SURVIVAL DIFFICULTY:
Class 3
- Unsafe
- Secure
- Entity Infestation
Level 77, central area.
Description
1Level 77 consists of a 25km2 expanse of steep, undulating hills and valleys. This area is surrounded by a dense deciduous forest that, due to its nature, is of undetermined dimensions.2 These hills vary in elevation from less than a meter to nearly 80 meters, with the median being approximately 25 meters in height. Stuck in a bisected diurnal cycle, the central area of Level 77 remains in constant daylight while the surrounding forest appears nightbound.3
These hills harbor abundant flora with the most common being a variant of zoysia grass, although various bluegrass and mosses can also be found. These plants exists in a near-constant and consistently uniform state of growth. This abnormal growth has been theorized to be a side effect of Level 77's diurnal cycle, loamy soil, and unique atmospheric conditions, though not exclusively through these means.4
Dense fog in southern region of the central area.
Level 77 experiences one consistent atmospheric condition: fog. This consists of a dense mist of mainly water, with trace amounts of known and unknown sediments. These clouds vary in density, with the highest concentration existing within the valleys and crevices between hills. Exploration is ill-advised without a clear way of determining direction.5
Due to its nature, an unsubstantial amount of information is known about the deciduous forest bordering Level 77. A thriving colony of Nguithr'xurh makes exploration increasingly difficult.
Entities
Level 77 has only two non-native, long -term inhabitants:
Nguithr'xurh
A small sub-cluster, possibly a hatchery.
The Nguithr'xurh super-colony located on Level 77 is one of the largest recorded continuous infestations of the species. Their area is split into numerous clusters and sub-clusters that act as a network of interconnected yet distinct sub-colonies. This allows for the presence of multiple queens within the same territory, substantially strengthening their growth rate. Of note, the size of the Nguithr'xurh within Level 77 is of particular concern, with most members of the species reaching 60-65 cm (far beyond their normal parameters). Queen sightings, though rare, have reported sizes nearing 152-200 cm. Theories on why these specimens reach this size are varied and unsubstantiated, but it is estimated that more than 2 million Nguithr'xurh live within Level 77. Despite their proximity, no Nguithr'xurh have ever been seen in the central area of the level, with the highest concentration being found within 1 km of the border. It is estimated that 95% of unaligned travelers do not survive their territory.6
Shenandoah Sheep
Two sheep, separated from their herd.
The Shenandoah Sheep are a unique species of Ovis native only to Level 77. Since their initial introduction to the level nearly 50 years ago, these sheep have adapted to the area's unique conditions. This comes in the form of two major distinctions from similar species:
• An abnormally long lifespan, typically living to 20-25 years, nearly double the average for the genus. In instances of sheep being removed from the level, this lifespan is reduced to 15-20 years in adults and 9-12 years in lambs.
• A unique method of hydration, in which a specialized organelle in the lungs will store and slowly absorb the water particles in the fog. This is a necessary adaptation due to the lack of standing fresh water within the level.
It is unknown whether or not the Shenandoah Sheep have always had these attributes or if they are a byproduct of their habitation of Level 77 itself. Though the exact number is a closely guarded secret, it is estimated that the level contains nearly 15,000 sheep.
B.N.T.G & the Murphy Estate
Level 77, known to members of the B.N.T.G. as "The Sheephole", is the group's primary source of wool, lanolin, and mutton; it also acts as a substantial resource of milk, tallow, and leather. This is facilitated through an agreement reached between the B.N.T.G. and the only permanent human presence on Level 77, the Murphy Estate.7 The connection between these two groups was strengthened by the marriage of the estate's founder and an executive within the B.N.T.G..
Established approximately 50 years ago by its progenitor, Samuel Murphy, the estate is now in the capable hands of his son Jacob Murphy. Though the composition and inner workings of the Murphy Estate are unknown, it is rumored that Jacob has a large family that helps maintain the population of Shenandoah Sheep. Due to the details of their initial agreement and the value of the resources within Level 77, the B.N.T.G. is highly secretive with information regarding the level and their obviously established trade route through it.
Entrances and Exits
Aside from the B.N.T.G.-controlled trade route(s), Level 77 has several confirmed cases of travelers entering through various levels, including but not limited to: Level 32, Level 48, Level 249, and Level 415. In all instances, travelers were walking through heavily forested sections of these levels when the transition seamlessly occurred. It is theorized that any heavily forested area could potentially lead into Level 77. Regardless of origin, all entrances to the level occur within the forest, approximately 4 km from the border of the central area.
Exiting the level is achieved through similar means as entering, though occurring much more sporadically. When walking through the surrounding forest, at any distance greater than 6 km, a traveler will have a 65% chance to no-clip through the detritus and into any level containing a heavily forested area.
I find myself wistful in my old age, though life has given no reason for such thoughts. Our flock is plenty, and my homestead is quite lavish by my standards. Success blesses me as my continued relations with B.N.T.G. have left me want-less. These hills provide all that our flock needs; I don't fear for their safety when I am gone. My dear son Jacob has promised me to not over-cull our flock and to keep watch over their numbers. My pride in him knows no bounds.
It dawned on me, after all these years, we failed to name our homestead. So here and now, in my final hours, we call these hills, New Shenandoah.
I only hope Father would be proud, though I now know his selfishness would never make that possible.
- Samuel Murphy; February 15th, 1895
