Mercies, comprising the genus Hemosynera, are insectoid ambush predators that inhabit various outdoor levels of the Backrooms. Their bodies resemble mosquitoes of relatively gargantuan proportions, bearing a needlelike proboscis and measuring up to 90 centimetres in length from head to tail. Mercies have two wings with segments dividing them into halves, which assist in stabilizing the entity in flight. The head of a Mercy is covered in tough exoskeleton that shares an uncanny resemblance with a human skull; this feature is believed to serve as a warding device against potential threats (namely armed wanderers). The "jaw" is split down the middle and serrated at the ends, which Mercies dig into their prey to remain in place as they feed on the blood of the victim.
Due to the precise structure of Mercies' wings, the sound of their flight is nearly silent, allowing the entity to easily snare its prey before being noticed. This heavily improves the hunting ability of Mercies in dark outdoor levels as there are little to no warnings of their arrival if one is not properly equipped. The hunting methods of Mercies are best likened to that of owls of the Frontrooms; in their most ideal environments, the most reliable method to avoid being attacked is to remain out of sight. Additionally, Mercies are highly susceptible to being deterred by intimidation displays, as they have virtually zero means of proper self-defense against more powerful species other than fleeing.
Due to unexplained phenomena, making contact with a Mercy's body will gradually lull one's mind into an illusive state of comfort and security. The exact sensation varies between wanderers — ranging from "a luxurious embrace that had always been promising", to "utmost serenity and joy" — nonetheless, the effects aim to reduce one's awareness of threat and dissuade them from fighting against the draining of blood. All measures of hormone production while in this state report a consistent increase in serotonin and a decrease in adrenaline. Nearly all wanderers in contact with Mercies have gained an addictive sense in regard to its properties — it is imperative to avoid contact at all costs.
Mercies are solitary ambush predators that tend to prioritize their own safety in face-to-face encounters. They do not find their nutrition in the flesh, however — instead, Mercies opt for feeding on the blood of other entities through their piercing proboscis. Searching for prey is often done from an aerial view where the entity can scout from above with a high range of vision. Regardless of how the Mercy finds its prey, it will land on level ground from a distance, then lunge towards it while laying their wings and legs along the prey to delude it into comfort. Once its prey has lost most motivation to fight back, the Mercy digs its proboscis into the flesh and begins drawing blood.
Once a Mercy has finished feeding from a wanderer, they are typically engorged in blood up to the face and down the neck. Pores in these locations will absorb the remaining blood along the skin and exoskeleton, triggering a state known as "bloodlust". The bloodlust state is marked by a red glow emitted from the body and a soft ethereal humming noise surrounding the Mercy. The humming produced in this state can inflict a sense of maternal love and comfort in potential prey within range of the sound, while instilling hopeless fear into possible predators. How this distinction between entities and their relation to Mercies is made is unknown, though the effect seems to distinguish wanderers as prey regardless of their lethal potential.
Mercies will only choose to hunt humans if they recognize that the individual is severely weakened. While there is no confirmed reasoning for the behavior, many have speculated that it may be involved with their unique survival instinct in contrast to other predatory entities. Indeed, Mercies may recognize how the physical capabilities of a healthy wanderer may put their lives at risk and will avoid attempting to hunt the individual. Weakened wanderers may instead be easier to siphon from due to their reduced alertness and capabilities in physical combat.
Mercies are known to reside in Level 9, Level 10.99, Level 11.3, Level 45, Level 65, Level 79, Level 109, Level 140, Level 164, Level 333, Level 410, Level 518, Level 570, Level 594, Level 597, Level 754, Level 967, The Core, and The Archives.
Mercies possess a body plan similar to mosquitoes, developed for easy navigation of small spaces and swift ambushes on prey. Because Mercies are adapted for various forms of environments, they are pervasive throughout many levels of the Backrooms containing secluded spaces and outdoor zones, both to shelter from threats and quickly scout for prey. Mercies' brains are exceptionally refined at facial recognition and empathy — a skill useful for identifying past prey and weakened individuals. While Mercies' sense of hearing is poor, they are highly sensitive to vibrations in the air, allowing them to spot targets with ease.
As Mercies feed on the blood of their prey, they will secrete a stored substance into the wound that heavily boosts the production rate of red blood cells in the vascular system. Presumed to be an unknown mixture containing mostly Hydricpoxoic Oil, the substance injected by Mercies assists in bringing the victim to a comatose state due to blood loss; the first attack by a Mercy almost never kills the victim. As long as the Mercy is not threatened by its target, they attack prey indiscriminately. Backrooms-native prey to Mercies include Skin-Stealers, Woven Keepers, Lightlurkers, and Old Birds. Still, without medical treatment, a victim should expect to feel extremely light-headed for at least sixteen hours after awakening and physically weakened for at least a week.
Mercies possess a natural resistance against toxins and acids; as such, a variety of prey becomes easily accessible to them. Venatrexens with poisonous defenses and Cells are some of the most common targets of feedings unique to Mercies. These properties have led to Mercy hides becoming a valuable asset, with equal value to approximately fifteen typical bottles of Almond Water for each hide.
Mercies thrive best in dark outdoor environments, where their presence is nearly unnoticeable while scouting for prey. High entity presence (including humans) is also favorable for the species, especially where other predators are scarce. However, there are certain measures one can take to defend themselves either in environments with Mercies or in direct encounters.
- In levels known to be high in Mercy populations, do not show weakness while in open spaces. This will make potential attacking Mercies believe you are in healthy condition and will not bother to engage.
- If you find yourself in an encounter with a Mercy, avoid contact with the entity at all costs to mitigate the risk of falling to its deluding properties. Keeping a safe distance will ensure that you are alert and prepared for any possible strikes by the Mercy.
- In the case that a Mercy has begun feeding from you, your main priority should be to intimidate the entity and avoid showing weakness. Swing false punches or kicks without hitting the Mercy; hurting it will only provoke it further.
Rewrite Author: Lemon
Original Author: Lacunarum