pyromANarchist

SCP-XXXX on display at [REDACTED] Museum

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to be stored in a well ventilated room with dimensions of 4x4x2 metres. The ventilation ducts should lead directly to open air and should not be obstructed by air conditioning units. These ducts should allow remote opening and closing. Ducts should only be closed if testing is to take place, and should be authorised by level 4 personnel or higher. Entry to SCP-XXXX containment chamber should be fitted with an airlock and decompression chamber. A viewing window of reinforced glass with dimensions of 2x1 metres and 5cm in thickness should be in place. Necessary precautions in order to prevent unauthorised access via air ducts should be taken, including, but not limited to, high tensile steel grates over outside and inside openings, motion detection and alarm, and 24 hour surveillance. It should be noted that all previous attempts to contain SCP-XXXX have proved unsuccessful. See Additional Notes.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a wooden chest, roughly 60cm in length, 40cm in width and standing 40cm high. It shows considerable water erosion and decay, the wood decomposed to the point where analysis has become inconclusive. The hinges have rusted but are still functional, and are composed of solid iron. It is unremarkable in weight or any other physical property for an object of it's size. The original lock and bolt was broken prior to the Foundation attaining it, and are composed of iron similar to the hinges.

The object was discovered in the shipwreck of the [REDACTED], a 15th century cargo ship, situated ~10km offshore near [REDACTED]. It was recovered and taken to the [REDACTED] museum where it was emptied, partially restored and placed on public display. Over time the effects of SCP-XXXX became gradually more severe. The foundation was was alerted to it's existence after the exhibition room became unsuitable for human entry through the presence of SCP-XXXX. Several museum staff were hospitalised with pulmonary haemorrhaging from exposure to the effects of SCP-XXXX.

The anomalous effects of SCP-XXXX manifest when the object is sealed in an area with little or no ventilation. Although the measured physical properties of the room remain unchanged, the effects on human beings are as if the pressure in the area gradually increases. This can lead to anything from a popping sensation in the ears in mild cases, to nosebleeds, headaches, haemorrhaging, and death in the most severe cases. The severity increases over time left in sealed containment, increasing over a variable period of roughly 60 days. See addendum XXXX-1.

The rate in increase of severity seems to be consistent regardless of the room volume. In addition, effects can 'spread' from one area to another if the seal is removed, for example, opening a door. This will occur gradually unless the seal is completely airtight. Subjects exposed to the effects SCP-XXXX may also develop decompression sickness upon exit from the area affected by the object if effects are severe enough. This can cause extreme pain and is potentially deadly, hence Class D personnel assigned to testing should decompress after entering the containment chamber when ducts are closed.

It should be noted that no actual pressure change occurs during the period SCP-XXXX is active.

With its present containment procedures, SCP-XXXXs threat should be neutralised, however it's previous containment 'breaches' cause it's Euclid classification. Monthly reviews of the site housing SCP-XXXX are to be carried out by level 5 personnel. See Additional Notes.

+ Addendum XXXX-1

The average rate at which the effects of SCP-XXXX increases has been researched and documented as follows. Time is measured in days after sealed containment begins.

0-5: Popping in ears can be felt when entering or leaving area

5-15: Mild headache and discomfort in ears while in containment area

15-35: Headache increases in severity, ears and nose may bleed depending on subject

35-50: Bleeding nose and ears with every subject, bloodshot eyes occur, debilitating headache, decompression sickness after long exposure.

50-60: Difficulty breathing, subjects unable to function due to pain, internal haemorrhaging occurs. Decompression sickness after any exposure.

60+: haemorrhaging leading to death.

+ Additional Notes

Previous to its current containment procedures, SCP-XXXX has proved considerably dangerous to personnel within its storage facility. This can be put down to a lack of understanding of the item, as since current procedures were put in place, no breaches have occurred. Breaches were so severe that Keter classification was considered, and a small portion of Site-19 had to be evacuated of all but essential staff.

When first acquired, SCP-XXXX was stored in a standard locked room similar to the current storage chamber, but lacking in airflow management. This meant as doors were opened and closed for testing, the effects of SCP-XXXX spread to control rooms and steadily through the facility, decreasing with each room. Due to the gradual nature of the increase in effects, this 'breach' wasn't noticed until 25 days after containment, when several site staff assigned to SCP-XXXX reported nosebleeds within 2 hours. At this point the effects had spread across a large area. Once noticed, all testing of SCP-XXXX was suspended. Its testing area and testing areas of [BLANK] other SCPs were evacuated and locked down until SCP-XXXXs containment chamber could be sealed by Class D personnel. It took roughly 20 hours for the effects of SCP-XXXX to subside once the seal was made airtight.

A further breach occurred when testing was resumed. At this point very little is known about SCP-XXXX still. The door leading up to the containment chamber was made airtight, forming an improvised airlock leading to SCP-XXXX. A team of four Class D personnel were sent to perform maintenance on the chamber door and report on the severity. Unfortunately on opening the chamber door all four members were immediately terminated. In an attempt to retrieve the bodies lethal levels of SCP-XXXX breached containment and lead to the death of 2 level 4 personnel and [BLANK] other personnel.