BattleSarge

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-XXXX is to be kept within a 10m x 5m x 2.5m storage unit at Site-28, accessible only to personnel with at minimum Level 3/2000 clearance. SCP-XXXX itself is to be contained within a rectangular reinforced steel case, its dimensions being slightly larger than the canvas. Due to the objects cognitohazardous properties, the side of the case containing the up-facing side of the object is to be clearly marked as to prevent any accidental viewings of SCP-XXXX. To further prevent any accidental visual contact with SCP-XXXX, the object is to be encased within a smaller, black aluminium metal case which may only be opened by access of Level 3/2000 clearance or higher.

A black fabric cover is to be placed over SCP-XXXX through a ceiling-mounted electronic pulley system during any periods when the object is removed from containment casing for testing purposes, to prevent any risk from accidental viewings before or following testing. The cover may be unhooked from the system to prevent accidental viewing during re-containment.

Any images or video of SCP-XXXX are strictly forbidden, including for surveillance reasons. Approval from a member of the O-5 Council must be obtained before creating any photographs or video recordings of SCP-XXXX.

When contained, however, the containment chamber of SCP-XXXX is to be kept under 24-hour video surveillance, with monitors being manned at all times. Prior to removal of SCP-XXXX from containment, video surveillance equipment is to be manually disabled, with power to the video surveillance equipment being removed. Any video recordings, images, or unintended sightings of SCP-XXXX are to be immediately reported to supervisors and are to be considered a Γ-Gamma level containment breach.

Description: SCP-XXXX is a Realist painting completed by English artist █████ ██████ on ██/██/20██, recovered by Foundation personnel 6 days later on ██/██/20██ after the suspicious deaths of both the painter and his spouse. The canvas measures 50 centimeters high and 23 centimeters across.

When an individual makes visual contact with SCP-XXXX, including by photo or video (hereafter to be classified as the “target”), they will observe a Realist painting depicting the death of an unknown, and to all current attempts, unidentifiable individual. In all cases, male individuals observed the death of a male, and females observed the death of a female. Scenes observed on SCP-XXXX are often described as gruesome and disturbing.

Individuals viewing SCP-XXXX with poor eyesight or through a very low quality medium of SCP-XXXX, to the point that not even an estimate can be drawn as to what is displayed on SCP-XXXX, are found to not become a target of SCP-XXXX. It is hypothesized that to become a target, a individual must be able to cognitively recognize the scene of a death on any instance of SCP-XXXX. Thus, security surveillance in any room where a image of SCP-XXXX no larger than 15cm x 15cm is present is permitted.

All targets will observe a different scene depicted on SCP-XXXX, regardless of how many targets observe SCP-XXXX at once or if targets observe the same photograph or video recording of SCP-XXXX.

All targets who have viewed SCP-XXXX have died in a fashion nearly identical to the scene the target describes having seen. All deaths have occured in a period ranging from 5 minutes to 9 days from the initial viewing of the object, and any efforts to safeguard the target or to prevent the events depicted on SCP-XXXX have thus far failed. Deaths of targets are often just as gruesome as described by the target when questioned.

Following Incident XXXX-031, all testing on SCP-XXXX is to be indefinitely suspended as it is now confirmed that additional casualties may be produced in the death of the target of SCP-XXXX.

All requests to develop a image copy of SCP-XXXX for potential use as a Foundation administered cognitohazard have been denied.