The Legend of SCP-173 and the SCP Foundation
Origins, Mythos, and Cultural Impact
SCP-173 is one of the most recognizable entities in the SCP Foundation universe, known for its hostile nature and mysterious origins. Despite its simple appearance—made of concrete and rebar—SCP-173’s unsettling behavior and the eerie requirement never to break eye contact have captivated internet audiences for years.
The SCP Foundation, an online collaborative fiction project, serves as the home to SCP-173 and thousands of other anomalies contained by a secretive organization. The legend of SCP-173 stands out due to its status as the first SCP entry, setting a chilling tone that helped define the tone and style of the Foundation’s lore.
Many have speculated about where SCP-173 came from or what inspired its creation, but the truth remains shrouded in mystery, adding to its lasting appeal. Readers continue to be drawn in by the unpredictable and dangerous world that SCP-173 represents.
Origins of SCP-173 and the SCP Foundation
SCP-173 marked the beginning of the SCP Foundation project, establishing both tone and structure for what became a large, collaborative fiction universe. Its origins are closely tied to anonymous online communities and a creator known as moto42.
Creation Story
The story of SCP-173 began on 4chan’s /x/ paranormal board in 2007. An anonymous user posted the first containment procedures, written in a scientific tone describing a mysterious, dangerous statue. The post’s format and unsettling content drew immediate attention, leading many users to contribute similar stories and procedures for new anomalies.
SCP-173 itself is described as a concrete and rebar statue coated with spray paint. It becomes animate and hostile when not in direct sight, attacking anyone in the room if they blink or turn away. The use of technical language and clinical terms reinforced the frightening atmosphere.
Initially, there was no backstory given for SCP-173. Its origin, creator, and purpose were left vague, intentionally enhancing the sense of uncertainty and horror. This open-ended approach became a core feature of the SCP mythos.
The First SCP Entry
SCP-173 served as the template and the very first entry for what would become the SCP Foundation database. It was not given the “001” designation but instead started as SCP-173, seemingly at random, which contributed to the sense of unease and mystery.
The format included object class, containment procedures, and a description, setting a standard for hundreds of future entries. This structure allowed for a consistent in-universe tone, enabling writers to easily create new SCPs while maintaining a believable fictional world.
After the initial post, more entries were added by different authors, each using the same formula. Eventually, a dedicated wiki was created to catalog these entries, and the SCP Foundation community formed around collaborative storytelling and shared world-building.
Influence of moto42
The creator of SCP-173, who went by the username moto42, played a crucial role in shaping the early SCP Foundation. Moto42’s writing style mixed technical detail with unsettling ambiguity, directly influencing how future SCP articles were written.
Although he only wrote SCP-173, moto42’s impact is significant. He set the standard for object documentation and the dry, clinical voice now associated with the Foundation. His original text introduced strict procedures, specific threats, and minimal background, a template that guided the community’s direction.
Moto42 did not remain active within the community, but his legacy continues through SCP-173’s enduring popularity. Many in the SCP Foundation fandom consider SCP-173 and its creator as the definitive starting point for the entire project.
Description of SCP-173
SCP-173 is a highly unusual statue housed by the SCP Foundation. Its appearance, construction materials, and unique movement traits make it a central figure in the Foundation’s containment procedures.
Physical Appearance
SCP-173 stands roughly 2 meters tall. It takes the shape of a humanoid statue with proportionally short arms and an elongated head. The face is marked by crude, painted features, adding to its unsettling appearance.
Observers note that the hands appear to be stained, either red or brown, contrasting with the otherwise pale surface. The statue’s joints give the impression of flexibility, but no obvious articulation is visible.
SCP-173’s presence is often linked to a persistent scent of rust and old concrete. When moved, it produces a distinct scraping noise as stone drags across the containment room floor.
Notable Materials
Primary Elements:
Concrete: The bulk of the structure consists of solid concrete, giving the statue its weight and rigidity.
Rebar: Internal metal rods reinforce the concrete, providing extra stability and durability.
Spray Paint: The surface is covered with multicolored spray paint, which creates the face and other details.
Other Notable Features:
The Foundation frequently observes patches of brown discoloration on the legs and lower torso.
These stains have been tentatively identified as a blend of human feces and other bodily fluids.
Staff record that the statue will frequently excrete these materials, leaving filth around the containment area.
The combination of industrial elements and organic waste gives SCP-173 a distinct and highly recognizable appearance.
Behavior and Movement
SCP-173 is animate and displays extreme hostility toward any living creature. Crucially, it cannot move while under direct observation.
If observers break eye contact or blink simultaneously, SCP-173 can close short distances almost instantly. The entity’s rapid movement is usually accompanied by the loud sound of stone scraping on concrete.
Contact is fatal: SCP-173 attacks by snapping the neck at the base of the skull or strangling when possible.
Routine containment requires a minimum of three staff members to maintain constant gaze while cleaning the chamber and removing waste.
The combination of speed, lethal force, and movement restriction makes SCP-173 one of the most dangerous artifacts in the Foundation’s collection.
Containment Procedures and Protocols
SCP-173 remains securely contained through a strict set of measures. Key concerns include physical barriers, personnel conduct, and the Foundation’s approach toward termination or neutralization.
Locked Container Requirements
SCP-173 is housed in a locked, windowless containment chamber constructed of reinforced concrete. The chamber must be kept clean at all times to minimize the risk of material degradation. A single, heavy-duty steel door equipped with automated locks is installed, allowing for minimal and controlled access.
Security protocols list the required thickness and material of the walls. Surveillance cameras monitor the chamber continuously, though personnel cannot rely solely on video feeds due to the entity’s anomalous properties. The presence of backup lighting and emergency locking mechanisms ensures that containment is not dependent on a single system.
Routine inspections are scheduled to check for damage or unauthorized alterations to the structure. Any breach or malfunction leads to a site-wide alert and mandatory response by containment specialists.
Personnel Guidelines
At least three Foundation personnel are required for entry into SCP-173’s chamber. Communication and coordinated movements are emphasized, with all team members maintaining explicit line-of-sight with the entity at all times. Only trained staff familiar with its behavior are assigned to the task.
Personnel use clear verbal signals such as “ready” or “eyes on” to ensure continuous observation. They are strictly forbidden to turn their backs or blink simultaneously when in its presence. Incident records show that even a momentary lapse results in fatal consequences.
Access is limited to essential maintenance or research activities, with security teams monitoring all interactions. Staff rotations and scheduled breaks help personnel stay alert, reducing the risk of accidents due to fatigue or complacency.
Termination Attempts
The Foundation has considered termination attempts only after reviewing ethical implications and the object’s unique nature. Due to SCP-173’s physical resilience, standard termination measures, such as gunfire or explosives, have proven ineffective. The entity’s ability to rapidly attack and evade increases the challenges during direct engagement.
Proposals for chemical or incineration-based approaches have been met with limited success and sometimes escalate containment risks. Documentation of past attempts reveals that failures often result in personnel casualties and possible containment breaches. As a result, the Foundation prioritizes security and containment over attempts at termination.
A table of previous termination efforts and their outcomes is maintained to inform future protocols:
Attempt Type Outcome Notes Ballistics Ineffective No damage to entity Explosives Ineffective Minor containment risk Chemicals Partially Temporary incapacitation Incineration Failed Chamber damage, no effect
Anomalous Properties and Dangers
SCP-173 is an animate statue exhibiting highly dangerous behaviors tied closely to the anomalies in its physical movement and containment. Encounters with the entity often result in severe injury or death if proper protocols are not maintained.
Extremely Hostile Behaviors
SCP-173 is classified as extremely hostile and responds aggressively to the presence of living beings. The entity is not passive and actively attempts to harm or kill by snapping the necks of individuals in its immediate vicinity.
Physical contact or attempted interference with SCP-173 is ill-advised. While at rest, it remains motionless and appears inert, but any break in surveillance immediately triggers rapid and violent movement. Able to cover short distances in a fraction of a second, it becomes an immediate threat when unobserved.
SCP-173 leaves behind traces of what appear to be blood and feces on the surfaces near its location. This substance is considered anomalous in origin and poses further risk of contamination. Its containment procedures are strict to minimize exposure.
Direct Eye Contact Importance
SCP-173 cannot move while within a direct line of sight. The entity’s mobility is entirely dependent on whether at least one person can see it without blinking. Continuous eye contact is essential to maintaining control over its movements.
All personnel entering SCP-173’s chamber must do so in teams, with explicit communication to prevent simultaneous blinking. If even brief visual contact is broken, SCP-173 will advance rapidly toward the nearest individual.
These protocols are strictly enforced to ensure safety. Observation must be deliberate and uninterrupted, as a lapse of even a second can result in fatal consequences. This unique property is fundamental to both containment and survival for those interacting with SCP-173.
Victim Encounters
Victim encounters with SCP-173 follow a consistent and deadly pattern. When line of sight is lost, the entity instantly closes the distance to its target, utilizing its speed to deliver a fatal attack, typically by twisting or snapping the cervical vertebrae.
Most fatalities occur within seconds, leaving little chance for effective response or escape. Eyewitness accounts note no warning signs; the transition from stillness to attack is immediate and silent.
Bloodstains and other biological material are often found at the site of each encounter. This evidence highlights the lethal nature of the entity and serves as a visual warning for containment teams. Strict adherence to safety protocols remains essential to reduce the risk of further casualties.
SCP-173 in Popular Culture
SCP-173 has become a recognizable figure in internet horror, inspiring a range of adaptations and appearances beyond its original story. It is especially notable for its influence on indie horror games and its central role in SCP: Secret Laboratory.
Horror and Influence
SCP-173 is considered one of the foundational figures in modern internet horror fiction. Its design—a hostile, animate statue that moves when not observed—has inspired artists, writers, and game developers.
The creature's mechanics have become a model for tension and fear, with the "don't blink" rule adopted in various horror settings. SCP-173's clinical documentation style and ambiguous origins also added to its mystique, fostering an ongoing interest.
Content creators often reference SCP-173 when discussing horror tropes, listing it alongside popular figures such as Slender Man. Its success demonstrated the potential for collaborative fiction and online myth-making.
SCP: Secret Laboratory
SCP: Secret Laboratory is a multiplayer horror game that prominently features SCP-173 as one of its main antagonists. In the game, players can control containment staff, Class-D personnel, or SCP entities, including SCP-173 itself.
SCP-173's game mechanics stay true to its original documentation. It can only move when unseen, and players must continually look at it to avoid being killed. This dynamic adds constant tension and encourages teamwork among players.
The game has helped introduce SCP-173 to a wider audience by allowing direct interaction with the entity. Its presence is central to the overall gameplay experience, influencing player strategies and in-game challenges.
Presence in Horror Games
SCP-173 has appeared in several horror games outside of SCP: Secret Laboratory, notably SCP – Containment Breach, where it was first brought to wider attention within the gaming community.
In SCP – Containment Breach, players must escape a facility where SCP-173 is loose, using a blink mechanic that forces moments where the creature can move. This creates unpredictable and suspenseful encounters.
Over time, SCP-173’s image and mechanics have influenced the design of other horror game monsters. The idea of a threat that moves when unobserved now appears in various games, showing the notable impact of SCP-173 on game design and horror experiences.
Legacy and Impact of SCP-173
SCP-173 has played a significant role in shaping the SCP Foundation's identity and community. Its features, such as containment procedures and notoriety as an unpredictable prisoner, have inspired discussions about survival, security, and escape.
Influence on SCP Foundation Lore
SCP-173 is widely recognized as the first SCP entry, establishing many of the conventions that define the SCP Foundation today. Its brief but vivid description—highlighting its hostile behavior, need for constant observation, and the risks faced by personnel—set a standard for object containment procedures and narratives involving escape attempts.
The popularity of SCP-173 led to it being featured in various Foundation scenarios. It often appears as a key threat during breach events, especially simulations involving prisoner survival or mass escape. The way SCP-173 moves only when unobserved contributed to the evolving security protocols explored throughout Foundation lore.
In addition to its original article, SCP-173’s influence is seen in other SCP entries, protocols, and the broader mythology of the site. Containment breach stories frequently reference its methods of escape, emphasizing the danger posed to staff and D-class personnel.
Fan Creations
SCP-173 has inspired extensive fan content across various media. Notably, the indie horror game "SCP – Containment Breach" features SCP-173 as a central threat, where players assume the role of a D-class prisoner trying to survive and escape during a facility lockdown. This portrayal highlights the object's role as both a security risk and a test of wits for those trapped in confinement.
Numerous fan-made artworks, sculptures, and animations reinterpret SCP-173’s appearance and actions. Online forums and communities often host creative writing and roleplay scenarios involving escapes, failed containment, and direct confrontations with the anomaly.
Some adaptations reinterpret SCP-173's origin and materials, as fans continue to create comics, short films, and custom game mods. These projects solidify SCP-173’s position as an iconic figure among SCP fans and creators.
Lasting Cultural Significance
SCP-173's legacy extends beyond the SCP Foundation community. It serves as a recognizable symbol in internet horror culture, largely due to its striking containment conditions and memorable survival themes. The “don’t blink” mechanic—where SCP-173 can only move when unobserved—has influenced other horror games and stories about creatures exploiting line of sight for escape or attack.
References to SCP-173, and by extension the SCP Foundation, appear in memes, webcomics, and collaborations between different fandoms. Its design and lore have prompted discussions about ethical treatment of anomalous prisoners, as well as debates about the feasibility of escape and survival in high-security environments.
SCP-173 continues to be cited in broader discussions about crowd-sourced storytelling, highlighting the impact one well-crafted entity can have on a digital community’s shared universe.
