Chapter Forty-Four: The Archives of the Church of Carnal Desire

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The Foundation divides the known Flesh Cult into two distinct factions: Proto-Sarkic and Neo-Sarkic. Proto-Sarkic cults are found in isolated, insular communities in the remotest areas of Eurasia. Their followers are generally impoverished and self-sufficient, and display marked hostility toward outsiders. These groups regard modernity as taboo, demonstrate intense technophobia, and are bound by superstition and strict prohibitions. In contrast, Neo-Sarkic cults are global, openly embrace modernity, and exhibit no apparent anxiety toward technology; their adherents live among the general population, indistinguishable in lifestyle and social status from those around them. Their followers are predominantly from wealthy families with storied histories and ample legends. Both factions uphold the same creed, with core beliefs including the following concepts:

Apotheosis
They hold that individuals can ascend to godhood. The Flesh Cult appears to regard the Grand Karcist Ion (and more broadly, his Klavigar) as beings who have already achieved apotheosis. For Proto-Sarkics, ascension is inevitable and Ion is the only path. For Neo-Sarkics, they almost believe that if someone is capable of usurping Ion, they have the right to do so. The path to apotheosis is synonymous with the pursuit of power.

Will
The intent for power is the primary driving force behind humanity. Individuals strive to bring all things under their dominion, exercising their will to power, while others do the same, often resulting in conflict. Will is to power as form is to matter; conversely, “desire is the measure of all things.”

Divine Communion
Ritual consumption of deities. The Flesh Cult believes that the universe contains many gods (though they do not worship them) and that these entities may be “devoured” through certain means. Believers hold that this parasitic relationship, literal or allegorical, is the source of their thaumaturgical abilities.

Sacrifice
Among Proto-Sarkics, this manifests as self-sacrifice for the greater good; among Neo-Sarkics, the opposite prevails: the many are sacrificed for the individual’s benefit. Muscle endures suffering only to become stronger after healing; so too with the mind, achieved through cultivating tolerance for the unimaginable—an endless cycle of destruction and rebirth. Conflict, to the Flesh Cult, is the best teacher.

Shepherding of Flesh
All living things are believed to share a common ancestor. Adherents contend that this shared blood is the key to bodily enhancement (termed “Lihakut'ak”); Sarkic cultists claim the right to guide and breed organic matter.

Proto-Sarkics appear to believe Ion is in the process of apotheosis; once he completes his transformation, this “flawed, stillborn” universe will be destroyed and remade into a paradise called “Ikunaan,” where the masses shall finally know redemption and joy. Neo-Sarkics differ, holding that Ion has already ascended and that individuals should strive to emulate him, seeking godhood through power, skill, and the abandonment of ethical restraints on potential.

Despite shared mythologies and similar customs, Proto-Sarkic and Neo-Sarkic cults should be regarded as separate religions. To Proto-Sarkics, Neo-Sarkics are heretics—if not outright blasphemers, then at best an ideology or philosophy that has absorbed elements of the “true way.” This makes Neo-Sarkics particularly dangerous—they lack the traditional ethical and moral constraints of the Flesh Cult—and may even stand in opposition to them. Evidence suggests that Neo-Sarkics have forsaken orthodoxy and allied themselves with extradimensional entities that Ion once opposed.

Sarkic cultists use a unique language, apparently a fusion of ancient Uralic, Indo-European, and γλῶσσαχάος, though primarily ancient Uralic. Practitioners do not refer to themselves as “Sarkic”—the term is in fact a pejorative used by followers of the Church of the Broken God. This was once believed to be their true name and has been adopted by the Global Occult Coalition and the Foundation’s Sitra Achra project. In reality, Sarkic cultists call their faith Nälkä; Foundation operatives must never use “Sarkic” or its variants when infiltrating related groups.

The use of Mechanoid Church terminology has led the Foundation and GOC to subconsciously adopt the “flesh/machine” cosmology narrative, which is a highly inaccurate and crude summary of the Sarkic faith. This document seeks to identify and correct past errors, but “Sarkic” (and its variants) remain official Foundation terminology.

Finally, it must be emphasized that the Foundation and GOC possess only minimal understanding of the Sarkic faith and its adherents’ aims. Available data suggest the cult’s goals could result in an SK-Class dominance shift event, or even an XK-Class end-of-the-world scenario.

Encrypted correspondence among Neo-Sarkic members has been deciphered, revealing an extremely complex hierarchy outside the religious order. As a form of genealogy, bloodlines are of paramount importance—these hidden aristocrats’ marriages form the basis of contracts and powerful Sarkic dynasties (referred to as “High-Blood,” sometimes “Black Blood”). Most join the cult at birth, with new blood introduced only through careful selection.

There are no clear boundaries between sect and family within the Sarkic faith. Recruitment of outsiders is generally unnecessary, as the cult rarely struggles to maintain numbers—their reproductive capacity and health are seemingly unaffected by generations of inbreeding. Even non-Karcists (as Karcists and higher ranks are biologically immortal) enjoy significantly lower mortality rates than baseline humans, with very few members dying before the age of one hundred (excluding violence and accidents).

Data indicate that the hierarchy among Sarkic groups has remained consistent for over three thousand years. The two highest ranks, Ozi̮rmok (Grand Karcist) and Klavigar (Saint), are attested only in scripture and ancient texts, making it impossible to confirm their existence in contemporary Sarkic society or whether they are purely mythological. The standard hierarchy system (from highest to lowest) is as follows:

Ozi̮rmok
Also known as the Grand Karcist. This highest rank is exclusively reserved for the prophet Ion.

Klavigar
Also called “Saint.” There are currently four known Klavigar. Most Neo-Sarkics claim descent from a Klavigar. Refer to the Acts of the Saints in the historical section for information on each Klavigar.

Karcist
The religious and secular leaders of the Sarkic organization. Karcists are believed to be biologically immortal and possess a variety of forms (though all known Karcists were once non-anomalous humans, only a few retain human appearance). They exhibit anomalous abilities. It is theorized that they can control their Halkost (a group of anomalous organic entities controlled by a Karcist) through the release of complex hormones; Klavigar and Ozi̮rmok may have similar capabilities.

Võlutaar
Advisors to the Karcists. For unknown reasons, this role is predominantly female among Proto-Sarkics. The title has become synonymous with “wise woman.”

Zend
A middle rank in the Sarkic hierarchy, possessing certain powers and privileges distinct from Orin. Most Proto-Sarkics do not acknowledge this rank.

Orin
The lowest rank. Believers without Sarkic bloodline must begin at this level. Like Zend, most Proto-Sarkics do not recognize this rank, as they are extremely insular and rarely accept outsiders (in fact, conversion is rare even among Neo-Sarkics, though they do secretly proselytize).

Proto-Sarkics do not operate openly unless they dwell in highly isolated regions. These sects display pronounced technophobia and resist modernization, sometimes even sabotaging advanced electronic equipment (especially communication devices). Humility and self-sacrifice are highly valued among Proto-Sarkics.

Neo-Sarkic and Proto-Sarkic sects share only superficial similarities in both history and practice. Proto-Sarkics are xenophobic, archaic, and bound by superstition and taboo, whereas Neo-Sarkics embrace modernity; Proto-Sarkics are fragmented (each group existing in isolation), while Neo-Sarkics are global and unified.

It is unknown whether Neo-Sarkicism is a relatively recent evolution or a deliberate transformation of Proto-Sarkicism. Neo-Sarkics show no aversion to technology and often appear in densely populated areas; their daily lives are little different from those of their cultural and social peers. For Neo-Sarkics, the correct moral goal of life is to pursue individual desire and attain power.

From 1600 BCE to 1200 BCE, little is known of the Sarkic faith, but this period is considered the “Golden Age” of Sarkic civilization. During this time, the Daevite civilization declined, surviving only as a small city-state in modern-day Mongolia. Some theories suggest that the lack of archaeological evidence from the Adí-üm Empire is due to the fact that Sarkic architecture was composed of living organic material.

The Wars and Fall of the Adí-üm Empire:
At its zenith, the Sarkic civilization expanded into the Caucasus, Anatolia, the Balkans, the Levant, and parts of Mesopotamia. Drawn by its anomalous abilities (or coerced), various tribal groups fought under the banner of Adí-üm, including the Kaskians, ancient Thracians, Lycians, and Illyrians. King Suppiluliuma II of the Hittites failed to repel the invaders, leading to the collapse of the Hittite Empire.

The Adí-üm Empire established footholds in the Mediterranean and began to invade/colonize Cyprus, Crete, and the island of Ialos. Though it is unclear who initiated hostilities, a coalition of kingdoms formed to counter the Sarkic threat, and around 1200 BCE launched a war. Mass graves, weapons, devastated lands, and primary sources (such as scrolls found on Ialos and the Aral Sea) indicate this conflict was extremely brutal (and anomalous). Foundation historians estimate casualties between twenty and thirty million, making it the fourth most destructive war in recorded history. Recovered documents indicate the coalition included Egyptians, Mycenaean Greeks, Cretans, Canaanites, Assyrians, and followers of the Church of the Broken God.

The Foundation remains ignorant of most details of this war. Some speculate that the use of colossi (such as SCP-2406) and large quantities of a “Greek Fire”-like substance reversed the tide of battle. By war’s end, the Adí-üm Empire and the entirety of Sarkic civilization were destroyed. In truth, however, the Sarkic faith survived clandestinely, persisting in its Uralic birthplace and among tribes that once fought for Adí-üm (such as the Thracians and Dacians). The war devastated the region, leaving many civilizations unrecoverable, causing the collapse of kingdoms, refugee crises, decline of art, literature, and science, as well as plagues and famines from Sarkic bioweapons; this event is now known as the end of the Late Bronze Age.

The fall of the Adí-üm Empire prompted the faith to shift, leading to the development of entirely different Sarkic sects in the Arabian Peninsula and Indian subcontinent. Due to a lack of reliable data, the Foundation can only speculate about Sarkic activity from 1100 BCE to 1300 CE.

The Rise of Neo-Sarkicism:
Sage János (Karcist Sverok), 1560; court magician to the Solomonis and “Madman” Balázs II.

Most known Neo-Sarkic sects appear to have originated among Carpathian nobility influenced by Proto-Sarkic Solomonis. It is unclear whether the Solomonis infiltrated the Carpathian courts or if the latter, ignoring or rejecting (or perhaps embracing) rumors of demon-worship and sorcery, sought them out. Documents and artifacts recovered from SCP-████ indicate that some Solomonis served as “court magicians,” advising lords on alchemy, medicine, astronomy, and supernatural affairs.

Over time, this arrangement evolved into “great houses” of Sarkicism; wealthy families practiced the faith as they interpreted it, placing the individual above the collective and adapting it to their needs. This new branch of the Sarkic faith spread through Europe by marriage; once a foothold was established, incest began among the houses.

Individual cults in different regions vary, but broadly fall into two main categories: Proto-Sarkic and Neo-Sarkic. This appears to reflect adaptation to different environments, rather than fundamental doctrinal differences.

The most urgent threat posed by the Sarkic faith lies in its anomalous creation and manipulation of living organisms. Enough consistent patterns have been observed in these entities to allow classification into different “types.” These creatures show no signs of fear or pain and can heal wounds at unnatural speeds. The following is a partial list of such entities:

SK-BIO Type 001
Commonly called “Behemoths.” These entities stand over four meters tall and weigh approximately 7,000 kg, with pale, flaccid skin. Their faces lack visible eyes, ears, or nose—dominated by a massive, many-toothed maw. The first documented SK-BIO Type 001 is SCP-2480-2. They seem to possess limited intelligence.

SK-BIO Type 002
Standing between 1.5 and 2 meters tall and weighing about 250 kg. Their mouths are vertical and span the entire face; their elongated arms end in claws 50 to 60 cm long. The body is protected by a white chitinous shell, beneath which the flesh is dark red and exposed in places.

SK-BIO Type 003
Also classified as SCP-2191-1. Genetically human, SK-BIO Type 003 has undergone numerous severe and seemingly lethal mutations. They lack most internal organs, retaining only the heart, lungs, and brainstem. Their skin is unpigmented, resembling cracked porcelain, possibly linked to Harlequin syndrome. The entities appear androgynous, lacking or having removed secondary sex characteristics. Their eyes are vestigial, covered by a layer of skin, rendering them nearly blind but still photosensitive (they typically avoid light above 100 nm wavelength). Other differences from Homo sapiens include markedly upturned noses and funnel-shaped ears, believed to relate to heightened olfactory and auditory perception. SCP-2191-1 does not communicate by speech, instead producing a continual clicking sound with its tongue—speculated to be a form of echolocation.

SK-BIO Type 004
Commonly called “Snatchers,” these are dark red, tentacle-like organisms adapted for grasping. SK-BIO Type 004 is immobile and often used by Sarkic cultists to guard specific locations.

SK-BIO Type 005
Known to Sarkics as “Kiraak,” SK-BIO Type 005 are living organic entities used as temple architecture. The Foundation currently contains a deceased specimen (SCP-2095), but surviving examples may still exist worldwide. Update: Field agents have encountered living specimens; further information pending.

“The creation of a Kiraak is far more horrific than previously imagined. Living humans are ‘anointed’ and repeatedly force-fed and shaped, their brains gradually atrophying until they become a living temple. To Sarkics, flesh and bone are cultivated as one might prune a bonsai.” —Dr. Tsukino

SK-BIO Type 006
Known as “Akuloth” or “the Holy White Worm,” SK-BIO Type 006 are symbiotic organisms found within Sarkic cultists and their creations. They are believed to serve as a secondary immune system, granting hosts resistance to disease and enhanced regenerative ability. SK-BIO Type 006 is also implicated in bodily transformations among some cultists.

SK-BIO Type 007
SK-BIO Type 007 may comprise several “types,” generally referring to SK-BIO entities without a fixed physical form (many Sarkic creatures exhibit this trait when heavily wounded). These beings exist as amorphous masses, able to grow indefinitely by absorbing encountered organisms. Ritual transformation of humans into SK-BIO Type 007 is possible; SCP-2075’s transformation of Dr. Albert Cronenberg is one such case.

Jining set the documents aside and sighed. “The SCP Foundation must all be excellent merchants.”

Aphra asked in confusion, “Why do you say that?”

Jining shook her head. “Nothing that passes through their hands is ever complete. This file is obviously heavily redacted—it’s as if they’re holding out for a better offer.”