ProfJustice

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Safe

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to be kept within a climate-controlled secure safe on Site-███ when not being tested. When testing, all research personnel are to wear Class-A Ear Plugs, a coat or shirt that covers the full length of their arm, and work gloves so as to avoid sharp splinters of wood.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a Lyre, crafted out of wood in an Ancient Grecian manner (circa 7th century BC). There are two intact strings on the lyre while the wood frame shows signs of long term use and aging. Samples from the wood indicate the lyre is made from multiple species of trees including Olea europaea, Quercus petraea, and a third species of an unidentified Coniferous tree. The strings appear to be made of sheep gut but so far, researchers have been unable to acquire samples by conventional means.

SCP-XXXX was discovered in ███████████████, Greece by Dr. █████, who was a witness to a bank robbery. Dr. █████ has a hearing impediment and his hearing aides were not functioning properly. He observed two men walk into the bank, one carrying a shotgun and the other holding SCP-XXXX and apparently plucking the strings. Everyone else in the bank began to show signs of the item's anomalous effects. Local law enforcement arrived and apprehended the two men after a prolonged hostage situation that resulted in one of the assailant's death. In the confusion, Dr. █████ was able to retrieve SCP-XXXX without incident, only warning incoming agents that the wood seemed fragile.

Although the lyre is missing a number of strings to be able to play complex chords, a pleasant song is played when strumming or plucking the two strings. It does not seem that any musical knowledge is required for the anomalous effects to occur. Those within 50 feet of the player describe going into a euphoric trance and describe hearing beautiful music that immediately puts them in a calm disposition, regardless of their emotional state prior to hearing it.

When agents arrived, Dr. █████ was found deceased in his hotel room. SCP-XXXX was taken into custody, as was the body of the doctor. Autopsy concluded that cause of death was cardiac arrest related to symptoms attained from the bite of Vipera ammodytes, also known as a long-nosed viper. Toxicology came back with 4 times the needed level of venom to kill a human in the doctor's blood, however no fang marks or external physical symptoms were present.

While conducting such a test, D-█████ pricked his finger on a splinter from the frame. Within 5 minutes, D-█████ complained of difficulty breathing, nausea, and a cold sweat. Within 20 minutes from the onset of these symptoms, D-█████ has gone into cardiac arrest. All attempts at revival, including administering an anti-venom, were unsuccessful. After D-█████ expired, autopsy revealed death was caused by the same symptoms as Dr.█████. Researchers conclude that if the subject's skin is penetrated by a splinter from the wood, it somehow injects an untraceable venom into the subject, causing death with no known way of preventing that outcome.

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