Parabellum Update — Introducing SCP-173
Author: Voidus,
published 3 years ago,
[b][h1]Hello everyone.[/h1][/b]
We are proud to announce an important addition to the 11.0 update, now called “Parabellum”. Arguably the most recognized SCP, SCP-173, has been reworked for the upcoming update! You can find the reveal animation here:[previewyoutube=iaWU7C13oOY;full][/previewyoutube]
[b][u][h2]SCP-173[/h2][/u][/b]
[b][h3]The Model[/h3][/b]
The decision to rework SCP-173 was decided long ago, with the model being completed by mid-2019. This model may not be new to some of you and has been nicknamed “Matthew” by the staff and community. This model steps away from typical 173 variations. We hope this model adds some fear and revulsion to the facility.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/vx1OWjN.png[/img]
[u][b][h2]Ability Showcase[/h2][/b][/u]
Below you will find a description of SCP-173’s abilities and the reasoning behind these additions. Please note that specifics are subject to change during the Beta.
[b][h3](Passive) Reinforced Concrete[/h3][/b]
With the introduction of the armor system, SCP-173 has been given innate armor against attacks. They have a “Hume Shield” of 1000 which regenerates at a rate of 10/s after avoiding damage for 10 seconds. It can also regenerate an immediate 100 AHP for killing someone with the “Stained” effect. Additionally, they have a 60% armor efficacy against all bullet attacks, which uses the same formulae as actual body armor(penetration, etc).
SCP-173 has always struggled in open engagements with armed human classes and can often get shredded quickly. The Design team decided to turn this idea on its head — instead of being completely discouraged from engagements, participating in them is now a viable option. This doesn’t mean that SCP-173 is invulnerable, but contributes to their theme and puts a unique twist on their vulnerability to gunfire when being observed.
[b][h3](Passive) Witness[/h3][/b]
“Witness” is closer to being a core mechanic than an ability. It does, however, interact with all abilities and is responsible for many interactions. As the current SCP-173, a player can move around and kill as usual, when not observed. When observed, the player becomes immobile. The only way to move when immobile is by using “Blink”. The cooldown for this alters depending on the number of people “witnessing” SCP-173. When being observed by a “Witness” you will gain an eye indicator in the center of your screen, this will eventually turn red when your “Blink” ability is fully charged.
[b][h3]Snap[/h3][/b]
SCP-173’s signature ability (“Snap”) remains almost the same, allowing a player to kill anyone close enough with LMB (default). This can only be used when not observed.
[b][h3]Blink[/h3][/b]
SCP-173 has received a new system for how they “Blink”. Previously a player would hold their movement keys and “Blink” at intermittent intervals. With the new model, the player can now control when they blink by charging the ability with RMB (default) and releasing to move. This movement ability only works when being watched and has a limit of 15 meters. Any human-class player observing SCP-173 while they “Blink” will notice themselves blinking; allowing SCP-173 to move and kill the closest human within 2 meters of their landing spot.
The default cooldown for the ability is 3 seconds but is increased by 1 second for every human observing them. As an example, if four players are observing SCP-173 the “Blink” cooldown would be 7 seconds. This cooldown changes drastically when other players look at, or look away from, SCP-173 but will never cancel a fully-charged blink.
These changes were made because SCP-173’s blink movement wasn’t obvious, relied on old code, and gave the player little control. These issues made SCP-173 frustrating to use at times. With this rework, the Design team wanted to make SCP-173 both more threatening and give the player more control over their movement and targeting. This is to ease the learning curve while still allowing a player to improve with experience. The myriad of anti-cheat and stability issues plaguing the current version of SCP-173 should also be improved with these new systems.
[b][h3]Breakneck Speeds[/h3][/b]
This ability doubles SCP-173’s movement speed and blink range but prevents them from killing anyone while it’s active. The ability can be toggled with the sprint key and lasts until it is cancelled or someone observes SCP-173, at which point it ends after a 10-second grace period. The ability can be used while SCP-173 is being observed but the grace period will immediately start ticking down. This ability has a cooldown of 45 seconds, starting the moment it is cancelled.
The ability is intended to be a hybrid between mobility and escaping. SCP-173’s default movement speed is still faster than a human sprinting but is substantially reduced compared to the current version. SCP-173 will no longer gain speed upon taking damage. Keeping the ability active allows a player to move very fast between encounters, but a player runs the risk of being vulnerable in an ambush.
[b][h3]Tantrum[/h3][/b]
An ability that leaves behind a pool of [REDACTED] which has a radius of 2.75 meters. While SCPs are unaffected by the pool, any human classes that pass through this gains the “Stained” effect. This will reduce their movement speed by 20% and prevent them from sprinting. A pool lasts 180 seconds with a 30-second cooldown between placing them. The “Stained” effect lingers for 3 seconds upon leaving the pool. If SCP-173 kills someone with the effect they immediately regain 100 AHP.
This ability is intended for support, as it allows a creative SCP-173 player to prevent targets from escaping but also makes life difficult for humans if placed in doors or choke points. The pool has an obvious appearance and sound effect allowing humans to react to its presence which can lead them to change their tactics or run away.
[u][b][h2]Patreon Beta Update[/h2][/b][/u]
With this announcement the currently ongoing Patreon beta has been updated to include SCP-173 and the access tier has been lowered to $10. Please note that if you aren’t already a supporter, and you consider doing it now, Patreon will charge you for the second time at the beginning of the next month, hence the price cut.
To learn more about accessing the beta you can visit this page of our website: https://scpslgame.com/beta-access/
[u][b][h2]Community Translators[/h2][/b][/u]
We would like to mention that if you are a community translator you can now receive access to a dedicated role and channel in the Official Discord. This allows for direct communication between community translators and the official Translation team.
To be eligible for the rank you need to have contributed to our Official GitHub repository. If you believe yourself to be eligible, please contact a current member of the official Translation team on Discord.
On the topic of translations, we also want to mention that Non-ASCII languages should now work properly within the game.
[u][b][h2]Last Words[/h2][/b][/u]
As we are getting closer to the release, we look forward to sharing the Parabellum update with you all. We thank you for your continued support of Northwood Studios and SCP: Secret Laboratory.
[i][b]- Northwood Studios[/b][/i]