When Masahiro Sakurai was a young man, he played a lot of arcade games. He was a superstar. He had a 50 strong win streak on Street Fighter 2. Nobody could beat him. One day, Masahiro was playing a new game, King of Fighters 95. The cabinet was designed so that two players were on opposite sides of the machine, each with their own screen. This meant that Masahiro couldn't see his opponent. Masahiro was feeling cocky, and faced with an anonymous opponent, he let loose. He destroyed the rival player, beating them to a pulp in a matter of seconds. But then, Masahiro's smug self-satisfaction disappeared. He glanced around the cabinet to see who he'd been playing against. They were a complete beginner, clearly at the arcade for the first time with their more enthusiastic partner. The pair were just there to have fun, and Masahiro had crushed their enthusiasm. Masahiro felt awful. In his eagerness to prove himself a champion, he'd steamrolled over someone who didn't deserve such treatment. He might well have ruined their experience to the point that they might not want to try playing other games. Years later, Masahiro would have the opportunity to create his very own series of fighting games. These games, he decided, wouldn't be aimed at just a single audience. They wouldn't be for hardcore experts and professionals, and they also wouldn't be aimed solely at the casual player. No matter who picked up a controller, and what games they might be familiar with, Masahiro wanted them to have a good time. This is the story of Masahiro Sakurai, and the labour of love that created, and refined, the Super Smash Bros series. Masahiro Sakurai devours video games. This love affair with gaming started when he was a child, but his obsession really began to take hold when he was at school, studying industrial design with the hopes of becoming an engineer. One day, he decided. He would complete his studies, but he had changed his mind about his career progression. He wanted to make video games for a living. This meant that his education needed to take on some additional facets. If he wanted to make games, he needed to do his research, and learn as much as he could about how they were put together. The most logical way to do this was to play games. For two years, he studied during the day, then worked a part-time job so that he'd have enough money to buy as many games as possible. Masahiro played everything he could get his hands on. He even went out of his way to play games that he didn't like, in genres that didn't immediately appeal to him. He wanted to figure out what made a game fun, and, crucially, what got in the way of the game being fun. Logically, no developer ever set out to make a game that wasn't enjoyable, so what design decisions ended up resulting in a poor finished experience? Masahiro's parents were utterly opposed to his preferred life goals. They didn't understand this new emerging video game industry. It hadn't existed when they were young, and they viewed it with suspicion. Yet in spite of a lot of family pressure to give up and do something safe instead, Masahiro kept pushing forward with his dream of working in video games. Masahiro got a job at HAL Laboratory, a newly formed game studio that lacked a lot of the prestige of some existing companies. At just 19 years of age, Masahiro directed his first game, Kirby's Dreamland for the Nintendo Game Boy. He was tasked with making a simple game that even novices could complete without too much challenge. As he set about this task, he created a simple round blob character to serve as a stand-in, as no specific protagonist had been decided on. During testing, everyone at HAL fell in love with the adorable round puffball. Eventually, Masahiro decided to stop searching for a more complex mascot for his game, and simply expanded the blob into a more fleshed out character. The title proved to be a big hit, and everyone, both fans and those within the company, began demanding a follow-up. Most gratifying of all was a trip that Masahiro took to visit his parents. He noticed that these staunch opponents to his video game career had now filled their house with every piece of Kirby merchandise that they could lay their hands on. But Masahiro was less than enamoured with the constant call for endless Kirby sequels. He didn't want to be stuck making the same game over and over, and he yearned to flex his creative muscles and try something new. Masahiro came up with the idea for a fighting game, something that was fundamentally different to most titles in this genre. Instead of a game where only two players fought at a time, Masahiro wanted to make what he called a four-player battle royale. He even wrote this on the front of his unofficial project plan. Masahiro was enthusiastic about the game, but unable to do much with the idea as his schedule was already filled with many other more financially lucrative game projects for HAL. Nevertheless, Masahiro took his idea to his friend and mentor, Satoru Iwata. Satoru was intrigued, but was also very busy. Eventually though, he agreed to help Masahiro with this secret project. The two began working in their spare time on what they titled Dragon King, the fighting game. It was, according to Satoru, the ultimate handcrafted project. Masahiro designed everything about the game, from stage layouts to battle mechanics, while Satoru tackled the programming side of the game. Satoru began having a lot of fun. He was supposed to be the head of another project during the working week, so he spent his weekends secretly slaving away on Dragon King. The pair were hardly able to keep their excitement about this game a secret for long. One HAL employee complained to Satoru that he always seemed to come to life when he was working on Dragon King, in a way that he didn't while tackling his actual work for the company. For a while, as with Kirby, Masahiro let artwork and character design take a backseat. Early prototypes used photographs Masahiro had taken in the area surrounding his office, instead of any actual artwork. But as he worked on the game, Masahiro began to worry that having four characters on the screen at once would get confusing. He felt that the game needed distinct and ideally familiar characters that would stand out, helping the player to see what was going on and keep track of their own character. Feeling bold, Masahiro took his prototype to Nintendo. He wanted to do the impossible, convince the company to let him use several of their most famous characters to fill out a roster for a fighting game. This was unlike anything Nintendo had ever done before, and it felt like a big departure from the company's standard brand identity. But Masahiro liked his chances, and he campaigned with vigor. Nintendo's higher-ups agreed. Dragon King was to become Super Smash Bros. Some Nintendo fans were apprehensive at first. The idea of Mario, Link and Pikachu all punching each other seemed very strange for such a traditionally family-friendly company. Plus, there was a worry that the game would be just another shallow fighter, without offering much unique gameplay. These concerns were soon silenced as gamers fell in love with Smash Bros. The game won a large audience, and its follow-up title, Super Smash Bros. Melee, was seen by many as the best game ever released on the Nintendo GameCube. But Masahiro was feeling trapped yet again. He'd managed to escape the gilded cage of endless Kirby sequels by making something new, only to now be stuck as Nintendo's go-to Smash developer. Every day, people asked him when the next game in the series would be released, and Masahiro was sick of it. So, Masahiro quit. He had no hard feelings towards Nintendo. He simply needed more creative freedom. He set up his own game studio, and got to work making the kinds of varied games that he'd always wanted to make. Masahiro made precisely two games before getting sucked back into the Smash Bros. orbit. He made Meteos, a puzzle game for the Nintendo DS, followed by Sega's Mushy King, The King of the Beatles, an arcade game that also featured a collectible trading card game. Mushy King went on to phenomenal success across East Asia, selling over 20 million trading cards, and entering the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest number of tournaments ever held for an arcade game. But, eventually, Nintendo came calling. They needed him back. The company was working on a new Super Smash Bros. title, and it just wasn't the same without Masahiro. And so, begrudgingly, Masahiro returned to the fold, directing Super Smash Bros. Brawl. But, this time he had a plan to avoid getting Pigeon Hold yet again. Brawl heavily features a totally redesigned version of Pit, a classic character from the NES era of Nintendo games. What initially looks like little more than a reference to Nintendo's past, actually became Masahiro's next game. Having directed Brawl, he then moved on to Kid Icarus Uprising. He'd successfully come up with a wholly new game idea, and snuck it into his beloved pre-existing series. From there, Masahiro went on to direct Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U and 3DS, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As the clout of the series grew, Masahiro took the opportunity to make these games as inclusive as possible. His game collection had grown significantly by this point. He had begun running out of places to store all of his games, and still continued to play everything he could get his hands on. With so much knowledge about classic games, Masahiro decided to put these into Smash Bros. Every reference, every easter egg, and every obscure callback to a previous era of gaming, all came from Masahiro. He was the one to suggest to his development team that a specific game be mentioned, as his encyclopedic knowledge of gaming was put to use. If this sounds like more work than any one person can do comfortably, that's because it was. After working so many long nights, seven days a week, and playing games in every available second, Masahiro's body began feeling the pain. While working on Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U and 3DS, he was diagnosed with tendonitis in his shoulder, and forced by doctors to arrest. This didn't sit well with Masahiro. After all, even taking a break from work was frustrating if his main hobby, playing games, was the true cause of his injury. Masahiro doesn't think he'll ever retire from video games. What his parents thought was just a fad has become the driving force in his entire life. In his own words, even for people who say that they grow out of games, once they have kids and there's a game they can play together, they return. It's not about quitting or graduating from playing games, it's about finding what's enjoyable for you at that time in your life, and playing that. The moral of the story is that you should find something that you are passionate about. Perhaps you shouldn't pursue your goals with quite the same level of devotion as Masahiro Sakurai. If your body starts to wear out, it's probably worth taking a break. But Masahiro's devotion to gaming can be a lesson to us all. No matter what you care about, no matter what drives you, keep pushing forward. It doesn't matter if other people don't understand. What matters is that you follow your passion, develop the skills and the knowledge that you want to have, enjoy yourself, do what you love, and your life will be far more enjoyable as a result. You can never, ever get too old to have fun.


This lecture is part of the online algebraic geometry course on schemes and we'll cover products of schemes So let's first just recall what a product in any category is So if you've got two elements x and y in the category You can ask is there a product x times y of them? And what a product is is a sort of universal element with maps to both x and y So this means if we've got any element z and Maps to x and y Then there's a unique morphism from z to x times y and you can check that products exist for sets groups and so on and And you can also see that any such product is unique up to isomorphism and Has most of the properties you expect from products of sets and what we want to do is to show that Products of Schemes exist Well more generally we don't just want products of schemes. We want products of Schemes Over a base scheme Yes, so what this means is that x and y Should both be schemes over some base scheme s and we want a product of x times y over s which is usually denoted like this so It's you it's a universal element that if we take maps If we take an object z together with morphisms to x and y that commute with these morphisms here Then there's a unique element like that and and of course the these two maps should also commute with each other So so that's what we want to prove given schemes x y and s and morphisms like that We want to show the existence of a scheme with this sort of universal property And and we first do it for affine schemes Well affine schemes are more or less the same as rings Except that the direction of all morphisms gets reversed. So what we want to do is to Have Something like a product of rings with all arrows reversed. So given rings a and b And we want to find Some sort of object here, which is universal for maps of a and b to it So if we've got any ring c and Hormomorphisms from a to c then there should be a unique map like that. Well Just as before we really want to do a relative case. So we'd really like to work with rings that are algebras over some fixed ring are And this will be the tensor product a tensor over rb So just have a quick review of tensor products. So you remember that if m and n are modules Over are we have a tensor product m tensor n which is universal For bilinear maps, in other words, if we've got any bilinear map from m times n to some module X say Then this factors through A map from m times m to the tensor product m tensor n So this map some of these maps are linear and some are bilinear. So this one is bilinear And this one is also bilinear, but this map here is is linear So it's a sort of a tensor product is a sort of way of converting Bilinear maps into linear maps and its existence is kind of obvious. You can see there's a sort of universal Module generated by a bilinear image of m times n because you can just define the tensor product m tensor n is generated by elements m tensor n for m in m and n tensor n and then you Questioned out by the the relations To make the map from m times n to n tensor n bilinear. So we'd add relations m1 plus m2 tensor n equals m1 tensor n plus m2 tensor n and rm tensor n Is equal to rm tensor n are the same For n so this gives us a map from m times n to m tensor n which takes m times n to m tensor n and This map is These relations force this map to be bilinear and you can see it's sort of universal because if you've got any map from m times n to some map x then you can just Extend this to a linear map by taking tensor n to the image of m times n so we have a tensor product of modules and if a and b are algebras then a tensor over rb is also an r algebra Because you can define a product on a tensor b by a1 tensor b1 times a2 tensor b2 Equals a1 a2 tensor b1 b2 and you can easily Check that this extends to an algebra structure on a tensor b with By by using the universal property of the tensor product Furthermore, this is universal um given a and b and r Then If we have algebra maps from a and b to any r algebra x Then you can extend this to a map from a tensor rb to x Just by saying, you know, if this map is g f and this is g And then this map is just defined by taking the image of a tensor b to f a tensor g b so a tensor over rb is a co-product In the the category of commutative rings Co-products that just is it's just like a product except you reverse all the arrows. So it's sort of universal for um Maps like this. It's also sometimes this is also sometimes called a push out Because you think of a tensor rb is being pushed out from a and b Anyway, if we reverse this we see that for affine schemes There is a product um in fact a product over um Over any um affine scheme s because given schemes of the form Spec of a and spec of b mapping to spectrum of r then the um product over spectrum of r is just the spectrum of a tensor over rb So for affine schemes the existence of products follows from the um behavior of tensor products of commutative rings um a product of arbitrary schemes times over sy follows from First of all the product for affine schemes plus lots of bookkeeping So um, what I will do is I'll just sketch how you do this Um, because filling in all the details will merely cause everybody to fast forward to the end of the video so First of all, we've done the case when x y and s are affine Um by using a tensor over r of b Now we look at the case when x and s are affine But y might not be and all you do is you cover y by open affines y i and you glue together The the the schemes times y i so the idea is that y i might be covered by um say a couple of affine open sets Like this so so here's y And um, what you do is you take the product of these with x so this is y1 This is y1 times x This might be y2 and y2 Times x Might look like that and then you glue together y1 times x and y2 times x and um you get a scheme That's Has the property of x times y And we can do that because here we're we're we're just taking a product of two affine schemes Over s I guess I should have done this all over s um Then you can take s to be affine And x and y anything and again what you do is you cover x by schemes x i which are open affine And we glue all the schemes x i times over s y Which we can do because we know how to glue affine schemes times any scheme over s and finally As you can probably guess we cover s by open affines s i And we put x i to be the inverse image of s i in x And y i you can sort of guess what it is And we form the products x i times Sorry x i times over s y i And glue them together to get x times over s y so there's a lot of routine checks I've missed out but Nothing unexpected happens in this construction So now we should have a few examples to see what this looks like So suppose you want to take a product of two affine lines So let's just take the product of two affine lines You might expect that this is the affine plane, but it usually isn't As we will see later What you need to do is you need to take the affine line and you need to take the product over a point Of the affine line and this is then the um affine plane and we can see this because these these are all just affine schemes So we can just look at what's happening at the level of rings and here um We've got the coordinate ring k x and if we tensor this with the coordinate ring Of k y what we get is k tensor with k x y and that's what we'll see in a moment. This need not be k um, this is not usually K so so we can't just take products of schemes. We need to take products of schemes over another scheme so um This corresponds to taking k of x tensor over k with k of y and this is indeed isomorphic to k of x y which corresponds to the affine plane So this is why we We don't just want to take products of schemes We want to take products over a base scheme because if we don't take products over a base scheme We can't even get the product of two affine lines, right? um Next you notice that the product is a bit weird. So first of all um the product apology The product of a one times a one does not have The product apology so if we look at a one times a one Um, which is the affine plane I guess I should take a product over a naught then it has all sorts of closed sets Are given by curves Which are not closed sets in the product apology Um, this of course happened for variety. So shouldn't be a big surprise But the next thing you want to note is that the product Of a one times over a naught a one um does not have the same set as the product of the sets a one and a one. So not only does the topology not Not only is that do we not get the product topology? We don't even get the product set and this follows for the same reason this closed set is the closure Of its generic point So there's a generic point of the affine plane Corresponding irreducible closed set and this generic point doesn't come from a a product of A point in a one and a point in a one in any reasonable way I mean occasionally it will if if we take a vertical line or a horizontal line then that will come from A product of um a point in here and a point in here. So the the scheme theoretic product has It doesn't look very much like the ordinary set theoretic or even the topological product of two spaces And it gets even weirder because The product of two points Well, the product of two points surely that must be a point. What else could it be? Well, no It need not be a A point And by a point I mean a scheme whose underlying space is just a point And to see this, let's look at some examples. What we can do is let's just look at the spectrum of k um tensed over the spectrum of k of the spectrum Of l where here we've got three fields k um contained in Big k and contained in l and let's take k l to be finite Algebraic well So and therefore algebraic extensions Of little k and see what happens. So so um, you notice that um the spectrum of all these three spaces is just a point So these are just points with extra structure and um So that should be a Ordinary product not a tensor product sign. So what we're going to look at is k tensed over little k with l And we need to work up what this is. So so let's first suppose k is the separable extension Of little k and what happens if it isn't separable? Well, we'll see a little bit later But separable extensions are already weird enough This means that k is equal to k of x Modulo p of x where p of x is irreducible and has no multiple roots because um, it's separable And now we can work at what k tensor with l is so k TensorFlow little k with l is then just l of x modulo p of x The tensor products over fields are very easy to work out And now this factorizes as l of x Modulo p1 of x p2 of x and so on where p now factorizes into irreducible factors over l. So these are irreducible over l um And by the chinese remainder theorem um This factors as a product so all these because all these p i's are co-prime and have no multiple factors because the extension is separable so k times over k of l is isomorphic to the product um l of x over p1 of x times l of x Over p2 of x and so on and this is just a product of fields and this corresponds to a disjoint union of um spectra You remember the product of rings has nothing to do with the product of schemes The products of rings corresponds to taking disjoint union of schemes so so so speck of k times over little k of l is a finite discrete set with one point for each irreducible factor of p over the field l so in particular As we said the product of two points isn't necessarily a point. It might be a a finite collection of points Um, so let's have a couple of examples. For instance, if you take q of root two tense it over q with q root two Well, this is just a field. It's the field q root two root three So here the product of two points is indeed a point Fine no problem on the other hand if we take q of i Say tensor with q of i Well, if you take the polynomial x squared plus one and factor it over q of i we get two factors So this splits as a product of two fields. It's q of i Times q of i so on the left we've got a tensor product on the right We've got an ordinary product and it just happens that two times two is two plus two So so we get this Slightly odd thing. So the spectrum of this looks like two points um, well I assumed earlier that k was separable and I sort of promised I would show you what happens if k was inseparable so suppose k and l both inseparable over Little k well if you do this things can get even weirder. So for example Let's take k to be equal to l to be equal to fp of T And let's take little k to be fp of t to the p so um The degree of k over big k over little k is just equal to p And if we put big t equals t to the p just for simplicity then k is equal to k of x Quotient it out by x to the p minus t So we're taking so we form both k and l by taking a p-th root of a generator of little k And then we find that um k tensor over little k of l is Given as follows well, um what we can do is we can just take l of x Over x to the p minus t But in l t is a power big t is a power of little t. So this is just l of x Over x to the p minus t to the p And since we're in characteristic p. This is just l of x over x minus t to the p And now we see that x minus t is nil potent In k times over k l. So this is not a product of fields In fact, it's a non reduced scheme So k tensor over k l Is not reduced So this has given an example of two reduced schemes Over a reduced scheme whose whose fibered product is not a reduced scheme. Um, so this is One of many reasons why trying to work in characteristic p is a sometimes a little bit bizarre um So in particular we see from this that if you take a A field k then the spectrum of k Tents times the spectrum of k can be large in general And if we want to get the right product of two points If we want to say a point sensor with a point is indeed a point We need to take the spectrum of k times Over the spectrum of k With the spectrum of k and this will then be equal to the spectrum of k So the product of a point and a point is indeed a point provide you to remember To work over something Okay, next lecture we will give some more applications of products and fibered products


Item Number – SCP-299 Object Class – Keter Special Containment Procedures – A 200-meter-wide forest of SCP-299 is to be contained in an underground biodome, Area 299, in the desert. All other specimens encountered are to be incinerated. No plant life is to come into contact with SCP-299 outside of controlled testing. Areas infested by SCP-299 should be considered Class 8 Hazard Zones, firebombed immediately, and monitored for four weeks. Any further infestation is to be incinerated, as well as all wildlife present on the site. Description – SCP-299 is an arboreiform organism characterized by black, sharp-pointed branches. Closer inspection reveals that each instance of SCP-299 is connected to neighboring trees by its roots. Prolonged contact converts these neighboring trees into another instance of SCP-299. This is SCP-299's only known method of reproduction. Addendum – 2991 SCP-299 infection will result from prolonged contact with any material from SCP-299. Conversion time varies by the size of the infectee. Generally, after a few minutes of exposure, the infected plant begins to shed its leaves. Low branches shift downward to a height of 30-100 cm, and taper to a point. High branches retain leaves and shift towards the top of the tree, forming a dense canopy and making overhead identification impossible. Addendum – 2992 Microscopic analysis of low branches reveals that these points are composed of the same material as the rest of the infected plant and are remarkably sharp. Direct contact with the point of a branch from SCP-299 is unadvised, as even a sliver of SCP-299 material embedded in skin is known to produce disastrous results. Vine-like tendrils grow upward from the roots of SCP-299, reaching heights of up to 2 meters. These tendrils are prehensile and elastic. Organic objects entering close proximity are violently seized, impaled upon the lower branches, and incorporated into the organism via gradual conversion on the molecular level. Specimens of SCP-299 release chemicals known to spread throughout the immediate area and cause heightened paranoia and aggression in most animals, including humans. Under the influence of these chemicals, groups of people tend to split up and wander the forest alone, making them more likely to pass through an infested area. Addendum – 2993 One of material harvested from SCP-299 reveals that the wood is brittle and similar in composition to data expunged. A single cell of SCP-299 will retain its infectious nature and is capable of reconfiguring an entire organism upon introduction. Experiment log – 2991 Item – Maple seedling Acer succarum One specimen – Researcher – Dr. R… Test record – A sample of matter from SCP-299 is introduced to seedling. Over 45 minutes, the seedling is completely converted into a specimen of SCP-299, retaining its height and approximate size. Seedling incinerated Item – Oak tree Queercus alba – One specimen Researcher – Dr. R… Test record – Oak tree transplanted into containment area of SCP-299. Over three hours, the tree is completely converted into a specimen of SCP-299, retaining its height and approximate size. Matter taken from new specimen is consistent with matter from neighboring specimens. Sunflower – Helianthus annuus One specimen – Researcher – Dr. R… Test record – A sample of matter from SCP-299 is introduced to sunflower. Over 10 minutes, the plant is completely converted into a specimen of SCP-299, retaining its height and size. The flower petals have blackened and tapered into spikes, consistent with SCP-299 spike branches. Tendrils are frail and incapable of grasping large objects. Specimens trunks snapped upon introduction of researchers' foot remains incinerated. Item – European grapevine Vitis vinifera – Confined to pot and growing upward along a trellis. Sun specimen – Researcher – Dr. R… Test record – Sample of matter from SCP-299 introduced a grapevine. Subject converted within 30 minutes. Subject attached from trellis and adopted prehensile nature of SCP-299 tendrils. Spike protrudes from rooted area. Item – Results of previous experiment – Pig – Sus domestica – One specimen. Researcher – Dr. R… Test record – Pig introduced a testing area. Subject showed signs of agitation. Upon investigation of SCP-299, subject was violently seized and constricted, eventually suffocating before impalement upon a spike. Item was left in containment and observed for three days. Over that time, the mass of pig and tendril tissues were integrated into the main vine. Spikes grew from its base, the roots extended and tendrils grew from them, and branches grew from the top of the tree, sprouting buds and leaves. Specimen – Was incinerated – Notes – SCP-299 appears to not be limited to trees. The plants seem to react slightly differently depending on their unique biology. All specimens however, eventually become SCP-299 trees if given time to grow and change form. Item – Venus flytrap – Diannea mescipula – One specimen. Researcher – Dr. R… Test record – Data expunged. Addendum 2994 – O5 command has requested that researchers refrain from experimentation with carnivorous plants. Item – Pig – Sus domestica – One specimen. Researcher – Dr. P… Test record – Matter from SCP-299 injected into Pig. Pig began squealing and moving uncontrollably, until it fell to the ground and convulsed. Upon expiration, fine root-like hairs were observed to grow from the underside of the pig. The flesh of the pig underwent a transformation into SCP-299 material, starting from point of injection. After two hours, the pig was observed to have become another instance of SCP-299, complete with tendrils and leaves. Addendum 2995 – As of 2000, the trees in area 299 have begun deviating from the standard form of SCP-299, with several growing what appears to be white flowers, up to two meters from ground level. Following standard protocol, D-class personnel were sent in to determine if the new mutation was dangerous. Upon approaching the flowers, the petals unfurled into highly mobile tendrils, which immediately ensnared the head of one of the D-class before pulling him back to the tree. All personnel were immediately removed from the area and placed in a 48-hour quarantine. Subject was observed emerging from the tree line approximately five hours after being ensnared, apparently unharmed. Subject was then put in a separate 48-hour quarantine, in accordance to protocol. Subject protested vocally against the quarantine, stating that he had to see the sun. Ten hours into the quarantine, Subject spontaneously lost consciousness, and several branches of SCP-299 began growing from Subject's head and torso. Subject was terminated, and then incinerated, along with the growths. Subjects to the containment protocol and to respond to this development are under review. Item Number SCP-307 Object Class Keter Special Containment Procedures SCP-307 is to be kept within a 0.5-meter square stainless steel planter within a hydroponic growth chamber equipped with remotely operated light and sprinkler. The sides of the planter are to be equipped with retractable circular blades, the controls to which must be located outside the containment cell and manned at all times. The hydroponic chamber is to be kept within a 5-meter by 5-meter by 3-meter room with stainless steel walls, floor, and ceiling. There are to be no windows in the room. All light will come from the hydroponic grow light, and any observation of SCP-307 is to be done over a security camera. The temperature of the room is to be kept at 15 degrees Celsius to discourage seed production. If entry to SCP-307's room is necessary, it is to be done by remotely operated robots. Absolutely no living humans are to enter SCP-307's containment cell following incident 307. If any specimens of SCP-307 are discovered outside the containment cell, they are to be burned immediately until only ashes remain. Any personnel who touches SCP-307 must also be burned. Description SCP-307 is a creeping vine, similar in appearance to the common English ivy, heterohelex, saved for the presence of greenish thorns on the stems, and the tendency of the leaves to exhibit a purple hue. The vine puts down roots approximately every 30.5 centimeters or 12 inches. The roots can penetrate any porous material, but not metal. Any part of the plant not connected to a root system is to be considered dead and safe to examine up close. SCP-307 appears to be carnivorous and seems to exhibit some degree of intelligence. And in the presence of a warm-blooded animal, hereafter referred to as the victim. It grows at a startlingly rapid rate in the direction of the animal, often growing three vines at a time in what appears to be a flanking maneuver. Upon contact, SCP-307 appears to paralyze the victim and then liquefy and drain all internal organs, musculature, and blood. The mechanisms by which it does this are presently unknown. They have, however, led to researchers calling it spider ivy. SCP-307 was first discovered by agent Apocalypsemer, where he witnessed it rapidly growing up the trunk of a tree and consuming a nest of American robins. Further examination has revealed the prevalence of the plant throughout North America. It has shown itself to be highly resistant to any attempts at poisoning. This is included all commercially available herbicides, exposure to allelopathic plants, and formaldehyde. Except for the sample obtained for study, the plant has been burned wherever it has been encountered. However, it is very likely that numerous specimens still exist outside of Foundation control. SCP-307 is only kept alive in the hopes of engineering a biological agent to use on the wild population. Document Number 307A Experiment Logs Experiment 1 Tray of mealworms introduced to cell. Result SCP showed no signs of movement. Experiment 2 Chilean rose hair tarantula introduced. Result SCP showed no signs of movement. Did not respond when tarantula climbed onto SCP. Experiment 3 Live mouse introduced to cell. Result SCP immediately began to grow in the direction of the mouse. One vine extended directly towards it, while two more grew around and in front of it, effectively surrounding the mouse. Mouse immediately became rigid and stopped moving upon contact with SCP-307. The video continued for 26 seconds before mouse fell on its side, obviously dead. Vines outside the planter were severed, allowing D-class personnel to collect the mouse. Upon retrieval, mouse was noted to appear to be lacking any anatomic structure besides skin and bones. Mouse was taken for further examination. When mouse was dissected, researchers noted a complete absence of blood, internal organs, and musculature. Internal interior structures were instead replaced with a system of roots, which researchers traced back to the mouse's skull. A single seed was found inside the mouse's otherwise empty brain cavity. Mouse was subsequently burned. Experiment 4 Jar containing 130 aphids introduced. Additional camera added for close-up viewing. Result. Mouse proceeded to attach themselves to SCP-307 in feed. SCP-307 did not respond in any visible manner. All aphids were dead, within 5 minutes of first feeding. Potential for use as insecticide noted. Addendum 1 Notes of interest taken by Agent Apocalypse Lemur during observation of SCP-307. The energy necessary to facilitate such a rapid growth rate would be astronomical, but SCP-307 seems able to pursue prey regardless of available light or time since it last fed. The behavior exhibited by SCP-307 during Incident 307 would suggest the presence of some kind of botanical muscle. Examination of severed vines has revealed no structure that could conceivably serve this purpose. Addendum 2 In light of Incident 307, SCP-307 has been upgraded to Keter class. Appropriate adjustments to containment protocol have been made. See Incident Report 307 for more details. Incident Report 307 SCP Involved SCP-307 Date undisclosed Location Bioresearch Area Description Incident log as compiled by Agent Apocalypse Lemur, Agent in charge of containment and research on SCP-307. The following is a description of security camera footage from SCP-307's containment cell on the morning of date undisclosed. 801 AM Close-up observation camera in SCP-307's hydroponic chamber goes offline. 812 AM Personnel D-104 and D-127 enter SCP-307's containment cell to repair camera. 81302 AM D-104 begins transfer of SCP-307 to secure lockbox as per protocol. 813-42 AM D-104 places SCP-307 in secure lockbox. 813-44 AM D-104 freezes in place. 813-47 AM D-127 is heard to inquire as to D-104's well-being. 813-50 AM D-127 begins fumbling with his flamethrower, seemingly in a state of panic. 813-51 AM A vine from SCP-307, Vine A, is seen to grow in D-127's direction. 813-55 AM Personnel D-104 activates security saws in SCP-307's planter, Vine appears unaffected. 814-AM The gas line of D-127's flamethrower is severed by one of SCP-307's thorns. 81402 AM D-127 flees the room in panic. SCP-307 does not attempt to pursue. 814-15 AM D-104 falls over, limp, presumed dead at this point. A second vine, Vine B, is visible, hanging over the edge of the lockbox. 814-21 AM Vines begin to grow in the direction of the door to the holding cell. 814-24 AM Emergency saws are again activated. Vine B is severed. Vine A is not. 814-30 AM Vine A begins growing in the direction of Security Camera 1. 814-51 AM Security Camera 1 goes offline. Security Camera 2 remains online. 815-33 AM 3D class personnel enter containment cell. 815-36 AM Vine A assumes position similar to defensive posture of a cobra. 815-41 AM Unidentified D-class personnel sets fire to Vine A. 815-43 AM Emergency saws are activated again. Vine A is severed. 815-46 AM Same D-class personnel manages to close lockbox. Other two remove D-104's body. 830-02 AM Autopsy begins on D-104. Autopsy results revealed Vine B had entered a small hole next to the face plate on personnel D-104's insulating body suit. Personnel's body was found to be in a state similar to that of the mouse, described in document 307A. No internal structure, aside from skeleton, could be found, replaced by an elaborate network of roots, all connected to a seed, located in D-104's skull. A pair of chutes had begun to sprout in the direction of the eye sockets. D-104 was summarily incinerated. Item number SCP-324 Object Class Safe Special Containment Procedures While SCP-324 does not require efforts beyond basic botanical maintenance to thrive, access to its products are to be strictly controlled to prevent theft and possible uncontrolled cultivation. SCP-324 is to be contained within a secure solarium, or equivalent agricultural facility, in a minimum of 5 cubic meters of soil. Soil should be maintained at a consistent pH of between 4 and 4.5, with a minimum 12% humus, or similar organic compound, component to topsoil. A misting system or other remote means of watering should be implemented to minimize the number of staff with access to SCP-324. SCP-324 is currently held at Site 23, Solarium 16, Bay 194, under these conditions. As on-site staff already have access to specialized botanical testing equipment and methodologies via the containment of SCP-38, transfer of SCP-324 to another facility is subject to Level 4 approval. Experts of SCP-324, designated SCP-324-1, may be transferred between research staff as necessary with Level 3 approval. To maintain SCP-324 as the only mature specimen during initial research, attempts to cultivate further specimens from SCP-324-1 offsite are currently suspended. Description SCP-324 is a small evergreen shrub, currently 1.4 meters in height, and possessing a complex root system that extends approximately 2.5 meters below the soil. Leaves are lancelate, ranging between 4 and 6 centimeters in width. During the flowering phase, SCP-324 produces small, 14 to 22 millimeters, white flowers with 9 petals. Berries produced by SCP-324 are designated SCP-324-1 and appear pinkish-white in color, with diameters between 9 and 14 millimeters. Berries are edible, with flavor reported as tart and mildly sweet. SCP-324's flowering and berry-producing phase are apparently only initiated by the introduction of a deceased mammal, of at least 25 kilograms into its soil. The mammal must be within range of SCP-324's root system, and been deceased no longer than three days at the time of its first contact with SCP-324. If these conditions are met, the flowering phase will begin within 16 hours of introduction, with mature flowers and SCP-324-1 appearing within 75 hours. When eaten, each individual sample of SCP-324-1 will produce a vivid sensory experience, reenacting a seemingly random memory of the deceased mammal's life in the consumer of SCP-324-1. In tests with human cadavers buried in SCP-324's soil, consumers of SCP-324-1 report clear oral and visual impressions, including specific locations, conversations, and individuals. The consumer of SCP-324-1 appears to experience the deceased's memory as if it were one of their own, but recognizes it as a product of another mind. In tests featuring animal cadavers, consumers of SCP-324-1 report an overwhelming jumble of sensory input, devoid of the usual narrative context produced by human thought. Each experience lasts between two and four minutes before it subsides. With multiple samples of SCP-324-1 are ingested at one time, memories experienced proceed one at a time, each with the same two to four minute window. SCP-324 produces SCP-324-1 for approximately one week, regardless of the type or mass of the deceased mammal introduced into its soil. After this period has elapsed, all samples of SCP-324-1 wither and become inert until another deceased mammal is accessed by the root system. Animals incapable of creating memories are lacking memories of their own, such as subjects of SCP-909, likewise produce inert samples of SCP-324-1. Discovery SCP-324 was discovered in a small cemetery, specializing in natural, coffinless and non-preservational burial in rural, county, New Hampshire. The groundskeeper, a Mr. Declan, would regularly transplant SCP-324 to the graves of the newly deceased and invite surviving family members to partake of SCP-324-1 for a substantial fee. The scheme was discovered inadvertently when Agent Warrant attended services at the cemetery for his deceased relative. Upon a demonstration of SCP-324-1's effects, Agent Warrant immediately took both Mr. Declan, assigned D-Class, and SCP-324 into Foundation custody. Mr. Declan claimed the shrub had been on the grounds when they were purchased in 19- and knew nothing further of its origins. Addendum Experiment Logs 324-42.4 through 324-45.2 SCP-324-1 consumer, male, D-Class, number 67531, age 56. Soil input, human, female, aged 34 at TOD, deceased two days. Experience report, D-67531 placid for duration of experience, recounts an afternoon picnic from the perspective of a small female child, including impressions of flying a kite and eating a celery stalk with peanut butter and raisins. SCP-324-1 consumer, female, D-Class, number 58563, age 34. Soil input, chimpanzee, female, aged 44 at TOD, deceased three days. Experience report, D-58563 thrashes wildly for the duration of the experience, making gestures as if to ward off an attacker, recounts impression of being assaulted by multiple individuals uttering high-pitched squeals. SCP-3241 consumer, male, D-Class, number 69965, age 22. Soil input, human, female, aged 93 at TOD, deceased two days. Experience report, D-69965 uncooperative, restraints employed, D-69965 force-fed SCP-3241 continues thrashing for 43 seconds before abruptly relaxing, eyes glazed for duration of experience. D-69965 drools slightly, recounts staring out a window from a wheelchair at a busy urban street, sprinklers occasionally splashing the window. SCP-3241 consumer, female, D-Class, number 39395, age 42. Soil input, dolphin, male, aged 19 at TOD, deceased one day. Experience report, D-39395 holds breath for duration of experience, passes out at 97 seconds, revived, recounts impressions of swimming, darkness, pressure, claims to distinctly recall speaking to another individual, but cannot remember content of conversation. Item number, SCP-355, Object Class, Euclid. All specimens of SCP-355 are to be kept in a 5 meter by 5 meter plot of ground in a small terrarium in Site-19 and watered daily. This section is to be kept with minimal air movement to prevent accidental release of seeds and provided with standard atmospheric mixture number 14. Dim red light is to be maintained in the room, access to the room is to be granted by Dr. Faiswell and tests are to be performed under his supervision. All visitors are required to wear a thick sole environment suit for the duration of the visit. The entrance to the room is to be secured with an airlock and fan system to prevent the accidental release of seeds. Description, SCP-355 is an unknown species indistinguishable to the naked eye from ordinary grass, but its nearest known genetic relation is the mahogany taxon. A hollow core of cellulose in Buckminster Fullerine runs through the center of each blade to maintain the grass's vertical structure and each vein in the leaf is sheathed in a similar core, resulting in an unusually inflexible grass, sharp enough on the outside to pierce light wood and some plastics. The main blade performs photosynthesis and absorbs atmospheric nutrients as usual. Root structure is unusually deep for a short plant, but otherwise normal. However, this species seems to have developed in a low energy environment, as photosynthetic rates under standard earth atmospheric conditions are inordinately high and accelerate the species' reproductive cycle, causing rapid generation and dispersal of grass seed. Each cycle occurring approximately once every two weeks. This hypothesis is supported by the passive carnivorism, similar to that of the sundew or cobra lily, also from environments low in nutrition. Any creature with insufficiently armored feet that treads on the grass suffers the penetration of their feet by the dense blades, a light liquefying acid, and subsequent drainage of bodily fluids through the hollow core. The plant simultaneously deploys sharp splinters from its edges in reaction to the sudden pressure, making it difficult for the victim to move away. Attempts to do so usually result in pulling the leaf from its root structure, resulting in continued siphoning through the severed stem, or at least severe lacerations to the feet. In order to maintain the species in its containment chamber, the light has been dimmed to levels that prevent atypical growth patterns, and the atmosphere has been appropriately saturated with the necessary nutrients for proper development. SCP-355 was first discovered by accident, following the invasion of a storage facility used by the Chaos Insurgency in B-Alberta, disguised as an ordinary if moderately secluded local residence. During the post-combat evaluations, several casualties were left unaccounted for until discovered on the front lawn, drained of their fluids and being slowly digested. Near a wooden sign clearly labeled, please keep off the grass. The area covered by the plant was determined by the scattering of meat chunks, and a plot of ground was removed for study before the eradication of the remaining area. In this and subsequent encounters with Chaos Insurgency installations, SCP-355 has been successfully destroyed by oxygen poisoning, heavy flame, anti-organic acids, and, in one instance, a variety of commandeered domestic ungulates. SCP-355 seems to be negligibly affected by poisons, including data expunged in the form of tainted meat, vaporous herbicides, or soil toxification. Memo SCP-355 was not among the SCPs stolen from the Foundation during its schism with the Chaos Insurgency and was therefore acquired by them sometime after. Its origin is unknown, although documents seized during, suggested may have been one of several objects deposited by SCP-CI-103. Item Number SCP-376 Object Class SAFE Special Containment Procedures SCP-376 is to remain in the secure agriculture facility at Scyth... It is to be linked to a single underground electric cable that is to be powered by a single generator, not attached to the main power grid. There is no need for any additional security measures to contain SCP-376, other than the existing security at the secure agriculture facility. Description SCP-376 appears to be an irregular traffic light, with an excessive amount of components attached, resembling more of a tree than a standard traffic light. However, SCP-376 is not a man-made object, but is in fact a naturally occurring organism. It is currently unknown how or why SCP-376 has managed to mimic the appearance of a traffic light. Testing is revealed that the exterior of SCP-376 is composed of organic material rather than steel, similar to wood found in regular trees. The bark that it produces hardens to form a protective coating around SCP-376 that takes the appearance of steel. However, while the bark does appear and feel like steel to the touch, it is not nearly as strong, being only able to withstand stresses similar to regular tree bark. The light that SCP-376 produces is a form of bioluminescence, which it is able to manipulate to glow in the three colors commonly associated with traffic lights, red, green, and yellow. SCP-376 is somehow able to control which light activates, and does so in a predictable sequence, though it is not known how or why. A limited observation of SCP-376 shows that it has an uncontrolled growth rate, necessitating constant care and trimming. Each individual traffic light begins as a bud, but will quickly mature into a full-sized traffic light within several minutes. The appearance of a new light on SCP-376 typically happens every 9 to 10 days. Removing one of the lights causes it to cease functioning, and the wound caused in SCP-376 will immediately be closed by growing extra bark. If left alone, the detached light will eventually biodegrade and rot, like any other organism. Unlike other plants, SCP-376 does not use photosynthesis to sustain itself. Instead, its roots will dig through the pavement and ground towards the nearest power line. SCP-376's roots are capable of penetrating underground power lines and patching into them, effectively attaching itself to the local power grid. SCP-376 uses the electricity it obtains as the primary energy to create its food. In terms of reproduction, SCP-376 has a unique method of propagating itself. Rather than using regular spores or seeds, SCP-376 is able to transfer seedlings through the power grid it is connected to, meaning that a new instance of SCP-376 can be created anywhere the power lines reach. SCP-376 was found during rush hour in California on a busy intersection. The entire event was explained as an art exhibition, and SCP-376 was promptly relocated to its current location in the Secure Agriculture Facility. Once it was discovered that SCP-376 required electricity to survive, it was attached to Site-1's power grid. This mistake was quickly realized when on-site staff began reporting the appearance of additional traffic lights scattered around the facility. Once these lights were removed, SCP-376 was connected to a separate power grid that was laid under a specially constructed test area. After analyzing the results, it was discovered that SCP-376 is somehow able to discern which areas it can grow without arousing undue suspicion. All recorded test subjects were reported to grow in areas where traffic light placement would be logical. There is currently no explanation to how SCP-376 is able to control where it grows so effectively. Experiment log, 376B. After continued testing, it became known that SCP-376 is not restricted to just traffic lights. After several weeks of observation, it was noted that additional structures began appearing. So far, the forms instances of SCP-376 can take include but are not limited to fire hydrants, power lines, street lights, and street signs. Experiment log, 376C. After additional testing and observation, it was discovered that the SCP-376 currently contained is an abnormality even among its own kind. DNA comparison between itself and other subjects show that it is suffering from some kind of defect that causes it to grow uncontrollably, which could explain how it was discovered so quickly. Addendum 1. After cross-analyzing Department of Transportation records and total national power consumption, Foundation analysts have estimated that there may be as many as data expunged. Instances of SCP-376 in the continental United States alone. Containment teams are currently being mobilized to search for these instances. SCP-392. Object Class. Safe. Special Containment Procedures. All living SCP-392 instances are to be held in a standard greenhouse sector at Biological Research Site 103. Population of SCP-392 instances is to be kept maintained at an upper limit of 10. Expected SCP-392 seeds are to be extracted and kept in cryonic storage at Biocite 103. Description. SCP-392 is an artificial plant species created via Davidthamaturgy, resembling the species Prunus persica, peach. According to A Chronicle of the Divas, creation of SCP-392 was attributed to Divite Matriarch Walk of the Walk Clan, circa 800 BCE. While originally perceived as an act of social deviance in Divite society, cultivation was tolerated and adopted by matrilineal descendants of the Walk Clan, located in contemporary Central Asia and Xinjiang, China. While SCP-392 is physiologically similar to that of Pea Persica, one significant difference is that SCP-392 does not produce fruits from the ovary upon flowering. Instead, it produces a series of physically identical male human heads. DNA analysis indicates that they are of the same individual. As the tattoos found on the heads are indicative of human concubinus belonging to Divite Matriarchs, it is postulated that the heads grown from SCP-392 represent a human concubinus of the Matriarch Walk Walk. The physiology of heads grown from SCP-392 is mostly identical to that of a human, although the heads lack eyelids, and the seed for SCP-392 is located at the prefrontal cortex. In addition, the heads are capable of responding to external stimuli, as indicated by various reflex actions. PET scans of attached heads have identified neural activity in the brain. Notably, rate of eye movement and neural activity are consistently higher when female humanoid figures are within the head's visual axis, as compared to other types of objects. Below is an abridged list of reflex actions and responses obtained from heads grown from SCP-392.  Results Irises of the head move according to the movement of D690's hand. Test 392-2 Subject D690 Protocol D690 is instructed to caress a head attached to SCP-392. Results Irises of the head move toward the region where it is touched. Jaws of the head open at approximately 5 degrees. No vocalization produced. Test 392-3 Subject D690 Protocol D690 is instructed to place her lips over the lips of a head attached to SCP-392. Results Mouth of the head opened and tongue extended in an attempt to touch D690's lips and tongue. When detached from SCP-392, neural activity and reflex actions from the heads will cease. The heads can be plucked, or will fall from the plant naturally via bureaucracy. When detached from SCP-392, the head will gradually undergo decomposition, allowing the seed to be exposed to water and oxygen. Decomposed matter from the head will then serve as an organic fertilizer for germination. SCP-392 was discovered in the Katsura Imperial Villa at Kyoto, Japan, unexpunged, 1945. Ties to divide culture are later identified via cross-reference of tattoos found on the heads, and this document is subsequently updated with relevant findings from devite sources, known to the Foundation. Addendum 3921 SCP-392 instances planted at Kyoto was conducted during the Pacific War, as part of a ritual to pray for national prosperity. Those specimens originated from a single SCP-392 seed, which was among the gifts from Emperor Yang of the Sui dynasty, in response to tribute sent by Japanese envoys. This practice originated from a description of SCP-392 by the envoy Onono Imoko, alleging it to be a symbol of prosperity only found in the households of nobility. Addendum 3922 Due to the mention of the Sui dynasty, in confirmation of devite involvement, a copy of A History of China, altered by SCP-140 to include devite Chinese interactions, was consulted for additional information. The book mentioned SCP-392 as one of the items looted from captured devite cities by Chinese soldiers, as early as the warring states period, circa 475 BCE to 221 BCE. SCP-392 would be cultivated by these soldiers, who harvested and skinned the heads. The skulls would then be passed off as executed enemy combatants, and presented to officials in exchange for promotion and other rewards, e.g. peerage titles, lands, and slaves. The descendants of many clans involved in SCP-392 cultivation gained prominent positions in various Chinese dynasties, up to the imperial families of various dynasties. Addendum 392371 Specialized Containment Proposal Project Yin Yang Subcategory, Argus 100 The following proposal consists of a cross-test between SCP-392 and SCP-2733. In exchange of SCP-392 and SCP-2733, circumnavigate ethical issues regarding the use of a live human, and long-term maintenance of a live observer. Said cross-test consists of the following phases. 1. One D-Class personnel will be involved in the tending of SCP-392 for a period of one month, and will not be involved in other SCP projects. This is to facilitate priming. 2. Said personnel will then be instructed to open SCP-2733 while thinking of SCP-392. Due to SCP-2733's anomalous effects, it is hypothesized that a head will manifest. 3. SCP-2733 will be kept opened for a test period of one year to examine long-term survival of the head. If long-term survival of the head is possible, further application under Project Yin Yang, subcategory Argus 100 will be considered. Item Number SCP-407 Object Class Neutralized Special Containment Procedure At time of acquisition, SCP-407 was recorded within a compact cassette tape. Currently, SCP-407 is backed up as a digital audio file on data expunged. SCP-407 should not be allowed to play under any circumstances outside testing conditions, and only with the approval of O5-1. Testing of SCP-407 is to be done in completely soundproof environments. All tools and subjects must be sterilized to remove the presence of pollen, fungal pores, plant seeds, and as much bacterial life to the greatest degree possible to delay the negative effects of SCP-407. Description SCP-407 is a song in an unidentified language, seemingly sung a cappella. The voices are thought to be human. The tape containing SCP-407 was found with one track of approximately 30 minutes duration, though the abrupt ending suggests there may be more. The song has been described by all listeners as something along the lines of soothing, glorious, and beautiful. While SCP-407 is played, rapid cell generation seems to occur within auditory radius. This effect seems to occur at the cellular level, and does not require the subject to be able to hear the music. The changes seem to only affect multicellular organisms at first, but quickly begins to affect mitosis in single celled organisms. During the first minute of exposure, all multicellular life forms seem to become healthier. Subjects suffering from malnutrition, scarring, physical injury, or chronic diseases or other medical conditions seem to become healthy within only a minute of exposure to SCP-407. This has been shown to cure Alzheimer's disease, Crohn's disease, brain and spinal cord injuries, and normally fatal infections or wounds, amongst other things. Interestingly, cancer does not seem to be affected, though the subject's physical condition was still vastly improved. During the second and third minute of exposure, subjects start experiencing unnecessary unrestrained cell growth, manifesting and quickly advancing dermal growths. These growths seem to mostly be benign tumors and calcium and fat deposits, which though sometimes painful and disfiguring, are not life-threatening. During the fourth minute of exposure, increased bacterial and fungal growth occurs, creating conditions that grow increasingly dangerous for all exposed life, even in their new healthier states. Respiratory and digestive problems are quick to arrive in most cases, and become steadily worse as time progresses. Past five minutes, the effects of SCP-407 seem to differ each trial. In all cases, trace elements of plants or fungus as well as any animal life present begin to grow and replicate uncontrollably, at varying rates, often shaping into new organisms. Multiple results have varied depending on the test, and on the objects present when SCP-407 is played. Addendum 4071 SCP-407 was found in the home of Professor Weier, who had recently returned from research in the Amazon regions of northern Brazil. Agents were first alerted to a possible SCP when data expunged. Addendum 4072 The mold that eventually resulted from SCP-407's second test appears to be some sort of Cordyceps fungi, noted to be similar to mold encountered by SCP-507, due to fear of fulfilling a fate similar to that observed by 507. Testing using SCP-407 has been limited to using only the first 20 minutes of the recording. Addendum 4073 Experiment log 407 SCP-407 Test Notes Test 1 SCP-407 played for 28 minutes and 32 seconds. One D-Class personnel. Testing area unsterilized. 25 seconds. Subject reports taking a great liking to music and can be observed attempting to hum along. 45 seconds. Subject reports her knee, which had been injured for years, is no longer hurting and is working well. 125. Subject begins doing push-ups. Subject is seemingly euphoric at her physical state. Subject looks younger and shows considerable growth and musculature. Three minutes. Subject stops exercise, reports dizziness and stomach cramps. Subject begins scratching left arm. Three minutes, 40 seconds. Subject is suffering from uncontrollable diarrhea and appears to be in great pain. Dermal clavii are seen appearing on left arm. Small weeds are seen growing in various parts of the testing chamber. Four minutes. Corns on subject's skin are seen spreading quickly throughout body, taking on a whitish hue. Subject communicates that she no longer feels pain. Four minutes and 30 seconds. Subject's skin is completely covered in thick, uneven, calloused skin. Subject no longer communicating. Chamber floor and walls seeing advanced plant growth. Five minutes, 10 seconds. Subject no longer moving and is barely recognizable as skin disfigurement continues. D-class uniform on subject disintegrating for unknown reasons. Six minutes, 45 seconds. Subject is completely unrecognizable as human appears as a large mound of calloused flesh. The subject's new form can be seen expanding and contracting slowly. Fern like plants are seen growing on and around the subject. Seven minutes, 10 seconds. Chamber completely covered in various weeds, plants and ferns. Majority of species are not recognizable. Seven minutes, 55 seconds. Plantage in chamber is extremely thick, many of the observed plants reaching the roof. Mound originating from original subject has grown larger and seen expanding and contracting rhythmically. Eight minutes, 30 seconds. Plants begin taking on a yellow tinge as if wilting. Ten minutes, 30 seconds. All plant life within test chamber has died and quickly decomposed into mulch. Mound is still seen expanding and contracting and has grown about two meters wide and about the same in height. Eleven minutes, a variety of molds and mushrooms are seen growing throughout the chamber on the mulch of the deceased plants. Large mouth-like openings complete with observed sets of teeth have appeared on the outside of the expanding and contracting mound in the middle of the test chamber. Thirteen minutes, 30 seconds. Diversity of fungal life in chamber greatly increased. Fungal forms are seen growing upon one another and upon the mound originating from the primary subject which is still seen expanding and contracting. Fifteen minutes, hand-like structures seen growing in pairs on outside of mound. Fungal life in chamber still abundant. Sixteen minutes, 10 seconds. Fungal-like structures seem to have developed eyes. Soon after eyes open, the structures detach from central mound and become mobile. Hands are seen dragging themselves towards particular fungal species, breaking off pieces and then dragging themselves and the pieces into the mouth-like holes. Eighteen minutes, majority of fungal material disappearing as more and more hands feed fungal material into the central mound. Nineteen minutes, 30 seconds. Various plant shoots are seen growing. All species are completely unrecognizable. Only remaining fungal growths are those on the chamber ceiling. Yellowish vapors are seen coming from the central mass. Twenty-one minutes. One of the organisms formerly identified as a plant is seen to become ambulatory. Organisms appear to grow from small stationary pod-like plants into adult mobile forms which use several barbed tendrils to drag themselves throughout the chamber. They are observed to scale both the walls and ceilings of the test chamber. Though about half the size of the hand-like organisms, the plant-like organisms seem to possess sharp mandibles which they use to destroy and consume the majority of the hand-like beings. Twenty-three minutes. Plant-like organisms begin devouring hand-like growths that continue growing from the central mound as soon as they develop a working eye. Twenty-three minutes and forty seconds. Plant-like organisms are seen feeding fungal material from ceiling into the mouths on the central mound. Twenty-six minutes. Plant-like organisms seemingly breed sexually using directly delivered pollen. Life in chambers seems to be limited to three surviving species. The mobile plant-like organisms, the fungal organism that continues to grow on the ceiling and the central mound on the floor. Twenty-eight minutes, thirty-two seconds. Tape ends. Data expunged. End test one. Test two. SCP-407 played for twenty-eight minutes, thirty-two seconds. Within chamber, one D-class personnel. Unsterilized. Twenty-five seconds. Subject reports feeling soothed by the music and a feeling stronger and more invigorated. Forty-five seconds. Liver spots and scars previously seen are shown to disappear. Two minutes and twenty seconds. Subject appears to have physically grown an inch. Increase in musculature is noticeable. Three minutes and forty seconds. Subject reports intestinal pain. Four minutes and twenty seconds. Subject begins vomiting. From vomit, plants are seen growing and slowly rooting into the tile floor. Four minutes and fifty seconds. Subject starts developing rashes and growths on skin. Five minutes and thirty seconds. Heavy dermal disfigurement. Subject panting heavily, begging for help. Great pain reported. Six minutes ten seconds. Subject falls to the ground and ceases to move. Six minutes forty-five seconds. Subject's body is quickly covered in what is thought to be fungal infections. Plant growth is observed growing from the subject's mouth, then eye sockets. Seven minutes thirty seconds. Subject is by this time unrecognizable, covered in molds and plant shoots. Body bursts as a banana tree emerges from the subject's intestines and proceeds to grow to maturity within seconds. Eight minutes forty-five seconds. Plant and fungal growth has begun to spread throughout the testing chamber. What appears to be moss and weeds cover the floor. Nine minutes thirty seconds. Several shoots, stalks, bushes and even small trees have appeared. Banana tree is no longer recognizable. The tree has grown thick and is covered with foliage and fungal growth. Ten minutes thirty seconds. The air is heavy with pollen and spores. Vision into testing chamber is difficult. Eleven minutes thirty seconds. Movement is heard within the chamber. Several different small insect-like creatures are observed. Creatures are seemingly made of plant matter. Seventeen minutes and thirty seconds.  Creatures increasingly progressing in size as time increases. Nineteen minutes. Medium-sized mammalian creatures are observed. They seem humanoid and bear a resemblance to initial subject. Twenty-one minutes. Large fungal stalk is observed to grow from one of the mammalian creatures. Stalk and bursts, dispensing white spores. Twenty-two minutes. Plant growth is still lush, but everything begins to become coated by a layer of mold.  Twenty-three minutes. Mammalian creatures are the last to succumb. They heavily decay and become covered in the same mold. Bodies are shown to contract and expand as if breathing. Stalks quickly rise from the bodies, burst with spores, and then just as quickly rot. Twenty-eight minutes, thirty-two seconds. Tape ends. No change in chamber since the appearance of the mold. Chamber undergoes rigorous anti-biological cleansing. Samples of the mold were taken. Sea addenda 4071-4072. End test two. Addendum 4074. SCP-407 has been deleted from the system by what is now known to the Foundation as the Interest Group, Serpent's Hand. All known backup copies of SCP-407 have also been deleted. Refer to the following incident report X-23. Security breach incident. X-23. On date expunged, SCP Site-19 breached by operatives from an organization known to the Foundation only as the Serpent's Hand. Site-19 breach. The breach of Site-19 seems to have been the second of two break-ins into SCP properties by... known to the Foundation as LS. This individual was responsible for a previous security breach, having coordinated the theft of SCP-268. Though data expunged, it is evident from video surveillance that SCP-268 was involved in this infiltration. The intruder known as LS seems to have simply walked into Site-19. The intrusion seems to have been for the purpose of using SCP-914. Knowledge of the intruder's use of SCP-914 can only be assumed due to the intruder's interruption of Dr. W. During routine testing, Dr. W seems to have been data expunged, resulting in the intrusion's only personnel casualty. SCP-407 seems to have been deleted from the Foundation's system during this time, so it can only be assumed the individuals involved are responsible. Whether this means the file has been completely destroyed, or possibly in the hands of this rogue group, is unknown. A short printed note was found in SCP-914's chamber. This note is the only insight the Foundation currently has of the group responsible for this incident.  You think yourselves the shepherd, guarding the flocks of the unwise over the night, but you are so shaken by doubt and fear, then in your bewildered arrogance, you would vainly seek to chain the sun itself unto the heavens, to hold back the daily night. The delivering angels themselves you contain with three digits and four walls. Do you not see the blindness with which you walk and swing your blade? On the final day, would you have us contain Black Surder himself with measures in science, and condemn ourselves to rotten stagnancy as you hold back his pure cleansing fires? I do not ask you not to act, but act with enlightenment and heart. Neither should one be seduced by the dark nor blinded by the light, but walk firmly in the twilight and gaze unto all realms. Walk the world of fire with bare feet and you will find yourself without the scars you never knew you had. Alas, in your fears, you fail to see the old gods that we all are and unable to accept this sovereignty, detain both thought and essence of those that would take man beyond the mundane. Do not be so eager to hold back the tides of unrelenting destruction that you trample what brave weed that would dare grow in the monochrome world you wish to pave. Such blind order stifles chaos, and what is chaos but life? I leave you with one final truth. The Garden is the Serpent's Place. The divinities of fear and order who come to walk in the cool evening air are only visitors. Do not fail to see the evil hiding in the light, nor the aromatic beauty of the palest flower of darkness. Sign sincerely, LS PS, you'll thank me for deleting what you call 407. Item number, SCP-417 Object Class Euclid Potentially Keter Special Containment Procedures Due to SCP-417's inability to be moved safely, SCP-417 remains stationary and The area surrounding SCP-417, 2.58 km2 approximately, is patrolled by guards and bordered with a chain-linked fence topped with barbed wire. Civilians are informed that a small village with a highly virulent plague is being quarantined until further notice. Trespassers are to be shot on sight. Only Class D personnel are permitted to directly handle and work with SCP-417. As wild animals seem to instinctively eschew SCP-417, no action need to be taken against animals seen in the enclosed area. All victims bitten by SCP-4171 may be granted immediate euthanasia on request and their body is to be placed in a sealed container and cremated immediately. Those that do not request will have the same immediate termination, except in the case of test subjects. Description SCP-417 resembles an African baobab tree in general size and structure, though it lacks leaves, giving it a dead appearance. Its bark has a drab off-color appearance. Despite the absence of leaves, SCP-417 bears fruit every sundown. Small buds form as the sun rises and the fruit grows and matures quickly over the course of the day before ripening into pomegranate-sized, hard-husked fruit. This fruit has dark purple-black skin and a mostly smooth texture that grows pebbly as it becomes overripe. This hard husk may be cut or peeled away by hand or with tools. Removal of the skin reveals no fruit or pulp, but a hollow cavity containing several insects, collectively known as SCP-4171. The appearance and species of SCP-4171 change from fruit to fruit, as well as the scope of the ensuing swarm. SCP-4171 will unanimously attack anything that moves with startlingly painful bites. Within the first few minutes, bites sustained from the swarm swell into painful red sores with minor puncture wounds. No known remedy will soothe the pain of the bites. In 5% of the recorded cases, bites have no lasting effect and the swelling and pain reduce after a few days. 45% of the time, those bitten will begin to have convulsions and suffer from a fatal heart attack within several hours. At that stage, their body will rot and dissolve in an accelerated rate. In the area where their body had been, a new tree will begin to grow over the course of the next few days. In the remaining 50%, after an indeterminate period of 2-24 hours, those afflicted begin to complain of severe pains and muscle atrophy, expelling flesh by data expunged, appear to coincide with the approximate mass of SCP-4171. While growing, the plague trees, as they have been dubbed, are vulnerable to being felled, incineration, and conventional herbicides. SCP-417 cannot be moved, as all attempts to foul or shift the original tree result in severe agitation of the branches, causing all instances of the fruit to fall to the ground, splitting and releasing massive swarms of SCP-4171. Thankfully, SCP-4171 does not seem to survive for longer than 1-2 hours, dying with little incident. If the fruit of SCP-417 is not picked or shaken off the branches, it simply rots on the branches and falls to the ground with no ill effects. Addendum 417A Although SCP-417 is currently listed as a Euclid-class item, its potential for spreading has sparked some argument over a possible transfer to Ketter class. Addendum 417B Notable specimens of 4171 Several dozen creatures resembling black widow spiders, except with only four long cricket-like legs each that allowed for them to make astonishingly long fast jumps. Twenty wasps with red and orange stripes and wings, similar to those of a butterfly, capable of surprisingly fast flight.  Thousands of tiny fruit fly-esque creatures that emitted a high-pitched buzzing. Item number SCP-437 Object Class Euclid Special Containment Procedures A fenced perimeter has been established around SCP-437. Foundation horticulturalists are to be kept on-site to monitor and care for SCP-437A instances. Testing is prohibited pending review by the Ethics Committee.  Description SCP-437 is a large grove of trees located in Camp Lakewood, Illinois, USA. It contains 64 instances of SCP-437A. SCP-437A are numerous trees common to North America. Each instance has several cankers, atypical interior structures, sea below, and, rather than sap, contain significant quantities of human blood. SCP-437 was discovered by the Foundation in 2011, 20 years after the summer camp's closure. Employment records for Camp Lakewood have not been found. All persons who attended Camp Lakewood during the summer of 1991 are persons of interest and are still currently at large. Addendum 437.1, Interview. POI 43715 was brought in after genetic analysis of blood samples from an instance of SCP-437A led to a match in Foundation hospital records. Audio log. Date, 2014-09-15. Interviewer, Agent Bennett. Subject, POI 43715. Samantha Blanchett. Begin log. Interviewer, did you attend Camp Lakewood in 1991? P-15, is that what this is about? Uh, yeah, that was, wow. Two decades ago? Wow, I was 15, I think. That really takes me back. Interviewer, what do you remember from your time there? P-15, best summer ever. It was an amazing place. I was so sad to go, especially when we found out it was closing. I made so many friends there, so many great memories. I think, yeah, it's even where I had my first kiss. Interviewer, did you ever see any strange trees to the south of the camp? P-15, huh? Interviewer, two kilometers to the south, there's a grove of trees. Are you familiar with it? P-15, I mean, sure, we all were. Interviewer, in what sense?  Stories the counselors would tell around the campfire. Spooky trees down the southern trail, something trapped inside of them. Go there at night, press your ear against the bark, and you can hear it singing. Interviewer, singing. P-15, yeah, like I said, goofy kid stuff. Interviewer, did you ever go there yourself? Silence. Interviewer, Miss Blanchett, P-15, huh? Oh, sorry, no, I never went there. Too scared, I guess. That was a pretty crazy summer, you know? Sometimes I really miss that place. And log. Note, shortly after the interview, POI 437-15 escaped custody via unknown, presumably anomalous means. Subsequent investigations found all POIs associated with SCP-437 have been recently reported as missing. Addendum 437.2, email update. SCP-437 Medical Findings Log. Date, 2016-07-20. From Dr. Weiss. To Site Director August. Subject, Recent Findings. Radiographic and ultrasound imaging determine the presence of humanoid skeletal structures and soft tissue in each instance of SCP-437-A. Organs are woven into the trees themselves and appear to be semi-functional. Although severely deformed, most of the bones are consistent with adolescent humans between the ages of 13 and 16. In several cases, deformation of the jaw has been minimal. This allowed us to identify certain instances via dental records taken before 1991. I don't think your POIs are the campers, Jeremiah. I suggest we sub-designate them as part of SCP-437. As for the SCP-437-A instances themselves, I want to look into the possibility of euthanizing them. They've been in there for 20 years. When you press your ear against the bark, you can hear them. It's low and muffled, but you can hear them just fine.