Karelia (lost in the backrooms)

1. #1Backrooms level 0 "hobby"

   Keys: Level, Backrooms, Level 0, Buzzing lights, liminal, Out of reality

   Level 0 is the first level of the Backrooms, and the first location that most entering from baseline reality will find themselves in. Level 0 is an expansive non-Euclidean space resembling the back rooms of a dated retail outlet. The level is known most prominently for its disorienting layout and distinct yellowed wallpaper. All rooms in Level 0 share the same superficial features, with worn, moist carpeting, scattered electrical outlets, and inconsistently placed fluorescent lighting. Aside from these qualities, no two rooms in the level are the same, with each area differing significantly in shape and layout.

   The constant hum-buzz emitted by the ceiling lights permeates every area of Level 0, being notably louder and more obtrusive than ordinary fluorescent lighting. The buzz tends to induce throbbing migraines in most individuals, which persist for an extended period of time even after one has exited the level. As the level is devoid of hostile threats, the only danger that Level 0 poses is the evident lack of available resources, as many fall victim to dehydration, exhaustion, or starvation.

   Linear space and topology are significantly altered within Level 0, with it being possible to walk in a straight line, return to the starting point, and end up in a different set of rooms than one was in beforehand. Such properties cause the level to be extremely disorienting in layout, with research suggesting that the confusion may be the underlying cause of loss of mental stability among individuals. Due to the barren layout and confounding structure of Level 0, some individuals report experiencing intense visual and auditory hallucinations—with rare cases reporting wanderers descending into "utter lunacy" as a result of the level's properties.

   A small space, around one meter in height, lies above the drop ceiling of Level 0. Scattered around the cramped ceiling space are wires, electrical fixtures, and ventilation ducts, though these are generally unnavigable as the sheer amount of dust renders the air unbreathable.

2. #2Backrooms level 1 "parking zone"

   Keys: Parking lot, level 1, levels, garage

   Level 1 resembles a typical parking garage, with concrete pillars, hanging fluorescent lights, and stairwells present at regular intervals. Though being a parking lot, the presence of cars is minimal, with roughly five cars present in any 100 square kilometre plot of the level at a time. Cars in the level have no brand nor license plates, and are typically red, blue, white or black in colour. All cars are faulty, but the alloy they are made of, a mixture of carbon, iron, platinum and titanium, is a valuable metal which can be collected for weaponry or armour. This alloy is named tripse and is often traded for other items held in high regard. Oftentimes, puddles on the floor comprised of Almond Water will evaporate and condense into a thick fog, reducing visibility for wanderers who traverse through these parts; curiously, these puddles never seem to fully evaporate, instead lingering permanently. Level 1 has a consistent and reliable source of electricity, both to the lights and to various outlets on the walls which help many groups to survive. Due to the ease of reaching this level, many wanderers opt to either join or form a group to ensure their survival.

   However, this level contains various dangers that wanderers must be wary of. Examples include blackouts which occur within this level and last from minutes to even days, leaving the level without light. During such blackouts, entire sections of the level will be plunged into complete darkness, allowing entities to emerge and hunt more successfully. When traversing darker areas, it is advised for wanderers to carry flashlights so as to scare off any unwanted encounters. Additionally, pieces of rebar or sharp metal may occasionally jut out from walls, harming any wanderers who are not careful. Due to the fact that most of these metal pieces are coated in a thick layer of rust, wanderers will almost definitely contract tetanus should it pierce the skin.

   The room temperature of this level is quite high, sitting at roughly 30 to 35 degrees Celsius (86 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) on average, however it has been noted to drop down significantly within the foggy areas. This level is roughly the same size as Level 0 and possesses non-Euclidean properties which make traversing difficult at times. Occasionally, crates filled with supplies such as Almond Water, canned food and weapons can be found scattered around, spawning and disappearing at irregular intervals which can aid wanderers in their journey. However, there is a chance for these crates to be simply filled with Liquid Pain, though the reason for this is unknown. Lastly, there are several special areas within Level 1 which are considered different enough in appearance and properties to warrant specialised sections.

3. #3Backrooms level 2 "Pipe dreams"

   Keys: Level 2, Pipes, hot, Claustrophobic, tubes

   Level 2 is a vast network of interconnected utility tunnels, maintenance shafts, and rusting pipes. Unlike the typically inconstant level environments of the Backrooms, space in Level 2 does not physically shift live, lending much of the level a relative ease to navigate through. The level’s architecture, which can differ from one place to another, remains largely uniform without alteration in its diversity and appearance for each given area. Its layout, however, reportedly becomes more complex the farther one travels from their entrance point, with corridors going up and down that may impede travel or cause injury, especially in dark areas. Fortunately, however, there have been no reports of entities lurking around these areas, most likely due to the heat and extreme humidity.

   The supply of provisions and hydration is heavily limited in Level 2 despite the number of water pipes in the level. Because no machinery or boiler rooms required for these pipes to function have been discovered as well as the humid temperatures in various areas of the level, rust, bacteria, and other pathogens overwhelm its insides that may contain Almond Water. Unknown diseases, mutated bacteria, and viruses have been discovered within these networks, meaning the source for most epidemics within the Backrooms is usually Level 2. These pathogens typically spread through direct contact or the consumption of liquids present in pipes. These are to be avoided, either from ingesting or even being near them to avoid accidental exposure. The level's temperature differs depending on where one is at, and escaping extreme areas often ends unfruitful. Those concentrated with steam pipes can rise to 60–100 degrees Celsius, and areas where air vents are prevalent have colder temperatures. Snow may also form in certain months, but it is not known how it can enter in the first place. Exiting the level through this method is not advised, as it is rare to find a system big enough to crawl through for hours. Chipping away the concrete is also futile, as the distance between cracks within the level’s matrix can be greater than that of tectonic plates in the Frontrooms, which otherwise could be used to easily traverse through the level.

4. #4Level 3 "The electrical station"

   Keys: Electrical, Electrical station, Level 3, Industrial

   Level 3 is a sprawling complex of derelict maintenance halls and utility tunnels fitted with electrical machinery. Similar to other levels with instances of shifting geometry, the layout of Level 3 has been documented to gradually shift when unobserved, seeming to twist and connect in a senseless manner. This effect reportedly correlates with distance traveled, as its layout seems to increase in complexity the farther one travels from their initial entrance point. Despite its varying layout, Level 3’s architecture remains largely consistent, with wires, fluorescent lights, and various machines arbitrarily scattered throughout. A variety of machinery borders the level’s corridors, often in large groups of transformers, conductor circuits, and industrial fans. Long wires lay sprawled throughout the level, running from the ceiling and through the walls, linking each unit to one another and connecting to adjacent electrical rooms. How the machinery in Level 3 remains powered is currently undergoing investigation, as well as what exactly is being powered by its output, though a popular theory states that the level may be responsible for supplying power to other levels of the Backrooms. In addition, investigation of the pipes lining the level’s hallways has revealed many of them to contain boiling-hot water, with a small number being empty or carrying various substances. Due to the heat of the machinery, along with the boiling contents of the pipes, many corridors within Level 3 are uncomfortably hot and humid, ranging from around 90°F (32.2°C) up to 115°F (46.1°C).

   The exact source of Level 3’s electrical current has yet to be located. All machinery documented thus far only transforms and utilizes electricity sourced from another part of the level. Deeper investigations have drawn no clear conclusion as of yet; explorations describe an unending series of repeating transformers, coils, and wires continually carrying electricity from one another, all drawn from an unknown part of the level. While some theories suggest the existence of a massive electrical generator somewhere within the depths of Level 3, with a supposedly infinite generation capacity, others hypothesize that the level may be self-powered in an endless cycle of transmitted electricity, with no actual origin point of power generation.

5. #5Level 4 "The abandoned Office"

   Keys: Level 4, Office, Rain, Quiet, Liminal, Computers

   Level 4 is a sprawling complex of barren rooms and cubicles, resembling a modern commercial office building. Most rooms in the level are featureless and empty, although indents throughout the carpeting suggest that furniture may have been present at some point in time. Many of the fluorescent lights on the ceiling do not function, with their power switches missing from the walls. Since the level lacks any inherent danger, environmental or otherwise, it is generally regarded as a safe haven among wanderers. Strewn about are vending machines containing a variety of items such as Almond Water, Greek Fire, and other articles of varying utility. Strangely, although the multiple stairwells throughout the level suggest the existence of multiple floors, using them to ascend or descend floors has been reported to simply lead back to the same floor. In rare cases, it is possible to enter certain levels using such methods, though this is seldom in occurrence and is not a reliable method of exit. Level 4 is quieter than other levels in the Main Nine, with the only ambient noise present being the heavy pattering of rain on the windows. The enclosed structure of the level causes the sounds to have a light echo — making the sound universally heard across the entire level, regardless of one's location. Other than this, the only other naturally occurring sound within Level 4 is the moderately loud rumbling of pipes, similar to what one would hear on Level 2 and Level 3.

   The false sky within the inaccessible outside area of Level 4 remains in a constant, acute downpour, with a thick layer of fog making it impossible to see past a few meters. Despite the stationary weather, it is possible for events such as thunderstorms and blizzards to occur — though these are seldom. The climate within the level retains a constant oscillation between 12°C to 18°C (54° to 64°F) throughout the course of several hours. It is theorized that such torrential rain is a result of water vapor acclimating within The Void, retaining a constant humid climate in the level's exterior. Many areas of Level 4 are populated by smaller rooms, typically consisting of workrooms, hallways, and confined offices. Whilst the larger, more open areas of the level are entirely bereft of large furniture and appliances, these smaller rooms are starkly different, containing furniture unlike most other areas. Such appliances include desks and desktop computers of questionable quality, as well as partly functional fluorescent lighting, among other things. Other amenities include emergency exits, elevators, and mysterious trapdoors, though most of which lead seemingly nowhere.

6. #6Level 5 "Terror hotel"

   Keys: Level 5, Hotel, Luxurious, Claustrophobic, Paranoid, 1920's

   Level 5 is presumably an infinite, ever-expanding hotel complex complete with all the sections a luxury hotel should have, such as lounges, ballrooms, guest rooms, restaurants, hallways, gyms, swimming pools, and maintenance halls. The level does not follow Euclidean geometry, which makes many wanderers lose track of where they are, never to be found again. Some places on this level are also randomly segmented, with some doors leading to nowhere or cut-off rooms or stairs. Due to how large this level encompasses, it is also rare for wanderers to gather together. Despite this, a few obscure outposts are clinging to survival. While most of the time, the level itself seems to have been constructed in the 1930s, with furniture dating back to the 1920s and following the design of an oriental hotel, the age, aesthetic, and appearance of the level can vary greatly. Opening a door seemingly to another room would lead to a complex with a completely different aesthetic, though this occurrence is rare. Despite shifts in the level's appearance, the overall lonely, liminal, eerie feeling never fades away. Wanderers would feel overwhelming anxiety and paranoia when on the level. This level is infamous for its mysterious whispering and unseen presence. People report something whispering incoherently behind them, tapping their shoulder when they're alone, shadows/silhouettes passing behind colored windows, sudden feelings of being stalked and objects falling, moving, or disappearing when not observed. It is unknown whether these reports increase the anxiety level or are hallucinations due to increased anxiety, but wanderers are more volatile and nervous at said level. That, along with the stares of the face-like wallpaper and the common 1920s-era machinery can cause a loss of sanity, which is why one will need almond water to survive at this level. Luckily, these provisions are in the dining areas of Level 5. Many paintings, mainly portraits, appear on the walls of the hotel complex, and wanderers have reported feeling an increased sense of paranoia when walking past these paintings, some wanderers even stated they felt like they were watched. The portraits are gruesome, usually depicting petrified faces and eldritch deities. The hotel rooms are luxurious but always slightly cramped and claustrophobic in arrangement, despite the varying sizes of the rooms. Furniture is sometimes placed irregularly in the hotel halls and is seemingly immovable. This phenomenon creates unique obstacles that impede wanderers from exploring unknown sections of Level 5. Machinery such as faucets also malfunctions frequently, which may be hazardous in some situations.

7. #7Smilers

   Keys: Backrooms, Entities, Smilers, Monsters, Light, Fire, shape shifting, glowing eyes, Amorphous

   Smilers, bearing the scientific name Subridens tenebris bestia, are an intelligent, highly malevolent, and exceedingly dangerous species of tartrean-class spectral entity, being distressingly common within regions of the Backrooms with low levels of light. Although formal research on these beings has been going on for decades on end, and documentation of them stretches back to prehistoric times with texts of non-human sapients, much about the nature of these entities remains a mystery to this very day. Smilers are thought to possess human-like intelligence, evident by their impressive cognitive capability and their ability to cooperate with each other effectively. Additionally, findings by The Kauer Research Organization have indicated that the beings are able to telepathically communicate with each other within a limited (but as of yet undetermined) range, further amplifying their intelligence via sheer numbers and making large numbers of these entities much more concerning than usual. Consequently, if one spots you, many more are likely on the way.

   Furthermore, Smilers are well known for their enmity towards all life (with the exception of Anethikas). Night Hunters tend to have prominent sadistic tendencies, often verbally taunting their victims with their distorted and ever-changing voices and taking a particular interest in torturing those unlucky enough to be caught by one. The entities often prefer to use deceitful methods to catch their prey, often setting up ambushes near critical points where wanderers might be vulnerable to an attack, or setting up various traps and snares to immobilize humans before assaulting them.

   Serving as one of the few apex predators in the twisted ecosystem of this realm, Smilers lack any natural predators due to their unique aggression and prominent anomalous capabilities, being one of the most dangerous non-individual entities recorded thus far. Many wanderers end succumbing to the malevolence of these demons, their mangled corpses being strewn across the floor as a warning to future humans within this dimension. That being said, one thing is very well known about these beasts: Once you see their glowing face in the darkness, the next choices you make will be very crucial to your survival. Although Smilers are entirely amorphous, being able to shift their body mass to any form at will, they still have two documented organs: the Ardenti risu and the Nigrum ignem. The Nirgum ignem, making up the majority of a Smiler’s body mass, is an unidentified spectral substance which appears completely pitch black, with a form best likened to fire. Conversely, the Ardenti Risu is the luminescent substance which often forms a Smiler’s iconic glowing eyes and teeth, serving as both a vector for intimidation and as a sensory organ used by the entities to see and hear. Due to their shapeshifting capabilities, Smilers are capable of taking numerous forms, each serving their own purposes and physical properties. Humanoid or canine-like body plans tend to be common within instances, but other forms have included massive spider-like organisms, twisted “birds” flying high up in the skies of dark exterior levels, and more.

   Despite the various perils posed by them, their ability to phase through physical matter to bypass any barriers in their way, and their complete immunity to physical damage via their selective corporeality, Smilers do have two distinct weaknesses: light and fire. When their body comes into contact with light in the visual spectrum, they will appear to wince in pain, the amount of which increases based on the amount of light they are exposed to. This supernatural sensitivity to light can usually be used to repel the beings or evade their assault via a flashlight or staying in a lit room, but take caution; similarly to normal humans, some Smilers have higher amounts of pain tolerance than others, and thus they may pursue you even in the light. Additionally, a Smiler catches on fire, it will slowly begin to dissolve, decreasing its mass until it has been killed. No residual matter is left after this process. Smilers do not seem to consume their victims in any way, it is thought that they hunt exclusively for sport.

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