SCP Entry: SCP-049 and Tom Rook (SCP-049-2 Event) --- Item #: SCP-049 Object Class: Keter Special Containment Procedures: SCP-049 is to be contained within a standard humanoid containment cell at Site-██ with no less than two armed guards stationed outside at all times. Interaction with SCP-049 requires approval from Level 3 personnel or higher, to mitigate the risk of unintentional cognition of the Pestilence. SCP-049 is not to receive any direct contact with personnel without proper GOC approval and must be restrained in a standard four-point harness whenever communication or experimentation is being undertaken. At least four cameras must monitor SCP-049’s containment area, recording continuous footage. Any anomalous activity must be reported immediately to Site Command. If any containment breaches occur, MTF Epsilon-11 (“Nine-Tailed Fox”) is to be dispatched to reestablish containment protocols swiftly. Description: SCP-049 is a humanoid entity appearing as a medieval plague doctor, clothed in a thick, black robe that appears to be an extension of its corporeal form. It wears a ceramic mask characterizing a featureless visage with two small eyeholes and a long nasal protrusion resembling the beak of a bird. SCP-049 claims to seek a "cure" for an affliction it refers to as "the Pestilence," which it describes as a widespread disease affecting mankind. SCP-049 possesses the ability to induce death in living subjects through physical contact, subsequently reanimating them into a state referred to as SCP-049-2 – a zombified form that maintains only minimal motor functions and an instinct to follow SCP-049’s commands. Discovery: SCP-049 was discovered in a remote village in [REDACTED], where it was observed performing unauthorized medical interventions on multiple subjects. Reports of "The Pestilence" spread quickly through the local population. Foundation field agents were dispatched after numerous civilian sightings led to multiple casualties in the area. SCP-049 was contained without resistance and brought to Site-██. Reason for Object Class: SCP-049 is classified as Keter due to its capabilities to induce death and subsequent reanimation in subjects, the unpredictable nature of its perceived ‘cures,’ and SCP-049’s tendency to engage in treatments that have proven deadly to test subjects. The high risk of containment breaches and the emergence of SCP-049-2 instances further necessitate this classification. Research: Initial testing of SCP-049's abilities—conducted under controlled conditions—has demonstrated that the subject possesses a high degree of knowledge in medicine, although its methods are heavily rooted in a dangerous ideology. Addendum 049-A: On ██/██/2023, during a routine check on SCP-049, the entity expressed excitement about a new patient it had observed: one Tom Rook, an individual with an extensive history of violent criminal behavior. SCP-049 begged for permission to "cure" him, claiming to sense the Pestilence within him. Permission was denied, but SCP-049 responded with a chilling calm demeanor, stating, “You resist the inevitable, but the Pestilence only lies dormant until unmasked.” Negotiations: On ██/██/2023, Tom Rook—a new SCP researcher hired due to his skills and extensive history—approached the containment of SCP-049 with his own agenda. Rook believed the Foundation had been too oppressive towards the entity and sought to negotiate an alliance. He proposed to assist SCP-049 in removing "the Pestilence" in exchange for potential power or promise of freedom. Despite expressing understanding of SCP-049’s abilities, Rook underestimated the meticulous planning of the Foundation surrounding SCP-049. The negotiations failed, leading to chaos. Incident Report: On ██/██/2023, SCP-049 influenced Tom Rook during an unintentional breach of containment after Rook gained unauthorized access through bribery and deception. Within ten minutes, Rook was induced into a state of vulnerability where he was approached by SCP-049, having already escaped containment while security personnel were distracted. Found Footage: [Footage begins, showing a low-lit containment cell. Tom Rook enters the frame, his hands trembling slightly. SCP-049 stands in the corner, unmoving.] Rook: “You can help me, can’t you? I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe…” SCP-049: [Calmly] “Indeed. The Pestilence does linger in many, but your ailment— it is too pronounced. You must allow me the opportunity to cleanse it.” [The camera flickers, Rook lunges with a knife. SCP-049 raises a hand, and the footage abruptly ends with static.] Journal Entry by Site-██ Researcher: Date: ██/██/2023 Today marks the day SCP-049 breached containment and converted Tom Rook into SCP-049-2. Testing on Rook had shown no signs of the Pestilence; he simply succumbed to SCP-049’s influence. I can’t help but feel as if one of our own has become the very thing we swore to contain. We will not allow such a failure again. SCP-049-2 Status Report: Tom Rook has been confirmed as an instance of SCP-049-2. His body is now unresponsive to stimuli beyond basic commands given by SCP-049. Further studies show deviation in the reanimated entity's behavior—Rook displays increased aggression when detached from SCP-049’s guidance. Conclusion: Containment failure occurred on ██/██/2023 when SCP-049 successfully influenced Rook and generated a new SCP-049-2 instance. Future protocols will be reviewed and revised since the containment breach resulted from manipulation and psychotropic influence rather than the direct physical capabilities of SCP-049. Definitive Outcome: Containment Failure