| Spycrabs | |
| |
| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Creator | TF2 community as a whole |
| Creation | July 5, 2008 |
| Debut | Spy Crabs |
| Characteristics | |
| Type | Crustacean |
| Alignment | True Neutral |
| Attitude | Timid (mostly) |
| Fighting style | Short-range |
| Abilities | Snapping claws Sideways gait Sappers |
| Status | |
| Status | Endangered |
"Spy! Spy!" |
The Spycrab (alt. Spy Crab, Crab Spy) is a creature that resembles a Spy, but walks like a crab.
Appearance
Spycrabs appear as normal Spies, of any gender or team orientation, who usually move whilst crouching. Most of the time they hold their arms upwards, hands assuming a pincer-like pose. They usually carry a Disguise Kit in their right hand, occasionally clicking it open and shut as they walk, thought they are known to click their hands without them.
Origins
The meta origins of Spycrab began as an animation glitch where a Spy would hold the Disguise Kit, look up, and crouch, causing the Spy's arms and legs to deform, making him walk like a crab. After video footage made the phenomenon known to a wider audience, the Spycrab would become a popular fad among the Team Fortress 2 community.
The glitch got so popular that it was acknowledged by Valve and, starting with the Sniper Vs. Spy Update, when taunting with the Disguise Kit, a Spy player has a 20% chance to activate a taunt based on the Spycrab. Further references to the Spycrab were added over the years, including appearances in the TF2 Official Blog, mentions in the TF Comics, and a promotional cosmetic item which accompanied a real-life Spycrab plush doll.
Personality and Behaviour
Both BLU and RED Spycrabs are peaceful creatures, commonly migrating from point to point during the mating season. They are quite docile and harmless when unprovoked, though they are known to gather into sizeable groups to chase off aggressors.
They are considered an endangered species in the TF2 Freak World, and both common mercenaries and TF2 Freaks are known to poach them. It is not exactly known why they are poached, however; they simply are. The killing of Spycrabs tends to be deeply resented as a result, though there are those who kill the creatures regardless of this sentiment.
Powers and Abilities
Spycrabs are apparently amphibious creatures, and feel comfortable both on dry land and in bodies of water. While they most likely cannot swim, it is presumed they simply traverse the bottoms of lakes and seas, breathing underwater.
They can attack with their pincer-like hands, and are capable of utilising sappers like normal Spies. This can prove to be a bother to common mercenaries or Engineers, but is largely harmless towards most TF2 Freaks.
Faults and Weaknesses
- Spycrabs are very poor fighters, unable to fend off most assailants unless in a large group.
- They are rather slow and not very durable, so they can be easily hunted by organized groups of mercenaries, not to mention many other TF2 Freaks.
Trivia
- Spycrab is older than Vagineer by about 6 months, but because its nature as a full-fledged TF2 Freak is arguable, it is not widely considered the eldest Freak in favour of the latter.
- The Spycrab is a rare example of a character who started out as an internet meme and later became part of the TF2 Freak World as a result of their fame. The only other Freak to boast such a feat is Demopan.
Gallery
