| Entity Number: TH-7 | Danger: 4 |
| Habitat: Outdoor levels | Intelligent: D+ |
A photo of the Signalweed taken by an unidentified wanderer.
General Appearance
Entity TH-7 also known as Signalweed, is an entity that resembles a telecommunications macrocell tower, commonly seen throughout the Frontrooms.
Biology
Signalweed’s external structure is primarily composed of chitin. A complex polysaccharide molecule commonly found in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. Their chitin structure is unusually dense and arranged, granting the outer shell a strength comparable to metal while remaining lighter than concrete or typical steel. Internally, Signalweed possesses organs that closely resemble those of insects.
Signalweed is capable of emitting high-frequency wireless signals within a radius of approximately 250 meters. These signals closely resemble Wi-Fi waves1 used by humans, allowing standard electronic devices to detect them. This ability is primarily used to lure human victims to them. However, in the absence of nearby humans, the entity will emit low-frequency electromagnetic waves, which can distort the surrounding magnetic field within a 500 meter radius. This interference is strong enough to disrupt and disable nearby Wi-Fi signals.
From the base of Signalweed are organs resembling copper wires,2 spreading underground in all directions, covering the surrounding area within a 250 meter radius. These organs do not yet have an official name, but most wanderers commonly refer to them as "roots" due to their spread resembling plant roots. These roots are highly conductive and can generate enough electric potential to kill a human or other entities. They are analyzed to function similarly to mechanisms found in certain marine animals, such as electric eels.
Reproduction
When Signalweed receives sufficient nutrients, it begins to form a new organ from its base, referred to as a "reproductive root". This type of root is significantly larger and thicker than the normal ones, featuring multiple layers of reinforced chitin and the ability to move through soil or other surface materials such as concrete.3 The reproductive root slowly extends outward in a specific direction from the entity at an extremely slow pace, sometimes taking weeks or even months to move just a few meters, as it searches for a suitable location to plant a seed. Once a suitable area is found,4 the root releases a single seed into the soil. Afterward, the root begins to decompose, a process that takes about 24 hours. The seed itself is spherical, about 25 centimeters in diameter, with a chitin shell and an inner composition made of insect-derived proteins. The seed requires approximately 6–7 months to absorb nutrients from the soil before growing into a fully developed Signalweed.
Behaviour
Signalweed are most commonly found in open, flat areas such as lowlands, wide plains, or overgrown fields. They use their wireless signal emission ability to lure humans as food. Studies of the emitted frequencies have revealed evidence suggesting that Signalweed are capable of communicating with one another via wireless signals. This communication is likely used for coordinating hunts and may also play a role in regulating reproduction or establishing territorial boundaries. However, the structure of these signals remains undeciphered at present.
Predation
As mentioned above, when a human is nearby, Signalweed emits wireless signals. If the wanderer has an electronic device that is powered on, the device will detect and be able to connect to the entity's signal.5 This causes unsuspecting wanderers to unknowingly head toward the Signalweed, hoping to make use of the signal source. Once the victim comes within a certain range, the roots beneath the surface in the area where the entity is located will emerge and strike toward the victim. Since these roots are highly conductive, the victim usually dies from electrocution rather than from physical harm caused by the roots themselves. After the victim has died, the entity uses its roots to grab the body and pull it back underground. What happens to the body afterward is unknown, but it is assumed that this entity consumes living beings in a way similar to how plants absorb nutrients.6 It has also been observed that other Signalweed will attempt to lure humans into their territory as well, increasing the chances of capturing prey.
Control Method
A warning sign commonly found in areas heavily populated by Signalweed. These signs were created by Backrooms Conservation Group.
In cases where Signalweed are found near colonies or areas with large human populations, the Association of Conspiring Traders is responsible for containing and eliminating them. The usual methods employed include chainsaws or Firesalt. After elimination, the chitin-based outer structure of the Signalweed is separated from the corpse and traded. As previously mentioned, their chitin is as strong as metal but significantly lighter. Due to the difficulty and danger involved in harvesting it, the material is considered highly valuable and is commonly used for:
- Lightweight yet durable armor.
- Weapons such as swords, spears, and other military equipment.
- Construction of protective walls around colonies.
Other parts of Signalweed such as the roots, internal tissues, and secondary structures, are left to decompose naturally, enriching the surrounding soil. However, in areas where Signalweed are too numerous to control or eliminate, the region will be quarantined and marked with warning signs to deter travelers from entering.7
Discovery
Entity TH-7 was discovered around 2005 by a traveler who fell victim to it while communicating with a friend. The victim’s friend later reported the incident to the Backrooms Conservation Group in Level TH-7, which ultimately led to the identification of this entity. A record of the preserved conversation can be found in the database here.
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- If you encounter a signal tower structure, you should keep your distance. If the signal in your area becomes unstable or inexplicably disappears, it may be caused by a Signalweed.
- If you must use a signal from the entity, maintain a safe distance and access it remotely. Although signal quality may be reduced, this is for your own safety.
- Report sightings of Signalweed to the Backrooms Conservation Group or other relevant groups such as the Association of Conspiring Traders for further coordination.
Don't
- Approach the Signalweed.
- Attempt to eliminate them by yourself.
- Allow yourself to remain within the area of Signalweed for an extended period, even if you are not within its attack range, may cause the entity to emit another wireless signal over a wider radius, which could become a problem for you in the future.8