The Metro []
Experience The Metro.
Description[]
The Metro is a perplexing subway system that is theorised to affix many, if not all, of the equitably safer levels that are present within the Backrooms to one another. It is unsure how this construct was created, but it is vital for long distance navigation. For these reasons, it is considered the cornerstone of the Backrooms, with multitudinous wanderers using its mobility to endeavour varying levels. The M.E.G. and many other groups similar in influence to it are trying to establish a presence within The Metro, as it is a useful enigma to utilise for many purposes.
Upon finding The Metro, one will descry a verbose staircase that declines into the station beneath. This dimly-lit stairway is sleek and modern, exhibiting features such as fluourescent lights, quiescent escalators and a mesial, metallic stairway that conducts one down to the station. This is usually the initial entry point to The Metro, being found in manifold levels. Its entrance looks similar to that of the level one was previously in, with matching doors, and if outside, a matching exterior to buildings found within the Level; a differentiation between this and a regular building is that the entrance reveals an indefinite radiance beyond its threshold and resonations redolent of those found within an average subway are audible. If a metro station would fit within the level, then it would instead appear as such. This is noticeable for levels including Level 11, in which the wanderer can anticipate a usual subway station to serve as an entrance to The Metro.
After ultimately arriving at the bottom of this extended staircase, one will find themselves within the most salient part of The Metro: the station itself. Within this part, one will find nebulously illuminated platforms, of which Trains habitually transpire. These enumerated platforms also present benches that the wanderer may repose while anticipating the next Train, which can be ascertained by the elucidated, voltaic signboards, the Train maps and timetables, all of which can be periodically located along the different platforms. These also present similar maps of The Metro and the current time as well, both independent, through screens that can be perceived nearby these maps, and consolidated with timetables. Vending machines proffering divergent items of viands and cans of varying beverages can be found scattered amidst the station. Manifesting in variegated tints, they offer its commodities gratuitous, and seem to be renewed every hour through unknown means.
The Train tunnels themselves are long and expansive, with magnetic beams running across its flooring. These beams are made of an unknown alloy, but are speculated to be crafted from one that necessitates a combination of iron, cobalt, and another innominated substance. It is admonished to traverse these tracks without priorly embarking on a Train, as without it, one may proceed to fall through the tracks or reach a malfunctioning area due to The Metro's strange modus operandi vis-à-vis its transportation system. If one does not reach either of these kismets, then it is equivalently as likely that a Train will strike any wanderers foolhardy enough to attempt to walk down the tracks, without misspending a second thought, due to it being unimpeded.
Metro Alpha[]
Metro Alpha is the origin point of The Metro. It is conjectured that it emerged here, before tentatively proliferating throughout the safer levels of the Backrooms. This is the capital of The Metro, with many wanderers desiring to remain there for an extended duration, joining groups such as the M.E.G. as they rest. Regarded as a refuge, many host knowledge that spans broad ranges, enabling one to learn advantageous information when there.
Metro Alpha permits one to travel across any line, with every connection conducting one to the multifarious levels. Several platforms are noted to exist here, up to as many as eight, all designated to a differing line. However, this area does not include an exit via the staircase that is commonly associated with egresses of The Metro; the margin of which is obstructed by a bulwark.
Trains[]
The Trains that are present within The Metro designates the level with its name, gifting one with the ability to traverse to myriad levels. Alternate designs exist for Trains that participate within every line, each with its own features that facilitate the accommodation of the wanderer; however, it has been ascertained that every Train demonstrates an equivalently modern design, with comfy seats and open views. Due to the aformentioned beams being extant, it can be concluded that these Trains use electromagnetic levitation with the intention of peripating between levels. Their motion does not appear to be superintended, and it has come to the attention of most that they could haply exhibit cognisance, and so they therefore may fit the requisites to be capacitated as an entity. This, however, has not yet been fully substantiated, and further examination of the Trains are vital in order to accumulate an answer.
Within the Trains, an announcement system is present; such system utilises the voice of a male to proclaim which level one is approaching. Unlike ones that contemporise on Earth, this has the wherewithal for the wanderer to be able to understand it, no matter what language they speak. Even if one confers in sign language, or no language at all, one will host the capacity to recognise it. Alongside that, it will confabulate in the language that the wanderer understands upon recording it doing such. It has no physical embodiment, and is only present as seldom communiqués that are articulated heretofore and thereafter the Train arrives at its next stop.
Sometimes, inactive Trains can be observed throughout numerous stations within The Metro. These tend to be dark and out of order, yet still have the potential to be powered back on. Trains as such will bequeath one with an alarmingly potent yearning to sleep. Losing consciousness on one of these will take the wanderer to Level 913.
Lines[]
The routes within The Metro are organised into lines. These branches are named by colour, and some reveal interesting characteristics that others do not, such as their style, and the products that they offer. They all collectively span a monumental tranche of the Backrooms.
The aformentioned maps can help one to determine where they can go. These maps include guidance on where one can go, and by what means. Intersecting stations are extremely recurrent, allowing straightforward itineration to most destinations that are proposed.
As of now, there are seven seperate Lines that can be traversed across in order to reach a variety of destinations:
- Red Line
- Orange Line
- Yellow Line
- Green Line
- Blue Line
- Purple Line
- Interchangeable Line
The Red Line is by far one of the most expansive routes that one can take throughout The Metro. This line pivots on interior levels, such as Habitable Zone and Neon Paradise; the Trains that commute along this path demonstrate a crimson colouration, with ivory walls and an ashen floor also presenting itself. Within these, one can expect to find containers of fresh commodities scattered throughout the vehicle. These can range from fresh pastries, to bottles of champagne. These are eventually restocked, so one can select some of these wares to accompany them on their journey.
Stops[]
The stations that one may encounter whilst advancing through the Red Line are as follows:
Habitable Zone, Neon Paradise, The Warehouse, Abandoned Office, Sublimity, Think About The Water Bills, Roller Rink, Out of Order, Video Rental Store, Gamma Garden, Unstable Conditions, The Grand Library, The Sins of a Massive Mall, Shooting Gallery, Atlantis' Aquarius Dining, The Neon Station, Antique Workspace, The Hub, A Short Break..?, Vitrum Madness, Imaginative Dullness, May We Rest Among The Stars, A Brass Number 6, The Organ, The Cobalt Rooms, The Mother of All Bowling Alleys, Synthwave Aquascape, Vaporwave Mansion, Squared Apartments, Crimson Asylum, Unforgivable, Carnival Circus, The Azure Deep, The House On The Hill, Spaceship, To Be Forgotten, Where the Waters Breathe, No Choice, Quantum Immortality, White Segmentation, Nostalgic Memories, Aquatic Cycles, Lukewarm Hotel, Forgotten Harbor, Soundless Solitude, Do You Trust Me.
The Orange Line centres upon the more urban levels of the Backrooms, thus making it an extensive divergence. Examples of levels that occupy this line are Concrete Jungle and Roads to Abyss. One can experience a sense of happiness and high well-being upon entering the ochre-coloured Trains of the Orange Line, due to its comfortable seats and the soothing classical music that sounds from speakers periodically. With its pearl walls and silver flooring, it is similar to that of the Red Line, exempting the antecedently mentioned effects and its indisputable orange hue.
Stops[]
The stations that the Orange Line encompasses are as follows:
Concrete Jungle, Preternatural Geometry, Vitrum Madness, The Courtyard Of Windows, The Day I Died, Amorphous, Dark Achromatism, May We Rest Among The Stars, Concept-Stripped Airport, The Wharf of Waste, Whiteout, Sanctuary, You Can't Own Everything, Glow Theme Park, What was Promised to Us, Holiday Spirit, Karmaland Amusement Park, Blue Lucidity, Roads to Abyss, Soundless Solitude, The Interlacing, Interstellar Ascension, A Long Ride, The Delta Mall.
The Yellow Line involves the safest levels that occur within the Backrooms, such as The Day I Died and The Azure Deep. Such Levels are theorised to be connected across the Yellow Line due to the "gravitational attraction" of people, luring the line into its current formation. It has been known to undergo different forms before, videlicet when Concrete Jungle used to be a much safer Level. As a result of its alteration, people left en masse, thus causing the Yellow Line to suddenly exclude the level from its bounds. The Yellow Line appears to display scenes reminiscent of that of Earth, with one being able to observe cities and daily life through the windows; however, these are purely fake, so trying to shatter them is inadvisable.
Stops[]
The stations through which the Yellow Line threads are as follows:
Neon Paradise, Abandoned Office, Gamma Garden, Inescapable Paradise, Puer Aeternus, Preternatural Geometry, The Neon Station, The Day I Died, Squared Apartments, The Azure Deep, Spaceship, Glow Theme Park, Soundless Solitude, Lengo City, Interstellar Ascension, The Interlacing.
The Green Line evokes a sense of peace and nostalgia, due to its inaudable lights and familiar appearance. It is the second longest line, involving levels that lean towards untameability, such as Snowy Glaciers and Welcome To The Jungle. Trains of this line exhibit cold, crisp quartz lights, with analogously milky walls and a dark, burgundy floor. Luminescent advertisements can be found scattered throughout the Trains, commonly referring to products that originate from Earth. While no music is present, the reverberations of the vehicle itself is idyllic company.
Stops[]
The stations that Trains along the Green Line pass through are as follows:
Greenfield Campus, Engulfed In Night, Acceptance, Field Of Roses, Inescapable Paradise, Puer Aeternus, Luminous Cave, Serene Skylights, The Mush Rooms, Preternatural Geometry, Terror Basins, Resonance, Snowy Glaciers, Field of Forgotten Forts, Crystal Paradise, Voyage of the Nocturnes, The Boardwalks to the Rainbow, Undecided Fate, Serene Coast, Welcome To The Jungle, The Drag On, The Natives, The House On The Hill, The Field..?, Cherry Blossom Park, The Never-Ending River, Lonesome Supermarket, The New Year.
The Blue Line is a relatively diminutive line, with only approximately 7 stations that one can stop at. With slightly blue tinted lights and an overall aquamarine colouration, most are inclined to feel a sense of derealisation. At capricious periods of time, the Trains within this line concede to weightlessness, causing one to begin to float. This may disrupt any beverages that the wanderer may transport, so it is exhorted that these remain tightly closed throughout the journey across this line, so as to not spill anything. The Blue Line is permeated with levels that incorporate a strong link to water, such as Sublimity and Engulfed In Night, thus making it an opportunistic line to embark upon if one has the intent of travelling to an extremely safe level.
Stops[]
The stations that one may board the Blue Line with the goal of reaching are as follows:
Sublimity, Enulfed In Night, Inescapable Paradise, Serene Coast, Lukewarm Hotel, Forgotten Harbor, Blue Horizon.
The Purple Line is a broad channel that comprises the most amount of anomalous levels one can travel through The Metro, such as The Hub and Blue Horizon; only utilising amethyst seating, these Trains seem to embody their line much less than that of the other Lines. This Line demonstrates no anomalous effects, forbye a periodic mist that may envelop the Train. This will not suffocate the wanderer, and neither will it affect or alter them in any way. Classical music also features as the Trains traverse the Purple Line, accompanying one to their next stop.
Stops[]
The stations that the Purple Lines proffers to one who boards it are as follows:
The Hub, Blue Lucidity, Quantum Immortality, White Segmentation, The Never-Ending River, Aquatic Cycles, Lukewarm Hotel, The Toxic Mountain, Acropolis, Forgotten Harbor, Roads to Abyss, Soundless Solitude, Do You Trust Me, Lengo City, The Interlacing, Interstellar Ascensiona, A Long Ride, The Delta Mall, Hide Or Die, Limitless Mulch, Blue Horizon.
The Interchangeable Line is not a continuous line, but acts more similarly to numerous differentiating connections between pairs of levels. Such Trains that go between these pairs manifest details similar to the lines that both levels bond to; these pairs seems to mostly be of different lines, with some belonging to the selfsame line being acknowledged in only one or two pairs.
Pairs[]
Such pairs include:
Concrete Jungle to The Hub, Neon Paradise to Roller Rink, The Sins of a Massive Mall to Woodland Garden, The Roofless Courtyard to The Azure Deep, The Surreal Relaxation to Shooting Gallery, Snowy Village to The Neon Express, Christmas Wonder to The Cobalt Rooms, May We Rest Among The Stars to Sky Bridges, The Organ to The Drag On, Dead Mall Dead Inhabitant to What was Promised to Us, Glow Theme Park to Karmaland Amusement Park, Hoarded House to Roads to Abyss, Shining Sewers to Roomed Gardens, Level Delta to Metro Alpha.
Colonies and Outposts[]
M.E.G. Outpost Itinerari[]
- M.E.G. Outpost Itinerari is comprehended of 100 people.
- Members who encompass the outpost rest within a Train upon the Yellow Line.
- Friendly and willing to trade.
Alpha Group[]
- An extremely large community, made up of over 5000 people.
- All in it permanently remain in Metro Alpha.
- Friendly and willing to trade.
Entrances and Exits[]
Entrances[]
Enter a subway-like tunnel or a door with a faint radiance in order to reach a station within The Metro.
Exits[]
Merely traverse The Metro unto reaching a station and ascend its staircase in order to reach whatever level the station is linked to.
As aforementioned, sleeping inside an inactive Train shall lead one to Level 913.
The Metro was originally created on the Fandom by Ilovebackroomshehe, who isn't really active anymore.
Rewrite Author: Char.
Special Thanks: UnderPM (for help with acquiring Descent), Moscovium-289 (for help with editing Descent), 20Tom07.
Images:
- Descent.
- Metro.
- Navigation was created by me. You may find an online version of the map here.
Incident TM-1[]
You stand up and walk back towards the platforms, staring across at the copious quantity of Trains that commute throughout The Metro. Innumerable wanderers can be seen utilising these vehicles for transportation, and you spot myriad personnel with different identifiers, from the M.E.G. to the illustrious Alpha Group. You've coveted a peaceful and substantial continuance for so long now, and throughout these past few months, the Alpha Group have gifted you that, not to mention the invaluable knowledge that you currently have of the Backrooms.
Little do you know, this stability is destined to be ruptured.
You settle once more, this time adjacent to the tracks. You've made a habit of beholding the Trains' routines, and you find it fascinating how such a thing can be so orderly within a dimension as chaotic as the Backrooms. Something draws you to them, almost as if they were whispering to you...
A black Train hurtles down the track and screeches to a halt. Something new? You could've sworn that The Metro didn't include black Trains, but you remind yourself that this is Metro Alpha, and any other unknown Train could exist. Your life has been getting boring recently, why not go on a trip instead? Besides, you may find something highly important. You can feel it luring you in, might as well listen to it.
You amble across the platforms and board the Train. Your first mistake.
The Train appears slightly dilapidated, and upon taking a picture with your camera, it shuts off. You toss it back into your backpack, and rest upon one of the stygian seats. Its umbra manifests throughout the vehicle, an intangible darkness seaming a distant wall far down the immeasurable vehicle. Maybe you shouldn't have boarded.
But it is already too late. The doors shut. The Train careens forward.
You convulse as the Train haphazardly hurtles down this previously undiscovered line. Your breath comes in short gasps. External light is absent, and the only light available is the mercifully piercing luminescence that is present on the ceilings. Subdued voices smother your senses.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
DON'T SUCCUMB TO OUR FATE. STAY ON THE TRAIN.
The lights power back on, howbeit with less strength than before. The Train stops. You look down to your own consternation. Where is your backpack? You had it on you. It had almost everything within them. You check your pockets, only to come to a similarly dismaying apprehension that you have nothing.
The doors open. Outside, you can barely see anything, but it has to be better than this, right?
You have two options, Gary:
The Dark Metro []
Description[]
The Dark Metro, otherwise denominated as Metro Omega, is an extremely perilous level that is bonded with Metro Alpha. Due to the lack connections of its own, forbye the aforestated interrelatedness with Metro Alpha, this Level is extremely problematic to exit. Unfortunately, most who tresspass upon Metro Omega never truly escape its unchallengeable grasp.
Upon leaving the Train that brought one here, the wanderer will find a metro station, similar to that of Metro Alpha. The main dissimilitude between that and Metro Omega is the asphyxiating darkness and its overall dilapidated appearance. The platform at which all who enter arrive upon is the only one present within The Dark Metro, and trying to go back where one came from, or to follow the Train's path will consequently result in them failing to do so, as a seemingly invisible barrier closes it off. The only way to get through it is via the Train; but this is extraordinarily unlikely to occur, as entrance into Metro Omega is increasingly difficult, so nearly all who venture here will perish, as once it leaves, and so the wanderer should pray that another takes its place. In addition, everything that the wanderer has will mysteriously disappear, leaving them starkly ill-equipped and more likely to capitulate to an untimely fate.
The Dark Metro is unmaintained, with pieces of the floor detached, graffiti plaguing the walls, and piles of waste being commonplace. One is subjected to hallucinations instantaneously, with voices muffling the ears of the wanderer, causing one to spiral into insanity. The temperature is a constantly meagre 5°C, with an uncomfortable chill accompanying the wanderer at all times. Sludge and dirt leak down the walls and through the floorboards, coating such material with a foul, pungent stench. All remains silent, bar the sounds of the wanderer and the entities here.
Beyond the platform, the wanderer can find similarly decrepit areas, which utilise lights, albeit they are extremely dim. Some include broken vending machines with nihil inside; resources are non-existent here and anywhere else within Metro Omega. Stairways can be found going in an upwards direction, but as in Metro Alpha, a wall occludes the passage. Signs are also frequent thoughout The Dark Metro, with such displaying warnings like: "Get out before it is too late", and "Don't succumb to our fate". Clocks also make their presence, notwithstanding that they appear seldom and display a fallacious time.
Entities[]
"Maintenance Staff"[]
Currently unphotographed, these hostile entities dominate The Dark Metro. With an average height of approximately 7'4", they are much taller than the average human, and much faster too; the Maintenance Staff can run at velocities up to 50km/h, even quicker than the fastest speed that a human has ever ran at. If one has an encounter with one, or maybe even three or four of these entities at once, their nemesis is to be dragged away by these midnight-coloured figures to an unknown location, where they shall be mauled by the creatures. They exhibit sharp claws and unyielding skin, making an encounter with these beasts almost impossible to escape from. It is theorised that they have the capacity of communicating with one another, using frequencies above the level of human hearing, however, this thesis could prove otherwise, as they could in lieu use telepathy in order to organise themselves. Without further research, there may not be a solution.
Entrances and Exits[]
Entrances[]
Boarding a black Train within Metro Alpha will take one to The Dark Metro.
Exits[]
Praying that another black Train will arrive and then embarking upon it if one is lucky enough will allow one to reach Metro Alpha.
You finally heard our cries.
Thank goodness. Our torment will not go without notice.
For as long as we can remember, you all utilised, and still do utilise, the Trains, blissfully unaware.
Let us ask you a question. How do you think The Metro manipulates its Trains into working?
We were like you once, Gary.
Young. Naive. Ignorant.
We all boarded a black Train, the very same as yours.
We all lost everything. Everyone we had known before walking into that black Train was pretty much gone. We cannot contact them, and they all think we're dead. Everything that we had was stolen from beneath our very own eyes.
We all were dragged away by those accursed things.
But we didn't die. No, those Maintenance Staff had a worse fate in store for us.
They wrenched out our consciousness, our essense, if you may. They stripped us of our senses. They crushed our future.
They forced us into the damned engines of the Trains.
They forced us into a suffering unknown to man, all to make the Trains run.
The torment is immeasurable, our agony indescribable.
We are forced to live an incomplete existence, unable to do anything, and unable to scream for help at all.
And the worst part? The M.E.G. are in on it too.