First discovered in Level 83, Floraduc Alvearium, also known as Entity 105, is a large collection of plants all bounded together at the root system. These roots are significantly larger than those seen on normal plants, with them often being 5 to 10 times longer than non-anomalous roots. All of these bind together in a web at the approximate central point of all plants. If the circumstances are met, all the plants become apart of Floraduc Alvearium. This web has been able to grow over time, adding on more plants and even creating new ones to support itself. The entity can recognize faces, and can recall those it interacted with for upwards of months at a time. This memory is not quite understood, though it is believed to be linked to hive-mind like properties in the Central Rooting System (or CRS).
The Central Rooting System is the host for the entity's collective consciousness, often buried many meters below what is usually expected from roots. This consciousness only forms after 10 or more plants all connect to the Central Rooting System, as more add on, the entity becomes more intelligent and protective. These instincts are what causes the entity to sink deeper into the terra, and add more plants to their system. The largest known CRS sits 50 meters underground, and hosts a population of 1.2k plants all across Level 585.
It is unknown why a Floraduc Alvearium is formed, outside of having the necessary amount of plants for one to materialize. The danger of a given level or other presences show no correlation to whether an instance of Entity 105 will appear. However, some theories have come to light about its existence.
Flora DNA Theory suggests there to be specific genetic coding in all flora life found in the Backrooms that gives them the ability to become an instance of Floraduc Alvearium. Because of the unknown requirements of creating one, the theory suggests that its formation is entirely by choice of the plants. The theory, does not explain their rarity, as if all plants were able to create Central Root Systems, they would likely be more common. It is argued that the conditions were not met for the plants that didn't join, but with the conditions remaining unknown, the theory isn't fully accepted.
The more popular Hive Mind Theory states that the Central Root System is its own entity, apart from the plants. These entities form beneath the earth in an amorphous state of life, despite not having a physical form. These entities then take in plant roots in order to create a physical form for itself. Questions around the theory mainly revolve around its capabilities of movement, as the Hive Mind Theory does not consider the CRS to be able of movement in a normal sense. Arguments have also formed over the limited communication, as Floraduc Alvearium is only able to reach certain stages with enough plants tied to it, instead of being always able.
Deep Root Theory argues that the process of creating a Central Root System is entirely anomalous, with plants only being able to do it if they are "given" the ability to. This is largely explained by small, controlled diseases that, when tested on Entity 105, show a much stronger ability to spread amongst it. The theory believed that Floraduc Alvearium only forms when a group of already intertwined plants gets infected with the same disease. This illness, nicknamed "Deep Root Disease" or "Entity 105 Effect" forms the basis of the theory name.
By the time an instance of Floraduc Alvearium reaches 50 members, it is able to form sentences. This communication begins rough, but as more join, the speech abilities show a notable increase. Further tying into their population, the quality of discussion is also dependent. Smaller cases of Entity 105 are less able to recall information, provide shorter answers, and is less open to talking in comparison to their larger counterparts. Larger Central Root Systems may also show less intrigue in speaking to wanderers, often as a result of being "above" their intellect. The facts of this remain unconfirmed, as tests based upon intelligence either don't provide enough data, or are ignored.
Floraduc Alvearium, despite possible benefits, do not create or use vines or other resources as tools. According to Entity 105, the existence of said resources is not for combat, so it cannot override that. Many other questions followed similar answers, suggesting a moral code each Central Root System follows. Without protection, many parts of the entity could be eaten or damaged by others, but it doesn't appear to mind.
In the rare case of two instances of Entity 105 crossing paths, one of two options occur:
- The two of them may combine, forming a larger Central Root System, and providing them with much more intelligence and chances of survival. This involves plants from both Floraduc Alveariums to intertwine with both root systems to create a shared consciousness. In this state, all plants are likely to benefit only a little, which may be dangerous in environments where there is regular damage to the environment or sustenance is thin.
- Both entities will fight, with them aiming to take roots from the other's system and give it to their own. These are more common in harsher environments because of the possibility of reward. These battles may last hundreds of years, with the movement of the roots often slow and arduous.
Entity 105 is generally neutral around humans, with hostility only showing up in certain cases. Hostile encounters with Floraduc Alvearium mainly come from wanderers or other beings damaging the Central Root System, usually through cutting down trees or pulling plants out of the ground. When one does this multiple times, the entity will engage in protective measures, often considered hostile. These include trapping them with plants, striking them with fronds and leaves, and sometimes verbal attacks if the entity is intelligent enough to do so. These aggressive behaviors can last for multiple years, as the entity retains all memories of the individual that harmed it.
Attempts to revert this aggression have not been seen yet, though with interviews with Entity 105 instances, there have been suggestions on what will stop it. Most of which, involves replanting and restoring the parts that were removed. If Floraduc Alvearium is aware of this, it'll reduce hostile behavior significantly and may also be more open to getting damaged for the benefit of others.
With other entities, this same neutrality is usually shown. Though because of some entities being naturally more hostile or passive, it may act different. When around hostile entities, Floraduc Alvearium may guide the being closer to wanderers it doesn't like in order to get them killed. Or it may pull away the entity to protect those it cares for. With the case of dead or otherwise undead creatures, Entity 105 may try to eat it, by using roots to slowly pull the anomaly into the ground. This acts similarly to fertilizer for an instance, but with how uncommon the behavior is, the usefulness of it is considerably minimal.
Below is a list of known instances of Entity 105, and their general status towards wanderers. The total number of any Central Root System can only be estimated, as no official numbers have been provided by the entity.
Nickname: Rosethorn
Population: 200
Status: Neutral
Nickname: Icy
Population: 400
Status: In battle
Nickname: Cold Front
Population: 600
Status: In battle
Nickname: The Giant
Population: 1.2k
Status: Passive
Nickname: Karros Park
Population: 150
Status: Semi-Hostile