SCP-096 Vs SCP-173: Who Would Win?

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SCP-096 vs SCP-173: Who Would Win?

Okay, guys, let's dive into a hypothetical showdown that has been debated across the SCP Foundation fandom for ages: SCP-096 vs. SCP-173. These two are arguably some of the most iconic and terrifying SCPs in the entire mythos. But if they were to go head-to-head, who would actually come out on top? This isn't just a simple question; it requires us to delve into their respective abilities, weaknesses, and the very nature of their existence within the SCP universe.

Understanding SCP-096: The Shy Guy

SCP-096, known as "The Shy Guy," is a humanoid creature of unknown origin. It's relatively docile most of the time, but when someone views its face—whether directly, via video recording, or even a photograph—things get ugly real fast. Viewing its face triggers an extreme emotional distress response in SCP-096. It will then proceed to locate and kill whoever saw its face, no matter the distance. It can cross continents, tear through steel, and seemingly ignore any obstacles in its path. This is where the horror element of SCP-096 truly shines. Imagine the sheer terror of knowing that something, somewhere, has seen your face and is now relentlessly hunting you down, unstoppable and full of rage.

So, what makes SCP-096 so formidable? For starters, its speed and strength are off the charts when in its enraged state. It can move at incredible velocities, outstripping even the fastest vehicles. Its physical strength is equally terrifying; it can tear through reinforced bunkers and shrug off heavy artillery fire as if it were nothing. More terrifyingly, it appears to possess a near-unbreakable determination. Once triggered, SCP-096 will not stop until its target is dead. This single-minded focus, combined with its physical capabilities, makes it an almost unstoppable force of nature. However, SCP-096 does have a few notable weaknesses. The most obvious is the trigger condition: it only becomes hostile when someone views its face. This means that in controlled environments, it can be contained and studied, albeit with extreme caution. Another potential weakness, although less reliable, is its reaction once it has eliminated its target. After killing whoever viewed its face, SCP-096 calms down and becomes docile once more. During this period, it can be re-contained, but approaching it is still incredibly risky. This cycle of rage and calm is a crucial aspect of understanding and, if possible, managing this dangerous SCP. Understanding these nuances is critical when considering how it would fare against other SCPs.

Decoding SCP-173: The Sculpture

SCP-173, often referred to as "The Sculpture," is a Euclid-class object composed of concrete and rebar with traces of Krylon spray paint. It's inanimate and harmless as long as it is being directly observed. However, the moment direct observation is interrupted—even for a blink—SCP-173 moves at an incredibly high speed to snap the neck of whatever is nearest. This simple yet terrifying mechanic has made it one of the most popular and recognizable SCPs. The fear induced by SCP-173 comes from its ability to exploit our most basic human need: to blink. It creates a constant state of tension. Every blink could be your last. This psychological element, combined with the brutal efficiency of its attacks, is what makes SCP-173 so effective.

The key to SCP-173's lethality lies in its instantaneous movement when unobserved. It doesn't need to accelerate or build up momentum; it's simply there, and then it's behind you. This makes it incredibly difficult to defend against. There's no dodging or blocking an attack you can't see coming. Moreover, SCP-173 secretes a reddish-brown substance, a mixture of blood and fecal matter. The substance's purpose is unknown, but it contributes to the overall unsettling nature of the SCP and creates additional challenges for containment. The presence of this substance suggests that SCP-173 is not merely an inanimate object but something more complex and potentially biological. Despite its strengths, SCP-173 is not without its limitations. It requires the absence of direct observation to move, which means that multiple people observing it simultaneously can effectively neutralize its threat. This reliance on observation is both its greatest strength and its most significant weakness. It also doesn't appear to possess any ranged attack capabilities. It must get close to its target to strike, making it vulnerable in open spaces or against opponents who can maintain distance. These limitations are critical to consider when comparing it to other SCPs with different abilities and weaknesses.

The Hypothetical Showdown: SCP-096 vs. SCP-173

Now, let's imagine the scenario: SCP-096 is triggered and tasked with eliminating SCP-173. How would this fight play out? This is where it gets interesting and speculative.

Round 1: Initial Engagement

Initially, SCP-096 would likely beeline towards the last known location of SCP-173. Its incredible speed and determination would allow it to cover vast distances quickly. If SCP-096 were to directly view SCP-173 at any point during its approach, it would likely prioritize SCP-173 as its primary target, adding extra fuel to its rage. However, here's the critical factor: SCP-173 only moves when unobserved. So, as long as SCP-096 is looking at SCP-173, the statue is essentially frozen. This gives SCP-096 a significant advantage in the early stages of the fight.

Round 2: The Blink Factor

The turning point in this fight hinges on whether SCP-096 needs to blink. If SCP-096 is a biological entity with normal bodily functions, it would eventually need to blink. Even a momentary lapse in observation could be fatal against SCP-173. In that split second, SCP-173 could close the distance and attempt to snap SCP-096's neck. However, SCP-096's sheer size and strength could potentially mitigate the effectiveness of SCP-173's attack. It's possible that SCP-173 might not be able to inflict a fatal blow immediately, giving SCP-096 a chance to recover.

Round 3: The Unstoppable Force vs. The Unblinking Statue

If SCP-096 can somehow avoid blinking or if SCP-173's initial attack is not immediately fatal, the fight would escalate into a brutal contest of strength and endurance. SCP-096 could attempt to physically destroy SCP-173, using its immense strength to smash it against walls or tear it apart. However, SCP-173 is made of concrete and rebar, making it surprisingly durable. It's unlikely that SCP-096 could easily shatter it. Furthermore, SCP-173's ability to move instantaneously when unobserved would allow it to constantly evade SCP-096's attacks, making it a difficult target to hit. The fight could devolve into a chaotic dance of near misses and desperate attacks, with both SCPs trying to exploit the other's weaknesses.

Who Wins?

Honestly, it's a tough call. Here's a breakdown of potential outcomes:

  • SCP-096 Wins: If SCP-096 is not bound by the need to blink or if it can withstand SCP-173's initial attack, its superior strength and relentless aggression could eventually overwhelm SCP-173. It might be able to damage SCP-173 to the point where it can no longer move effectively, or it might simply be able to keep it contained through constant observation.
  • SCP-173 Wins: If SCP-096 is a biological entity that needs to blink, SCP-173's ability to move instantaneously when unobserved gives it a significant advantage. A single, well-placed attack could be enough to incapacitate or even kill SCP-096. Additionally, if SCP-096 becomes fixated on other targets or gets distracted, SCP-173 could use the opportunity to strike.
  • Stalemate: It's also possible that the fight could end in a stalemate. SCP-096 might be able to keep SCP-173 contained through constant observation, but it might not be able to destroy it completely. Conversely, SCP-173 might be able to evade SCP-096's attacks indefinitely, but it might not be able to inflict a fatal blow. In this scenario, the two SCPs would be locked in a perpetual cycle of cat and mouse, with neither able to gain a decisive advantage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a fight between SCP-096 and SCP-173 is a fascinating thought experiment that highlights the unique strengths and weaknesses of these two iconic SCPs. While SCP-096 possesses immense strength and relentless aggression, SCP-173's ability to move instantaneously when unobserved makes it a formidable opponent. The outcome of the fight ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including the specific circumstances of the encounter and the interpretation of each SCP's abilities. So, while there's no definitive answer, the debate itself is what makes the SCP Foundation so engaging and thought-provoking. What do you guys think? Who would you bet on?