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Item Number: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX-1 is immobile while not attached to a host. As such, they are to be locked in a standard locker in the safe containment room of site X. There are currently no known instances of SCP-XXXX-2. All known instances of SCP-XXXX-3 are considered deceased and are to remain on display as removal is considered too risky for public knowledge.
Should an instance of SCP-XXXX-2 be created, it should be kept in a standard living cell with reinforced steel doors. If the host is classified Class C or below, it is recommended to allow SCP-XXXX to progress through it's stages to better study its patterns and anomolus behaviors. If the host is Class B or above fire can be used to stunt the SCP's growth before it reaches the host's shoulder.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a race of metallic parasites that appear to feed exclusively on humans. They have three stages, described as -1,-2, and -3
SCP-XXXX-1 is a small iron ring with an average inner diameter of 19 mm and and outer diameter of 20 mm. The metal looks scarred, but is smooth to the touch. The rings can lie dormant for extended periods, with the oldest example coming from the mid 12th century. When SCP-XXXX-1 is put on a finger it activates, clamping down and becoming impossible to remove without amputating the digit. At this point it is classified as SCP-XXXX-2
SCP-XXXX-2 describes the state between the entity attaching to the finger and full maturity. SCP-XXXX-2 grows slowly at first, forming a thin sheet over the attached digit. At this point, the host still has complete control over the covered area. As SCP-XXXX-2 grows it forms more complex designs on the surface, mimicking a metal gauntlet, usually of German design. At this point, the host body has increased strength in the affected limb, centered on the infected area. When SCP-XXXX-2 reaches the shoulder, the host will lose control of the effected limb. The rest of the host's body will gain strength comparable to the early gains in the effected limb. The infection eventually spreads to the head, the opposite arm, then down the torso and legs. Interestingly, the host retains all control of the uncovered areas even after the head is consumed. The process can take anywhere from 6 months to 12 years. Once the host's entire body is covered, the entity is classified as SCP-XXXX-3
Once SCP-XXXX-3 covers the entire host body, it begins digestion. This process can take up to a year, usually averaging 10 months. Thankfully, the host is no longer conscious during this process. At this point, SCP-XXXX-3 reaches sexual maturity. While no gender differences are discernable, the SCP begins searching for a mate. Once it encounters another of its kind, each instance forms five growths on its fingers. Over the course of 5 months, the growths become more defined eventually resembling the original rings. Eventually, they fall off the fingers, becoming new instances of SCP-XXXX-1.
SCP-XXXX-3 remains ambulatory for an additional 3-7 months before collapsing into separate metal pieces resembling non-anomalous amour from the 12th century.
SCP-XXXX has apparent genetic properties. Physical features (ie: prominent plumes, coloration, gilding) from the two 'parent' SCPs are often passed down to their offspring. Occasionally, as in the case of a coat of arms, the trait is blended between the two organisms. One instance of SCP-XXXX-3 featured a coat of arms with two lions and the other displayed a coat featuring a peacock. Notably, one of the offspring showed a coat of arms with one lion and one peacock, while another showed two lions with peacock feathers. None of the other offspring featured coats of arms.
SCP-XXXX was first discovered in 20[08] in London's Natural History Museum inside a glass case previously thought to hold a set of armor from 1149. When the armor was taken out for cleaning, three instances of SCP-XXXX-1 were discovered. A curious researcher was infected accidentally and the SCP Foundation was alerted shortly after. The foundation has since discovered several colonies of SCP-XXXX througout the dense forests of Europe.
SCP-XXXX appears to be sapient, able to react to stimuli and solve logic puzzles. However, they do not have any apparent means of communication.
