revealed capable of surviving underwater and, following various genetic mutations, would have become the first specimens of SCP-057-IT instances. This society would have become nomadic for unknown reasons and would have then wandered around all of the Mediterranean, building temporary cities, of which SCP-057-IT would be the most recent and perhaps the only one currently inhabited.
Discovery: SCP-057-IT was discovered in 2015 by a handful of divers from the diving club of [DATA EXPUNGED] following an aggression undergone by various instances. The account of this attack was posted on the club's social media, coming to the attention of SIR-I ("Aureæ Notitiæ"). All pictures were removed and amnestics were administered to all divers. Various expeditions by SSM-II have confirmed their account. SCP-057-IT-B instances were recovered by SSM-II Squad γ and brought to Site Nettuno. See below for the recovery log.
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Foreword: These logs were reported to Dr. Giuseppe Pistillo, director of the Department of Underwater Archeology, by lieutenant Marco Levini, leader of SSM-II squad γ, who was sent to explore the city. He was captured by the SCP-057-IT-B and brought within SCP-057-IT.
15/04/2015: We arrived in proximity of the city, near the statues described by the divers. It's not so big, the houses are made of stone and the rooftops in seaweed. We haven't seen any inhabitants, but maybe we're still too far away. The most visible elements are giant statues, also in stone. We can't manage to recognise the depicted creatures but we think they're either extinct or they're representations of their gods.
As soon as we left the SU1, the environment around SCP-057-IT became heavy. Unsettling. There weren't any animals. There was no sound other than that of our respirators, like the calm before a storm. The city looked like a sleeping monster that would bring upon the end of the world if it were to wake. I don't like this one bit, neither do my colleagues.
But, we must continue.
I hope we don't find any creature attacking us.
Or that the statues come to life.17/04/2015, 9:15: We made another inspection. The environment is still heavy and unsettling. The lights from the statues are more intense and we hear screams in an unknown language.
17/04/2015, 9:34: The city is inhabited. Some instances approached us, a small group of 6 or 7 individuals. They're humanoid, with a greenish skin and scales on hands and feet, and with gills. They tried to flee, moving away from the city. We followed them, but they swam faster than us and we lost their trace.
I noticed some of them showed red marks on their skin, where there were no scales.
I don't know if they were afraid of us or of what happens in this city.17/04/2015, 10:32: We came back to the SU1. We were trying to explore the city, but we were kicked out by other entities who possessed thinner scales. Fortunately, no one of us was wounded.
Lieutenants Piccio and Ricci are waiting for orders from captain Aramini to let us try a new exploration.17/04/2015, 19:45: The instances have come back. They're swimming around the SU1. They don't have weapons, they're just swimming. It's as if they had never seen a submarine before, they're behaving like fish showing interest. Lieutenant Ricci can see them swimming on the radar. They aren't beating on the walls, they aren't screaming, they're not making any noise. They swim around the US1, sometimes very quickly, other times much slower. Stella claims to hear laughter, and her hearing is sharper than mine.
Why would they find us funny?19/04/2015, 22:07: Aramini and Contadi claim there is no danger. They gave their orders. Piccio and Ricci went close to the city and gave us the green light for the new exploration, as long as we stay around the SU1. We can only observe it at a distance. We recharged the oxygen tanks and, just in case, I brought my respirator.
There's no more trace of the instances that appeared interested in us.19/04/2015, time unknown: The group returned. They surprised me from the back, put a hand on my mouth and pulled me towards SCP-057-IT. I couldn't defend myself, I was caught off guard.
I don't remember much, I think I passed out at some point. I remember waking up in one of these houses, my hands and ankles tied up, left in a corner. I tried to flee by swimming, but the entities discovered me and closed the door. They won't let me leave. I heard those screams in an unknown language from the outside, along with what seemed like a beseeching voice. Some instances sounded furious, others were crying.
After some time that I couldn't count, another instance entered the house. A female one, since they called her Laetitia. Latin names, they all have Latin names but don't speak Latin with each other.
It had some kind of weapon, I can't describe it. I think it wanted to threaten or even kill me, but it didn't do that. She stayed close to the window and kept guard on me. That odd weapon gleamed a few times, producing small bursts muffled by the water.19/04/2015, time unknown: The instance called Laetitia seems to be the leader of this group. Are they the good guys or the bad guys? I don't know. They haven't freed my hands and ankles, but they haven't threatened me. There are four shorter instances, they look at me as if I was a monster.
They are the monsters.
No, I shouldn't say that. They are monsters for me, but I'm a monster for them. Maybe they never saw a human being before and so regard me as an anomaly, from their perspective.19/04/2015, time unknown: Laetitia knows Latin. I don't, but I can still understand her a bit. She pointed at herself, then at the door, and then at her bleeding hands. I understood. If I leave, I'll be killed.
The respirator is starting to malfunction, I've used it too much. I'll try to slow down my breathing, but I know it won't be sufficient.19/04/2015, time unknown: The group has become smaller. The older one hasn't come back. I understand quite well: SCP-057-IT's police (if you can call it the police) is trying to find them, and kills them when they do. This is why Laetitia didn't want me to leave. With gestures or words in Latin, she explained. They're trying to flee from SCP-057-IT. Be free to not believe, as she says herself. Not believe in what? I don't know, and no one wants to tell me.
20/04/2015, 5:30: SCP-057-IT is under the control of some sort of guru. Be free to not believe means Escape the cult. To live without being forced to worship a god they do not believe in. SCP-057-IT is a city ruined by the actions of the cult. The acolytes of the "god" kill everyone who doesn't believe in it.
Laetitia and the others say they will let me see a ceremony if they can exit safely. In a few days one will be held.20/04/2015, 7:03: They brought here my squad members. They're all here, in good health. I'm glad. Laetitia and the others claim they brought us here to let us see the horrors the insurgents like them suffer at the hands of the other inhabitants. They don't want to go in the details and I fear they never will.
My squad mates have brought an oxygen tank as well! Whew, soon I wouldn't have been able to breathe anymore.20/04/2015, 8:37: They lost a member. Julius was thrown into the chasm to "soothe the Guardians". Flora has cried all night long. He was her husband and father to the short instances, Tullio and Alexandrina. The insurgents are convinced he was not sacrificed to calm the gods, but as punishment. To strike fear into them. Even Flora was abused. Her back is wounded. They don't want to talk about it, all they want is only to escape. They look at us as saviours, as if we could do something of great help to them.
20/04/2015, time unknown: The roads and houses are desolate. Even the insurgents were forced to leave their homes and we had to follow them, staying hidden. All the inhabitants are gathered around the chasm for the ceremony. As no one was guarding the city, we too went to see for ourselves.
The leader of the city climbed on a rock taller than the others, placed above the chasm and in front of the cult members. The light coming from the chasm becomes stronger and starts to wobble when the members start singing. The insurgents say it's a prayer to the entities they praise. They didn't want to translate it for us. The worshipers are singing and dancing and some shapes are appearing within the light in the pit, but they aren't climbing out. The worshipers then enter some sort of frenzy: their songs are more hectic, while the shapes become more visible. They resemble gastropods, but with tentacles, like the leader. We think he could be a creature from the chasm taking "physical" form.20/04/2015, unknown time: The police has come. They are armed. I don't know if their weapons have any effect on us, they look like flails, but the insurgents fear them greatly. They fled while we were attacked by the police. They looked scared. The oldest of the instances has taken the four younger ones and are now swimming towards the SU1.
I think my squad members have received the other to capture some instances, because they're directing them towards the Submarine Units.
I'm readying for combat.
I hope I have enough oxygen left.Some instances of SCP-057-IT caught up with us, armed and hostile. There was a fight between them and Squad γ. Fortunately, our divers had the bigger guns. The insurgent instances took advantage of the battle to flee and six of them got to our submarine unit. Lieutenant Levini assured me they weren't hostile, but my men are still keeping watch on them. We let them in. There are four instances with young traits, a seemingly older instance and a male instance. Lieutenant Piccio has just told me that the other five instances have entered his submarine unit.
Squad γ has come in, they're all here, safe and sound. Me and lieutenant Sallini are taking the decision to return to the surface.
– Lt. Dario Galassi, SU2.Five instances reached the SU1. Three are wounded, one severely. Since they cannot survive for long outside of water, lieutenant Ricci and I had a water tank prepared. In agreement with my colleague, I'm taking the decision to resurface.
-Lt. Cleopatra Piccio, SU1.
Interviewed: SCP-057-IT-B-1, called "Laetitia", insurgent instance di SCP-057-IT
Interviewer: Dr. Arianna Contadi, Director of Sito NettunoForeword: SCP-057-IT-B-1 has been designated as the leader of the insurgents, and the only one able and willing to speak with researchers, due to her knowledge of Latin. For this interview, the entity was submerged in a pool. Dr. Contadi, who has mastered Latin quite well, has offered to conduct the interview. She has been nonetheless equipped with an "Anderson-Sumire" Neural Translator Mk-II.
Dr. Contadi: Good day, Laetitia. I'm Captain Contadi, director of this Site. I have a few questions for you.
SCP-057-IT-B-1: We apologize for the invasion of the submarine. We didn't want to harass anyone.
Dr. Contadi: Don't worry, everything is fine.
SCP-057-IT-B-1: Where are my companions?
Dr. Contadi: In another pool. You will join them after the interview, but first, I'd like to know how you are feeling.
(SCP-057-IT-B-1 retreats in a corner)
SCP-057-IT-B-1: They won't come?
Dr. Contadi: Who?
SCP-057-IT-B-1: The acolytes. The acolytes of the Great Eye.
Dr. Contadi: No, they won't come. You have nothing to fear.
Dr. Contadi approaches SCP-057-IT-B-1. The entity looks at her, scared.
SCP-057-IT-B-1: Don't touch me.
Dr. Contadi: Alright. First, I'd like to know how you insurgents have learnt Latin.
SCP-057-IT-B-1: By exploring around the city, when we still had the right to leave. We saw some destroyed statues on the seabed, with various inscriptions we managed to decipher. Up there it's so interesting. Other species, customs, languages… The kids are starting to repeat a few words of your language, we're happy of that. We like to watch you, when you come here. You humans, your buildings, your vehicles, your clothes… Everything is new to us, do you understand?
Dr. Contadi: I understand perfectly. I have questions about your scales. You insurgents have more than the acolytes, why?
SCP-057-IT-B-1: Will I be punished for revealing it?
Dr. Contadi: Absolutely not, we're only interested. Is it a genetic mutation?
SCP-057-IT-B-1: The Mayor had a technology, very efficient. Made the skin thicker and more resilient. Since we were abused by the acolytes for being heretics, we managed to steal this technology to develop a better resistance to the violence. Scales appeared, prettier, thicker, stronger. But the Mayor found us out. Many of my companions were killed by him or by the acolytes. I've been…
(SCP-057-IT-B-1 starts crying and shows her hands to Cpt. Contadi.)
Cpt. Contadi: Mutilated? Were your hands webbed?
SCP-057-IT-B-1: Yes… the scales hadn't yet developed on the hands. And it's very hard to swim without webbing. And I'm not even the one who took the worst beating. Poor Flora…
Dr. Contadi: I understand. Either way, Flora feels better now and the Great Eye won't come looking for you, but keep in mind we won't let you go around as you were used to do.
SCP-057-IT-B-1: I don't care. We prefer staying prisoners here even a thousand years than returning for a single day in that city.
Dr. Contadi: (surprised) How so?
SCP-057-IT-B-1: We know that we are prisoners, but unlike them, while you may not be friendly, you aren't cruel.
Closing statement: Despite the persistence of a distrustful attitude, SCP-057-B-1 has understood that our objectives are different from those of SCP-057-IT's authorities. It's still worth taking note of their avoidance, seen in the rest of the instances as well, to physical contact. It's possible that such behaviour is due also to the abuse suffered by the instances while within SCP-057-IT. It is advised to consider providing psychological aid with the double purpose of alleviating any discomfort and allowing us to learn further details on the Cult of the Great Eye and on the instances of SCP-057-IT-A.
From: Niceto Livi, BCC Coordinator at Site Asclepio
To: Arianna Contadi, Director of Site Nettuno
Subject: SamplesHello, Arianna!
I analyzed the samples you sent me and we tested them on the Class-D personnel, trying to have them develop scales on their skin to discover if human beings may also have a mutation similar to the ones the entities your Site contains possess. Maybe gills as well. If you remember, I advised the BCC personnel to experiment with the development of gills in humans and you were favourable, claiming they could have been useful to SSM-II.
And… it was a failure. Most of the subjects died and the survivors had developed supplementary extremities and various ailments, so horrible we had to terminate them for pity's sake. Sadly, I don't think that SSM-II can have gills.
Apologies
Dr. Niceto Livi
Biological Containment Complex Coordinator at Site Asclepio
Statue depicting one of the deities worshipped by SCP-057-IT instances. Photo taken by SSM-II Squad B.
Interviewer: Doctor Pistillo, director of the Department of Underwater Archeology of Site Nettuno.
Interviewed: SCP-057-IT-B-2, called Antonia, the oldest instance of the SCP-057-IT-B group.Foreword: Because SCP-057-IT-B-2 is unable to stay more than 5 minutes out of water, they were given an underwater microphone. The interview was taken in Greek, language that Dr. Pistillo has mastered perfectly.
Dr. Pistillo: Good morning, Antonia. I am Giuseppe Pistillo, and I'm an archeologist. I have a few questions for you. Are you ready?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: Good morning, doctor Pistillo, and yes, I am.
(Dr. Pistillo sits next to the pool)
Dr. Pistillo: So, it is theorised that your ancestors were the inhabitants of the island of Nisyros in Greece. This could explain why you know and speak in Greek, even though you live in Italy.
SCP-057-IT-B-2: You too live in Italy but speak Greek, doctor Pistillo. Anyways, it is not completely false: I have heard a lot about this island. Destroyed by a volcanic eruption, eh?
Dr. Pistillo: What do you know about it?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: I know that the isle was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 14th century before the… son of your god. Most inhabitants were killed, but luckily some survived. They developed gills and managed to escape.
Dr. Pistillo: But it's impossible to develop genetic mutations so rapidly. How would they have done that?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: It's not a genetic mutation, as you call it. It's a gift from the Guardians, to allow us to survive and continue praising the Eye. So that the cult may not die, do you understand?
Dr. Pistillo: So the gills are a gift, but not the thicker scales?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: I don't know, I'm just reiterating what I've heard.
Dr. Pistillo: Nobody taught you this?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: And why do you care so much? Why would I tell you that, doctor Pistillo?
Dr. Pistillo: I just want to know. Do you know of the myth of Atlantis?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: Actually, I do. A city that sank in the sea. And so, what? Do you think we could be its inhabitants or their descendants?
Dr. Pistillo:We're only trying to understand. Your people has survived for several millennia and there is no trace of you in any book. No inscriptions on a wall, no coin, no remains… Nothing. We have traces of the myth of Atlantis, but not of the Great Eye.
(SCP-057-IT-B-2 laughs)
SCP-057-IT-B-2: We know how to hide. Don't worry, we know how to do it quite well. But Atlantis… It's famous…
Dr. Pistillo: Famous and?
(SCP-057-IT-B-2 laughs)
Dr. Pistillo: Famous and?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: Do you know about the Sea Peoples, doctor Pistillo? They were defeated by the Egyptians…
Dr. Pistillo: Are you the Sea People?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: Atlantis… This beautiful myth… Plato, what a magnificent author!
Dr. Pistillo: (surprised) You have read it? You… you knew him personally?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: (uneasy) I'm old, doctor Pistillo. Very old…
Dr. Pistillo: You've met Plato… You've seen the eruption that destroyed his island?
(SCP-057-IT-B-2 does not answer and tries to flee)
Dr. Pistillo: This pool is sealed. You cannot escape. And I know you can't survive for more than 5 minutes outside of water.
SCP-057-IT-B-2 begins emitting a green light and their silhouette becomes less distinct. Dr. Pistillo backs off)
SCP-057-IT: I could do many things! But if I do, you won't be here to tell the tale! I've done many things for my people! For my island! They lived happily thanks to me! They were rich! Glad! Nothing to think about, nothing to worry for, I was doing everything for them! I was their…
(stops themselves instantly)
Dr. Pistillo: Their… their god?
(SCP-057-IT-B-2 doesn't answer.)
Dr. Pistillo: And then, what happened?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: (sighs) We were many deities. I was in favour of a merry life, to protect my acolytes and make them happy. Tranquil, away from danger and battles… But…
(takes a break. Dr. Pistillo waits)
SCP-057-IT-B-2: But the others wanted to spread. They wanted war. I didn't. And then…
Dr. Pistillo: And then they provoked the eruption?
(SCP-057-IT-B-2 nods sadly)
SCP-057-IT-B-2: And I was mutated in something half human half aquatic. And the others offered gills to my own… to push them to become their own acolytes…
Dr. Pistillo: And your's?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: I evolved them on my own. I could because…
Dr. Pistillo: I understand. And ever since that event, you stayed with your people?
SCP-057-IT-B-2: To care for them. To find a place with them where we could settle after that defeat against Egypt and all this time spent wandering the sea… To protect those who don't want to become the acolytes of the others. Luckily there are some still left…
From: Professor Léopold Callassy, Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute
To: Basilio Aramini, SSM-II
Subject: "Mermaid"Salut, old sea dog, I hope everything goes well.
I'm writing to acquaint you with two entities that have been discovered near the coast of Nice by researchers from our program for the protection of seahorses. A type of "mermaids". The first was tied to a rock with chains and the second was trying to free her. Both had a humanoid face with gills on the neck, the skin was light blue-ish and they had scales on the arms and legs. The first was seriously wounded and was obviously scared when the divers found her. We salvaged her and brought her to the institute, hoping that she would get better in the following days. The other mermaid followed us up to the institute, it seemed that she wanted to protect her friend. They both look young. We haven't been able to communicate with them yet: the first can't speak and the second won't speak, but based on the recovery site, between France and Italy, I'd like to ask you if your task force or your director have seen this kind of entity before or if you know about this more than I do.
Anyhow, this makes me think of an old legend about such beings. Mermaids that would have swam the Rhône from the Mediterranean up to Lyon, where they would have spread panic among the populace. They tried to swim up the Saône, but were pushed back by the current. Now, the story is a myth, but I prefer warning you nonetheless. Maybe these mermaids we found have some connection to this tale.
I'll let you know if the first mermaid is able to be interviewed and/or if the second agrees to talk. Please, keep in touch if you discover similar entities.
I don't have the mail for that baldie of Giuseppe Pistillo, could you warn him for me, please? I know he works with you, maybe he knows something too.Best regards,
Professor Léopold Callassy
Director of Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute
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