The Mushroom Connection

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Keter

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to be contained in an airtight cell and to be monitored at all times by on-site security. Any abnormalities or changes in air pressure are to be immediately brought to the attention of on-site Director, Dr. Alan █████. If any on-site staff begin displaying signs of needs to enter into SCP-XXXX then they, along with all staff on premises, are required to take psychological evaluations and MRI scans before being deemed safe to resume duties. If psychological evaluations show changes in brain activity or any other signs of influence since working with SCP-XXXX then all staff of Site-███ are to follow Zeta Protocol be evacuate Site, after which Task-Force-Zeta-0204 is to enter with correct respiratory gear and seal up any leaks within SCP-XXXX's containment cell. Once completed whole site ventilation is required before staff can return. Instances of SCP-XXXX-1 or SCP-XXXX-2 found in SCP-XXXX's containment cell are to be terminated or, only if ordered by staff with Clearance Level 4 or higher, taken into SCP-XXXX for further experimentation. Once instances of SCP-XXXX-1 or SCP-XXXX-2 have been terminated their bodies are to be placed into SCP-XXXX for decomposition. If instances of SCP-XXXX-2 breach containment they are to be terminated and their bodies are to be burned, any on site staff are then to follow Zeta Protocol.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a 2m high and 0.9m wide doorway attached to a brick wall. The door of which appears to be a wood which has been painted red. However upon closer inspection the door it appears it is able changes its own physical properties rapidly while keeping its wooden appearance the same, cause of which is unknown. Subjects who touch SCP-XXXX without wearing protective gear describe the experience as "true bliss" and express desires to enter into SCP-XXXX, these desires stay even after administration of Class-A Amnestics. Upon opening SCP-XXXX a blindingly bright light emanates from within, any staff witnessing this event are to wear designated eye gear for their own safety to avoid retina burning. The door of SCP-XXXX appears to be of recent make, however carbon dating of brick samples date the door as far back 1██ - 2██ A.D.

SCP-XXXX releases a large amount of fungal spores into the surrounding atmosphere through a draft in the doorway. Once inhaled these spores work their way through the hosts body eventually reaching the brain where upon they attach themselves to the Anterior Cingulate. The spores will then grow and will release dopamine the closer the subject gets to SCP-XXXX. If subjects are kept away from SCP-XXXX and left untreated these spores will begin attacking other centers of the brain and will cause the subject to return to SCP-XXXX through any means necessary. Anyone who reaches this stage are to be dubbed as SCP-XXXX-1. Instances of SCP-XXXX-1 are to be terminated unless orders from site Director state otherwise. Any attempts to seal the draft result in the object being flung at an exact speed of 32km/h no matter the size of obstruction.

From recorded footage and reports what lies within, SCP-XXXX appears to contain a completely different dimension alien to our own. From what has been recorded by subjects who enter SCP-XXXX as well as staff, there appear to be a variety of different fungoid's covering the surrounding landscapes, large rolling hills with black sludgy soil able to change its properties, the sky is a blueish hue similar to that of Earth's and the dimension seems to have day and night cycles with [REDACTED] appearing. The slightest movement can kick up a thousand spores. The only other lifeforms in SCP-XXXX appear to be alien and never before seen mushrooms/fungoids, as well as SCP-XXXX-2 instances origin of which are either Foundation make or already existing. The size of SCP-XXXX is currently unknown and efforts to map out the area are currently on hold as per Dr. Alan ████'s orders. Soil samples brought back from the dimension by hazmat teams have been observed to change themselves between two different states of matter depending on what it currently interacts with, when soil samples interacted with dirt samples they liquidized themselves and began moving into cracks between the dirt before hardening once again. This shows that the dimension itself must have some sort of sentience, however the reason for why is currently unknown. Any attempts to secure the fungi's from the dimension have proven to be futile as all samples shrivel into dust when taken beyond the doorway.

If a subject without proper gear enters SCP-XXXX their bodies will begin to change, after 30 minutes of exposure to SCP-XXXX brain functions will begin to deteriorate rapidly causing them to function similarly to a lobotomized patient. After 1 hour of exposure their body structures will begin to change, their skin will begin droop as if it were melting off the subject, arms recede into the body and a large fleshy dome will begin to form around the head. After 30 more minutes the skin will harden and the bones will begin to synthesize with the skin to form a chitin like exoskeleton, legs will widen and toes will disappear forming large stumps, a hole opens up in the center of the subject where upon any hair and teeth the subject once had will now form long proboscis able to extend out of the hole. Once the process is complete the subject will appear similar to that of a fleshy Boletus Edulis mushroom. Any instances of this creature are to be referred to as SCP-XXXX-2. Any instances of SCP-XXXX-1 who enter SCP-XXXX experience these changes in half the time compared to a normal subject.

SCP-XXXX-2 are slow moving and rely on prey breathing in their released spores. If a prey breathes in these spores they become paralyzed for approximately 4 hours, in that time SCP-XXXX-2 will position itself above the prey and extend its proboscis through the skin whereupon it drains the prey of its blood. SCP-XXXX-2 will drain prey until they are dead after which it begins a hibernation process lasting for 3 months. It must begin this process within SCP-XXXX otherwise it will die within the first few days of hibernation. If it is able to begin the process it will root itself in the ground through self produced mycelium [autopsies have revealed this mycelium is created by the vein networks of the subject before change into SCP-XXXX-2]. The purpose as to why it does this is currently unknown. However during recent tests it would appear as though SCP-XXXX-2 is able to learn new knowledge. Dr. Rickard ████ has put forward the hypothesis of large underground mycelium network withing SCP-XXXX, further research required.

Recovery: SCP-XXXX recovered from ███ ████ National Park, ██████, Australia at date ██/██/200█. SCP-XXXX was found by hikers a group of 5 hikers who had allegedly set out to find and classify different mushrooms. They had reported to park authorities after one of their friends, a 20 year old Latino male, began expressing signs of aggressive behavior and gibbering about the "gateway". Authorities were notified by park rangers at which point the man began attacking park staff and ran into the woodlands. After a lengthy hunt by authorities they eventually found SCP-XXXX at which point the Foundation was notified. The hiker appears to have entered SCP-XXXX most likely becoming a SCP-XXXX-2 instance. SCP-XXXX was transported to Site-███ The hikers were detained by foundation staff, 3 of the 4 became hostile and displayed signs of being a SCP-XXXX-1 instance. The 3 attacked personnel and were forced to be terminated, the survivor was given Class-A amnestics before being returned to the woods. A cover up story was made that the hikers had planned on killing their friend in the woods but were caught and attacked authorities.

Test A-1 - ██/██/200█

Subject: D-23032 - Caucasian, Male, Age 27
Procedure: Subject enters cell through airlock, given no respiratory gear.
Results: Subject inspects the door before attempting to it, upon first contact the subject achieves an instant orgasm and swings the door open wide. Anyone watching experiment through monitors temporary blinded. Footage shows subject entering SCP-XXXX and disappearing with the door slamming behind him.
Analysis: Subject, after protests, became docile once entering containment, recovery of D-23032 was considered however denied under orders of site Director, Dr. Alan █████.

Test A-2 - ██/██/200█

Subject: D-30213 - African-American, Male, Age 31
Procedure: Subject enters cell through airlock, given no respiratory gear and a camera ordered to tape everything inside.
Results: Subject begins by moving toward SCP-XXXX, similar to D-23032 D-30213 appears docile in behavior. Upon touching the door a wave of pleasure jolts D-30213 and subject pushes open the door entering. An hour after subjects entry into SCP-XXXX Task-Force-Zeta-0204 are sent in under orders of site Director, Dr. Alan █████, retrieve subject and footage. Once SCP-XXXX is entered Task-Force-Zeta-0204 find D-30213 being drained by an instance of SCP-XXXX-2. SCP-XXXX-2 is quickly terminated
Analysis: Later autopsies reveal SCP-XXXX-2 to be D-23032. Footage gives researchers a window into the appearance of SCP-XXXX's dimension as well how SCP-XXXX-2 feeds.

Test E-7 - ██/██/201█

Subject: Instance of SCP-XXXX-2
Procedure: Before SCP-XXXX-2's hibernation ends a fresh body is placed in SCP-XXXX in an area away from where the hibernation occurs.
Results: SCP-XXXX-2 began traversing toward the body as soon as it ended hibernation, once it had drained the subject it began hibernation again.
Analysis: Despite having no known senses SCP-XXXX-2 was able to locate the corpse, this gives Dr. Rickard's theory more credibility. More tests required.

Addendum XXXX-1: Efforts are currently under way to try new methods of transporting fungoid and mushroom samples into Site-███ for testing. Construction is also being overseen by Dr. Alan █████ for housing replicating that of SCP-XXXX's environment. - Dr. Rickard ████

Addendum XXXX-2: Through some anomalous means the doorway seems to act as a kill-switch to any fungoid sample we bring through. Whether this is for their safety or ours is yet unknown. This may mean on field research will be required to find out more from these fungoids. - Dr. Rickard ████

Addendum XXXX-3: [DATA EXPUNGED] is trying to argue for deconstruction of SCP-XXXX's doorway, his reasoning is that containment of SCP-XXXX is putting a strain on Foundation resources without any positive effects of note to come from experiments. The Foundation has given us 4 months to find something we can derive from SCP-XXXX.

Addendum XXXX-4: Following Containment Breach of [REDACTED] all personal logs of Dr. Rickard are to be only accessible to those with a Level 4 Clearance or above. Studies of SCP-XXXX will continue after the green light is given from the Foundation. - Dr. Alan █████

Level 4 Clearance Required

Dr. Rickard Kaye Personal Log V-12
Date: ██/██/201█
Today, I entered into SCP-XXXX for the first with the hazmat recovery team to collect spore prints examination. As soon as I stepped through the door I felt that black sludge beneath me. I had experimented on it in the past and even seen it through the footage but it was a whole new experience to actually interact with it one on one. I had seen the world through the monitors so many times, but to actually be there? It was exhilarating. I was intrigued so much in my surroundings that I felt myself wanting to explore. However I resisted my urges and continued with the mission. When we collected the samples I noticed that the print of some samples was similar to that of Psilocybe Subaeruginosa found in the Australian region. I am puzzled by this discovery and to answer it we will need more field research to be undertaken.

Dr. Rickard Kaye Personal Log V-19
Date: ██/██/201█
Due to Dr. Alan's current leave, and my high authority, I have been chosen to lead the project in his absence. With this I have free reign to undertake new expeditions into SCP-XXXX, the first of which will be for mapping the area of SCP-XXXX to get an understanding of its size. I will head the expedition with Dr. Liza ████ working for on field medical treatment, Dr. Ryan ████ for comms and [DATA EXPUNGED]. With such a fine motley crew I we shouldn't run into any problems without a solution.

Dr. Rickard Kaye Personal Log V-20
Date: ██/██/201█
We entered SCP-XXXX a half hour ago, no one showed any signs of change which lead me to believe we were secure, however Liza insisted we check just in case. [DATA EXPUNGED] meaning we should've been approximately 2km from the currently hibernating SCP-XXXX-2 instances. However we ended up in a currently unknown location, [DATA EXPUNGED]. Climbing down the cliff face was significantly easier than expected due to the sludge. Once we made it down Ryan pointed out that the cliff had transformed itself into a slick oil, there would be know way of us returning back up. [DATA EXPUNGED] insisted that we must press on and find a way around, after what seemed like hours of traversing treacherous landscapes and swathes of fungoid's we began to grow weary. [DATA EXPUNGED] we constructed the sleeping area on the hardest surface we could find. We decided to set up a watch system to ensure that we didn't get drained or sink into the floor while we slept.

Dr. Rickard Kaye Audio Log Transcript
Tape Start
Heavy breathing
Dr. Rickard: This is Dr. Rickard, of Site-███. I entered into SCP-XXXX approximately, one day and four hours ago…
Sounds of something moving through mud can be heard
Dr. Rickard: My tank is running low, if it weren't for that goddamn traitor [DATA EXPUNGED]
Dr. Rickard: He knew, this entire time he knew… The clues were always here… This… SCP… We knew it had sentience but… Sapience?
A bullet rings out in the distance
Dr. Rickard: Ryan…
Dr. Rickard: I watched Liza getting drained right in front of my eyes… Ryan just cried, he was broken. I hunted [DATA EXPUNGED] but it seemed as though the world itself was helping him. The ground harden for him, where as mine was like wet concrete before drying up. I've been stuck like this for hours, the mushrooms move and dance. Almost as if taunting me… I see it coming…
Breathing increases
Dr. Rickard: It's coming closer…
Faint sobbing can be heard
Dr. Rickard: The doorway is for our protection… There are things here… Unexplainable things… This is what could be… What was… They whisper… Try to calm me…
Breathing becomes coarse and Rickard can be heard coughing before he clicks the recorder
Tape Ends

Recovery: After [DATA EXPUNGED] returned alone from the expedition Task-Force-Zeta-0204 was sent in, they discovered Rickard's body in the center a valley area alone. His suit had a large hole in the spinal region and body had been drained of blood. Nearby the tape recorded had to be mined out of hardened ground along with his notes. Further up the valley Task-Force found Dr. Liza's body also drained with medical supplies strewn about. However Ryan's body was nowhere to be found, only a ripped up suit presumably belonging to him. Bodies were left to rot to avoid contamination. Upon listening to the tape [DATA EXPUNGED] had attempted to escape site and was detained. Autopsy of [DATA EXPUNGED] reveal a form of fungus previously unobserved in any other subjects.

Interviewed: [DATA EXPUNGED] former Senior Researcher

Interviewer: Dr. Samuel ████

Foreword: This interview was taken after the bodies of Rickard, Ryan and Liza were found within SCP-XXXX. Voice of the interviewed is to be altered to avoid recognition.

<Begin Log, ██/██/201█ 21:37>

Dr. Samuel: State your name and your role within the foundation.

[DATA EXPUNGED]: Name
Dr. Samuel: I see, your cooperation is advised [DATA EXPUNGED]. Can you tell us why you committed such an act?
[DATA EXPUNGED]: Isn't obvious?
Dr. Samuel: Sabotaging an expedition into SCP-XXXX, killing three research members and gaining nothing from it? No, I can't say it is obvious.
[DATA EXPUNGED]: I wanted to release myself.
Dr. Samuel: Release yourself? Don't you mean SCP-XXXX?
[DATA EXPUNGED]: One and the same?
Dr. Samuel: Can you repeat?
[DATA EXPUNGED]: We were the first.
Dr. Samuel: What d-
[DATA EXPUNGED]: We watched… Waited… Learned… Our vast network shares hatred of your kind… We offered you peace and you denied… Broke us… Created The Split… Your kind is filth to be cleansed.
[DATA EXPUNGED] begins to convulse and attacks Dr. Samuel. Shouts from Dr. Samuel can be heard as he attempts to defend himself. A door is heard to swing open followed by gunfire.

<End Log>

Closing Statement: It appears as though SCP-XXXX used [DATA EXPUNGED] as a host body for communication, when this take over occurred is currently unknown as [DATA EXPUNGED] had not displayed signs of being influenced by SCP-XXXX prior to expedition. [DATA EXPUNGED] has been terminated and all records of their name stricken from Foundation records after evidence surfaced of their involvement in Containment Breach [REDACTED]. Reclassification of SCP-XXXX maybe required.