LEVEL 10.4
THREAT INDEX
CLASS 3
Exit: 3/5
Difficult to Exit
Environment: 5/5
Deadzone
Entities: 0/5
No Hostile Entities
Level 10.4, also known as the Crop Season, is a sub-level of Level 10 situated in between Level 10 and Level 11.
Level 10.4 is an expansive, vegetationally rich-environment that seems to expand infinitely in all directions; Level 10.4’s terrain is not completely flat however, several hills may be visible at a certain distance. Wheat fields are quite prominent in this level, with approximately 87% of the level being completely shrouded in fields of wheat. Occasionally, one may encounter several areas that may be greener and more natural; though the more verdant areas of Level 10.4 can rarely be observed in contrast to the vast expanse of wheat fields that are predominant within the level.
Barns can rarely be perceived within the vicinity. A barn’s interior is typically devoid of inhabitants, any visible furnishings, and its lack of supplies. Several barns may accommodate a cellar or basement, providing shelter for wanderers from potential hazards; the entrance to any cellar can generally be found at the back of each barn. Oftentimes barns are stocked with valuable resources and supported by pillars that prevent the ceiling from collapsing. The barns seem to be constructed from a material resembling wood, though the material is tougher to destroy. The walls are quite resilient towards damage while the overall foundation retains its sturdiness. The roof is often attributed with heat-resistant properties, making it able to withstand high temperatures and prevent scorching surfaces from damaging the roof. A mysterious phenomenon has been observed with barns of Level 10.4, enabling the spontaneous manifestation of new barns or the repair of damaged ones, allowing them to restore themselves after being destroyed.
Roads are occasionally conspicuous within a certain proximity, each exhibiting distinct characteristics, varying from unpaved gravel paths to an extensive highway system that appears to stretch endlessly from the north to the south. Most roads are interconnected in a grid-like pattern, excluding some roads that bend and curve at will. Signs, streetlights, traffic lights, and electrical poles are also present alongside these roads, though in terms of functionality these are just mere accessories and do not serve any real, functional purpose within the level.
The main source of nourishment in level 10.4 primarily revolves around wheat, though there may also be a possibility that wanderers harvest fruits and vegetables from diverse vegetation found alongside the wheat fields. The wheat in Level 10.4 is typically considered safe for consumption and safekeeping. However, for further clarification, it is strongly recommended to clean the wheat before consumption. This is to ensure that the wheat has been removed of any residues that might potentially be lethal and also ensures the wheat is hygienic and safe for consumption. While fruits and vegetables can offer additional resources and nutrition, it is still important to note that just like wheat; fruits and vegetables may be contaminated with deadly pollutants.
The atmosphere of the level fluctuates between three documented states, with the states progressing in an inconsistent manner. These states seem akin to the sub-tropical regions of The Frontrooms, as they share similar seasonal patterns. Given that the states alter unpredictably and the transformation occurs in an instant, it is necessary to remain vigilant during any explorations throughout the level.
- Dry: During this state, the temperature within Level 10.4 escalates rapidly, eventually attaining its core temperature of approximately ~48°C (In short terms, this state is essentially a drought). The environment is immediately and drastically affected; fields of wheat and other crops begin to wither, while bodies of water evaporate, leaving behind parched and desiccated soil. Within such circumstances, cellars and basements provide the best sheltering, due to their wide stock of supplies. While the barn can also serve as a shelter, its limited supply of resources may be detrimental to one’s well-being.
- Normal: The clouds clear, revealing the sun and a few scattered clouds. The atmosphere becomes soothing and serene, with a calm and pleasant temperature. These conditions create a naturally relaxing environment, with light gusts of wind gently moving through the air and barns creaking intermittently. During this state, the overall atmosphere closely resembles that of Level 10. It is considered the best state for exploring the level.
- Wet: During this state, the sky is completely enveloped by large, dense clouds, with occasional rays of sunlight breaking through. Among all of the documented states, this state poses the most risk due to it's unpredictability and hazardous weather conditions. Due to this, it is highly advisable to seek shelter until the next state. Several notable climatological events occur within this state;
- Precipitation: Precipitation is a common occurrence in this state, with rain occurring in various areas. However, its predictability is often inconsistent. In regions experiencing heavy precipitation, lightning strikes and hail are also frequently observed.
- Tornadoes: Tornadoes are severe and destructive events characterized by a violently rotating column of air that extends from the sky to the ground. When a tornado occurs nearby, a distant yet deafening siren sounds from an unknown source. The severity of tornadoes have been rated through the “Enhanced Fujita Scale” (EF for short), with the scale ranging from EF-0 to EF-5.
| EFU | No surveyable damage.
Intensity cannot be determined due to a lack of information. This rating applies to tornadoes that traverse areas with no damage indicators, cause damage in an area that cannot be accessed by a survey, or cause damage that cannot be differentiated from that of another tornado. |
| EF0 | Minor damage.
Small trees are blown down and bushes are uprooted. Shingles are ripped off roofs, windows in cars and buildings are blown out, medium to large branches snapped off of large trees, sheds are majorly damaged, and loose small items are tossed and blown away (i.e. lawn chairs, plastic tables, sports equipment, mattresses). Barns are damaged. Paper and leaves lifted off the ground. |
| EF1 | Moderate damage
Roofs stripped from shingles or planting. Small areas of roof may be blown off house. Doors and garage doors blown in, siding ripped off houses, mobile homes flipped or rolled onto their sides, small trees uprooted, large trees snapped or blown down, telephone poles snapped, outhouses and sheds blown away. Cars occasionally flipped or blown over, and moderate roof and side damage to barns. Corn stalks slightly bent and stripped of leaves. |
| EF2 | Considerable damage
Whole roofs ripped off frame houses, interiors of frame homes damaged, and small, medium, and large trees uprooted. Weak structures such as barns, mobile homes, sheds, and outhouses are completely destroyed. Cars are lifted off the ground. |
| EF3 | Severe damage
Roofs and numerous outside walls blown away from frame homes, all trees in its path uprooted or lofted. Two-story homes have their second floor destroyed, high-rises have many windows blown out, radio towers blown down, metal buildings (i.e. factories, power plants, and construction sites) are heavily damaged, sometimes completely destroyed. Large vehicles such as tractors, buses, and forklifts are blown from their original positions. Trains can be flipped or rolled onto their sides. Severe damage to large structures such as shopping malls. |
| EF4 | Devastating damage
Trees are partially debarked, cars are mangled and thrown in the air, frame homes are completely destroyed and some may be swept away, moving trains blown off railroad tracks, and barns are leveled. High-rises are significantly damaged. |
| EF5 | Incredible damage
Nearly all buildings aside from heavily built structures are destroyed. Cars are mangled and thrown hundreds, possibly thousands of yards away. Frame homes, brick homes, and small businesses, are swept away, trees debarked, corn stalks flattened or ripped out of the ground, skyscrapers sustain major structural damage, grass ripped out of the ground. Wood and any small solid material become dangerous projectiles. |
Additionally, a few EFU (Enhanced Fujita Scale Unknown) tornadoes have been documented, typically due to insufficient visible damage to assess their intensity. For now, it is encouraged to evacuate to the nearest shelter when a tornado occurs. Tornadoes may also form during normal or dry conditions, but they are generally weaker and have a shorter lifespan in contrast to the tornadoes that form within this state. [1]
Due to the level's mysterious nature, attempts at establishing colonies or outposts is currently impossible.
Discovery[]
The following note is hypothesized to be among the earliest recorded accounts of this level. The excerpt documents the details of Alex Turner’s exploration; a wanderer who inadvertently stumbled upon Level 10.4 through Level 10. The entry was retrieved on May 3rd, 2010.
“It is going to be dark forever,” I muttered under my breath as I seemed to be hopelessly stuck within a state of perpetual descent into the void. But something was off. I’m not moving anymore. I regained my consciousness in what seemed to be a damp, a wet spot. Something must've broken my fall. What happened? Why am I here? These questions linger on my mind as I ponder around the vast wheat fields surrounding me. It's silent. Really silent, but at the same time it felt like paradise. This place, it’s quite peaceful. It makes me recall vivid memories of my adolescence, when I went to my acquaintance’s house to visit him every few weeks or so. Ever since I've been stuck in this hellhole that I have constantly been trying to get out of... I can't help but feel a longing for the people who I truly trust and care about. But I mustn't stay here for long. I know what this place is as it also knows what I am.
The note was discovered within the confines of Level 20. Intel regarding Alex Turner's current whereabouts is still lacking, though he is presumably dead.
Entrances []
- Tripping on the field of wheats within Level 10 will supposedly transport one to this level, although this has to be performed accidentally.
- Alternatively, driving through Interstate 10 in Level 11, the roads will gradually contort into this level. It is also possible to accomplish this in Level 690.
Exits []
- Tampering with a functional electric pole will lead to Level 3.
- Several cellars feature a crooked exterior and have a metal sheet installed on the roof. The doors are made of rusty metal, and the absence of visible light shrouds the flights of stairs in complete darkness. Descending them will transport one to Level 6[2].
- Walking through the wheat fields or driving through road will take you to Level 10 and Level 11, in conjunction with the methods above.
- An unconfirmed exit from a previous entry was through a peculiar industrial building, which closely resembles a warehouse. Going inside the building will lead you to Level 20.
Footnotes:[]
<< Level 10.3 | Level 10.4 | Level 10.5 >>
Author: ClassicalA-200
Images: [1] [2] [3]