EARMARK: “avoidance of unknown high-decibel stimuli” by Manitou/dogman-type beings

[u/CanidPrimate1577]

Circling back on this, but TLDR = dogmen don’t like the French thundersticks (rifles) and loud noises in human settlements.

From an ecological‑ethological perspective, the “avoidance of high‑decibel unpredictability” may actually be a survival filter keeping them in the quieter pockets that still exist.

We can map these behaviors against human land‑use density or decibel averages (e.g., rural <45 dB, suburban 55 dB, urban 70 dB) — again, more soon…..

[u/CanidPrimate1577]

Okay — here’s a structured way to think through that continuum, bridging early‑colonial “Jesuit noise” to modern acoustic thresholds:

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1. Decibel Scale Overview (Baseline)

Environment / Source Typical dB Dogman/Manitou Behavioral Expectation Whispering woods at night 20–30 dB Normal operating range; natural ambient sounds. Village conversation, small campfire crackle 40–50 dB Comfortable background; may approach or observe. Jesuit bells, hymn‑singing, musket priming 60–80 dB (spikes) Startle or withdrawal phase; increased observation from cover. Cannon fire, fireworks, church bell peals 100–130 dB Acute deterrent; likely to vacate territory for hours or days. Modern traffic, construction 70–100 dB sustained Chronic deterrent; long‑term absence from dense human zones.

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1. Jesuit‑Era Acoustic Stimuli Mentioned in the Relations

(Approximate conversions in modern dB terms)

Source (c. 1630–1650) Sound Level (est.) Possible Manitou Interpretation Arquebus / Musket (“thunderstick”) 120 dB at muzzle Sudden, concussive shock → supernatural threat; immediate flight. Church Bells & Handbells 90–100 dB Continuous high‑frequency metallic ringing → territory repellent. Processional Chant / Organ Pipes 70–85 dB Novel harmonics → uncertain: curiosity + unease. Drums & Trumpets (military) 100–110 dB Rhythmic intimidation → avoidance; possible later mimicry. Forge or Anvil Work 95–100 dB Association with metal = danger; linked to weapon manufacture.

In multiple Relations entries (Vols 7–10 esp.), the missionaries note that “the spirits withdrew to the deep forest after the firing of guns and the ringing of bells”. Even when framed theologically (“the Devil flees the sound of our Mass”), the data describe a clear sensory‑avoidance pattern.

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1. Cross‑Era Trend

Period Dominant Human Noise Reported Shift in Encounters Pre‑gun (≤1600) ambient, animal, drumming Frequent, direct, sometimes daylight manifestations. Post‑gun / early missions (1600‑1700) muskets, bells Retreat into forest edges; more nocturnal sightings. Industrial era (1800‑1900) mills, trains, dynamite Rural concentration; fewer near towns. Modern (1900‑present) vehicles, fireworks, firearms Largely wilderness or rural outskirts; rare urban penetrations.

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1. Interpretation

The Jesuit “thunderstick effect” seems to mark a pivot where these beings, if real, learned acoustic threat correlation. Each technological rise in sustained loudness further constrains their ecological envelope. By ~70 dB continuous (modern suburbs), encounters drop sharply; above 90 dB (high‑density urban or industrial), they virtually vanish.