Video summary
SCP-8387 is a decomposing human corpse belonging to a former University of Geneva student who, despite the complete cessation of metabolic activity and ongoing biological putrefaction, retains the ability to move autonomously and communicate verbally. The entity's behavior is strictly limited to academic pursuits; it engages in continuous rote study behaviors such as creating revision sheets, flashcards, and annotating books exclusively within disciplines taught at its former university. Its verbal responses are typically brief and focused solely on academically relevant topics, while attempts at casual conversation often result in delayed or absent reactions due to the slow movement caused by tissue degradation and imprecise vocalization resulting from decomposition.
The subject exhibits distinct behavioral patterns tied to academic cycles, showing a marked increase in activity and signs of performance anxiety during months corresponding with Swiss examinations like February, June, and August. To mitigate physical degradation without halting its studies entirely, Foundation personnel are required to engage SCP-8387 in recreational activities at least once every 48 hours. During these approximately fifteen-minute sessions, the entity's rate of decomposition reverses, allowing for visible regeneration of damaged tissue faster than normal decay occurs. While participating in this break, the corpse displays a pronounced shift in demeanor, becoming energetic and occasionally laughing before voluntarily terminating the session by stating it has already taken too long a break.
Upon discovery following an unresponsive period after exam results were released, local authorities found SCP-8387 seated at a desk reviewing recorded lectures on glycolysis while taking notes. An investigation into its history revealed that he was once described as sociable and energetic by neighbors but felt "barely alive" during intense study periods. Academic records indicate the subject struggled with marginal secondary school performance, four failed semesters, and persistent difficulties consistent with dyslexia and ADHD, yet recovered documents show his original determination to become an ethologist alongside a final academic letter granting him one last semester to complete his biology degree despite failing multiple required courses by narrow margins.
As of late 2028, SCP-8387's demonstrated knowledge significantly exceeds expectations for a postgraduate student, though it consistently rejects such appraisals by describing itself as "unprepared." The Foundation determined that widespread amnesiac administration was impractical given the subject's specific academic focus and history. Consequently, containment procedures were established to provide necessary study materials including scientific journals corresponding to the University of Geneva curriculum while managing its physical state through regular recreational breaks. This unique case highlights a tragic intersection where an entity driven by an unyielding desire for academic completion persists in studying even as it physically rots away, only finding temporary relief and regeneration during brief moments of forced leisure.
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Item number:
SCP-8387
Object class: Safe
Special containment procedures:
SCP-8387
is contained in a standard humanoid
containment cell at Site-138.
The cell is equipped with stationary
supplies and a computer
with internet access limited. The
Foundation subscribes scientific
journals,
literature corresponding to the
University of Geneva science curriculum
is to be available at all times.
Personnel are to engage SCP-8387
in a recreational activity no less of
once every 48 hours to mitigate physical
degradation.
Personnel with level two clearance or
higher are allowed unrestricted access
to SCP-8387
for the purpose of scientific
consultation.
Description:
SCP-8387
designates the corpse of
age 25,
a former student of the University of
Geneva,
hereafter POI-8387,
enrolled between 2022
and 2026.
Despite the complete cessation of
metabolic activity,
SCP-8387
remains capable of autonomous movement
and limited verbal communication.
SCP-8387 biological decomposition
proceeds normally.
Currently undergoing late-stage
putrefaction.
Early examination indicated it suffered
prolonged malnutrition and dehydration
prior to death.
Ongoing tissue degradation results in
slow movement and imprecise
vocalization,
limiting the feasibility of extended
interviews.
SCP-8387
displays minimal social engagement.
Verbal responses are typically brief
and restricted to academically relevant
topics.
Attempts at casual conversation are met
with delayed or absent responses.
SCP-8387
engages almost continuously in rote
academic study behaviors.
These include the creation of revision
sheets, flash cards,
annotations in books,
and other preparatory materials commonly
associated with examination revision.
The subject matter corresponds
exclusively to disciplines taught within
the University of Geneva science
curricula.
During the months of February, June, and
August,
SCP-8387
exhibits a marked increase in activity
and performance anxiety behaviors.
Periods coinciding with Swiss academic
examinations.
SCP-8387
can be distracted from its studies once
every 48 hours through the appeal of
recreational activities.
During such periods,
its rate of decomposition reverses
with visible regeneration of damaged
tissue occurring at a rate significantly
faster than the decay process.
Additionally, it exhibits a pronounced
shift in demeanor
becoming energetic and occasionally
laughing.
These sessions last approximately 15
minutes,
after which SCP-8387 will terminate
participation voluntarily
stating it has {quote} already taken too
long a break, {unquote}.
Further attempts to interrupt this
routine are met with refusal despite
clear signs of reluctance.
As of January 27th, 2028,
SCP-8387's demonstrated knowledge
significantly exceeds expectation for a
postgraduate student.
When this competence is acknowledged, it
consistently rejects the appraisal,
>> [music]
>> describing itself as, {quote}
"unprepared", {unquote}.
Discovery. Genevan authorities were
alerted by multiple students who
reported POI-8387
missing after approximately 1 week of
unresponsiveness.
Shortly following the public release of
results for the February 2026
examination session,
SCP-8387
was found at POI-8387's
residence in
Vaud by local authorities conducting a
welfare check.
The entity was seated at a desk,
actively viewing a recorded lecture on
glycolysis on a laptop computer while
taking notes.
The Foundation was notified and assumed
containment.
A neighbor,
age 83, was interviewed to assess
POI-8387's
history.
She described him as sociable and
energetic, with active participation of
multiple social circles at the
University of Geneva and within their
local community.
She noted that he often stated that
periods of intense studying left him
feeling barely alive.
In light of this, widespread amnesiac
administration would be impractical.
A vehicular accident cover story was
disseminated instead.
Addendum. Investigation report.
Review of POI-8387's
academic records indicates marginal
secondary school performance
and four failed semesters at the
University of Geneva.
Secondary accounts suggest persistent
difficulties consistent with dyslexia
and ADHD.
Further examination of POI 8387's
residence revealed extensive collection
of documentaries,
>> [music]
>> posters, and literature
covering multiple biological
disciplines.
Recovered from underneath the subject's
pillow were two documents.
A handwritten letter dated 2010
expressing a determination to become an
ethologist [music]
and an academic letter dated 2026
confirming that the subject had been
granted his last available semester to
complete his biology bachelor's degree.
This decision followed the failure of
two out of 12 required courses by margin
of 0.25
to 0.5 marks
despite high scores in preparatory
assessments.