Brief
SCP-TOY — SCP-438
SCP-448 FILE
Item #: SCP-448Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: SCP-448 is to be kept in a 3m x 3m x 3m room, decorated with colorful wallpaper, warm lighting, and several small children's toys scattered about. When not under observation, object is to be kept on its pedestal at all times. Room must be kept clean and in good condition. All personnel entering the room (clearance level 2 and above and only one at a time) for any reason are reminded to smile and keep a cheerful disposition while in the presence of SCP-448.
Description: Object appears to be a child's Jack-in-the-box toy. The box portion is 13cm along each side and is constructed of tin, with a colorful decal depicting a smiling clown on each facet of the box except for the bottom and right side, which holds the turn crank. When cranked, the toy plays "Pop Goes the Weasel", causing the "Jack" to leap out the top before the final five notes, as most toys of its kind normally do.
The "Jack", however, transforms to reflect the mood of any person within 3m of the object. The strength of one's mood also affects its appearance, and every form it has taken has been unique. While the hand crank is functional, SCP-448 has been shown to randomly activate itself. Once out of the box, the "Jack" will stay out of the box until the lid is closed or the influencing person leaves the room.
When approached by more than one person, object will stay shut and instead shake vigorously, becoming more and more violent until one or both persons leave its area of influence. In this state SCP-448 cannot be opened nor can it be activated, and can be dangerous the longer it stays in this state. Attempting to fake emotions, such as smiling when one is actually depressed, delays the self-activation of the artifact but does not completely fool it. X-rays do not penetrate the box's surface.
The following moods have been observed:
Happy: Smiling clown. While the clown's face, outfit and color scheme are different every time, its mood is consistent. In this state during special events, such as holidays and birthdays, object SCP-448 has been found to sing an appropriate song to the influencing person. "Happy Birthday", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", "Here Comes the Bride", "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", and "American Pie" have been recorded. SCP-448's voice has been described as high-pitched and irritating.
Sad: Frowning clown. Tears have been often recorded to flow from clown's eyes. Chemical analysis has found them to be of the same composition as human tears. When approached by persons with suicidal thoughts, Object takes the form of [DATA EXPUNGED]
Angry: [DATA EXPUNGED]
Scared: Unknown. In this state, lid will only open slightly before quickly shutting. Sounds of whimpering, screaming and crying can be heard from within.
Dog/Animals: Anthropomorphic dog wearing clown outfit. When approached by any animal other than human, Object will take the form of an anthropomorphic version of that same animal in clown garb.
Emotionless: Blank white cloth doll. This occurs when the object is approached by an entity incapable of feeling emotion, such as [DATA EXPUNGED].
It is unknown if SCP-448's environment also affects whatever form it takes. Until further testing is performed, its current containment procedures will not be altered.
Addendum: All attempts at physically penetrating or otherwise destroying SCP-448 have been unsuccessful. This is not because it is indestructible- rather, when approached with the intent of dismantling, object will retaliate by opening up (without any cranking or music) and relentlessly attacking the approaching person with what appears to be a red boxing glove on the end of a long, rigid metal spring. The glove itself has been recorded reaching speeds up to 235 kph. Attempts to damage it from outside its area of influence with long-ranged weaponry results in [DATA EXPUNGED].
Read more at scp-wiki.wikidot.com
The containment chamber was painted in soft pastel colors with cartoon clouds on the walls and colorful rugs on the floor, all intended to maintain a “positive emotional environment.”
You sat alone on a small plastic chair facing the low table.
SCP-448 — a classic red tin jack-in-the-box — rested quietly in the center. Its painted clown faces smiled cheerfully from every side, and the metal crank gleamed under the lights.
The researcher’s voice came through the speaker:
“D-████, you are the only test subject. Turn the crank at a steady pace until the music ends. Report any changes in your emotional state. Do not stop turning unless instructed. Begin.”
You reached out and began turning the crank.
The familiar melody of “Pop Goes the Weasel” started playing, tinny and upbeat.
As the music continued, you felt your usual morning anxiety and irritation slowly rising. Being a D-class meant every day carried that low-level dread, and today it felt heavier than usual.
Right before the final notes, the lid snapped open with a loud POP!
The Jack sprang up on its spring.
It was a brightly painted clown with rosy cheeks and a wide grin — but its expression was already changing.
The painted smile slowly drooped at the corners, turning into a deep frown. The eyebrows angled downward into a sharp scowl. The cheerful clown face gradually transformed into a perfect mirror of how you felt inside: tense, frustrated, and quietly angry.
The Jack stared directly at you, its painted face now locked in an exaggerated version of your current mood.
You felt your irritation spike higher.
The clown’s scowl deepened further. Its head tilted slightly to the side, mirroring the exact way you often tilted your head when annoyed. Its tiny plastic hands clenched into fists.
The Jack’s entire body trembled slightly on the spring, perfectly reflecting the growing frustration bubbling inside you.
You tried to calm yourself, but the more you focused on the toy, the stronger the feeling became.
The Jack’s scowl twisted even more, its painted mouth pulling into a tight, angry line. Its eyebrows were now deeply furrowed, and its eyes seemed to narrow with clear irritation.
It leaned forward aggressively on its spring, bringing its scowling face uncomfortably close to yours.
The toy remained completely silent.
There was no voice. No words. Only the physical expression of your own rising anger staring back at you — amplified and exaggerated in colorful painted plastic.
The longer you looked at it, the worse you felt.
Your hands clenched. Your jaw tightened. The Jack’s painted face grew darker and angrier in perfect sync, feeding off your emotions and reflecting them back at you like a mirror.
The box began to shake lightly on the table.
The Jack suddenly jerked forward again, its scowl now almost hateful, its tiny fists raised as if ready to strike.
It stayed completely mute the entire time.
Only its face and body language spoke — loudly, violently, and with terrifying accuracy — showing exactly how you felt.
And the worse you felt…
…the angrier the Jack became.
