SCP-049 (Plague Doctor)

SCP-049 is a humanoid creature, approximately 190 cm tall, similar in appearance to a medieval plague doctor. At first glance, SCP-049 appears to be wearing the thick robe and ceramic mask associated with that profession; however, these garments appear to have grown out of SCP-0491's body over time, and are currently indistinguishable from whatever it may be hiding underneath. However, X-rays have shown that SCP-049 has a skeletal system similar to a human beneath this outer layer. SCP-049 is capable of communicating in many languages, though it primarily prefers Russian and Old French. SCP-049 is generally friendly and willing to interact with Foundation personnel, but will become extremely irritable and occasionally violent if it believes that what it calls "the Pestilence" is present. The nature of this "Pestilence" is unclear to Foundation researchers, but SCP-049 appears to hold particular importance to it. It will display open hostility towards those it perceives to be afflicted by the "Pestilence", and will often need to be restrained in such cases. Given free rein, SCP-049 will typically attempt to kill such a subject; SCP-049 is capable of halting all biological functions within an organism through direct contact with exposed skin. The mechanism by which this occurs is unknown, and autopsy results on victims killed by SCP-049 in this manner have been inconclusive in all cases. SCP-049 will express frustration or remorse over these deaths, claiming that the victims did not attempt to combat the "Pestilence", though will typically attempt to perform rudimentary surgery on the corpse using the tools it carries in a black doctor's bag at all times. This surgery is not always "successful", but often results in the creation of SCP-049-2. SCP-049-2 are reanimated corpses of subjects who have undergone SCP-049 surgery. They appear to retain no memories or mental abilities, and possess only basic motor skills and response mechanisms.

SCP-049 is to be kept in a standard reinforced humanoid containment cell in Research Sector-02 of Site-19. SCP-049 is to be sedated prior to any attempt to transport it. During transport, SCP-049 is to be kept in a reinforced Class 3 humanoid restraint system (with collar and extension restraints), and under the supervision of at least two armed guards at all times. SCP-049 is generally cooperative with most Foundation personnel. However, any sudden changes in behavior are to be dealt with forcefully. During such changes, personnel are to avoid direct contact with the subject at all costs. Lavender multifida has been shown to have a calming effect on the subject in the event that it becomes aggressive. Once calmed, SCP-049 will typically become more compliant and return to its containment cell with little resistance. In order to ensure continued containment of SCP-049, the entity is to be provided with a recently deceased animal carcass (usually a cow or other large mammal) for study once every two weeks. Carcasses, now designated instances of Instances of 049-2, are to be removed from SCP-049's containment chamber and destroyed via incineration. It has been decided that further human testing of SCP-049 is prohibited, and all requests for human test subjects are to be denied. As per Containment Committee Order #049.S19.17.1, SCP-049 is not to interact directly with Foundation personnel. It is also not to be provided with any further cadavers for anatomical testing. This measure is in effect indefinitely, and may only be rescinded once a consensus has been reached regarding the long-term containment of SCP-049. SCP-049 was discovered following several missing persons cases in the Montauban region of southern France. During a raid on a private home, several instances of SCP-049-2 were found.