Being colloquially known as Karmaland Amusement Park or Carnival 995, Level 995 is the 996th level of The Backrooms, renowned for its karma rating system.
Level 995 is an abandoned, desolate amusement park in a minor state of disrepair. Based on the various promotional material plastered throughout, it is presumed that the amusement park is under the name of "Karmaland Amusement Park". Although the anomalies of Level 995 revolve around the concept of karma, the amusement park itself has no set theme, simply meant to provide simple entertainment for any riders. The environment of Level 995 varies per wanderer, which can range from an unreachable cityscape bordering the park to a shallow ocean devouring it.
The amusement park exhibits a plethora of rides of all types at no cost, including flat, gravity, and vertical rides. These rides are placed in an odd matter, sometimes being placed far apart from each other or placed close to one another to the point both structures clip into each other. Moreover, the proportions of the rides can be extreme, with drop towers being unrealistically high, roller coasters having an absurd number of loops in similar fashion to a Euthanasia Coaster, and bumper car tracks being so large that they appear akin to a racetrack.
Every ride aside from the roller coasters contain a hallucinogenic effect that is inflicted to anyone who takes on the ride; these hallucinations typically manifest as something relating to the theme of the ride itself and are reported to intensify the lower the wanderer's karma rating is. For example, riding bumper cars can cause wanderers to hallucinate themselves driving an actual car that crashes whenever the bumper car collides with something; and taking on a virtual reality ride may cause wanderers to hallucinate themselves in the environment the ride is simulating. Thus, getting on the rides is unadvised, and may pose as a mental hazard for those particularly with PTSD or similar traumatic experiences.
The main source of light on Level 995 is revealed to be the dense fog that envelops the entire level, inhibiting visibility beyond a range of 14-30ft and causing wanderers to easily veer off their intended path. The density of the fog is constantly fluctuating, with visibility gradually changing as the fog thickens or thins. Behind the fog is a perpetual empty night sky lacking any visible celestial objects. The temperature of the level stays at a cool 12°C (54°F) to 17°C (62.6°F), accompanied by occasional gusts of wind. Furthermore, wanderers who have traversed through the level reported instances where they were inexplicably transported from one location to another by unknown means.
As mentioned, the neglected state of the amusement park is evident through foliage slowly taking over numerous parts of the park, rusting on metallic structures, and cracking on the brick and concrete pathways of the park. As a result, hazards such as sinkholes, pieces potentially falling off of the structures, and pipe systems leaking substances such as Liquid Pain and Cashew Water are things to note when traversing through Level 995, as they can pose as serious injuries if wanderers fail to be careful. Nonetheless, rides that remain intact are mostly functional, though wanderers must be cautious when approaching more run-down structures. In addition, parts of the level may be translucent, appearing as if they are apart of the fog—these parts are not solid, and will fade away or materialize with the fog whenever the fog dissipates or returns.
The primary way of egressing Level 995 is through riding any of the level's roller coasters. Unlike the rest of the rides in the amusement park, the roller coasters do not cause riders to hallucinate, but they are directly affected by the rider's karma rating; riding them will have a harsher experience if a wanderer's rating is low or become calmer and smoother if their rating is high. The destination where the wanderer is sent to is also dependant on their karma rating.
““What goes around comes around.”
— An adage often associated with the concept of karma.
Notably, Level 995 features a karma rating system. Designated under Phenomenon 27, the safety and danger encountered within the level is directly proportional to the ethical or unethical choices wanderers make over the courses of their lifetime. For example, if a wanderer consistently opts for ethical conduct, the environment is more likely to be safe. Conversely, when a wanderer frequently engages in unethical behaviour, the environment may become increasingly hazardous and risky.
It is not clear how Level 995 is able to determine a wanderer's karma rating. However, a favourable theory suggests the level is able to read the memories of those who enter[1]; afterwards, their karma rating is then determined based on said memories. A similar or exact process is speculated to be used by the Beginning's computer, as it can bluntly tell the karma rating of an individual.
Interestingly, the level considers what is ethical and what is not based off of the opinions of the general consensus of those who enter the level. For example, if a significant portion of wanderers view stealing as an acceptable practice, individuals who engage in theft would actually receive a favourable karma rating based on this shared belief system. In addition, if multiple wanderers share the idea that a specific individual is either "innocent" or "guilty", their shared perspective can influence the person's karma rating by either gradually raising it or decreasing it.
Nonetheless, below is a small list of what actions affect a wanderer's Karma Rating from a morally objective point of view:
- Committing a felony: -75 to -100 per offense;
- Committing a misdemeanour: -10 to -50 per offense;
- Attempting to check one's karma rating more than once in the Beginning: -2 per prompt[2];
- Rudeness: -1 to -10 per rude act;
- Kindness: +1 to +10 per kind act;
- Giving: +10 to +20 per gift;
- Helping: +25 to +50 per helpful act;
- Saving a life: +100 per life saved.
If a wanderer decides to take a ride on a roller coaster with a notably low Karma Rating of -21 or below, they will notice the sky above them transform into a deep shade of red. As the roller coaster continues its path, it begins to exhibit signs of increased danger, harder turns and instability. At a certain point, the tracks of the roller coaster may suddenly collapse, leading wanderers to either die upon impact or enter one of the following levels:
- Rating -21 to -30: Wanderers were sent to either Level 2, Level 3, Level 14, Level 16, Level 37.1, Level 39, Level 70, or Level 93.
- Rating -31 to -40: Wanderers were sent to either Level 6, Level 34, Level 38, Level 41, Level 82, Level 188, Level 188.1, Level 969, Level 986, or The End.
- Rating -41 to -60: Wanderers were sent to either Level 7, Level 9, Level 24, Level 154.1, Level 221, Level 503, Level 522 or Level 996.
- Rating -61 to -80: Wanderers were sent to either Level 8, Level 174, Level 188.8, Level 323, Level 410, or Level 998.
- Rating -81 to -100: Wanderers were sent to either Level 22, Level 85, Level 410.7, Level 606, Level 666, Level 777, Level 870, or Level 888.
- Rating -100 to -150: Wanderers were sent to either Level 5.3, Level 26.1, Level 73, Level 406, Level 626, Level 650, Level 918, Level !, Level Fun, The Void, Level 0.67, or Waste Disposal.
- Rating below -150: Wanderers are either sent to Level 630, Level 850, Level 0.99 or Level 398.[3]
If a wanderer rides a roller coaster with a Karma Rating around -20 to 20, the level remain as the same, and the experience of the ride will depend on the condition of the roller coaster the individual chooses to ride. At the end of the ride, wanderers will be sent to either Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 10, Level 11, Level 20, and Level 27. and many other levels ranging from class 1 to class 2. It is also possible for the ride to finish without transporting one to a different level, leaving wanderers in Level 995 and forcing them to retake the ride. Did you know that this roller coaster can also send you to Level 47?
If a wanderer rides a roller coaster ride with a Karma Rating of 21 or higher, the roller coaster's features will dynamically adjust to align with the rider's preferences and desires. Any damage the roller coaster may have potentially sustained will be repaired, and as the ride progresses, the thick fog dissipates and the atmosphere is further enhanced by an array of colourful neon lights that illuminate the entire ride. At the end of the ride, wanderers are sent to the following levels:
- Rating 21 to 49: Wanderers were sent to either Level 4, Level 5.1, or Level 353.
- Rating 50 to 99: Wanderers were sent to either Level 37, Level 280, Level 595, or Level 993.
- Rating 100 to 149: Wanderers were sent to either Level 330, Level 154, or Level 798.
- Rating 150 to 199: Wanderers were sent to either the Blue Horizon, Level 585, or Level 699.
- Rating above 200: Wanderers were sent to either Level 399, Level 499, Level 833, or the Absolute Infinity Of Unknown.
The following is an excerpt from an unidentified wanderer detailing their encounter with Level 995. Dating from November 7, 1946, this is the earliest instance of someone stumbling across Level 995.
It felt like hours have passed drifting in total nothingness. Although all thoughts of me thinking I would stay here for eternity took over, they would all, howbeit, fade away when the blackness graduated into solid white propagating below me. Just before I knew it, I landed back first into a puddle. I raised myself up, surprisingly feeling anything but a scratch, and witnessed a vacant amusement park surrounding me. I noticed the oddity of such structures—Ferris wheels looming above the cityscape, like a car tire to blades of grass, and the roller coasters zoomed across the amusement park, taking on bizarre turns and loops.
The sky had been blanketed under a dense fog, but what was clear was the state of disrepair these structures were in. It seemed that a once thriving place, entertaining children and their parents alike, had been left to be claimed by the elements. Whoever once owned such a place of thrill—if there was ever one—abandoned it for whatever reasons we will never uncover. The eerie aura of the theme park quickly set on me; I felt paranoid to approach anything; they all felt like an awaiting trap leading to a fate I was too frightened to imagine. It was without mention I was the only one here, and calling for help would simply be useless. Still wary on what to do in this predicament, I sought for refuge beside the tracks of a forsaken coaster. When I touched the cart of the roller coaster, however, I was shocked to see the whole thing suddenly glow a bright cyan neon.
Awoken from its slumber, the fog disintegrated into an empty night sky, and the whole park burst into life. Any rides that were intact lit up the darkness with neon lights, and any damage done to the roller coaster in front of my very eyes were wiped off clean. I was overwhelmed, but the sight of a bustling park even lacking any fellow riders was a stunning sight. My fear and paranoia were replaced with admiration and excitement—I felt like I was reliving my energetic child again, which had been lost upon my arrival to this otherwise uninviting dimension. I immediately hopped into the cart to go for a ride; perhaps seeing how nerved I was prior, the ride took things slow, touring me around the amusement park. The entire thing stretched as far as I could see into the horizon; the beauty of an alive amusement park I think to be floating in the Void brought a tear to my eye; a rare shed of light, if you will. As soon as the ride met its end, I saw myself relocated in a rainy office within an instant.
The best word for what I had just seen is unbelievable. Now locked in my memory, it was an experience that I shall recall for the remainder of my time here. Notwithstanding the fact I have to now remake my journey back to my megacolony, I was grateful to have been saved from what was an eternal demise, yet it also seemed the amusement park was grateful to have its first visitor in who knows how long.
Due to Level 995 generating a copy for each wanderer and containing solely non-renewable resources, extended stays and the establishment of colonies or outposts are impractical, leading wanderers to eventually depart from Level 995.
This level is notoriously difficult to enter with random entries manifesting through doors, noclipping, or a level fading into Level 995. However, there are other specific methods to enter the level.
- There is a chance for noclipping in certain positions at Level 399, although it will lead one to The Void first; after 3-4 minutes, one will land in this level;
- Approaching blue lights emanating from the distance in Level 38's ocean will bring you here;
- Thinking about karma-related thoughts on Level 49 will lead you here.
- Escaping the sheriff's office through the Disable The Emergency Protocol path in Level 911 will take the squad to this level, though this is dangerous and difficult.
The only exit is to ride any of the level's functioning rollercoasters and reach the end to go to one of the levels stated before.
Footnotes
- ↑ Wanderers report experiencing lightheadedness and tinnitus when they enter Level 995, which may be evidence backing up the theory.
- ↑ It is thought this may be a measure to prevent or discourage exploiters from farming karma points, but the exact reason is unclear.
- ↑ Note that if sending you to Level 398, the usual effects of riding a coaster with negative karma will be replaced with the effects of riding a coaster with positive karma.
1st Rewrite by: Xboy1 and Skyvory (archived version).
2nd Rewrite by: Homie Robot and Skyvory.
Images:
- First image by u/MxBongWater on r/LiminalSpace (https://www.reddit.com/r/LiminalSpace/comments/nkq37o/the_carnival_was_supposed_to_be_open_tonight/).
- Second image by Judy Gailen on Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/444097213239876001/); edited by Skyvory.
- Third image is an edited image of the Jet Star Rollercoaster in Hurricane Sandy; actual source is undetermined.
- Fourth image is an edited image of the Lagoon Amusement Park; actual source is undetermined.
- Fifth image is the HangTime Rollercoaster; actual source is undetermined.
- Sixth image is by u/GoldenTrashQan (https://www.reddit.com/r/LiminalSpace/comments/uecn8f/amusement_parks_are_i_think_some_of_the_most/) and edited by Homie Robot.