SCP-F Structured

undefined:

An SCP-F structured or SCP-Foundation structured system is an in-system government that resembles the S.C.P. Foundation. This structure is not related to the broader world of S.C.P. and is exclusively based on the in-universe S.C.P. Foundation. It's important to note that this term is not meant to describe a healthy system structure. Due to the dehumanization of lower classes, alongside unfair decision making (disregarding lower classes opinions in favor of higher classes'), it's not encouraged to use this term lightheartedly or in non-serious manners (SCPbased may be better for this).

Not all systems relate to the references towards S.C.P. but may find heavy relation to the structure itself, these systems might use the term Foundation structured instead (this can also be used for personal preference, regardless of thoughts on S.C.P.).

Internal Division of Classes
The classification of these terms will vary system to system, general language will be used here for ease of understanding (i.e., class, rank, secondary, lesser).

Usage of the word rank is used both in reference to classes and to the internal ranks within these classes. In classes, headmates usually hold various ranks as some are seen higher than others. Classes with more variety, like tertiary classes, will have similarly diverse rankings. These rankings may become sub classes if they either become overpopulated or have strong enough divisions between them and the rest of their class. Minor secondary class is a good example of this, these headmates are still a part of the secondary class, but stray from the traditional secondary class due to the difference in jobs and rank.

Top Class
The top class, similar the O5 council, is a group of headmates who have intimate knowledge regarding the ins & outs of and complete control over the system. The top class will likely be made of omniscients, omniscius', gatekeepers, lorekeepers, consuls, internal self helpers, and archivists (many of these headmates having majority of these roles simultaneously). The top class headmates are usually all collectively floaters(2) as well, able to intrude upon any grouping of headmates regardless of their isolation. There is very often a maincenter within the top class who has a final say on all system matters, even over other top class headmates.

This group may keep mostly hidden from the rest of the system, or contrarily, may be incredibly intrusive in day to day life. The top class usually doesn't have a proper grasp on their fellow headmates feelings and will stay out of assisting them directly, leaving such jobs to lower classes. Of course, this is not always the case and any headmate within the top class may have caretaker or protector roles.

Secondary Class
The secondary class works directly under the top class, usually compromised of gatekeepers, protectors, prosecutors, cartographers, tanks, wardens, overlords, caretakers, etc. These headmates usually have a higher degree of power and are also fairly knowledgeable when it comes to the system. This class is usually compromised of the system helpers, headmates who can care for others, while also being comprised of headmates who can "do the right thing by any means", these headmates may end up being considered persecutors/prosecutors due to their more cruel actions. These headmates tend to resemble MTF task forces, specifically Alpha-1. Headmates who carry out harsher jobs for the top class usually do so out of loyalty and good will, but this does not mean that their actions are actually good. Both the top class and secondary class can have headmates who are harmful, misguided, or malignant.

Minor Secondary Class
A sub-class, minor secondary class headmates are maintenance workers for the system. They're usually lurkers and gatekeepers who specifically work to keep things in order. These headmates usually hold little to no power and work primarily under the top class but can also work under the secondary class (depending on the status of the secondary class headmate commanding them). Census takers, receptionists, scouts, and gardentenders are common amongst this class.

Tertiary Classes
The third ranked members will begin to have more variety and tend to have sub classes within the rank. Tertiary classes will vary widely on general roles but will hold no power over the system like a gatekeeper may. Although, these headmates will always have say in system decisions. Hosts, co-hosts, primary fronters, holders, persecutors, negotiators, diplomats, assistants, etc. will be most commonly found within this class.

Lesser Classes
Similar to tertiary classes, lesser classes are diverse and have many sub classes, but they are primarily made up of fragments, littles, and headmates who are unaware they are even part of a system (usually known as astraymates, but this may also include lonelets pre-syscovery). These classes tend to heavily resemble D-Class personnel, and as such, these headmates are usually seen as disposable, more often than not being put into more cruel situations alongside having no say in system decisions. Lesser classes are usually punished more harshly than other classes as well. ''Lesser classes are not inherently mistreated, disliked, or ignored. Headmates may be loved and cared for the same regardless of their class, even if they are the lowest rank of the lowest class.''

Promotions & Demotions
Depending on structure and formation, promotions and/or demotions may or may not be possible for all systems with this structure type.

Promotion within SCP-F structured systems usually will only happen rank by rank. Headmates in tertiary classes will not be able to be promoted to the top class. Although, demotions do not always follow a strict pattern, a member of the secondary class may be demoted to a lesser class instead of tertiary, even if more irregular.

the top class is the highest achievable position and may not be attainable for all lower-class headmates. The maincenter has the authority to remove any top class headmate and force them into lower positions, but this is typically done by a consensus vote (however, in urgent situations, the maincenter will make this decision on their own).

Secondary class headmates are usually unable to reach the top class, although, there may be exceptions where the top class (or the maincenter) decides on it.

Minor secondary class headmates are generally locked into their class and unable to reach the secondary or top class. However, this also means they will not lose their rank and fall into tertiary or lesser classes.

Tertiary class headmates are scarcely able to join the secondary class but it is possible. This is usually due to fusions or splitting but can happen through internal work and cooperation between various ranks and classes.

Lesser class headmates will almost always have the opportunity to join tertiary classes. This is either due to an astraymate simply gaining awareness of their system or a headmate being forced to prove themself to higher classes, While lesser class headmates may lose their ranking within their own class, there is no lower class they could be demoted to.

History
SCP-F Structured was a term created during July of 2023, yet did not make any official appearances online until around December of 2023.

Related Terms
SCPtive is a term used for introject who's source is SCP.

SCPbased is a term for systems who's functioning is heavily influenced by SCP in some form.

Ordinastema hierarchy is a type of in-system hierarchy with specific "levels" that a headmate can fit into.