Shriekers

Shriekers is a term used in several contexts within fantasy fiction and modern games to describe sound-producing organisms or devices. In general, shrieker-type entities are associated with subterranean or hidden environments and serve as signaling mechanisms that attract attention from other creatures or inhabitants of the setting.

In tabletop role-playing games and related fantasy literature, a Shrieker is typically a carnivorous fungus found in underground ecosystems. These fungi are usually stationary and harmless while undisturbed, but they emit a piercing shriek when they detect movement or when their surroundings are disturbed. The cry functions as a warning signal within the cavern ecology, potentially attracting predators or alerting other creatures to the intruder’s presence. Shrieker fungi are often described as part of the broader fungal networks that populate subterranean habitats.

In video games, Shriekers most commonly refer to specific in-game objects or creatures that produce loud cries to signal players. The best-known example is in Minecraft, where Shriekers are blocks found in the Deep Dark biome near ancient cities. When triggered by vibrations from players or mobs, a Shrieker emits a loud shriek, and after successive shrieks, a powerful hostile mob known as the Warden can be summoned. Players may avoid triggering Shriekers or take steps to disable them to control the encounter.

The term also appears in other media to denote various sound-emitting fungi or signaling devices embedded in fictional worlds. Across uses, shriekers evoke a theme of danger signaled by a loud call that draws attention to hidden or threatened areas.