Level -202 is the 203rd negative level of the Backrooms.
Contents
Description
Level -202 is an indefinite sketch of a barren desert consisting of a nameless, road of undetermined distance. This location is perpetually in a state of high noon. The temperature is variable. The weather patterns of this level are unpredictable, normal and abnormal, and sometimes conflicting, thus making it dangerous for any wanderer to traverse this road without a vehicle.
Nameless road
The “nameless” road is an undetermined distance, is non-Euclidean, and does not obey gravitational law. On this road, several places will invert vehicles to a full 180° without vehicles losing contact with the road. This road, in random segments, is levitating off the desert floor by unknown means. These roadways are floating above ground at heights between ~2.6ft – 2624.7ft (0.8m - 800m). Interestingly, this road is perfectly paved and marked. The asphalt and markings on this road look freshly laid. It is unknown who or what is maintaining this road. Road markings are consistent with the US two-way roads marked with a double-solid-yellow centerline to indicate that passing is not allowed. US traffic laws are forsaken on this road. However, these rules should be followed as there are no guardrails on this road.
Traversing level -202
The vehicle required to transverse this road is a typical civilian vehicle of various models and makes. How these vehicles protect wanderers from the treacherous and variable weather occurring in level -202 cannot be confirmed.
Report 1 - Wanderer S.C. recalls being picked up by an "elderly couple" in a red convertible. Over their radio, there were weather reports of lavender, acidic rain, and microburst induced by methane clouds. The temperature in the area had dropped to -60°F (~-51.1°C) after being 82°F (~27.8°C) most of that day. Despite riding in an opened convertible, the car by unknown means repelled the abnormal precipitation, wind activity, cloud consistency, and temperature.
Nevertheless, taking shelter in an unremarkable, pickup truck, coup or convertible is not only for your protection but also the only way you can get out of level -202. You cannot walk to exits. Sadly, wanderers never appear on this road with a vehicle of their own regardless of their driving capabilities. Wanderers must risk catching a ride from humanoid entities called Travelers. Pick your ride to your next destination wisely.
Hitchhiker's Guide to Getting Out of Level -202
Travelers
Wanderers cannot safely traverse level -202. They must hitch a ride with a humanoid entity called a Traveler. These beings are almost indistinguishable from humans. The only difference being humans and Travelers is that they have two rows of teeth, 7-digit polydactyly, and a reptilian-like tail. Travelers are a vague identifier given to these entities as they travel “through” level -202 but do not inhabit level -202. (It cannot be confirmed if any entities inhabit level -202 due to the unpredictable weather making it hard to explore.) Wanderers who encountered and conversed with friendly Traveler(s) reported these beings mentioning having residencies elsewhere and just passing through this area to get there. There are reports that some Travelers are condescending, disrespectful, and mean-spirited for every cordial and respectful encounter. However, trolling Travellers are the least of your worries.
Pick your rides carefully
47% of all wanderers who enter level -202 will disappear and never be seen or heard again. Sadly, most wanderers do not disappear because they got swept up by a category 500 fire tornado. It is worth noting here that the risk of disappearing in level -202 is increased because wanderers must switch out of vehicles at least six times before they can get out of level -202. The most-reported vehicle switches were 27 times. It is unknown why so many transfers are required. Wanderers might need to transfer vehicles because of a minor situation such as, “The cute newlyweds are only going part of the way, so you were dropped off here.” Wanderers might need to switch vehicles to avoid precarious situations such as, “This deranged dude has a fermenting dog in his backside. He keeps pulling over to look for a cassette in his trunk". Nevertheless, needing to make several vehicle changes pressure wanderers to find anyone who will take them closer to the level's exit(s). The longer you stay out of a car, the more likely you will be caught in a molten iron ice storm, for example. The added desperation reduces the wanderer's level of caution when seeking and selecting Travelers to get rides from. Having to swap out of vehicles several times also increases the risk of encountering a hostile Traveler.
Again, not all Travelers are friendly, and there is no way of knowing if they are dangerous until you get into their vehicle with them... or is there? Below is a list of some of the most common Travelers you will encounter on your journey through level -202. This list will include the entity's or entities' general appearance, the general appearance of their vehicle, how you should interact with them, and whether or not you should ride with them. Travelers are ranked on a scale of 1 - 5 on how comfortable you should be accepting a ride from them. (1 = DO NOT get in their vehicle! You will never see the light of day again!! 5 = You should hitch a ride with this entity!) This list will start with the more positively rated Travelers first.
Mr. and Mrs. Rosewood (survival rating: 99.9%)
- Travel rating: 5
- Vehicle: Purple 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
- # of entities in vehicle: 2
- Theo Rosewood appears to be a male of Irish descent between 25 - 30 years old. He is a charming devil with piercing emerald eyes and vivid scarlet-colored hair. He typically wears a grey flannel suit from 1950. He is completely blind.
- Sasha Rosewood appears to be a female of Hopi descent between 25 - 30 years old. She has a regal, modest, and subdued appearance. She typically wears dresses from the early 1950s. She possesses a deep, affectionate, and knowing voice that her husband adores.
- Interaction:
- Permission/Invitation: Mrs. Rosewood will initiate contact with a wanderer(s) first. She is willing to assist any wayward wanderer who is traversing level -202. She is more than aware of how dangerous this environment is for wanderers.
- Rejection: Mr. Rosewood does not care who his wife lets into their vehicle as long as they are safe. While he is blind, do not let his vision impairments fool you. If he detects manipulation and deception in your voice and a lie beating in your heart, he will advise his wife to not permit you to ride with them or reject your request for a ride. He is only protecting his wife. He hopes you understand, and if you do not… too bad. Sasha trusts the keen ears of her husband, so she too will bid you farewell and will not allow you into their vehicle.
- How to avoid rejection: Do not be a terrible human.
- Do's: Accept their rejection and keep going until someone else picks up you.
- Don't's: Try to force them to give you a ride. Not recommended. Theo will kill you. It is unknown how he does, but he felt you threaten his wife.
- Acceptance: It is strongly advised that if you are welcome to carpool with the Rosewoods, you should accept their invitation. They will let you ride in the backseat of their vehicle. Theo will encourage his wife to make sure you are comfortable before taking off. Mrs. Rosewood is excellent at reading body language and will only engage you in conversation if you wish. Mr. Rosewood will take her and your silence as you need space and rest. Before you and the Rosewoods part ways, Mrs. Rosewood will give you extra supplies for your journey. Mr. Rosewood will recommend exits for you to exploit and who you need to carpool with next to get there. If they bring you to an exit. They will let know where it leads and prepare you for that level.
- Do's:
- Accept their invitation. The Rosewoods are one of the nicest Travelers you will encounter, and they will either get you to an exit or close to one.
- Be on your best behavior. They will not tolerant anyone's nonsense.
- Accept Mrs. Rosewood's gifts and Mr. Rosewood's recommendations and advice.
- Don’t's:
- Reject their offer and not ride with them. Most wanderers will usually encounter a hostile Traveler soon after. It is not known why.
- Insult Mrs. Rosewood. Theo will toss you out the vehicle regardless of who or what is out there.
- Insult Mr. Rosewood. Sasha will purposely give you mislabeled bottles of Almond Water. There is no taste available to help you distinguish what she gave you. It is best to not drink it.
- Do's:
Colonies and Outposts
The unpredictable and inhospitable environment conditions of this level makes it impossible to establish a colony or outpost on level -202.
Entrances and Exits
Entrances
- Walking on the sand in a sandbox of level 11 might result in you no-clipping into level -202.
Exits
- WRITE EXITS HERE