Info
Written by: Positive123 Author Page
Critiqued by: DrAkimoto Author Page
Languages:Languages:
Object Number: 45
Description:
Object 45, known as "Ariadne's String", are pieces of string exclusively owned and used by the Cartographers Republic1. These pieces of string come in varying colors, from blue to green.
The unique effect produced by these strings manifests when an individual holds it in their hand. The effect provides the holder with a sense of direction in the Backrooms, as well as knowledge of any nearby bases, exits, and hazards2 a level contains. Instructions on how to navigate unstable terrain and mazes have also manifested as well. First-hand accounts have stated that the sensation of the effect is similar to that of Numberation.
Another unique effect of the object is its ability to return to its holder. All instances of Ariadne's String that have been taken from Cartographer members have resulted in the object later returning into the possession of the members with no discernible reason. Further attempts to find out how this specific property works are still ongoing due to the string being exclusive to the Cartographers.
Uses:
Ariadne's String's properties have resulted in the object being one of the most important tools for the Cartographers, with it assisting them in navigation as well as mapmaking. Each Cartographer member is required to carry at least one piece with them before going on expeditions of any kind.
The object has played a vital role in allowing for possible navigation and mapping in several levels, which are listed below.
Level 6
Level 6's dark environment and paranoia-inducing conditions would make navigation and mapping of the level very difficult, as low visibility and poor mental state do not make for ideal conditions when one is mapping out a level. While holding Ariadne's String still does not allow for one to see the level, they are able to have a sense of direction and location as well as detect any forms of human life in the level. This has helped greatly in general navigation of the level as a whole.
Level 7
Long regarded as a dead end upon entry due to the lack of known exits, the first exit of Level 7, being the underwater cave at the Midnight Zone of the level's ocean, was discovered when a Cartographer explorer holding the string was caught with the sudden urge to swim towards the direction of the cave. The explorer became the first person to successfully leave Level 7.
Level 70
Level 70's size and dangers make traversal by ordinary means very dangerous for long periods of time. With Ariadne's String, navigation is far easier, and entities are detected long before they can become a threat. Thus, the Cartographers have several maps of the level, which they freely trade with the Froidetownites, making the group well liked in Level 70.
Level 85
Level 85 is one of the only levels in which Ariadne's String has no positive effect. On the contrary, one is said to have a sense of exhaustion and dizziness upon holding the string in the level. This, along with a myriad of other reasons, makes Level 85 one of the only levels to be unmapped by the Cartographers.
Level 313
Unlike most levels, Ariadne's String takes effect in this level by causing the user to have strong feelings of drowsiness. This results in the user eventually falling asleep and as such, exiting the level.
Production:
The recipe for Ariadne's String is kept a secret from non-Cartographer members, and despite best efforts, it was never disclosed. Origins of such a recipe also remain under speculation as well, since, initially, the Cartographers did not produce such a string. The string only was used when the Cartographers converted to a monarchy. It is thus assumed that the first monarch of the Cartographers found a method on producing the string and used that knowledge to take power, though it isn't confirmed. Curiously, the Cartographers Republic never changed their name even after converting into a monarchy.
Trading:
Ariadne's String is unfortunately unavailable as a commodity due to the Cartographers strictly refusing to share any knowledge or provide any instances of the string for the public. Efforts made by the M.E.G., Ariane Circle, I.M.B.H., Eternal Repository, and Backrooms Robotics have all resulted in a rejection.
The closest attempt to get the object to be traded was done by the Backrooms Robotics, where they managed to successfully get The Grand Hegemony3 to agree with the deal by offering them several Lamps and Robopets, but a veto by Queen Pretoria II, Monarch of the Republic4 caused the deal to be rejected.
The rarity of the object results in the value of it being consistently high. Bounties were made by the Leaders back in the 1970s regarding the string. While some Cartographer members did hand it to the Leaders, the pieces of string presented later returned to their hands, and the Leaders were scammed. This resulted in a deterioration of relations between the two, as well as all efforts to obtain the string stopping.