Level 188.1 is a sub-level of The Windows - being discovered on February 2, 2023.
Level 188.1 is a level that has gained notoriety due to its strange, persisting phenomena. Akin to Level 188, it is a hotel complex with a central courtyard; However, the level is expansive and ever-changing, in comparison to being confined to one area. It is known for its baroque fixtures such as flamboyant windows and chandeliers, as well as a constant music track in the background - presumably one from the mid-to-late 1930s. Along with this, the audio is typically distorted in some manner, with faint static and vinyl crackling disrupting the music.
Being a sub-level of Level 188, the iconic central courtyard is altered significantly compared to it. Antique, clunky window frames are superimposed on each window, with the walls and ceiling around it adapting to the design, as if it were carved out of stone. The materials Level 188.1 is constructed with are of higher quality compared to its parent, replacing the traditional stucco and concrete with granite, marble, and other materials.
As aforementioned, the hallways of Level 188.1 are expansive and ever-changing, with variably ornamented designs. Some rooms may have little-to-no features whatsoever, whereas other rooms may be extensively decorated in a manner similar to Level 5 and the like. Spiral staircases of inconstant size separate the different floors, allowing easy accessibility between them. In addition, inconsistent chattering can be heard on the lower floors, despite the lack of human life. Akin to Level 0 and Level 188, this level has an isolating property which separates all wanderers from one another, regardless of whether or not one has traveled with a group or not.
Kitchens and extensive dining halls can be located on the lower floors, albeit with a notable lack of foodstuffs - where such foodstuffs may be, such as in cabinets or refrigerators, are either empty or occupied with a singular bottle of Almond Water. Bathrooms, ice machines, elevators, and other fixtures commonplace in hotels can be found sparsely as well.
The climate of the level is warm, having little-to-no humidity whatsoever. The ventilation on each floor, as well as other factors, create a convection current which travels from floor-to-floor, cooling and warming certain parts of the level. Whilst varying between rooms, the average temperature is around 70°F (21°C), which makes most parts of the level constantly warm at all times. As aforementioned, extensive ventilation systems can be found on each floor, helping to intensify this current.
Like the hallways, the rooms can vary as well. It is commonplace for rooms to have a low ceiling height, be dim lit, or lack furnishing altogether. In contrast, the occasional extensively decorated room breaks up the monotony of each space, often fixed with chandeliers or other ornate features. In addition, the ambient music and other noises heard throughout the level intensify in the rooms, getting louder and more audible.
Level 188.1, much like its parent, is affected by the phenomenon known as Alone. This creates a separate copy of the level for each wanderer, which can vary minimally in different ways. Aspects such as the number of floors, number of windows, and decorations may vary due to such phenomena. Due to this, it is utterly infeasible for two wanderers to meet in the level, even if they are travelling in a group. Wanderers in a group are isolated and split apart into "instances" of Level 188.1.
Level 188.1 has its own level-specific mental hazards. Typically occurring after a week spent in Level 188.1, its effects are similar to amnesia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other forms of dementia. Other symptoms help to sedate the wanderer and put them in a period of rest, allowing mental hazards and other diseases to take hold. It is an unnamed condition, albeit informally referred to as "Hotel Sickness."
Upon entering the level, the first symptoms of Hotel Sickness arise - one may feel light-headed, sickly, or weak - other, rarer behaviors are also prevalent, such as shortness of breath, muscle fatigue, and headaches. These symptoms commonly appear around a few days spent in the level, with symptoms worsening as time goes on.
As Hotel Sickness progresses, these basic symptoms evolve into memory loss and blurring of vision, though light, with the already existing symptoms getting worse and more intense; Headaches, sickness (akin to the common cold), weakness, and seldom amnesia are common as it progresses, with most symptoms worsening to the point where it is difficult for the affected individual to do basic everyday tasks, such as walking, running, and eating.
If one doesn't exit after a few weeks, they will develop symptoms akin to Alzheimer's, with the memory loss that comes with it often being fatal and irreversible. When one exits Level 188.1, the symptoms themselves will stop; However, the damage to the mind and body caused by the symptoms will persist.
The following journal entry is signed "Thomas," and is estimated to be dated from the 1920-30s. It was discovered in Level 5.
To whomever is reading this note,
I am affirmative I have discovered a new locale within this madness, and I'd be happy to share it with whomever reads this. It reminds me a lot of my home, strangely. This whole place is bizarre, especially with how I've never seen another human being, nor one of those wretched demons. It is strangely tranquil, especially with the fancy decorations and intricate carvings, of which I saw rarely back home.
I'm not struck with fear, nor am I struck with surprise - I am happy to the highest degree - at peace, even. It reminds me of the great extensively decorated hotels back in the big cities like New York and St. Louis, and I am happy for that. The large hotel gives me a lot of room to walk around and do my everyday activities, and I often cook some of the mushrooms around the level in order to eat.
So to whomever is reading this, visit! I assure you, I could live here forever.
- Thomas R.
Level 188.1 is devoid of all sentient life. Due to such conditions, communities can't be established, especially with the isolation properties the level beholds. In addition, bacteriophages and other microorganisms which, despite often surviving in the most extreme conditions, are extinct in this level. Despite this, plants, fungi, and other forms of life can persist here, with plants and various species of mushrooms thriving in damp areas.
Entering Level 188.1 is straightforward - the only confirmed entrance to this level is by entering a door in either Level 188 or Level 188.8 that is emanating classical music from the 1930s.
Contrary to this, finding an exit is seldom. Gray, metallic doors may appear in various spots, which lead one to Level 188. Note that this exit is rare, and it is common for no doors to appear at all in one's journey. No-Clipping, however, is the most efficient and easy option for exiting - leading one to either Level 1 or Level 188.
Written by Aria.
Greenlit by Sherls.
| Levels | The Sewers │ Antiquity │ Grayscale Halls │ The Hub │ Electrical Station |
|---|---|
| Objects | Nuclear Infection │ Liquid Pain |
| Phenomena | The Flicker |
| Joke | Mickey |
| Levels | Station 154 │ Umbral Light |
|---|---|
| Objects | Kalthoff Rifle |
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