SCP 496

Item #:  SCP-496

Object Class:  Safe

Special Containment Procedures:  SCP-496 is to be held in an aquatic containment unit located in Site-77's Safe SCP wing. The containment unit is to be flooded with seawater matching or as close as possible, to the mixture from the area of which it was recovered. Personnel are also to resupply nutrients to the water every 2 weeks via the filter system to keep the biological component of SCP-496 nourished. Personnel with Level 2 clearance or higher are to be denied any direct access to SCP-496's containment unit. Level 1 personnel who work directly with SCP-496 must submit to weekly psychological evaluations during and for 2 months after the period of contact.

Description:  SCP-496 is a humanoid statue composed primarily of calcium carbonate in the form of deceased coral. It is 1 meter tall and weighs 296 kilograms. Radiocarbon dating indicates that it is at least 1,200 years old. Analysis indicates that SCP-496's interior is dead with a thin layer of fresh, living coral and other organisms coating most of its exterior. These organisms have existed in their current state perpetually for the ██ years SCP-496 has been in containment. When it was discovered, several instances of SCP-1104were discovered living within it.

When a human subject approaches SCP-496, their perception of the area around them will change. Subjects will report being in a large urban area, populated by humanoid figures. The area has been reported as being composed entirely out of coral with a large ornate pillar in the center of it. An artificial roof made of coral will be seen above the subject's head with reflections of ocean water being visible. However these reflections may change form to match constellations, persons present within the city, or what appear to be godlike1figures battling large sea creatures.

SCP-496 is capable of movement, however attempts at communication have been limited due to its underwater presence. Construction of an underwater interview area has been denied due to the expense cost.