Interior of one of SCP-XXXX's tunnels.
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Keter Presumed Neutralized
Special Containment Procedures: Joint efforts between the Foundation and Greek, Turkish, and Libyan governments have been undergone in order to monitor SCP-XXXX. 14 undercover ocean liners keep watch throughout the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas for any possible breach of SCP-XXXX. Agents and other undercover personnel, disguised as local soldiers, are to monitor and guard SCP-XXXX's entrances. Any unauthorized personnel or civilians coming within a 500 meter radius of SCP-XXXX's entrances are to detained and questioned.
In the case of a XXXX-4 emergency, MTF Zeta-9 ("Mole Rats") are to be immediately sent into SCP-XXXX to subdue it. Any remaining biological matter is to be brought to Site-██ for examination. Any damaged electronic equipment in SCP-XXXX complexes are also to be repaired. Any and all cave-ins are to be closed off and monitored.
Civilians with knowledge of SCP-XXXX are to be monitored closely. If the subject exhibits signs of violence or harm related to SCP-XXXX, they will be detained and amnesticized. Additionally, if any creature escapes SCP-XXXX, several MTFs are to be sent out to kill and contain it.
All SCP-XXXX-1 items are to be kept in separate containment cells at Site-██. In the case of a containment breach, Site-██ is to be immediately shutdown till reinforcements have arrived.
Description: SCP-XXXX designates a series of subterranean tunnels and complexes beneath and around the island of Crete. Each tunnel extending beyond Crete appears to be man-made, though it is believed that the source of these extensions directly below Crete were not made by humans or naturally. Several caves and sinkholes are entrances to SCP-XXXX, which can be found on Crete, under the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea, the Cyclades (notably Naxos and Gyaros), Rhodes, and the Peloponnesus. Other areas that are theorized to have access to SCP-XXXX include Lycia and Cilicia in Anatolia, Cyprus, mainland Greece, and the northern coast of Africa (including Cyrene, the Nile Delta, and Giza Plateau).
Some entrances under the Libyan Sea have been blocked off and quarantined due to the spread of SCP-3391. Alternative entrances to SCP-XXXX have been dug by the Foundation to combat this in northern Libya, Sicily, Malta, and Egypt. Due to this digging and SCP-3391, SCP-XXXX’s walls and ceiling are closely monitored by the Foundation to prevent the possibility of sinkholes and/or cave-ins.
Most tunnels apart of SCP-XXXX are, by themselves, non-anomalous. Several anomalous items and artifacts (who’s abilities can be seen in Anomalous Item Analysis-XXXX below) have been recovered from these tunnels, which are mostly found in the caves directly below Crete and the Aegean block. These extracted items have been designated SCP-XXXX-1. Most SCP-XXXX-1 objects are figurines of humans and animals. Inscriptions on these objects indicate the influence of several cultures. Among the inscriptions, Linear A, Mycenaean Greek, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Hittite, Siwi script, and an unidentified, archaic form of Proto-Uralic have been found on SCP-XXXX-1 instances and SCP-XXXX’s walls.
Some areas of SCP-XXXX are architecturally advanced, indicative of Classical influence. These complexes are mostly made of finely chiseled stone bricks, with inscriptions of later writing systems such as Koine Greek, Phoenician, Latin, and Thracian. These complexes consist of labyrinths and traps of large magnitude. These traps are of varying design and complexity, but all indicate Greek origin. Complex gears, clockwork and pulley systems, and sound wave transmission devices compose most of the traps within the labyrinths. It is theorized that these complexes were containment cells of some sort, but what they contained is currently under debate. Complexes of note have been found under Heraklion on Crete, Gavdos Island, Naxos Island, Tripoli in Greece, and Shahat in Libya.
Locals within the vicinity of SCP-XXXX entrances are aware of its existence and anomalous properties. These are often isolated communities who have had a history with or are apart of the anomalous nature of SCP-XXXX. It is speculated SCP-XXXX has a memetic effect on those who are aware of its existence. This often manifests in the form of certain interests or dreams. Fascination with the occult, machinery, biology, and Minoan history simultaneously is usually indicative of the effects of SCP-XXXX. Even those who do not have any previous interest or knowledge in these subjects become infatuated with them after exposure to SCP-XXXX. Though SCP-XXXX’s possible memetic effects are most strongly observed in those within close proximity to SCP-XXXX. One such community is located in the countryside of western Crete. An interview was conducted with one of the local elders who is believed to have confidential information on SCP-XXXX and SCP-XXXX-1. This interview can be seen in Interview Document XXXX-1.
Several other details of SCP-XXXX and its properties include an abnormal amount of biological matter found within SCP-XXXX’s tunnels. Carbon dating and genetic analysis have concluded these biological structures and materials to be of separate but similar origin than areas of SCP-XXXX that are affected by SCP-3391. These structures, designated SCP-XXXX-2, are made primarily of bone and well-preserved tissue matter. They often contain altars of bone with inscriptions on them that indicate the ones who designed SCP-XXXX-2 are of non-Mediterranean origin and constructed the tunnels. SCP-XXXX-2 structures also contain at least three human bodies within their walls. These bodies are usually within the fetal position and show signs of vitality and consciousness, but are perpetually in dormant, coma-like states. Genetic analysis has shown that the SCP-XXXX-2 structures contain mostly human DNA of north Eurasian origin.
Addendum: SCP-XXXX was first discovered after several tremors and disappearances happened in the Aegean region. Greek governmental agents were sent on 29/10/1949 to Crete to investigate, in which they accidentally discovered SCP-XXXX. The Foundation arrived and was immediately under attack from [DATA EXPUNGED] was finally subdued. On 8/4/1987 was presumed neutralized after Expedition XXXX-3 which can be viewed in Expedition File XXXX-3.
The history of SCP-XXXX is believed to have dated back to the Upper Paleolithic when humans first started living in caves connected to SCP-XXXX. During the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC, it is believed that SCP-XXXX-1 objects were made and placed in SCP-XXXX. These objects were mostly of Minoan origin. Between 1400 B.C. and 900 B.C. is when most anomalous activity occurred within SCP-XXXX. Several unidentified groups from Anatolia are believed to have dug tunnels to Crete and used the island as a base to rush mainland Greece. This is when most SCP-XXXX-2 instances were placed. The island was soon after abandoned with few inhabitants from Anatolia remaining and having descendants on the island. Several Mekhanite churches were established during the Roman and Medieval periods, which were destroyed in the 19th century from an unknown cause. The majority of the Cretan population is unaware of SCP-XXXX’s anomalous effects save for the isolated communities descended from the Anatolian and Caucasian inhabitants.
SCP-XXXX-1 instances are numbered from -1 to -12 along with their location of discovery and anomalous effects.
SCP-XXXX-1 Designation |
Location of Discovery |
Object Description |
Anomalous Properties |
SCP-XXXX-1-1 |
Kolympia, Rhodes, Greece |
SCP-XXXX-1-1 is a 50 cm high bronze statuette of an unidentified Mycenaean warrior. Several inscriptions in Mycenaean Greek have been carved into the back and shoulder blades of the statue. Three of these inscriptions have been translated:
My heart's brass and iron gears come to a slow, as my diodes begin to waver.
Must Mekhane fail me in my attempts to stop the heathens?
It is with a heavy heart and my dying breath I annoint [Erwastos/Erastos?] to take my place.
|
When placed in a metallic container, it will give of a large amount of ultraviolet radiation at 5 second intervals. This is accompanied by the sound of machinery from inside SCP-XXXX-1-1. |
SCP-XXXX-1-2 |
██████, Muğla, Turkey |
SCP-XXXX-1-2 is an amorphous mass of dead yet well-preserved tissue matter. DNA analysis has shown it to be a conglomerate of Equine, Bovine, and Hominid tissue. Several strains of bacteria and virus are present on SCP-XXXX-1-2 such as Malaria, Salmonella, Bubonic Plague, and Smallpox. SCP-XXXX-1-2 is currently immobile due to its size. |
Signs of life have been detected within SCP-XXXX-1-2, but has not reacted to any outside stimuli, indicating it to be in a state of dormancy. It is speculated that the dead part of SCP-XXXX-1-2 is a chrysalis of sorts. |
SCP-XXXX-1-3 |
Githio, Greece |
SCP-XXXX-1-3 is a 20 cm long clay tablet with several inscriptions, mantras, and poems written in a variaty of languages. Most are in Linear A and Mycenaean Greek. Five of the inscriptions have been translated:
Naxos has fallen, and our last hope is at the island of Gyaros. I fled from my homeland after the [horned/fanged?] ones took our island. I am now hiding in the Pelopennesus as a last refuge.
Pelusium was captured by the [reds?] and they are on their way to Arpa[unintelligible]. I can't stay much longer.
It is I, Eucrotius. Gyaros was defended, and Naxos avenged. We make landfall in Asia tomorrow. The war is on our favor. Tell [unintelligible] and that I'll be okay.
[DATA EXPUNGED]
We've made it to the [east?][unintelligible]
|
When held by anyone with knowledge of SCP-XXXX, the person will undergo a mild memetic effect. Catatonia and visions of "grinding gears in the sky" are most often recorded. |
SCP-XXXX-1-4 |
Gazi, Crete, Greece |
SCP-XXXX-1-4 is a 46 cm long and 20 cm high sculpture of a war elephant. The composition of the statue is 98% stony-iron meteorite, and 2% nickel. |
SCP-XXXX-1-4 is capable of movement, despite having no visible power source. It is moved along the ground by gears using a remote control device of similar composition. Other than its composition and function, its purpose is currently unknown. Occasionally, SCP-XXXX-1-4 will give off luminescence, especially when in front of a reflective substance. All colors on the spectrum have been observed. |
SCP-XXXX-1-5 |
Ethia, Crete, Greece |
SCP-XXXX-1-5 is a 50 cm long femur bone belonging to a human male. Several inscriptions have been written into the main femur, mostly in Hittite, Linear A, and Proto-Uralic. None have been translated. |
The bone has undergone several genetic mutations, likely via anomalous means, as to where several smaller femurs will branch off the main femur. This happens over the course of 4-8 months. |
SCP-XXXX-1-6 |
█████████, Naxos, Greece |
SCP-XXXX-1-6 designates a robotic automaton 30 cm long and 14 cm tall of an Indian tiger. It is made of several electronic circuits covered in a tungsten exoskeleton. Lights akin to LEDs can be found in the eye sockets, dorsal spine, and mouth. |
SCP-XXXX-1-6 is capable of transmitting radio waves, gamma rays, and X-Rays at rapid intervals. These waves are linear in direction, but cause extreme burning to biological matter nearby, as well as radiation poisoning and brain damage. Any radio waves that come into contact with the inner circuits of SCP-XXXX-1-6 will be converted into one of these waves. It is currently unknown how this happens. |
SCP-XXXX-1-7 |
Giaros, Greece |
SCP-XXXX-1-7 is a humanoid body 1.2 meters in height. The body is biologically alive, but the brain is in a dormant state. SCP-XXXX-1-7 appears to possess reproductive organs from both genders.The skin of the humanoid is also missing, revealing the muscles, and the eyes appear to have been gouged out somehow. |
SCP-XXXX-1-7 will occasionally go through states of activity. In these states, SCP-XXXX-1-7 will expel vermiform creatures from all orifices. These creatures appear to carry instances of SCP-610 strands. SCP-XXXX-1-7 is quarantined off site perpetually. |
SCP-XXXX-1-8 |
Martuba, Derna District, Libya |
SCP-XXXX-1-8 appears to be a wooden sculpture of a human-bird hybrid. Amber covered SCP-XXXX-1-8's design when it was initially found. A large inscription in Siwi Script reads:
I present to the Volutaar of Kittim this gift of the gods. Their life blood is the amber presence of Uon[sic] and may you defeat our metal oppressors. Here we lay in forgotten sands till the end of time. In bloodless veins we wait, till our souls become flesh.
|
SCP-XXXX-1-8 seems to secrete an amber from the surface of its design. It is currently unknown how or why it does this.
When held by someone with knowledge of SCP-XXXX, they often report dreams of "birdmen" and "tendrils redder than fire".
|
SCP-XXXX-1-9 |
35.██████, 22.██████, Mediterranean Sea |
SCP-XXXX-1-9 designates a sword of Mycenaean design 1 meter long. It is made primarily of iron and nickel. a design on the handle shows images of gears and tendrils pushing against each other. |
When in contact with biological material, a large amount of electricity is generated and conducted via SCP-XXXX-1-8. Approximately 150 Hz of electromagnetic radiation is also released during contact causing severe burning and genetic deterioration. The initial blast lasts around 5 seconds. |
SCP-XXXX-1-10 |
35.██████, 22.██████, Karpathio Pelagos, Greece |
|
SCP-XXXX-1-10 |
Trikala, Greece |
|
SCP-XXXX-1-11 |
El-Hamoul, Egypt |
|
SCP-XXXX-1-12 |
Yenikışla, Antalya, Turkey |
|
Interviewed: Artémi Xenos
Interviewer: Dr. Anderson
Foreword: Artémi is an elder and local priestess of the Ktypiméno tribe on Crete. The Ktypiméno possess genetics and customs of non-Mediterranean origin, likely originating somewhere in the Caucasus or southwestern Russia. The Ktypiméno likely arrived on Crete during the Bronze Age Collapse (1200-1150 B.C.) in a combined offense from Anatolia. During the Late Roman and Medieval periods, they were heavily persecuted by the Eastern Orthodox Church, Chalcedonian Church, and Islamic war lords for supposed blood magic and witchcraft. Their numbers dwindled from approximately 10,000 to 4,000 in modern times. In the past, they are believed to have inhabited all of Crete, the Peloponnesus, the Aegean Islands, and parts of Anatolia and the Levant. This interview is concerned with the anomalous nature of SCP-XXXX and its history. The interview was originally spoken in Greek, and was translated to English.
<Begin Log>
Dr. Anderson: This is interview no. 1 with the local tribe elder and priestess. Please state your name for the record.
Artémi Xenos: Artémi Xenos.
Dr. Anderson: Thank you. First, can you please describe SCP-XXXX basics?
Artémi Xenos: It has many basics doctor. Much too complicated for the average person to understand. These are no ordinary tunnels. Not made by humans, yes?
Dr. Anderson: Yes, but what is its layout and purpose?
Artémi Xenos: It has many layouts. It is not stagnant doctor. She moves according to what the Blood Empress wills. It is a means of nutrients the Mother consumes.
Dr. Anderson: What is the Blood Empress and the Mother?
Artémi Xenos: [Subject laughs] You are very inexperienced. You can't comprehend her scope. The Blood Empress and Mother are one in the same. She lives under the Earth, waiting to be let free. She sends out her kin to forage for her. We lived peaceful lives, in harmony with the Mother. The metal ones set up their heretical churches across our land. With the help of the Blood Empress, we destroyed them. The sound of grinding gear and awful metallic screeching still haunts our land.
Dr. Anderson: Might you have any relation to the [REDACTED]?
Artémi Xenos: Their ways are much like ours. We serve Iov and his kingdom, Adi'uma, forever.
Dr. Anderson: Okay. So what's the history of SCP-XXXX? Are you aware of its anomalous findings?
Artémi Xenos: Ah yes, very aware. What you and I call anomalous are very different. Built a long time ago. Many brave men in the war sought an end to the oppressive nature of the metal ones. They dug with their halkosts and were led swiftly to Crete. Karcist Nälmä constructed the temples along the way. Men had sacrificed themselves to create such structures. They did what they could, but they failed. The metal ones pushed us from Greece, and cornered us at what you call Lake Van. The tunnels remain in servitude to the Mother. Another part in the great whole. Awaiting Iov's return.
Dr. Anderson: I see. Could tell me how your people came here, and got involved in the war in the first place?
Artémi Xenos: Karcist Nalma led our ancestors to Crete and after the metal ones took back the island, our tribe left only a few here. We all claim ancestry to Karcist Nalma, and his kin. The priestly rights continue through our bloodline from the authority Iov gave Nalma. And now we wait for his return. As for how we got into the great war, Iov himself came through our lands, and preached to us. We welcomed him with sinew and tissue adorned on our bodies. The blood of animals splattered the ground. He fell back in terror when he saw our ancestors atrocious sin. They proved themselves no better than the Daeva. Iov drafted us against the metal ones soon after.
Dr. Anderson: Thank you for your cooperation.
Artémi Xenos: Wait, doctor. [Subject walks to Dr. Anderson grasping something]
Dr. Anderson: What?
Artémi Xenos: Take this. [Subject places what appears to be a canine tooth] Is good luck. You'll need it.
Dr. Anderson: [Walks off screen]
<End Log>
Closing Statement: It is believed SCP-XXXX has a close connection to or is a part of SCP-2191 judging from historical and geological accounts. The mention of the Blood Empress is likely synonymous with SCP-2191-3. The canine tooth given to Dr. Anderson was revealed to be non-anomalous, although showed signs of damage. It is to be kept by Dr. Anderson in his office at all times.