Blood and Shadow

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: Instances of SCP-XXXX to be contained in a permanently illuminated chamber with light levels measuring approximately 200 Lumens. The entrance to the chamber is to be illuminated in UV light at all times. In case of containment breach, personnel should be equipped with portable UV lamps. Once per week, a pig (Sus domesticus) should be fed to each instance of SCP-XXXX in order to keep them sated.

Description: SCP-XXXX are colonies of microscopic parasitic entities that take the form of a mass of corporeal, shadow-like tendrils and have demonstrated an extreme sensitivity to light. SCP-XXXX entities display the capability to possess a mammalian host, which grants them an increased tolerance to light, easier access to their food source, and easier access to reproductive opportunities. SCP-XXXX entities feed exclusively on blood, and reproduce asexually, usually by passing small quantities of themselves into the bloodstreams of potential hosts¹. Instances of SCP-XXXX can survive the death of their host, but the subsequent expulsion and exposure to light is usually fatal to SCP-XXXX.

Once possessing a host, SCP-XXXX entities will alter the physicality and physiology of the host², and also gain some degree of control over their host's behaviour³. Removal of SCP-XXXX from a host or destruction of a host is an objective that is difficult to attain, with SCP-XXXX entities able to trigger enhanced adrenal responses in their host as a reaction to perceived threats. This, combined with the altered physiology, means that hosts can continue to function without significant reduction in ability despite normally fatal injuries. Removing an instance of SCP-XXXX from it's host is a difficult objective to achieve, with 99% of attempt resulting in the expiration of both the instance of SCP-XXXX and the host creature.

Holy objects wielded by genuine followers of certain faiths⁴ have been shown to have some effect on SCP-XXXX. The relative success of such applications of Akiva radiation-based thaumaturgy appears to vary based on the age and strength of the instance of SCP-XXXX, with some younger instances being stopped dead by an application of Akiva radiation while some older instances have been recorded as unaffected⁵. Specialised rituals⁶ have been found to be able to remove SCP-XXXX fragments from freshly infected hosts, but successful removal of a mature SCP-XXXX entity without killing the host is yet to be achieved.

Addendum:

Addendum XXXX.1: A Treatise on the Exorcism and Destruction of Anomaly XXXX by Reseacher Polidori - dated 18██.

Removing an instance of SCP-XXXX from its host is no easy task, with the majority of methods
resulting in the destruction of the host, alongside the specimen. Through the careful application of
the Scientific Method, I have experimented on numerous test subjects and have discovered that
the most efficient method is via exorcism. A specific thaumaturgical ritual has proven to be most
effective. The only time this ritual has failed is when the host has been possessed for more than a
certain period of time. This time frame appears to differ between each host.
I believe that a stronger willed victim can withstand the dark temptation offered by SCP-XXXX for
longer periods.

Addendum XXXX.2: Letters regarding SCP-XXXX, circa 1790.

Letter #1:

Dearest Helen,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirit and health. Your aunt and cousins send their love and hope you and your husband are faring well in this cold winter. I do not write this letter to impart glad tidings however. I am afraid that your brother has taken ill after being assailed and bitten by a foul denizen of the night. The doctor fears that his paled skin and aversion to sunlight are signs of demonic possession and has bade me seek out a holy an to exorcise the dark powers from your brother’s body. Do not fear, my dear, for I have been in contact with a well-known exorcist by the name of Mr. Van Helsing and as I write this, he is on his way to assist us.
I shall write you again once I have better news.

Ever faithfully yours,
Your loving Uncle Keldan

Letter #2:

My dearest Helen,
It is with heavy heart and inexpressible sorrow that I write this letter, it being my solemn duty to inform you that your brother Wilhelm has passed on from this material plane and joined your parents in the afterlife. I shall spare you the details but suffice to say that the demon that infested him refused to let go of his body and, despite us destroying that unholy beast, your brother was lost along the way. We are holding a funeral service for him a week from Sunday. I hope you can make it.

Ever yours,
Your Uncle Keldan

Footnotes

1. Biting is the most common vector of transmission.

2. Increased musculature and bone density, increased sensitivity to light, loss of skin pigmentation, and abnormal dental growth is common.

3. Altered dietary preferences, increased aggression, increased paranoia, a nocturnal schedule, and loss of cognitive potential are common.

4. Most notably the Christian faith and some of the more esoteric voodoo faiths

5. It is advised personnel attempting to use Akiva radiation-based powers to affect an instance of SCP-XXXX should have contingencies in place in case of failure.

6. Demonic exorcisms performed by ordained Christian priests