You enter a deep, subterranean world full of many colors....
Description[]
Level 117 is a seemingly infinite series of deep caverns lit with colorful, luminescent lighting. The light appears to be produced from the materials in the rock formations and produces a wide range of colors within the rainbow. Colors such as green, yellow, blue, and purple are the most ordinary. It allows traveling through Level 117 discernible without any lighting equipment. Colors will emerge in sections and don't often blend or gradate together, as if each color had its borders. Adjoining colors are often analogous (blue and purple) but can sometimes even be complementary (blue and yellow).
The shape and size of the caverns vary greatly, but most cave systems are large enough for an average human to pass through. Besides the colorful material, the caverns in Level 117 consist of Limestone and other Carbonate compounds. Formations can stretch as several hundred miles and often segment into multiple paths. Stalactites and Stalagmites live in the level and are formed with the same luminescent rock material as the caverns.
The Caverns stay at a strangely consistent 12.3°C (54.14°F), including the wall and the floor, and the smell is often described as "A hint of sea salt with cotton candy" by various wanderers. Wanderers may notice a faint but harmonic hum within the cave system. The source of these noises is entirely unknown, but there are speculations that it comes from the source of the colorful lighting. Periodically, mild gusts of wind flow through Level 117. As expected, these gusts still match the temperature of the level. Unusually, the direction and strength of these winds are presumed to be completely random. Since there isn't a source of external pressure (an entrance or an opening to the cave), winds aren't caused by variations in surface air pressure but rather by an as-yet-unidentified factor.
Little to large ponds can be found flooding parts of the caverns of Level 117 at lower depths. Most of these ponds have been contaminated with luminous material, allowing them to glow as much as other objects in the caverns. It is advised not to drink surplus amounts of water from the ponds of Level 117 as it can cause minor to severe sickness (likely due to the anomalous compounds or traces of Tellurium in the water). Bathing in the water, however, reportedly has positive effects, making it relatively safe to swim in.
The ponds of Level 117 provide a euphoric effect whenever fully or partially immersed in the water. Wanderers with this effect describe feeling "blissful" or "fulfilled" when bathing in the ponds of Level 117. Research indicates a massive amount of Dopamine and Serotonin gets circulated during this effect, leaving individuals to feel ecstatic and satisfied. The pond's euphoric properties make it a solution to extreme stress or depression (A more regarded example is to prevent further progression of Roth Syndrome before it reaches an immutable state).
Entities[]
There have been reports of Entities within the caverns of Level 117, but no threats or attacks from entities have ever been documented.
““I'm surprised those radioactive rainbows aren't in this place.”
— Dr. White
Luvidium Crystals[]
Object 24, also known as Luvidium Crystals[1] (A.K.A Rainbow Crystals), are naturally generated crystals uncovered in the rocks of Level 117. While the crystals are similar to clear quartz, they emit various colors within the visible light spectrum, assembling a rainbow-like appearance. According to a materialistic examination, the crystals' composition bears carbon, tellurium, silicon, and other undetectable substances. The Luvidium compound gives the caverns of Level 117 their luminescent properties.
Luvidium Crystals are found in clusters or doubly terminated crystal formations, mostly sticking out from the walls or floors of Level 117. They are found in large groups within a section of a cavern structure, usually within an open space. Groups of Luvidium crystals coexist at lower altitudes, but measurements of where exactly cannot be proven due to an inconsistent point of reference. It is presently unknown if Luvidium Crystals occur outside of Level 117. Crystals from Level 24, for example, are promising candidates for future investigation.
When a moderate current of visible light with at least ███ lumens[2] is shined through a Luvidium Crystal, it will exhibit different appearances and behavior, often with characteristics impossible for normal light behavior. Attributes such as wavelength, the direction of the light's path, intensity, or [REDACTED] are affected. These anomalous effects on the light can be determined by the light's angular direction into a Luvidium Crystal and the shape of the Luvidium crystal where the light passes through. It allows the ability to select different outcomes of the light's properties; however, it is challenging to predict what will change due to its unconventional nature. As of now, outcomes appear to be random.
Outcomes are more successful with less divergent light beams, such as those from a flashlight or, most effectively, lasers. Luvidium crystals do not appear to effect each ray of light independently depending on its angle, but rather treat all rays from the same source as a single entity and determine outcomes based on the source of the light. Using different wavelengths of light outside of the visible spectrum produces insignificant results. Increasing the success of outcomes can also be achieved by both increasing luminous flux, and intensity, but isn't guaranteed. The level of precision necessary for Luvidium crystals to produce specific results varies, but appears to correlate with the crystal's form complexity.
Weaponization[]
Because Luvidium Crystals can change wavelengths, light may be transformed into potentially harmful wavelengths like gamma rays. This ability, paired with [REDACTED], has resulted in them often being utilized as weapons. However, such extreme light radiation is difficult to find, and the rarity goes up as the frequency increases. The most common concern with the usage of Luvidium crystals is that any light that is altered could emit higher-than-normal radiation if it has enough energy and frequency. Such radiation is rare to cause any significant effects to anyone involved. Nevertheless, even though outcomes that can cause severe harm are exceedingly hard to find, it does not mean that there is a comparable chance of someone being harmed by them. This is because outcomes can be replicated given that the precise orientations of both the crystal and the light are recorded.
Severe casualties have been reported from illicit Luvidium Crystal usage, most notably from special Kalthoff Rafles manufactured by Architect Industries, the most common form of Luvidium Crystal weaponry. These rifles can emit gamma rays with a massive amount of ionizing radiation, enough to trigger immediate breaking of molecular bonds on a large scale. The high-energy beam produced by the rifle has been shown to cut even through dense materials such as lead at a rate of 20 centimeters per minute.
Such radiation intensity has never been detected in any other output of Luvidium crystals, and because the design of the Luvidium Modified Rifle has prevented reverse engineering, finding the exact orientation of the crystal inside so far has shown to be unfeasible. It is unknown how Architect Industries discovered such orientation for the development of special weaponry.
Another possible transformation using Luvidium Crystals even more rare is for the resulting light to transform into [REDACTED] by changing the properties of protons into [REDACTED]. This process is poorly understood, but it remains exceedingly dangerous. So far, there have been only three incidents reported involving the use and/or discovery of this outcome. Two of the three were created intentionally.
Notice Due to the high risk of injury from dangerous outcomes, any discovery of an outcome considered hazardous must be reported to M.E.G. high command immediately. If at any possibility, all information about the discovery, including the crystal's shape, light direction, etc., must be documented for future reference.
A class 2 5mW red semi-conductor laser pointer (1mm diameter beam) was directed through variously shaped Luvidium Crystals in the following experiments. A diagram for each experiment depicts the setup, including the crystal measurements and light orientation. The crystal's geometric shape, if definable, and the following outcome of the light are included with each experiment.
| Setup | Crystal Shape | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
|
Triangular Prism
(Machine Cut) |
The laser directly passed through the crystal without a change of direction; However, the laser appeared to disperse into a rainbow, similar to a beam of white light entering a dispersive prism and had an expanded beam angle of approximately 40°. This normally would not work with a red laser as white light is composed of all colors in the visible light spectrum. |
|
Cube
(Machine Cut) |
The laser directly passed through the crystal without a change of direction; However, the horizontal beam angle relative to the setup was enlarged to 23°, resulting in a single horizontal line projection. |
|
Roughly Cube Shaped. [REDACTED] | Nothing was visibly seen exiting the crystal, but EMF readings revealed a source of radiation measured at ███x10^██ Hz, identifying it as X-ray radiation. Minor symptoms such as small skin irritations were identified in several individuals participating in the experiment. Fortunately, no cases of acute radiation sickness were detected. Aside from minor symptoms, no other issues occurred during the experiment. Information has been redacted for safety precautions. |
|
Trapezoidal Prism
(Machine Cut) |
The laser exited at about a -20° horizontal angle relative to the direction in which it entered the crystal, through the long (4cm) side. The light beam appeared to curve roughly 15° before directing straight after 6m. |
|
Pentagonal Prism
(House Shaped Base) (Machine Cut) |
The laser directly passed through the crystal without a change of direction; However, the laser appeared to have different colors based on distance from the crystal. The order of the colors corresponded with the rainbow, with each section of color being roughly 15cm long. |
|
Hexagonal Prism
(Machine Cut) |
The laser directly passed through the crystal without a change of direction; However, The laser appeared "wavy" oscillating vertically with a period of roughly 5cm and an amplitude of roughly 1cm. |
|
Triangular Prism
(Machine Cut) |
The light exited at about a 10° vertical angle relative to the direction in which it entered the crystal, through the rectangular side. As it left the surface of the crystal, it was turned ~20° vertically and -40° horizontally. The beam diminished after a distance of 10cm. |
|
Cylinder
(Machine Cut) |
The laser never appeared to have fully passed through the crystal. According to most theories, the light may have vanished inside the crystal before exiting.
More experiments will be carried out with this setup (or similar versions) to determine where the photons of the light go after "vanishing" inside. |
|
Cylinder
(Machine Cut) |
The laser never appeared to have passed through the crystal; However, the top circular base of the crystal had a "glowy" outline. The light is speculated to be tracing the curved edge from within the crystal. |
|
Pyramid
(Machine Cut) |
The laser exited at about a 45° vertical angle relative to the point when it entered the crystal, perpendicular to the lateral face it exited through. The beam had a downward facing parabolic-like curve before it stopped as soon as it reached the surface of any object. |
|
[REDACTED] | The laser passed through the crystal in the form of [REDACTED], physically contrary to the qualities of light itself.
Several investigations into the use of this setup for harmful or, in some cases, catastrophic purposes have been commenced. Incidents both inside and outside the M.E.G. (including Incident O24-2) have led to more measures on the handling of Luvidium Crystals due to their weaponization. Any case of [REDACTED] by any wanderer must be reported to high command immediately. |
More experiment results will be released soon.
Colonies and Outposts[]
M.E.G Base Iris[]
- A small M.E.G. base stationed in Level 117 to mine and collect Luvidium Crystals and study their anomalous properties.
- Two scientists, eight spelunkers, and six base support.
- Private Base; however, guidance will be provided to other wanderers.
Entrances[]
- No-Clipping into the rock walls of Level 8 has a moderate chance to take you here.
- Levels with pools of water (such as Level 37 or its sub-levels) may have a spot with glowing colors. Submerge yourself in that spot and you will be within a pool in Level 117.
- Attempting to move the crystals in Level 941 when they start changing colors will take you here.
- In the residential buildings of Level 120, a small sinkhole can be found in the basement. Entering the sinkhole will allow you to enter this level through the ceiling of the cave. These holes are temporary and will disappear at varying periods.
- Traveling through tight sections of Level 64 may bring you to this level. This will be noticed once the cave's solitary purple tint ends and leads to more hues.
- Staring into the core in Level 500 for prolonged periods while in close proximity has a chance to take you here out of several other levels.
Exits[]
- Drinking the water from the pools of Level 117 may also send you to Level 7.
- Falling through cracks of the cave may bring you to Level 401. Otherwise, it will lead to another cave section that was directly below it.
- It is possible to enter through the hole that connects to Level 120, but difficulty may vary depending on the height of the ceiling that currently has the hole.
- Holes much larger than those linking to Level 120 can be found in far deeper parts of Level 117.
- In very rare cases, narrow passageways of the caverns will appear to lose their color the further you traverse through them. This is a clear sign that, at the end of the passageway, will lead to an alleyway in Level 82
Author: Lux3n
Images: Background Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/brostad/3928867287