Idea: Earthquake machine

Idea: Earthquake machine

MalcolmMacLean 19 Jul 2010 01:00

Based on idea that Tesla had and the Mythbusters tested. I thought it might be nice to add another unnaturally high-tech object to the SCP series, and here it is:
http://scpsandboxwiki.wikidot.com/malcom-s-area

I'm a bit concerned that, as it is, I may have written the article a little too much like a user manual. Also, I'm not sure if it's really strange enough to qualify as an SCP. Maybe it needs an experiment log… What do y'all think it needs?

Re: Idea: Earthquake machine

DrSevere 19 Jul 2010 01:47

First off, I am new, take everything I say with a grain of salt.

Anyway, while cool, it doesn't seem that SCP worthy. It isn't dangerous unless you turn it on, which can be said of an atomic bomb, or a machine gun, or whatever else. It is fully understood (I'm assuming). The only thing really strange about it is that it was made by The Factory; otherwise it isn't really all that special.

The other thing is that it isn't creepy or humorous. Try making it more mysterious, and maybe it activates randomly, instead of in a controlled setting or something.

Still, I like the idea.

Re: Idea: Earthquake machine

MalcolmMacLean 19 Jul 2010 14:14

I added an alternative description; it's got somewhat less potential now as a fun little science-toy and a lot more potential as a small-scale doomsday device.

Re: Idea: Earthquake machine

DrSevere 20 Jul 2010 01:48

I like the alternative better, especially how you cut out a lot of the description as to the interface (it really wasn't needed). The addition of "the waves dont seem to mess with each other" also did a nice job of making it less understood.

That being said, it still feels like it needs something, more of an "oomf" factor to make it really impressive. While this could be a logical thing for the foundation to have, it still is kind of a dry read. It is so controlled, so easy to use. Most "safe" SCP's are either really interesting or amusing. This one is just kind of there.

Re: Idea: Earthquake machine

MalcolmMacLean 20 Jul 2010 14:26

So, to give it more "oomf" it needs… what? Something to make it more dangerous? Something to make it more terrifying? Something to make it more silly? Maybe I should add in an experiment log… Would this be any better with the inclusion of a log that describes various things being shaken to pieces, including buildings, trees, and people?

Re: Idea: Earthquake machine

DrSevere 21 Jul 2010 14:25

No, an experiment log would jut tell us what we know; that it smashesbstuff. It definitely needs to be more dangerous in some way…

Re: Idea: Earthquake machine

MalcolmMacLean 21 Jul 2010 15:33

Updated again: it is no longer a small-scale shaker-maker. Instead, it is a full-blown Legion of Evil-approved doomsday device… that happens to have an important piece missing. Ironically, it still qualifies as "Safe" because it's not dangerous unless someone turns it on. Will that work?

You know, on reflection, I don't think the SCP Series includes any cartoonish and improbable world-destroying machines. Maybe this could be the first…