The SCP Foundation relies on a standardized system of object classes to communicate the potential threat posed by anomalous items, entities, and locations. Understanding these classifications is essential for anyone interacting with the Foundation's database, as the designation directly correlates with the resources required to contain the anomaly. While the primary purpose is logistical, defining whether an item is Safe, Euclid, or Keter dictates the level of security protocols and budgetary allocation assigned to its study and preservation.
Standard Object Classes
Standard object classes form the backbone of the Foundation's classification hierarchy, representing the most common threat levels encountered in the field. These categories are defined by the ease or difficulty of containment, rather than the severity of the harm the anomaly can cause. A standard object is evaluated based on its current activity level, the predictability of its behavior, and the effectiveness of existing containment procedures.
Safe Class
An object is classified as Safe if containment procedures are straightforward, reliable, and easily maintained. These anomalies typically require minimal resources to keep under control and pose little to no risk of breach under standard operating conditions. Examples include items that are inert, require specific triggers to activate, or can be neutralized with simple physical or chemical processes.
Euclid Class
The Euclid classification is the most versatile and frequently applied designation within the Foundation. An Euclid object exhibits unpredictable behavior or requires complex, resource-intensive procedures to maintain containment. Unlike Safe anomalies, Euclid-class entities might display intelligence, adaptability, or resistance to standard protocols, making them a persistent challenge for researchers and security personnel.
Keter Class Keter-class objects are the most difficult to contain, representing scenarios where standard containment measures have failed or are deemed insufficient. These anomalies often possess capabilities that allow them to bypass security, breach facilities, or actively resist neutralization efforts. Due to the high risk associated with these entities, they are prioritized for maximum resource allocation and continuous observation. Thaumiel and Other Special Classes Beyond the standard tiers, the Foundation utilizes special object classes to describe anomalies with unique strategic importance or operational status. These classifications are rare and reserved for objects that serve a specific, critical function within the broader structure of the organization. Thaumiel Class
Keter-class objects are the most difficult to contain, representing scenarios where standard containment measures have failed or are deemed insufficient. These anomalies often possess capabilities that allow them to bypass security, breach facilities, or actively resist neutralization efforts. Due to the high risk associated with these entities, they are prioritized for maximum resource allocation and continuous observation.
Thaumiel and Other Special Classes
Beyond the standard tiers, the Foundation utilizes special object classes to describe anomalies with unique strategic importance or operational status. These classifications are rare and reserved for objects that serve a specific, critical function within the broader structure of the organization.
Designated Thaumiel objects are anomalous items that are actively utilized to contain other, more dangerous anomalies. These entities function as tools or weapons within the Foundation's arsenal, effectively serving as a countermeasure against Keter-level threats. The preservation of a Thaumiel object is usually of the highest priority, as its loss could result in catastrophic containment breaches elsewhere.
Neutralized and Explained
An object loses its original classification when it is Neutralized, meaning the anomaly has been destroyed, deactivated, or rendered harmless. Similarly, an item may be reclassified as Explained once sufficient research reveals it to be a naturally occurring phenomenon that does not require anomalous containment. These designations are dynamic, reflecting the current state of knowledge and control rather than a fixed truth about the object's nature.
Secondary Groupings and Contextual Use
To provide additional context regarding the nature of the threat, secondary prefixes are often attached to the primary object class. These modifiers offer insight into the origin or composition of the anomaly, distinguishing between biological, cognitohazardous, or supernatural threats. This layer of classification ensures that personnel are aware of the specific risks associated with handling the object.
Tomes and Voids
The "Tome" designation is applied to objects of historical, archaeological, or religious significance that possess anomalous properties. These items often contain knowledge or information that is itself dangerous or transformative. Conversely, the "Void" classification is used for locations or entities that are ontologically hazardous, posing a threat to existence, reality, or the self simply by being observed or interacted with.
