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Description

Another entry in my collection of SCP-inspired creations - using the sixth prompt in the 30-Monster-Challenge - “Spider.”

Subject: BA-XX20
Discovered in eastern Peru, reports of this anomaly’s presence were initially regarded with skepticism by local authorities. This was due to its passive state, in which it bears some resemblance to the large but not unheard-of communal spider webs occasionally spotted in the jungle. The reports themselves were sporadic, and usually consisted of livestock or pets being supposedly “swallowed up” by a large spider web. However, a recent incident involving the death of two university students (both entomology majors) on an internship excursion, as reported by a local guide who had witnessed the scene, led to the ultimate dispatch of an investigation team.
Unchecked, this anomaly is capable of spreading itself over a very large area while in its passive state - upon discovery, it had reached an approximate area of 5,750 square meters. In this state, it behaves similarly to most other communal spider webs, with the primary difference being the types of spiders found living in its structure. A variety of species were found to be using this anomaly as their home, forgoing any natural instincts of hostility towards one another and feeding on the countless small prey items caught in the web. Some were also observed contributing their own silk to the structure, though no single species could be identified as being primarily responsible for its creation.
The presence of any living animal of adequate size will trigger this anomaly’s “active” state. When prey is detected, its webbing will coalesce into a humanoid form in the nearest available proximity to the target and attempt to grapple onto it. The size and level of completion exhibited by this form is proportional to the mass available to it. It has also been noted to manifest “eyes,” though the reason for this is unknown; it is still not fully understood how it perceives its environment. This form, consisting of tightly-interwoven silk fibers, is extremely strong, and secretes a particularly tough adhesive. Once prey is grabbed, it is quickly enveloped by the “body” of the anomaly, which will then settle itself into a sheltered position as a large cocoon. Death typically occurs by asphyxiation, but may also be caused by injury or other complications due to the body’s positioning once compacted in such a way. Once prey has been successfully contained, the webbing on the interior of this cocoon will cease producing adhesive, and instead begin to secrete a powerful digestive enzyme. It is theorized that the protein extracted from its animal prey is subsequently used in the production of more silk, though the precise mechanisms involved remain unknown. It has also been observed that the various spider species hosted by this anomaly will also partake in its kills, once the prey has reached a suitable stage of liquefaction.
Containment of this anomaly demands regular monitoring and reduction of its mass within its containment area, which can be achieved using controlled burning methods (such as fire or chemicals). This will trigger its secondary defensive mechanism - its primary defense being to attack the offender. When exposed to a persistent natural threat, such as fire, it will pull its remaining mass into a tightly-woven cocoon until said threat has passed. It is extremely durable in this phase, and while it may still lose several layers of silk, the innermost layers have thus far remained in-tact during testing. In this state, it is considered safe to handle, as it will remain dormant for at least 24 hours after such an event. However, it should be noted that following a “burn” event, its behavior will become extremely aggressive as it attempts to restore its lost mass. In this post-burn phase, it will remain in its humanoid shape and actively hunt until it has consumed enough to begin reconstructing its main web.
Note: Since containment, this anomaly has shown the ability to learn behavior patterns, memorizing the schedules - and roles - of assigned testing staff. While this denotes intelligence, it has thus far been uncooperative during IQ testing.

As always, let me know what you think! ^_^ And of course, let me know if you have any other ideas for a creature such as this.

Description

Another entry in my collection of SCP-inspired creations - using the sixth prompt in the 30-Monster-Challenge - “Spider.”

Subject: BA-XX20
Discovered in eastern Peru, reports of this anomaly’s presence were initially regarded with skepticism by local authorities. This was due to its passive state, in which it bears some resemblance to the large but not unheard-of communal spider webs occasionally spotted in the jungle. The reports themselves were sporadic, and usually consisted of livestock or pets being supposedly “swallowed up” by a large spider web. However, a recent incident involving the death of two university students (both entomology majors) on an internship excursion, as reported by a local guide who had witnessed the scene, led to the ultimate dispatch of an investigation team.
Unchecked, this anomaly is capable of spreading itself over a very large area while in its passive state - upon discovery, it had reached an approximate area of 5,750 square meters. In this state, it behaves similarly to most other communal spider webs, with the primary difference being the types of spiders found living in its structure. A variety of species were found to be using this anomaly as their home, forgoing any natural instincts of hostility towards one another and feeding on the countless small prey items caught in the web. Some were also observed contributing their own silk to the structure, though no single species could be identified as being primarily responsible for its creation.
The presence of any living animal of adequate size will trigger this anomaly’s “active” state. When prey is detected, its webbing will coalesce into a humanoid form in the nearest available proximity to the target and attempt to grapple onto it. The size and level of completion exhibited by this form is proportional to the mass available to it. It has also been noted to manifest “eyes,” though the reason for this is unknown; it is still not fully understood how it perceives its environment. This form, consisting of tightly-interwoven silk fibers, is extremely strong, and secretes a particularly tough adhesive. Once prey is grabbed, it is quickly enveloped by the “body” of the anomaly, which will then settle itself into a sheltered position as a large cocoon. Death typically occurs by asphyxiation, but may also be caused by injury or other complications due to the body’s positioning once compacted in such a way. Once prey has been successfully contained, the webbing on the interior of this cocoon will cease producing adhesive, and instead begin to secrete a powerful digestive enzyme. It is theorized that the protein extracted from its animal prey is subsequently used in the production of more silk, though the precise mechanisms involved remain unknown. It has also been observed that the various spider species hosted by this anomaly will also partake in its kills, once the prey has reached a suitable stage of liquefaction.
Containment of this anomaly demands regular monitoring and reduction of its mass within its containment area, which can be achieved using controlled burning methods (such as fire or chemicals). This will trigger its secondary defensive mechanism - its primary defense being to attack the offender. When exposed to a persistent natural threat, such as fire, it will pull its remaining mass into a tightly-woven cocoon until said threat has passed. It is extremely durable in this phase, and while it may still lose several layers of silk, the innermost layers have thus far remained in-tact during testing. In this state, it is considered safe to handle, as it will remain dormant for at least 24 hours after such an event. However, it should be noted that following a “burn” event, its behavior will become extremely aggressive as it attempts to restore its lost mass. In this post-burn phase, it will remain in its humanoid shape and actively hunt until it has consumed enough to begin reconstructing its main web.
Note: Since containment, this anomaly has shown the ability to learn behavior patterns, memorizing the schedules - and roles - of assigned testing staff. While this denotes intelligence, it has thus far been uncooperative during IQ testing.

As always, let me know what you think! ^_^ And of course, let me know if you have any other ideas for a creature such as this.