SCP-113: The Gender-Switching Stone - Fictional Item Guide
SCP-113, also known as "The Primary Red" or "The Gender-Switching Stone," is a fictional anomalous object from the collaborative creative writing project called the SCP Foundation. It is described as a small, smooth, red stone that has the ability to transform a person's biological sex when touched with bare skin. This is a completely fictional item that exists only in the shared universe of the SCP Foundation creative fiction project.
Introduction to the SCP Foundation Universe
Before delving into SCP-113 specifically, it's important to understand the creative context in which it exists:
What is the SCP Foundation?
The SCP Foundation is a collaborative fictional universe created through collective writing on the internet. Key elements include:
- Premise: A secret organization that contains anomalous objects, entities, and phenomena to protect the public from supernatural threats
- Format: Written as scientific documentation, reports, and logs from the perspective of Foundation personnel
- Creation: Started in 2007 on the /x/ paranormal board of 4chan, before expanding to its own wiki
- Collaboration: Thousands of writers have contributed entries, creating a massive shared universe
- Popularity: Has inspired games, art, videos, and a large online community
Understanding SCP Designations
In this fictional universe, anomalous items are classified with "SCP" designations:
- SCP: Stands for either "Secure, Contain, Protect" (the Foundation's motto) or "Special Containment Procedures"
- Numbering System: Each anomalous object is assigned a number (e.g., SCP-113)
- Object Class: Items are classified based on containment difficulty (Safe, Euclid, Keter, etc.)
- Documentation: Each SCP has a standard format including containment procedures, description, and often experiment logs
Important Fiction Disclaimer
It is crucial to understand that SCP-113 and the entire SCP Foundation universe are works of fiction. None of the objects, entities, or organizations described exist in reality. The SCP Foundation is a creative writing project and should be enjoyed as fiction, similar to novels, short stories, or other creative works.
SCP-113: "The Primary Red" in Detail
According to its fictional documentation, SCP-113 is a notable object in the SCP Foundation universe with the following characteristics:
Fictional Object Description
- Appearance: A smooth, polished piece of red granite, ellipsoidal in shape
- Dimensions: Approximately 7 cm along its longest axis and 3 cm at its widest point
- Weight: About 480 grams
- Temperature: Maintains a constant 37°C (98.6°F) regardless of environmental conditions
- Object Class: Classified as "Safe" (can be easily contained)
- Alternate Names: "The Primary Red" or "The Gender-Switching Stone"
Fictional Anomalous Properties
The main anomalous property attributed to SCP-113 in the fiction is its ability to transform a person's biological sex:
- Activation Method: Direct skin contact with the object for at least 60 seconds
- Transformation Process: Complete genetic and physical restructuring of the subject's body
- Result: Subject's primary and secondary sexual characteristics are completely transformed to the opposite sex
- Biological Completeness: The transformation is described as resulting in fully functional reproductive organs
- Experience: The process is described as extremely painful, involving sensations of heat, nausea, and discomfort
- Limitations: Multiple uses by the same individual are described as causing increased pain and potential physical damage
Fictional Containment Procedures
According to the SCP Foundation fiction, SCP-113 is kept under the following conditions:
- Stored in a padded, locked case within a standard containment locker
- Handling only with insulated gloves to prevent accidental activation
- Access restricted to personnel with Level 2 clearance or higher
- Testing requires approval from site medical staff and ethics committee
- Monitoring for any changes in the object's properties or behavior
| Aspect | Information from SCP Fiction |
|---|---|
| Discovery | Reportedly found in [REDACTED], Germany in the late 1940s |
| Composition | Appears to be red granite but with unexplained molecular properties |
| Transformation Time | Approximately 60 seconds of direct contact required |
| Pain Level | Described as extremely painful but not permanently damaging (first use) |
| Success Rate | 100% transformation rate with proper contact time |
| Reversibility | Can reverse the transformation with another application, but with increased risk |
Cultural Significance and Community Impact
Despite being entirely fictional, SCP-113 has gained notable cultural significance, particularly in specific online communities:
LGBTQ+ Community Connection
SCP-113 has found particular resonance among transgender and gender-questioning individuals:
- Often referenced in transgender online spaces as a hypothetical ideal transition method
- Used in discussions about gender identity and the desire for physical transformation
- Featured in memes and social media posts about transgender experiences
- Sometimes mentioned as shorthand for the desire to quickly and completely transition
- Has inspired thoughtful discussions about gender, identity, and the body
SCP Community Reception
Within the SCP Foundation creative community itself:
- Considered one of the more well-known and frequently referenced SCP objects
- Has inspired numerous pieces of fanart, fan fiction, and derivative works
- Often used in broader SCP stories and scenarios
- Recognized for its unique premise compared to more horror-focused SCP entries
- Generally well-regarded for its creative use of the SCP format to explore the concept of gender transformation
Creative Works Inspired by SCP-113
The fictional SCP-113 has inspired various creative expressions:
- Fan Art: Countless artistic depictions of the red stone and transformation scenarios
- Fan Fiction: Stories exploring the personal experiences of characters using SCP-113
- Discussion Threads: Hypothetical scenarios about how such an object would impact society if real
- Video Game Mods: Appearances in unofficial SCP-themed game modifications
- Cosplay Props: Replica stones created for costume and role-playing purposes
Themes Explored Through SCP-113 Fiction
The fictional SCP-113 has been used as a creative device to explore several themes:
- Identity and Self-Determination: Questions about how physical form relates to identity
- Bodily Autonomy: Exploration of the right to control one's own physical form
- Pain and Transformation: The concept that meaningful change often involves difficulty
- Science and the Unexplained: The interplay between scientific understanding and anomalous phenomena
- Medical Ethics: Fictional scenarios exploring the ethics of using such an object in medical settings
SCP-113 in Games, Media, and Adaptations
While the SCP Foundation remains primarily a literary collaborative project, elements including SCP-113 have appeared in various adaptations:
Video Games Featuring SCP Content
- SCP: Containment Breach: A popular indie horror game based on the SCP Foundation universe
- SCP Secret Laboratory: A multiplayer game where players take on roles within the Foundation
- SCP mods for other games: Fan-created modifications for games like Garry's Mod and Minecraft
While SCP-113 isn't always featured prominently in these games, it sometimes appears as an item or reference in fan-created content and modifications.
Online Video Content
On platforms like YouTube, SCP-113 has been featured in:
- SCP Readings: Narrated presentations of the SCP-113 document
- Animated Shorts: Animated depictions of the object and its effects
- Explainer Videos: Content creators discussing the object's fictional properties and significance
- Role-Playing Scenarios: Fictional scenarios involving SCP-113 and characters interacting with it
Tabletop Role-Playing
The SCP universe has inspired role-playing game scenarios, with SCP-113 occasionally featuring as:
- An object that players might encounter or use in custom scenarios
- A plot device in Foundation-themed role-playing campaigns
- Part of broader SCP-themed tabletop gaming systems
Similar Concepts in Fiction and Media
The concept of gender transformation seen in SCP-113 has parallels in other works of fiction:
Gender Transformation in Literature
- Virginia Woolf's "Orlando": A novel about a character who spontaneously changes sex and lives for centuries
- Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Left Hand of Darkness": Features an alien race that can change their sex
- Neil Gaiman's "A Game of You": Contains themes of gender identity and transformation
- Various folktales: Many cultures have stories of magical gender transformation
Similar Concepts in Film and Television
- "Ranma ½": Anime/manga series where the protagonist changes gender when splashed with water
- "Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa): Film involving body-swapping between a male and female character
- "Zerophilia": A film about a fictional condition causing gender changes
- Various body-swap comedies: Often involve male and female characters experiencing life in a different body
Video Games with Gender Transformation Elements
- Various RPGs: Games that allow gender selection or gender-changing options
- "Corruption of Champions": Text-based game with transformation themes
- "Fallout 4": Contains a plastic surgeon who can change the player's gender
- Character creation systems: Many games allow players to choose or change their character's gender
How SCP-113 Differs from Other Fiction
While gender transformation is not unique to SCP-113, its presentation has some distinctive aspects:
- Scientific Framing: Presented in the style of a clinical research document rather than as magical or fantastical
- Physical Process: Detailed description of the biological process, including pain and physiological changes
- Institutional Context: Set within the framework of a secret organization studying anomalous phenomena
- Collaborative Creation: Developed and refined through community input rather than by a single author
- Mundane Appearance: The simple red stone contrasts with its profound effects, unlike more obvious magical items in other fiction
The Creative Writing Aspect of SCP-113
As a piece of collaborative fiction, SCP-113 demonstrates several noteworthy aspects of the SCP Foundation's creative approach:
Writing Style and Format
SCP entries, including SCP-113, follow a distinctive style:
- Clinical Tone: Written in detached, scientific language
- Documentation Format: Structured as containment procedures, description, and addenda
- Redaction: Strategic use of [REDACTED] and ███████ to create mystery
- Experimental Logs: Often include reports of testing with the object
- Interview Transcripts: Sometimes feature conversations with researchers or subjects
Collaborative Writing Process
SCP entries typically develop through:
- Drafting: Writers create initial versions in the "sandbox" area
- Feedback: Community members provide critiques and suggestions
- Revision: The author refines the entry based on community input
- Publication: Once approved, the entry is added to the main SCP database
- Evolution: Some entries continue to develop through tales, additions, and references in other works
Writing Lessons from SCP-113
The SCP-113 entry demonstrates several effective creative writing techniques:
- Show, Don't Tell: Uses detailed descriptions of effects rather than stating emotions
- Worldbuilding Through Details: Small touches hint at the larger Foundation universe
- Balancing Exposition: Provides enough information while maintaining mystery
- Creating Verisimilitude: Scientific language lends a sense of realism to fantastic concepts
- Exploring Complex Themes: Uses speculative fiction to address real-world topics like gender identity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SCP-113 real or does it exist in any form?
No, SCP-113 is entirely fictional. It is a creative writing piece from the SCP Foundation project, which is a collaborative fiction website where contributors write stories in the format of scientific documentation about anomalous objects and entities. There is no actual red stone that can change a person's biological sex, and the SCP Foundation organization itself does not exist. The entire SCP universe, including all numbered SCP objects, is a work of speculative fiction similar to a shared-world anthology of stories.
Who created SCP-113 and when was it written?
The original SCP-113 entry was written by an anonymous contributor to the SCP Foundation wiki in its early years (around 2008-2009). As with many collaborative fiction projects, specific authorship is often not prominently featured. The entry has been revised and refined by multiple community members over the years. The SCP Foundation wiki maintains historical edits, but many early contributors used pseudonyms or remained anonymous. Like most SCP entries, SCP-113 is considered a community creation rather than the work of a single author, as it has evolved through collective feedback, editing, and expansion over time.
Why has SCP-113 become particularly popular among certain communities?
SCP-113 has gained particular popularity in transgender and gender-questioning communities for several reasons: 1) It presents a fictional scenario that resonates with the desire for physical transition without the lengthy, expensive, and sometimes incomplete results of current medical procedures, 2) Its instantaneous and complete transformation represents an idealized version of gender affirmation that many transgender people seek, 3) The object's fictional nature provides a safe way to discuss desires and hopes related to gender transition, 4) As a creative work, it offers a metaphorical way to explain transgender experiences to others, and 5) The object has become a cultural touchpoint and shorthand within certain online communities for discussing gender transition desires. This resonance demonstrates how fictional scenarios can help people process and discuss real-world experiences and desires.
How can I read the original SCP-113 entry?
The original SCP-113 entry can be read on the official SCP Foundation wiki (scp-wiki.wikidot.com) by searching for "SCP-113" or navigating to its dedicated page. The SCP Foundation wiki is an open creative writing project that anyone can access and read. Be aware that as a collaborative project, entries may be updated or revised over time, so the current version might differ from earlier versions. Additionally, many YouTube channels offer narrated readings of SCP entries, including SCP-113, if you prefer an audio version. As with all creative content online, be mindful that the SCP Foundation includes entries with mature themes, so reader discretion is advised.
Are there any other SCP objects with similar transformation properties?
Yes, the SCP Foundation fictional universe includes several other objects with transformation properties, though each is unique. Some examples include: SCP-914 ("The Clockworks"), a machine that can "refine" and transform objects and sometimes people; SCP-447, a green slime that transforms organic matter in unspecified ways; SCP-3090, which can transform a person's physical appearance based on self-perception; and SCP-2598, which can transform people into animal-human hybrids. While these objects share the theme of transformation, SCP-113 remains distinctive for its specific focus on biological sex transformation. The SCP universe contains thousands of entries covering a vast range of anomalous effects and properties, with body transformation being a recurring theme explored in various ways.