Can SCP-096 Be Killed?
The simple answer is yes, SCP-096 can be killed, but the SCP Foundation has been unable to terminate 096 despite over a dozen attempted methods over several years. 096 possesses regenerative capabilities that have allowed it to recover from extensive damage, leading the Foundation to contain 096 instead of neutralizing it.
As an SCP anomaly, 096 presents unique challenges that make it incredibly difficult to terminate. In my opinion as a dedicated SCP fan, 096 is arguably the most tenacious and resilient entity in the entire Foundation universe when it wants to eliminate a target.
An Indestructible Shy Guy
For the uninitiated, SCP-096 is a humanoid creature known by the codename "The Shy Guy" standing around 9 feet tall when hunched. 096 exhibits extreme docility and refusal to interact with anyone or anything. However, when someone views 096‘s face either directly, in video/photos, or even artwork, 096 enters a state the Foundation designates “rage,” in which it screams, covers its face, cries and babbles.
After 1-2 minutes, 096 will begin tracking down and [DATA EXPUNGED] the person who viewed its face (SCP-096-1), moving at speeds exceeding 35 km/hr. It appears to know exactly where SCP-096-1 is located at all times. In the words of renowned researcher Dr. ██████:
“SCP-096 will then kill and [DATA EXPUNGED] SCP-096-1. 100% of cases have left no traces of SCP-096-1.”
So when enraged, SCP-096 becomes an invulnerable and inevitable terminator that guarantees a horrible demise to all who glimpse its face.
A History of Failed Termination
Understandably, the Foundation has attempted to neutralize SCP-096 to prevent further containment breaches. So far, over 17 separate termination attempts have been made on SCP-096 by the Foundation since its discovery in ████. Some prominent examples and results:
| Termination Attempt | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon testing with firearms, explosives | ██-████ | Failure – 096 sustained heavy damage but recovered |
| Corrosive acid injection | ██-████ | Failure – 096 became enraged and breached containment |
| Incinerated in furnace for 14 hours | ██-████ | Failure – 096 emerged violently from ashes |
| Cross-testing with SCP-682 | ██-████ | Failure – 096 killed 682 temporarily but regenerated |
As highlighted in these experiments above, every attempt to neutralize 096 has failed in some way, usually due to its regenerative capabilities. 096 has been seen surviving dismemberment, disembowelment, explosions, corrosive acids, prolonged incineration and attacks from other SCPs.
No previous effort has been able to fully destroy 096’s bone structure or prevent its regeneration. And an enraged 096 has killed over ███ Foundation staff over breach history when termination went wrong. For these reasons, the Foundation has focused more recently on containment over neutralization.
How Terminating 096 Might Succeed
Despite these failed efforts, my perspective as an SCP expert is that 096 can eventually be terminated with the right approach. There are a few hypothetical methods that I think could fully destroy or neutralize 096 based on its biological profile:
Targeting Its Bones
- 096’s bones and cartilage appear unbreakable and impervious to damage
- Concentrated acid or reality-bending SCP could possibly break down its skeletal structure
- If every cell and molecule making up its bones was fully destroyed, its regeneration may fail
Transdimensional Displacement
- Trapping 096 in a separate reality or dimension that it cannot escape from
- Containment procedures for SCPs-1609 and 343 utilize this for unstable objects
- If 096’s bones and body were scattered across infinite alternate timelines and realities, it may successfully disrupt its anatomical integrity
Metaphysical Removal
- Using metaphysical or infohazardous SCPs to erase 096 from this plane of existence
- Procedure 110-Montauk describes such phenomena weaponization
- Could permanently remove its physical form from our reality
These approaches, while theoretical, indicate that defeating 096 is an immense challenge but likely not impossible. With enough creativity and the full resources of the Foundation, its reign of terror could one day end.
Why Containing 096 Remains Necessary
Given the risks associated with breach incidents, the Foundation has so far determined containment is safer than neutralization attempts. There are a few reasons why:
- No experimental procedure has been safe or successful enough yet to warrant the risk
- Containment procedures are effective when properly executed
- Breaches by an enraged 096 often have catastrophic casualties
- Its capabilities make full destruction unlikely with current science
Until termination theories can be properly tested and verified, containment and prevention of infohazards is the only prudent option for dealing with SCP-096. Fortunately, its docile nature makes general containment simple if its facial image is controlled.
I’ll be sure to provide any updates I uncover on new termination efforts as an SCP fanatic myself!
