““If you stare into the darkness too long, eventually, it will begin to stare back.”
— █████ ███ █████.
The Thin Barrier is an anomalous level of the Backrooms.
Description
The Thin Barrier is a location that is characterized by the inexplicable behavior of light within it. Only in particular compartments of land may light exist, and sources of light derived from beyond The Thin Barrier do not function within it — e.g., flashlights or lanterns. Thus, a number of compact, illuminated segments of land encompassed by unearthly, towering barricades of darkness constitute the surroundings, with most of the level remaining unexplored as a result.
The small, visible portions of the level consist of geometric concrete structures. Tall and imposing rectangles of various heights vaguely create the illusion a modern metropolis, but without any of the signature details, aside from rare chiselings of traditional Frontrooms windows. Slanted beams beside these structures create steep pathways to areas that would otherwise be out of reach. Strange, lofty streaks of light — despite the jet-black sky — cast down upon the malformed construction, projecting long and gloomy shadows over the flooring, which is built of the same concrete material. Additionally, the cement used to construct the topography steadily softens the further one goes into the level, leaving more remote areas wet and difficult to traverse. Eventually, the ground will blend into quicksand, halting any further exploration.
Wanderers should remain at least 5 feet away from the shadowy border, as proceeding any further will most likely result in one being abruptly dragged into the darkness. Many have reported shadowy, vaguely humanoid features subtly protruding from the darkness, such as eerily slender limbs being narrowly perceptible at particular angles, with a generally stiff and unchanging stance. Colloquially known as the "Mannequins," these figures rarely move: They linger in the shadows until a wanderer is within reach, after which they suddenly take hold of the wanderer and drag them into the darkness. Minimal footage of these ambushes exists, as the Mannequins retreat into the darkness immediately after attacking. The fate of the their victims is unknown, but attempting to ascertain such information is inadvisable.
Sprinting through the darkness and evading the danger within it is the only confirmed method of exiting The Thin Barrier. Survival is mostly up to chance, as the entities are silent, fast, and erratic. Catalyzing a distraction to briefly divert the creatures' attention — for example, creating loud and obtrusive sounds that are uncharacteristic of the level — is the most effective option, after which one must begin running immediately. Eventually, one will discern a glowing white passageway in the distance, approaching rapidly. Passing it will allow them to escape.