Lighters are a mysterious light phenomenon that occurs throughout the majority of the Backrooms. They exist as powerful sources of heat and illumination attracted towards biological lifeforms with intent to cause destruction and death in its path. All confirmed sightings of Lighters have proven that they all glow under the the colors of "Blackbody Temperature Scale"; this scale also determines their behavior and strength. While they lack a physical body, the way their light is emitted is almost like a powerful flashlight or miniature star.
Lighters are attracted to biological lifeforms and will maneuver around obstacles to reach their targets, but can destroy obstacles if they have sufficient strength to burn and melt the materials. Lighters maintains their temperature by heating their surrounding environment. A set of data has been formulated, produced by both equipped wanderers and those who only bear simple recording tools.
"Color Temperature" refers to the blackbody temperature color the Lighter glows in while the "True Temperature" is their actual temperature; these two variables affecting other properties such as their maximum speed. An important thing to keep track of is that no Lighter has ever glowed a color that does not belong to the blackbody temperature scale and if such a thing is to be seen, it may in fact be a different entity bearing similar traits.
| Color Temperature | True Temperature | Maximum Speed' | Danger | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <1000° Kelvin | <298.15° Kelvin (<25°C/<77°F) | <2.5km/h <1.6mi/h |
Typically incapable of emitting & maintaining their temperature: result of dissipating Lighter | These Lighter temperatures exist only when they spontaneously decide to de-manifest or when they have been weakened significantly by a coolant. |
| 1000° Kelvin | 298.15° Kelvin (25°C/77°F) | 2km/h 1.6mi/h |
Like a nice beginning to a summer | These Lighters are the weakest natural temperatures that they can manifest in. |
| 3500° Kelvin | 298.15° Kelvin (35°C/95°F) | 5.5km/h 3.4mi/h |
Could result in those in proximity to catch a heat stroke in enclosed spaces | These Lighters are relatively common, though cannot cause immediate harm; prolonged exposure to these in a closed space is not recommended. At this temperature and beyond, Lighters are capable of producing light in the same spectra as the sun. |
| 5000° Kelvin | 323.15° Kelvin (50°C/122°F) | 6km/h 3.7mi/h |
Increased risk of heat stroke | Vastly accelerated rate of diffusing emitted temperature into surrounding environment. It is best to avoid it. |
| 6500° Kelvin | 323.15° Kelvin (50°C/122°F) | 6.5km/h 4mi/h |
Vastly increased chance of heat stroke; sometimes even "sunburn"-related injuries | It's at this point where sun-burn related injuries begin to manifest, perhaps some of the light produced now being ultraviolet light. |
| 9500° Kelvin | 298.15° Kelvin (25°C/77°F) | 8km/h 5mi/h |
Various degrees of burns ranging from first to second | These forms of Lighters are incredibly rare, and where they tend to manifest are relatively unknown. But when they find you, they will strike you down. |
| 12000° Kelvin | 373.15° Kelvin (100°C/212°F) | 11km/h 6.8mi/h |
Scorching agony; third degree burns. | To be pursued by one is a horrible thing: you should most definitely flee the area if one is in proximity. They are the rarest temperatures that Lighters can be in. These forms of Lighters are incredibly rare, and usually appear in the same areas 9500° Kelvin Lighters have been sighted in. |
Lighters perform poorly during precise maneuvers and turns. This can be used to your advantage when being pursued by one. They seem to track the presence of biological entities through visual light and infrared. With proper insulation and concealment, it is very much possible to evade a Lighter attack by hiding, as they will merely drift away, looking for another wanderer to chase after.
High-temperature Lighters will be harder to avoid, as they can burn through some structures in order to reach you. However, depending on where you are, you can also use their inability to tear through metallic obstacles with ease to your advantage.
Lighters can remain in areas that contain humidity or water, but can be destroyed if subjected to a sufficient amount of coolant such as water. It is an exceptionally risky but still very much plausible idea to fight against a Lighter, as such cases have been documented.
Avoid areas and levels that have tendencies of Lighters at dangerous temperatures. While rarer (larger temperature) Lighters have inconsistent habitats, most sightings have been reported in Level 2, Level 9, and Level 290.
Author: Moscovium-289
Original Author: Icosi
Audio: Crossing Bridges - Lighters has been used with permission by the original musician.
Musician's Bandcamp: https://forestkids.bandcamp.com/album/the-backrooms-ost