[SYSTEM WARNING: ⚠️ LEVEL-5 TOXICITY ALERT]

Specimen: Conium maculatum. Identification: The Assassin. Status: LETHAL TOXIN. Hazard: Respiratory Failure / No Known Antidote. OVERVIEW: Poison Hemlock is the most common “Assassin” in the grid. It thrives in disturbed soil, roadside ditches, and the edges of scavenge sites. In the Bunker archives, we classify it as a high-level respiratory toxin because it kills quietly, paralyzing the diaphragm while the mind remains fully awake. Accuracy is the only defense; misidentification is a terminal error.

FIELD IDENTIFICATION: THE TRIAD CLEARANCE

To clear this specimen for “The Grave” (exclusion), you must verify the Three-Point Clearance. If the specimen passes these checks, it is confirmed as an Assassin and must be avoided or eradicated.

1. THE STEM (The “Blood” Check): The stem must be smooth, hollow, and completely hairless. Most importantly, look for purple/reddish splotches or “bloodstains” along the base. If it has hairs, it may be a carrot; if it has “blood,” it is a killer.
2. THE SCENT (The “Rodent” Check): Carefully crush a leaf (gloves mandatory). It will not smell like food. It produces a rank, unpleasant odor described as “mouse urine” or a musty animal cage. A “clean” or “spicy” scent suggests Yarrow; a “mousy” scent confirms Hemlock.
3. THE LEAF STRUCTURE (The “Lace” Check): The leaves are triangular and highly “lacy.” While they look identical to parsley or carrot tops, they are hairless and often larger. When combined with a splotched stem, the identification is 100% positive.

PRIMARY IDENTIFICATION

MARKERS THE STEM: Typically 3–8 feet tall. Robust, hollow, and hairless. The purple mottling is the primary tactical marker.

THE FLOWERS: Small, white, 5-petaled flowers arranged in “umbels” (umbrella-like clusters). These appear in late spring to early summer.

THE ROOT: A fleshy, white taproot that can be easily confused with wild parsnip or carrot by scavengers under duress.

HABITAT: Colonizes disturbed ground, damp ditches, and wasteland borders. Extremely aggressive spreader.

THE TOXICITY LOG (ARCHIVAL DATA)

Archival records identify the primary alkaloid as Coniine. We report the toxicological record; we make no medical claims.

Mechanism of Action:

* The Kill: Causes “Ascending Paralysis.” Numbness begins in the extremities and moves toward the core. Once it reaches the diaphragm, respiratory function ceases. The victim suffocates while conscious. Volatile Chemistry: * All parts of the plant are toxic, including the seeds and roots. Fatal doses are extremely low.

• Toxin: Coniine (an alkaloid).
• Mechanism: It acts as a neuromuscular blocker.
• Fatal Dose: Even a small amount of the green seeds or root can be lethal.

CROSS-REFERENCE:

• For the “Hairy Stem” edible look-alike, see WILD CARROT (Daucus carota).
• For the “Marsh-dwelling” variant, see WATER HEMLOCK (Cicuta maculata).
• For a side-by-side tactical breakdown, see DEADLY DOUBLE: YARROW VS. HEMLOCK.

Log Entry: Do not trust a young stalk.

Last season, I cleared a patch of ‘weeds’ before the purple splotches had fully matured. I ended up with a localized dermal reaction—itchy red spots that wouldn’t quit. If you see lacy leaves, don’t wait for the purple to show its face. Assume it’s an Assassin.

BUNKER CLEARANCE:

This information is for identification and avoidance purposes only. Documentation of historical use (such as in the case of Socrates) is for educational context and is NOT a recommendation for use. Misidentification results in permanent system failure.

SYSTEM NOTICE: ARCHIVAL SAFETY DATA

This record consists of historical identification markers and toxicological data. NO MEDICAL ADVICE PROVIDED. In the event of suspected ingestion, immediate professional medical intervention is the only viable protocol.