"Creating this documentation was quite difficult. I still remember that one encounter when they switched places, suddenly trapping us in one of the corridors despite the fact it looked like it couldn't move at all. Regardless of how positive or negative our experience was, we were trying to show these creatures from a different side that most may never notice."
- Ethan "Ducker" Koler, G.P.D. Archivist
HABITAT(S): Majority
A digital recreation of the entity.
Description:
Many wanderers initially mistakenly identify the Bone Thieves as creatures of low risk. These beasts are defined by their slow-moving, enormous, and almost impenetrable hide. Bone Thieves do not blend into their surroundings easily as their bumpy, sickly yellow skin stands out prominently against the landscape of most levels. Bone Thieves have been known to appear in the utmost impossible places for something of their size and mobility can achieve as their range of motion is minimal. Their extremities are rather small, unremarkable in strength and yet are capable of allowing the Bone Thieves to move slowly.
Behaviors:
Bone Thieves have one of the most unique hunting method amongst the creatures of the Backrooms. When its mouth is open, the eyes will open and the if it makes even the slightest amount of eye contact, the prey's bones are spontaneously removed out of the body. The Bone Thief will then slowly shamble over to the fleshy remains with it's minuscule legs. It will then open it's toothless maw and extend its neck to swallow the mass whole, later regurgitating clothes and other inedible objects that it can't digest. The residue left on these objects is slightly acidic and doesn't possess an obvious smell.
While humans are its most common prey, they do not solely prey upon humans. As long as it has eyes and bones, it can be consumed by the Bone Thief.
Bone Thieves appear to be devoid of any means of reproduction. Despite extensive documentation, nothing conclusive has been put forth as to what brings them into reality. Organically, or otherwise.
Biology:
Aside from some cartilage in its jaw and neck, it does not possess an actual skeleton. This has proven to be a vexing discovery as it's sheer mass and weight should collapse without the necessary frame to hold itself properly. The distribution of nutrients that is obtained from the flesh of it's prey isn't entirely understood as the Bone Thief does not leave behind any biological waste outside of regurgitated objects.
The skin of Bone Thieves are extremely durable, and their insides are mostly comprised of muscle. The inner lining of the Bone Thief is mainly composed of a unique mucous lining that serves both for gastric digestion and the absorption of nutrients like intestinal lining. This indicates that every part of it's internal structure is dedicated to digestion as if the Bone Thief itself was a giant stomach.
The dark triangular patches of flesh differ in texture from the rest of it's body. The flesh is smooth but equally as tough, allowing the Bone Thief to stretch it's form and maw to stretch to twice it's body length.
Discovery:
The earliest recording of a Bone Thief in modern times dates back to the early 20th century, Encountered by a wanderer whilst on a scavenging mission with another wanderer in Level 4. At one point during their stroll, the pair came across an instance of Entity 121. The wanderer who told the story was unaffected, but their friend did not survive the encounter.
The earliest record of a Bone Thief ever recovered dates back to the Lost Era, in which they were referred to as "Those which snatch bones".
Additional Info:
- Bone Thieves have the ability to no-clip through walls, indicating that they are not bound by standard reality geometry. When prey starts to grow scarce in one area, the Bone Thief shall migrate to another level.
- Bone Thieves appear to be capable of recognizing and memorizing repeatable behaviors of other beings and will actively use this knowledge for hunting purposes.
- When the mouth of a Bone Thief is closed, this is the only time they are considered not an immediate threat.
Survival Guide
You never know when or where a Bone Thief might appear. Though the encounters with them are very rare, they do pose a threat to the uninitiated.
Bone Thieves always block the biggest pathways as they prefer to place themselves in high traffic areas where encountering prey is more likely to occur. They are easy to spot in the open environment, but in low light areas, it's better to double-check them for their appearance.
Walking in groups doesn't help a little; Bone Thieves are not deterred by the number of beings they are facing. They are strong enough to endure attacks from multiple sources at one time with ease. This similarly applies to other things, such as noise. It is theorized that the thick anatomical layers of Bone Thieves prevent sound waves from penetrating deep. Bone Thieves will only leave their current position when the presence of prey starts to grow scarce.
If one is to encounter one of these wretched creatures, the best course of action is to keep your head down and avoid eye contact. Eyes are the window to the soul, they are the windows to reality in which every being is capable of perceiving and being perceived.
Do's and Don'ts:
Do:
- Keep a safe distance.
- If a Bone Thief comes into view, step out of its line of sight as fast as you can.
- Be critical of what noises you hear. Bone Thieves rely on mimicking noise and will often repeat these sounds in a loose pattern.
Don't:
- Do not make eye contact. Keep your gaze low, and move past them.
- Do not disturb them, even if their mouth is closed.