LEVEL
157
THREAT INDEX
[ UNDER LOCKDOWN ]
Exit: Annexed
[ ENTRANCE PROHIBITED]
Environment: 3/5
[ PRESENCE OF SPATIAL ALTERATIONS ]
Entities: 1/5
[ HARMLESS ENTITIES ]
Description[]
Level 157 comprises of a desolate, expansive office-like space that dates back to the late 90s. Its structure is mainly composed of dark beige walls, holding wood paneling throughout the bottom, alongside a dusty carpet floor. Illumination comes in the form of industrial ceiling lights, which have proven to be an electrical hazard to be on the lookout for. Additionally, remodeled areas exist throughout deeper sections of the level, giving off a more "modern" look.
In terms of layout, Level 157 is very confusing to traverse. This is due to the large quantities of turning and twisting corridors that may stretch for long distances. Many halls remain claustrophobic, being slightly uncomfortable for a human to queeze through. Additionally, dead ends are also a common sight, forcing wanderers to retrace their steps in order to continue their journeys. Areas with randomly segmented walls can be found beyond staircases and elevators, devoid of all purpose and life.
The most iconic aspect of the level are the large quantities of road signs that give it its name. These road signs are detailed in a wide variety of colors and letters, each being different to the rest in some way or another. German and Czech are usually detected within the words that these signs hold, which usually read "Stop" or "One Way Road" amongst other messages. Traversing the level has proven to be challenging at times, as the excess of signs as such may block paths.
Rooms are often found within Level 157. The majority of these rooms have been discovered to be furnished with a variety of appliances, including plastic seats, tables, and abandoned vending machines. Cars are rarely stationed inside them for wanderers to find. Apart from the trunk, every door on these vehicles is locked. These trunks typically contain resources like Almond Water. Discoverers of these vehicles have noted that the trunks appear to restock with provisions roughly every two to three months. These supplies can differ, but primarily they consist of medical items and food supplies. Rarely, they may contain weapons.
Alongside the office spaces that make up the majority of the level, numerous rooms throughout Level 157 may resemble warehouses and storage spaces. These rooms are generally wider than the rest of the level, however, this is a result of Shifting Geometry. Temperatures are generally lower in these rooms, approximating 15 degrees Celcius, whereas the rest of the level is usually kept at a steady 25 degrees. Networks of pipes have leaked water into the ground, creating a vast quantity of puddles over time. These puddles have eventually condensated, as such, one is prone to encountering light fog whilst traversing warehouse-like rooms. Go-kart tracks are sometimes present throughout these rooms, expanding for large distances throughout the level. Based on reports, following the tracks will eventually lead one to an exit.
Road sign Spreading[]
Out of the excessive quantities of road signs that exist throughout Level 157, many have been classified as "anomalous". This has been due to a spatial phenomenon that affects them, labeled as "Road Sign Spreading", which is continuously altering the enviroment of the level. Said phenomenon enters in effect upon a living organism entering a two meter radius from an anomalous sign, which as a result, causes the sign to multiply into five other identical copies, therefore defying all established laws of matter. An increase in anomalous road signs fills the empty space that remains throughout the level, which may eventually render it uninhabitable for life due to a lack of space.
The best way to prevent anomalous signs is to detect them before its too late. All signs affected by Road Sign Spreading are different in one aspect or another, which mostly include the following:
- The sign induces feelings of paranoia or dread.
- The sign phasing halfway through the floor.
- The sign hanging from the walls and ceiling.
- The sign shaking uncontrollably.
- The sign producing a loud, static sound.
- The sign displaying pictures from various Levels of the Backrooms.
Wanderers that traverse Level 157 are obligued to stay away from anomalous signs, with any sightings having to be reported to M.E.G Base Halt inmediately. Assigned researchers shall enclose the 2 meter radius of the anomalous sign in a perimeter of warning tape. If needed, entire areas can be enclosed as well.
It hurts to see a potential safe haven infested in such a senseless way. For months I’ve studied and collected data in these worn offices, and after seeing my contributions into the study of these road signs, the M.E.G has finally let me write a dossier on them. Although at this point it could be more of an obituary than a report. What began as a minor curiosity (isolated road signs appearing in numerous rooms of Level 157), has evolved into a full-scale environmental hazard. Back when I was first assigned this issue, I noticed that the higher-ups spoke of these signs with an odd urgency. I didn’t understand why. It felt like an overreaction to an object like any other. They were, after all, just signs. Stationary clutter.
Now that they have shown me the full scope of it, I’ve realized that immediate action must be taken.
Recent reports have shown a "slight" alteration in the process of Road Sign Spreading. Instead of the manifestation being contained to Level 157 itself, any new instances of anomalous road signs have been reported to appear throughout other levels. The implications of this are disappointing to say the least, as our efforts to keep Level 157 remorselessly habitable are in vain. Not only that, but such a metastasizing phenomenon results in many quantities of road signs whose whereabouts are unknown.
The exponential growth of the signs is also concerning. Such quantities had never been seen before, even inside their level of origin. Way before the phenomenon was even a thing, you could walk a mile into Level 157 before seeing any road signs. Now, they’re everywhere. We have already gotten a message from the Impresarios themselves, ordering us to evacuate the base. Entrances are being shut off by some M.E.G personnel, and every time I come across a group of them, my heart sinks in grief. Immediate action has been taken, but it was a late response. My thoughts? I’d recommend being more wary throughout your travels. After all, there could be another one of those signs lurking anywhere.
Entities[]
Level 157 holds the highest population of Chatterers in the entirety of the Backrooms, serving as their main "nest". Holes can be found in the deeper areas of level 157, in the wall and floors. According to findings made by Outpost Bravo, the chances of a Chatterer spawning increases within these holes. Unfortunately, many Chatterers unknowingly approach anomalous road signs, adding more numbers to the epidemic.
Colonies and Outposts[]
2 outposts are settled within level 157, however, due to the expanse of the level, finding them is almost impossible.
Base "Halt"[]
M.E.G Base "Halt" focuses on stopping the spreading of anomalous road signs throughout the level. They usually do this by surrounding the sign with yellow tape, creating a perimeter on which wanderers aren´t allowed to walk on. Currently, the outpost houses 15 researchers and allows people to join them. The researchers are open to trade and friendly to any allies.
Backrooms Colonists Outpost Bravo[]
Outpost Bravo is owned by the Backrooms Colonists, consisting of five researchers. The outpost is mainly used for researching and communicating with Chatterers, however, the researchers sometimes help M.E.G Base "Halt" in their efforts to stop the level from becoming uninhabitable.
Entrances[]
Numerous staircases in Level 58 lead into the halls of the level- Certain bunker-like entrances may be found near road signs in Level 992, all leading into this level
- Random doorways throughout Level 40 bring one here.
Numerous buildings in Level 218 are thought to bring wanderers into this level.
All entrances have been annexed.
Exits[]
- Noclipping through one of the cars found within the level leads you to level 22.
- Entering an elevator within the level leads to level 21.
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Images:
background, description image, and first log image is from https://www.reddit.com/r/LiminalSpace/comments/1hd7cm0/i_saw_some_stop_signs_behind_the_corner/ other log image is from https://www.reddit.com/r/LiminalSpace/comments/15gpjhb/stop/