Per 
Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Euclid
Special Containment Procedures: Site 49A is currently tasked with investigating the properties and internal structure of SCP-XXXX. All inquiries for testing or exploration are subject to the judgment of Dr. ████████, and activities involving other anomalous objects or entities require additional approval from at least two Level 4 personnel. Individuals operating within SCP-XXXX must be physically tethered at all times to a winch operated by Site 49A staff, and are required to speak aloud a perscribed sequence of five statements once every five minutes, henceforth referred to as the "Recitation".
Individuals operating in SCP-XXXX are required to memorize and be able to complete the Recitation within one minute of prompting by field radio when under SCP-XXXX's influence. Failure for a single individual to do so will result in the winch retracting the tether and the entire expedition forcibly withdrawn. Inability to proceed in a certain direction or halt, when prompted to do so, can also result in immediate evacuation. Expedition members are subject to psychiatric evaluation for mood for at least two weeks following their return. Modifications to the Recitation based on research data accumulated by Field Agents ████ and ███████ are subject to be reviewed by Director Leighton, who may approve or reject the changes at her discretion. Class-D personnel are preferred for most activities, but the mental fortitude expected of certain Foundation staff [DATA EXPUNGED].
After the incident on ██/█/20██, sharp objects are prohibited to personnel inside the affected area. Tethers are now to be constructed with steel cables.
Description: SCP-XXXX is a narrow, deep cave close to the small town of [REDACTED], Morocco, wherein anomalous properties began manifesting in approximately 20██. Locals reported children, the elderly, backpackers, and pet animals missing after venturing towards a hilly region to the west during the night. After contacts in the regional government discovered the nature of the situation and alerted the Foundation, amnestics and hypnotic therapy were distributed to locals and the effects attributed to a regional separatist movement. Site 49A was constructed around the cave mouth afterwards, ostensibly as an astronomical observatory. Civilian inquiries are to be directed to ████████, and summarily denied.
The cave itself has an unassuming appearance, a lengthy lava tube weathered smooth by seasonal rains. The slope downwards is gentle, permitting easy foot traffic for the majority of its known extent. Pools of groundwater and outcroppings of quartz are among the few distinguishing features and are used as navigational aids. Electromagnetic interference from an unknown source tends to prevent detailed live feeds from about one kilometer inside the cave, even when directly linked by wire, although videos and photos recorded by devices on the persons of expedition members have so far survived largely intact. The exact extent of the cave remains unknown- no [REDACTED] crew has yet reached an impassable obstacle. The current maximum length delved stands at 2,631 meters from cave mouth, a surface depth estimated to be some -300 meters sea level. Beyond approximately 800 meters inside the cave, the sight of human and animal remains is understood to be commonplace. [DATA EXPUNGED] an increase in sightings of dessicated corpses following the incident. Rates of decomposition are notably very slow due to sharp decreases in body moisture after expiration.
The primary anomalous quality of SCP-XXXX is an unidentified field of influence, hereafter referred to as SCP-XXXX-1, that causes those inside the cave to fall into a lull where they cease motion and lie on the ground indefinitely, until they expire from- in most cases- dehydration. This can be interpreted as a loss of will to live, although alternative hypotheses have arisen, as test subjects in such a state retrieved from SCP-XXXX often report deep feelings of contentment or drowsiness in their debrief. Water, food, socializing or physical comfort can be offered to one affected by SCP-XXXX-1 and they will remain unresponsive so long as they are inside SCP-XXXX. Attempts to force them into an active state can lead to sudden outbursts, up to and including homocidal and/or suicidal behavior. Use of the so-called Recitation is an attempt by onsite researchers to identify if psychological triggers and repetitive mental conditioning can be used to counteract this influence, as well as to see how effectively motivation can be recovered after extrication from SCP-XXXX. This has implications for the potential nullification of certain hostile entities, such as [DATA EXPUNGED]. Distance inside the cave is thought to be the primary factor in determining the intensity of SCP-XXXX-1, ramping up significantly as time of exposure rises. All tests for conventional neurotoxins or poisonous atmospheric contents have returned negative. However, moisture levels rise considerably deeper in the cave, accompanied by corresponding buildup of microbial residues.
A secondary phenomenon, henceforth referred to as SCP-XXXX-2 and alternately known in reigonal vernacular as "Ghost", had been reported by local witnesses prior to applying amnestics and later observed by field agents during construction of Site 49A. Often referred to as a "ball of light", or alternately as a shimmer of air akin to a mirage, witnesses that approached SCP-XXXX-2 reported seeing a long, drooping humanoid face materialize in the mirage that strongly resembled a loved one, most commonly a child or romantic partner, who had previously died. Despite this description, SCP-XXXX-2 has regularly been described as "very beautiful" and able to put humans as well as other common animals into a trancelike state. If followed, it would slowly return to the cave entrance where [DATA EXPUNGED]. Individuals are able to withdraw from SCP-XXXX-2's presence, so long as they have not entered the cave. Solitary entry leads to greatly increased symptoms- notably ████████. Possible connection with SCP-████ cannot be verified, as since Site 49A was established, SCP-XXXX-2 has yet to be sighted outside the cave itself, and never by more than a single observer. SCP-XXXX-2's intent with regards to luring individuals to their deaths is unknown but often theorized to be a form of feeding.
"You know, I'm not sure if the Ghost hasn't ventured out because we've got eyes out for it, or because we're already giving it plenty of entertainment."
-Dr Awjani
