Understanding ACS
Table of Contents
Section I > Introduction
The Anomaly Classification System (ACS) represents a thoroughly designed framework devised by the SCP Foundation to systematically categorize all SCP entities, both presently under the Foundation's containment and those that may warrant future inclusion. Each individual SCP anomaly is methodically assessed through the process of three fundamental criteria: the Containment Class, the Disruption Class, and the Risk Class. This system ensures a comprehensive and structured approach to the classification and management of anomalous phenomena within the Foundation's purview.
Why is this important? The system is crucial for comprehending SCP entities and how the Foundation manages them. It is vital for scientific personnel to understand anomalies for testing and interactions, as it is integral to their professional responsibilities. Overall, the system is central to the Foundation's operations, symbolizing the dedication required to unravel its enigmatic scope.
Please note: The ACS system is not used for PRI SCP classifications. It is only to be used as a Student Exam resource and for RP purposes.
Section II > Containment Classifications & The Box Analogy
When establishing the containment classification for a newly introduced SCP, it is important to address a prevalent misconception. While there is a tendency to associate heightened danger exclusively with Keter classification and to overlook the viability of the "Safe" category, it is crucial to acknowledge that this perception oversimplifies the matter. Containment classification depends on assessing the inherent complexities involved in containing a given SCP anomaly, more so than a mere consideration of its potential hazard level.
That being said, an easy way to understand and simplify the containment classification process is to utilize the well-known Box Analogy (or Box Metaphor). Essentially, it goes like this:
SAFE - “If you can put it in a box and leave it alone, and nothing out of the ordinary happens, it is Safe.”
EUCLID - “If you can put it in a box and leave it alone, and there’s no telling what will happen, it is Euclid.”
KETER - “If you put it in a box and leave it alone, and it escapes with relative ease, it is Keter.”
THAUMIEL - “If it is the box, it is Thaumiel.”
ESOTERIC - “You nor the box have an idea what it is.”
APPOLYON - “No box conceivable by mankind will work.”
Keep these in mind when classifying an SCP’s containment classification. For a more in-depth explanation of the three primary classes most commonly utilized, refer to the descriptions below.
SAFE: These anomalies are relatively well-understood and easily containable. They pose minimal risk to personnel and the general public if properly managed. Containment procedures are generally straightforward and behavior predictable.
(SCP-131, SCP-1200, SCP-4966, SCP-527, etc)
EUCLID: These anomalies are unpredictable or require a moderate level of attention and resources to contain. They exhibit varying behaviors and can be harder to fully understand or handle. Containment procedures may be adjusted over time.
(SCP-008, SCP-2561, SCP-662, SCP-409, etc)
KETER: This class is reserved for the most dangerous and challenging-to-contain anomalies. These SCPs often have highly unpredictable behavior, immense destructive potential, or require extensive resources to control. Containment procedures aren’t always effective.
(SCP-173, SCP-457, etc)
Section III > Disruption Classifications
In addition to deciding the containment classification assigned to an SCP, it is imperative to concurrently ascertain its Disruption class. The Disruption class describes how the anomaly in question has the potential to impact or modify the established societal norms and equilibrium -- (Status). The extent of this impact can greatly diverge among distinct SCP entities. Thus, the process of discerning the Disruption class assumes a paramount role, warranting deliberate and precise consideration.
DARK: For the namesake, “Dark” was chosen for simplicity, akin to “Safe” in containment classes. Dark anomalies have minimal societal impact, slow, or individual effects, and low cleanup priority as its effects would be minuscule and not worth the concern.
(SCP-131, SCP-500, SCP-207, SCP-1200, etc)
VLAM: Dutch for “flame,” signifies small-group disruption. Vlam SCPs affect a limited number of individuals, relatively easy to manage post-incident. While it can affect multiple people, it won’t spread to a significant degree to warrant any major protocols.
(SCP-034, SCP-1162, SCP-1208, SCP-1068, etc)
KENEQ: Alutiiq for “Campfire.” Anomalies classified as Keneq have enough potential to disrupt a city or enough people to populate a city. Influence can spread at a relatively fast speed, enough for the Foundation to care. Can be moderately difficult to counter.
(SCP-2561, SCP-662, SCP-049, etc)
EKHI: Basque for “Sun.” Anomalies classified as Ekhi are very hazardous and volatile. Influence can spread from large cities to multiple countries. Countering/managing these anomalies are met with extreme difficulty and warrants Foundation attention.
(SCP-008, SCP-409, SCP-343, etc)
AMIDA: “Amida” refers to the Buddha of Eternal Light. Anomalies classified as Amida possess such large influence that they threaten to break or have already broken the Veil. Handling these anomalies is the highest priority. Influence can range from global up to the universe itself.
(SCP-9773, PoI-001/SCP-Q)
Section IV > Risk Classifications
Concluding the assessment of the SCP, after establishing both the Containment and Disruption classification, the culminating phase entails the discernment of the Risk Classification. The Risk Classification is an evaluation based on the severity of an anomaly’s anomalous effects upon an individual and how difficult it may be to remedy the effects. This is why paying close attention during initial testing is key.
NOTICE: Anomalies categorized under Notice pose minimal risk potential. Effects on human subjects are rare and mild, often imperceptible due to their negligible nature or absence. Essentially, one most likely wouldn’t feel any effects.
(SCP-005, SCP-131, SCP-500, SCP-9883, etc)
CAUTION: Anomalies categorized under Caution entail a moderate risk potential. Effects on human subjects are discernible, typically ranging from mild to moderately hazardous. Affected individuals may experience tangible manifestations.
(SCP-1162, SCP-662, SCP-2561, etc)
WARNING: Anomalies categorized under Warning present a substantial risk potential. These anomalies generally induce effects of mild to severe intensity on human subjects, constituting a moderate peril for individuals in proximity to the SCP.
(SCP-343, SCP-1208, etc)
DANGER: Anomalies categorized under Danger carry a notably high-risk potential, entailing a pronounced likelihood of human susceptibility to their effects. The impact is frequently lethal, spanning from significant to extreme severity. Proximity should be kept distant.
(SCP-049, SCP-2398, SCP-457, etc)
CRITICAL: Anomalies categorized under Critical carry immeasurable risk potential. Their effects can manifest instantaneously and with severe consequences. Critical SCPs often lead to fatalities, although survival remains slightly possible but highly uncertain.
(SCP-008, SCP-409, SCP-173, SCP-131-GRY, etc)
Section V> Additional Classifications
As previously indicated, the range of containment classifications extends beyond the conventional three. Within the context of “Additional Classifications,” the terminology pertains to a distinct subset encompassing two lesser-utilized containment designations, namely Pending and Esoteric. For a full list of additional classifications, check here.
PENDING: Anomalies categorized under Pending have yet to receive an official classification through the use of the Anomaly Classification System (ACS). This generally means the SCP itself has only been recently added to the roster of SCPs within Paragon.
(Currently no SCPs in PRI warrant Pending Classification.)
ESOTERIC: Anomalies categorized under Esoteric exhibit properties and characteristics that defy conventional understanding and classification systems. These anomalies often challenge the boundaries of known scientific principles and elude standard classification procedures.
(SCP-131-GRY, SCP-343, SCP-9773)
PAGNUM: Anomalies designated as Pagnum facilitate its form of self-containment, necessitating intensive observations and proactive procedures from the Foundation.
(SCP-049)
TICONDEROGA: Anomalies designated as Ticonderoga are SCPs that cannot currently be contained by the Foundation, but do not necessarily require any extensive containment procedures due to the nature of the anomaly.
(SCP-343, SCP-9773)
APOLLYON: Anomalies designated as Apollyon pertain to SCP’s that defy containment due to their inherent nature, posing existential threats to reality or the universe. They challenge the Foundation's capabilities and require effort to mitigate their potential impact.
(SCP-131-GRY)
Section VI > ACS Examples
Section VII > Closing Remarks
Scientific Command hopes that this document will help you in your endeavors within ScD. Nobody is perfect, so never be afraid to refer to this document for questions or situations that you may be faced with.
We would like to credit https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/anomaly-classification-system-guide for the symbols used in our ACS system as well as the ACS system itself.
This documentation was created and approved by Central Command.
