Item #: SCP-XXXX
Object Class: Keter (formerly Euclid)
Special Containment Procedures:
SCP-XXXX is to be contained in a modified humanoid containment cell designed to eliminate all shadows. The chamber must be illuminated 24/7 by high-intensity omnidirectional lighting systems positioned at every corner of the room. Redundant power systems, including three backup generators, must be maintained and tested weekly. In the event of a power outage, emergency lighting must activate within 0.5 seconds.
Access to SCP-XXXX’s containment chamber is strictly prohibited without Level 4 authorization. Experiments involving D-Class personnel are suspended indefinitely unless written approval is granted by Site Director ████████. Continuous video surveillance must be maintained to confirm the complete absence of shadows within the containment chamber at all times.
Description:
SCP-XXXX is a humanoid shadow entity capable of altering its form and generating autonomous entities designated SCP-XXXX-1. SCP-XXXX exhibits signs of high intelligence, but all attempts at communication have failed due to its incorporeal nature.
In illuminated environments, SCP-XXXX exists as a two-dimensional shape resembling a flat, humanoid shadow cast on floors or walls. In this state, it is immobile and incapable of causing harm, although it retains limited ability to manipulate nearby shadows.
In complete darkness, SCP-XXXX transitions into a three-dimensional form resembling a human, but with grotesquely altered features. Witnesses often describe a normal human head atop an emaciated body with elongated arms and legs. Other witnesses have described seeing it in alternate forms, including animals, objects, and — in one case — hiding within someone’s shadow. In this form, it enters a predatory state referred to by staff as the “Hunting Phase.” During this phase, SCP-XXXX exhibits extreme aggression toward all living organisms.
It attacks to extract and consume internal soft tissues using long, flexible, tube-like appendages. These appendages penetrate the victim’s skin and siphon bodily material, primarily muscle and organs, which SCP-XXXX stores internally. Bone material is notably avoided, suggesting a specific preference for soft tissue. The reason for this is unknown, though it may be linked to the creature’s method of constructing SCP-XXXX-1 instances.
Observations of SCP-XXXX’s behavior indicate that hunting humans is not essential for its survival, but rather serves a specific functional purpose — the creation of additional SCP-XXXX-1 instances.
This conclusion was drawn following its initial containment. Despite a lack of prey, SCP-XXXX exhibited no signs of starvation or hunger. However, it did require a constant water supply to maintain stability, suggesting an unusual metabolic process unrelated to organic consumption.1
Notably, during its self-initiated “hunting phase,” SCP-XXXX has been observed displaying behavior consistent with enjoyment or satisfaction, implying potential psychological gratification.
It remains unclear whether this behavior reflects a predatory instinct, similar to that of SCP-106, or a driven compulsion to construct as many SCP-XXXX-1 instances as possible.
Harvested tissue is used to create SCP-XXXX-1 instances. These entities operate under a hive-mind controlled by SCP-XXXX and primarily serve as lures and captors. While SCP-XXXX-1 instances can be aggressive, they typically immobilize or capture targets for delivery to SCP-XXXX. SCP-XXXX and its constructs are also capable of manipulating and wearing victims’ skin to disguise themselves and attract additional prey.2
SCP-XXXX-1 instances are vulnerable to light exposure; direct illumination causes immediate disintegration or deactivation. SCP-XXXX does not die when exposed to light but reverts to its two-dimensional form and becomes inert.3
Discovery Log:
SCP-XXXX was discovered in ████████, near ████████ National Forest, following a series of unexplained disappearances among hikers and local residents.
During a Foundation investigation into the missing persons, agents recovered the skeletal remains of a local park ranger previously listed as missing. The body was found propped upright against a tree, with nearly all soft tissue absent. Forensic analysis revealed that flesh, muscle, and organs had been cleanly extracted from within the skin, leaving mostly intact bone with minimal visible trauma. Small puncture-like marks were observed around major joints and along the spine, consistent with soft tissue being siphoned out from within.
The unnatural condition of the corpse, combined with a growing pattern of nocturnal disappearances, triggered a low-level anomalous threat protocol. After surveillance detected shadow movements inconsistent with environmental light sources, Mobile Task Force Theta-8 (“Night Watch”) was deployed from a nearby Foundation site on ██/██/20██ at 1700 EST to investigate.
At 0100 EST, the team transmitted an emergency distress call reporting hostile entities resembling shadow-like humanoids. The message noted over 100 hostiles, later identified as SCP-XXXX-1. Communication was lost shortly afterward.
Following the incident, multiple Foundation sites in the area initiated lockdown protocols, and a high-priority containment council convened. At 0600 EST, a secondary task force arrived at Theta-8’s last known location and discovered a single surviving operative. The survivor was positioned directly in front of their patrol vehicle’s headlights and was found in a dissociative state.
After medical treatment and interrogation, the operative disclosed the entities’ vulnerability to light. A coordinated containment operation was launched at sunrise, leading to SCP-XXXX’s successful capture via mobile illumination units and containment nets. All remaining SCP-XXXX-1 instances were neutralized using sustained exposure to high-lumen light.4
Upon initial containment, the anomaly was assessed as relatively dangerous but believed to be containable through standard isolation protocols. It was provisionally classified as Euclid pending further behavioral analysis. This assessment would later be proven insufficient following Incident-B.
Post-Incident Memo – Level 4 Clearance Required
From the Desk of Site Director ████████
Subject: SCP-XXXX Containment ReclassificationWe underestimated it. This wasn’t just a hostile anomaly — it was a predator waiting for an opportunity.
It mimicked us. And it used the blackout more efficiently than the Insurgency ever could.
Based on the information gathered from Incident-B Keter is justified. All further testing is suspended indefinitely to prevent further breaches.Effective immediately, SCP-XXXX is reclassified as Keter.
No facility housing this entity is to operate without triple-redundant power systems and continuous, full-spectrum lighting protocols and constant CCTV surveillance.
Darkness is its home. We will not let it live there ever again.