SCP-288-A

SCP-288-A engagement ring - female.

SCP-288-A engagement ring - male.

## **`DESCRIPTION`**

SCP-288-A consists of a matching set of a women's diamond engagement ring and men's gold band. They are relatively plain, and bear no marks as to their origin or make. Each ring has a different, but related effect when worn by a suitable person. It has been revealed through extensive backtracking of SCP-288-A's history that it has been associated with upwards of twenty-five instances of homicide, between thirteen and fifteen suicides, and two reported cases of spousal abuse. It has regularly resurfaced in pawn shops across the United States for at least 80 years, though all attempts to track it past the early 20th century have failed to reveal further evidence.

* **DIAMOND RING**: When this instance of SCP-288-A is worn by a female, she immediately becomes what has been portrayed in popular media as an "ideal housewife". Women describe this experience as if they are not in control of their body, merely observing their own actions. They lose all ability to form their own opinions, and instead automatically agree with the opinions of their spouse, and display very few negative emotions, if any. They seem to gain an instinctive knowledge of cooking and baking, in the style considered to be the "traditional American" style, including such dishes as apple pie, or macaroni and cheese. These dishes are always professionally made regardless of prior skill. A similar knowledge is evidenced in the spheres of cleaning and light repair; subjects regularly display the ability to sew and knit even if they were not able to do so before donning SCP-288-A. Along with this knowledge, they feel an innate urge to cook, clean, and mend things around their home incessantly; they lose the will to have a job of their own and become exceedingly obedient and loyal to their spouse, as well as religious and authority figures. Many wearers of SCP-288-A exhibit a fondness for dresses and skirts, and are uncomfortable when wearing pants. They also develop a fondness for children, and if they do not already have children, express the urge to have them.

* **GOLD BAND**: When this instance of SCP-288-A is worn by any adult male in a relationship, he undergoes a similar change, taking on the characteristics of popular media's portrayal of an "all-American dad", whether or not he has children of his own. Men describe the experience similarly to women, in that they feel they are not in control of their actions. He shows loyalty and obedience to political, religious, and authority figures, and an innate duty to his current professional management structure. He will work exceedingly long hours without complaint, and maintains an upbeat and motivated demeanor at his work. No matter the nature of his former personality, he becomes friendly and easy to approach, good with kids and fiercely loyal to his spouse. He is always willing to help around the house and willing to please with a shoulder rub. Men with children become attentive, engaged fathers, and men without children express a strong desire to have them.

When used collectively, SCP-288-A seems to recreate a model of a "Stepford Marriage". While this seems ideal and relatively harmless, SCP-288-A has been responsible for numerous crimes, including spousal abuse, murder, and suicide. Both women and men report feeling trapped while wearing SCP-288-A, and out of control of their own life. After extended periods of wearing SCP-288-A, they often have intense feelings of depression and personality displacement. On a more sinister note, somebody wearing either instance of SCP-288-A will take virtually any manner of abuse from a spouse without a word or raising a hand to defend themselves.

In transgender individuals, the ring appears to react to their gender identity. Therefore, a transgender individual assigned male at birth would react to the female ring, rather than the male ring, whether or not they were pre or post-gender reassignment surgery. Homosexual subjects are affected by their actual gender - a male homosexual will not react to the female ring, just as a female homosexual will not react to the male ring. More testing upon sex and gender is pending.

It should be noted that both instances of SCP-288-A resist being separated, and wearers may feel compelled to buy or even steal the rings in order to keep them nearby. It is, however, not required for both rings to be worn for their properties to take effect. Despite this, if an individual is not in a relationship, they will identify as their spouse the current possessor of the counterpart ring, whether or not it's being worn. A male holding the gold band on his person will be identified as 'husband' by a wearer of the diamond ring and vice versa.