LEVEL 859
THREAT INDEX
CLASS 3
Exit: 2/5
Somewhat Difficult to Exit
Environment: 4/5
Extreme Environmental Risk
Entities: 3/5
Major Hostile Presence
Description[]
Level 859 also known as The Palengke (Market) is a wet market with cement floors, rusted tin roofs, and narrow wooden, tin, or tarp walls. Despite the environmental hazards and presences of hostile entities, this level has a large population of human inhabitants. The large population is due to the available resources found The Palengke and its rare entrance from The Frontrooms. Level 859 is estimated to be about 300,000 sq km and it resembles some of the markets found in the Southeast Asia regions of The Frontrooms. The air here is always uncomfortably hot and humid.
Wanderers traversing Level 859 often experience feelings of claustrophobia, given the tight spaces and narrow corridors. There is electricity to be found on this level, but artificial lights are scarce. The roofs of the entire market, made from rusted tin, are often in a state of disrepair. Holes in these roofs allow some natural light to seep in, illuminating the dark corridors of Level 859. Boxes, crates, and building materials often line the walls, occasionally congesting a path.
There are two types of markets in Level 859: the wet market and dry market. These sections are sometimes separated by a break in the tin roof, giving the appearance as though they are separate buildings. At these separations, you can always feel the intense heat of the sun, as there is no day/night cycle on Level 859. These separations are often narrow, with a trench of putrid water running through them. This water is not safe to drink.
The Dry market is a labyrinth of narrow halls, lined with shops that stock everything from plastic kitchenware to old thrift clothing to old broken tech. Imagine washboards, bucket tubs, junky toys, cell phone cases, bags, etc. These items are often low quality. Wanderers usually will enter this level in the dry market area.
Occasionally you might find a walk-in grocery store that can have biscuits, candies, canned goods, but they will often be expired (still edible) or infested with mice and ants (less edible). The temperature here is never below 40°C (104°F) despite being shaded by the tin roof and it is always very humid. Everything is old and left in an abandoned state, the hallways are dark and narrow with occasional light bulbs or holes in the roof bringing in light. Wanderers have noted feeling claustrophobia in these areas.
Anytime a shop is destroyed or messed, it will regenerate on its own after some time. This includes any stocks taken from these shops. Hounds and facelings are moderately common in these areas with the occasional smiler in some of the darker areas. Child facelings are common and are desperate to steal any supplies taken from Level 859's markets and will often become violent to do so.
Events[]
In the Palengke there are a few noticeable events, specifically weather-related events. These events will vary in intensity, duration, and frequency. Sometimes these events will coincide, causing additional hazards.
Typhoons, or hurricanes (depending on what part of the frontrooms one is from) is often regarded as among the most intense natural disasters one can experience. Typhoons on Level 859 are no different in regards of intensity. If a wanderer is standing near a sectional separation, they will notice the cloud cover to thicken significantly. Often wanderers anywhere on the level can feel a sudden drop in barometric pressure. This will always happen about an hour before a typhoon event.
After the initial change in weather, wanderers may notice that the wind will gradually pick up. This wind increases in intensity until the one-hour mark in which the rain starts. Winds can pick up to a speed of about 252kph. The noise of the wind is painfully loud. Wanderers have described the noise to be that of a hundred freight trains racing all at once. This storm will produce 15-30cm of rainfall and will often directly result in a flood event. Typhoons can last anywhere from one day up to a week. The greatest dangers present during a typhoon event are that sections of roof can fly off and any item not secured may launch at high speeds due to wind gusts.
The flood event will often follow a typhoon event. Floods will not always occur during or after a typhoon and floods can also happen without a typhoon event occurring. Wanderers may predict a flood event when puddles begin forming all throughout the Palengke. This is often the first indicator that a flood event is to occur, and it is advised that wanderers promptly prepare. It is unknown what the source of this water is. It seems as though the water comes from the ground. These puddles grow until they all connect. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Once all puddles connect, the water will rise for about an hour.
Final water levels will vary. Wanderers have reported some floods to only be a few centimeters; some have reports shown floods to be chest high. This water is dirty, and it is murky. Wanderers cannot see the ground and must be careful to protect their legs and feet of sharp, protruding objects. If wanderers have open wounds, they are likely to become infected unless cleaned and sanitized. It is recommended that hygiene is a priority after a flood event. It is also common for large items and containers to shift in the waters. It is advised to be wary of this hazard. Dullers, which are normally only found in the produce sections have been known to wander in other parts of this level during a flood event. These floods usually only last a day but can last much longer.
It is unknown where the epicenter or fault line is in this expansive market. It is said that the intensity is the same no matter where you are in the Palengke. The earthquake event is among the most hazardous events to occur on Level 859. The wanderer in this event will feel a small shake underneath their feet (with correlating shakes and rattles of whatever items they are around.). The small shakes will happen 3 times for about one minute every ten minutes. This is the best and only indication that an earthquake event is to occur. Ten minutes after the 3rd small shake, the big earthquake will shake Level 859.
Earthquakes ranging from 5.0Mw to 9.5Mw have been approximated during these events. Flying debris is a major hazard during these events but note that entire sections of roofing and supports have entirely collapsed during an earthquake event. If you are about to experience an earthquake, find a sturdy piece of furniture such as a strong table and hide under it. Protect your head at all costs. Many residential wanderers of Level 859 keep a helmet or hard hat handy in case of this event, however, even they seek shelter during these dangerous events.
Level 859 is already consistently hot. The average temperature of the Palengke is around 40C. During a heatwave however, temperatures can surge up to 50C. Heat related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and muscle cramps are extreme hazards during these events. Note that humidity levels are also estimated to be anywhere from 80-100% making these events feel even more intense.
It is advised to have an ample water supply or other means of hydration and to find a safe place to rest during this event. Wretches/Insanities have been known to wander into other parts of the Palengke during a heatwave, rather than just staying in the meat section. These heat waves can last up to 3 days.
Entities[]
- Facelings are common throughout the entire level. Child facelings are aggressive and will try to rob you.
- Hounds are common throughout the entire level.
- Smilers can be found in the darker parts of the dry market.
- Wretches are common in the meat/fish section of the wet market and will wander out during a heatwave event.
- Dullers are most commonly found throughout the produce sections of the level. They appear to prefer to be near standing water, presumably to regulate body temperature. They will wander out to other areas of Level 859 during a flood event.
- Pink Larvae are often found infesting the rotten fruit in the produce section. It is advised to avoid eating any of the fruit found in the produce section.
- Comfort Rooms have not had any entities noted.
Outposts[]
A group of 200 or more individuals established in 2009. They specialize in utilizing the equipment found in Level 859. They try and cook and trade with wanderers. Some even have established businesses such as medical stations, laundry shops, schools, etc. They are friendly but will protect their goods and their community with great force. They have a self-sustaining government that helps their colony through events as well as keep them safe from entities and ill-intended wanderers. It is rumored of corruption existing in the government, but most people are supportive, nonetheless.
An offshoot of “The Barangay” established for trade routes. They have multiple strongholds/outposts. They are specialists in traversing Level 859. Though they operate under the guidance of The Barangay, they will operate independently, scouting for new locations for useful supplies, food and water. (Comfort rooms/bathrooms are the most sought locations as these are permanent water sources.) They are always willing to aid a wanderer but are careful when guiding them to known outposts.
A semi-hostile group of about 30 or so people that will trade with wanderers, but only if they perform a task that will aid them in their “conquest”. This group is infamous for having "hound fights" where they will capture hounds and force them to fight to the death. Gambling and fights are common at these matches. The Rizal elitists will not interact with the Barangay claiming they are evil and horde resources for only themselves. The Barangay refer to them as rowdy bandits.
A small group of sports enthusiasts that try to hold basketball tournaments in a cleared produce section. This section is walled off and cleared of produce and entities. Members of this group will constantly maintain this area as the Palengke tends to try and mend itself. Tournaments are held weekly, and winners of these tournaments will receive water, almond water, food, and supplies as a prize. They trade with Purok Dos for supplies, and they maintain a good relationship. They are good natured folks and will always welcome a guest or wanderer. Audience members are always welcome, even if they have no skills in basketball.
The Colonists that are stationed here or live here usually cooperate with other groups, sharing some facilities to survive the levels chaotic events. While the level does have many natural events and entities, the Colonist presence is permanent, with markets operated constantly which sees heavy wanderer trading and purchasing. The market theme of the level sees a mix of people here, which has interested many companies (even if they don't directly sell goods, just services) to the level.
Entrances and Exits[]
Entrances
- Entering a room that says, “EMPLOYEES ONLY” from Level 197 has a small chance to bring you to the small grocery section of Level 859.
- Wanderers that have used the water slides in Level 71 have been known to land in this level.
- Noclipping through a metal wall in Level 618 will lead to this level.
- The Hub has a telescopic, metal gate that will lead to Level 859.
- It is possible to no-clip from The Frontrooms to here from a similar market.
Exits
- Tripping and falling face first into the water trenches between market sections will transport you to Level 34.
- Entering and wandering a small grocery store has a small chance to bring you to Level 197
- During a flood event, a wanderer can break into a stall. When exiting the stall, they may transport to Level 375.
- Finding and travelling in an area under construction will seamlessly transport you to Level 98. (This is a non-Euclidean event, and this area will create itself solely as an exit to level 98. This area will promptly disappear once the wanderer exits the level. These events are random and rare.)
- No-Clipping through a shop gate has a chance of bringing you to Level 877.
Gallery[]
Author: TheDadams
Photos:
- Main image used with permission by Daniel Barragán - Mercado Nueva Creación, Mexico
- CR image - Photo by Franco Garcia
- Flood image from Facebook page Stay in Thailand, edited by author.
- Other Images - Edited Free Stock Images.
- Gallery at the bottom taken by author in the public market in Dumaguete City, Philippines.
