Neural Fungus

Item #: SCP-5280

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-5820 is to be contained within a 4m-4m-3m square chamber, with walls comprised of stainless steel, and one wall fitted with a large observation window. Any electrical equipment placed inside the containment chamber is to be protected within a glass dome. Observation window is to be cleaned bi-weekly to avoid SCP-5280 from obscuring view. The chamber is to be fitted with one(1) ceiling-mounted sprinkler. While SCP-5280 is not undergoing observations or tests, the chamber is to be kept dark and well moisturized. SCP-5280 must be regularly supplied with soil mix and decomposing plant matter.

Description: SCP-5280 is a species of fungi that closely resembles Lycoperdon Perlatum, AKA the "Common Puffball". SCP-5280 features small, rounded 'bulbs' with a light cyan hue. SCP-5280 is covered in a type of hyphae that typically links all instances of SCP-5280.
A single specimen of SCP-5280 will show almost no anomalous properties, however, larger quantities of SCP-5280 will exhibit the following characteristics:

  • SCP-5280 grows in a single batch, then spaces out, amassing a 'web' of hyphae.
  • Some specimens of SCP-5280 will exhibit a 'pulse': The specimen will make a faint spark noise, and the specimen will briefly illuminate white.
  • Instances of SCP-5280 that 'pulse' will cause some of the connected instances to also exhibit a 'pulse'.
  • SCP-5280 may pulse in response to being moved, touched, contact with bright light, time, and temperature.

SCP-5280 Also exhibits the ability to directly interfere with any electronic device via electric discharges caused as a result of a 'pulse'. This behavior may even affect muscle tissue of organic creatures. When SCP-5280 is consumed, the subjects' muscle tissue rapidly paralyzes, and the subjects' brain will be slowly killed off by the SCP. SCP-5280 then begins to grow on and around the subject, coating their limbs and face.
If given enough time, SCP-5280 will assume partial control of the subjects' dead body. SCP-5280 will supply the body with small supplements of nutrients in order to keep the subjects' muscle tissue and sensory organs alive.

SCP-5280 will eventually grow hyphae throughout the subject, and via 'pulses' SCP-5280 will be able to flex muscles, and transmit sensory information. SCP-5280 has been documented taking partial control of two(2) D-Class personnel, one(1) adult male rat, and full control over one(1) adult huntsman spider and one(1) [REDACTED].