Level 544 - "Reigning Radiance"
⚠️ Content Warnings ⤴
CW: Contains descriptions/images of arthropods and slime molds.
RELEASED UNDER THE ASTRAL INK COOPERATIVE
Months in the past, but not many…
These bugs and various bug-eating things were brought to you by 
BUBBLINGBEACH!!
Huge thanks to the indispensable 
RatifTheRatGod! and 
scutoid studios for looking over this (and the former for bluelighting it) >BD
This SD class layout here is an in-progress version of Nulevelclass by Scut that I stole and compressed.
Beach trivia: This level's working title was "Refined Radiance", after the obsolete Minecraft Create mod item.
:Survival Difficulty:Class 3
Unsecured • Moderate Hazards • No Hostility
Description
Level 544's wetlands under a particularly dim sky.
Level 544 is a forested wetland of indeterminate area, distinguished from similar expanses by the vast luminous bodies dominating its skies.
A variety of waterlogged biomes comprise its ground, familiar and distinct on an individual level but alien in scale. This massive floodplain stems from no singular river—only an infinitude of intermingled water and earth. The scant differences in altitude, though the level itself exhibits no curvature or gradation, are enough to harbor a wide assortment of environments—lakes and ponds take over where the ground sinks, and denser temperate-tropical forests grow on drier elevated land. However, the vast majority of the level is occupied by the intermediate: marshes, swamps, and fens host thousands of plant and insect species that call this flooded world home.
Although Level 544 remains relatively untouched by complex life-forms, it is not to be confused for our own prehistory: the entire level steams in the light not of a sun, but of a sky full of glowing masses unlike those observed anywhere else. The ecosystems they illuminate have adapted well to their inescapable presence.
The entirety of the level is trapped in an eternal summer afternoon: a constant heat that discomforts but does not imperil. Needless to say for a wetland of this scale and temperature, the air is functionally drenched, cloud formation is impeded only by the humid winds sent down from the sky. With no other place to go, the warm vapor simply huddles close to land in an unbroken haze.
Level 544's terrain itself, though not actively hostile, can prove a challenge to traverse if caution is not exercised. While navigating through its thick reeds and grasses is unforgiving enough, the muddier ground has an irritating tendency to drop off quickly into near-indistinguishable water holes, or even collapse into one at a mere footfall. These sinkages are rarely deeper than a meter, but do well to thoroughly ruin the clothes of reckless travellers.
Needless to say, the overbearing glare of the sky does little to prevent such blunders.
Here, the light is as palpable as the leaves it filters through.
Lakes and ponds are strewn across the land, proving a frequent impediment to larger journeys. Though it is inadvisable to cross these directly without preparation and equipment, they are rarely over 2 meters deep and thus pose little acute hazard.
Most of Level 544's liquid water is contained within these stagnant reservoirs; due to a lack of regular precipitation and altitude variation, flowing bodies of water such as creeks and rivers are extremely rare. As such, the vast majority of liquid water within the level has long been subject to little disturbance outside of the odd breeze or impact event, providing a comfortable breeding space for aquatic microorganisms of all forms. Even in emergencies, drinking this water untreated is likely to invite any number of exotic and easily preventable illnesses.
Resident Lifeforms
The forest floors remain illuminated, no matter how large their occupants grow.
The vast majority of Level 544 is dominated by ferns, grasses, and trees of all make and manner—there is no rock left untouched by moss, nor soggy patch of mud unexplored by curious sprouts. Any spade taken to the dirt will inevitably strike roots. Classification of every species within is a fruitless endeavor, though most bear at least a strong resemblance to Earth flora—albeit often with overlarge leaves to match the availability of light.
Many of the lakes and ponds within the level, particularly those surrounded by dense forests, have long been overtaken by other kingdoms of aquatic flora. Mosses and lilies cleanly coat their surfaces, while hydrophytes of all shapes flourish underneath. Such reservoirs may very well be the only locales around in permanent shadow.
Level 544 is in no shortage of more animated inhabitants, either. The clouds of migrating insects would blot out lesser suns, and their collective chatter reaches volumes comparable to a busy highway. Here, they are free from the threat of larger predators: there are no birds or amphibians or fish to thin their numbers, though the high population of carnivorous plants appear to have taken advantage of this abundance.
Several documented species within Level 544 have extant database entries, produced from discoveries elsewhere within the Backrooms. However, as with its flora, the fauna within exhibit numerous adaptations suited to an insect-laden, human-devoid environment.
Sleeper spiders, though few and far between due to their status as one of the largest predators in the level, can still pose a moderate hazard to wanderers—due not to their typical means of preying on humans, but to the expansive flat webs they spin to catch insects en masse. A single web can form a sheet connecting several trees and can span several meters in height. As their silk is not reflective, these can be extraordinarily difficult to discern before running directly into one. However, sleeper spiders in Level 544 appear to have made the switch entirely to an insectivorous diet—they will not attack humans that disturb their web, instead dedicating their attention to repairing the damaged sections with little mind to its assailant.
Closet ants typically shy away from bright light, which makes Level 544 seem a strange habitat of choice. However, they seem to have taken the challenge with gusto, adopting bright-white waterproof bristles and an aggressive herbivorous diet. White closet ants reign over much of Level 544's swamps, forming colonies thousands strong that mow down shrubbery almost as fast as it grows. The many lakes and ponds pose little impediment to their conquest, as they have been observed meshing their bodies to form temporary rafts, carrying them to yet greener grasses.
Closet ants coexist alongside, and are not to be confused with, true ants.
Level 544 houses the largest known population of oxids to date. Though far more frequently found in levels of an architectural/industrial baseline composition, oxid colonies flourish in all flavors of wetland shores—perhaps in sympathy to their larger Earth cousins. They seldom breach the waters' surface onto dry land, preferring to scavenge for food at the safety of the pond and lake floors. This behavior appears to be beneficial to the plants it shares a space with, as they are able to assimilate the nitrate compounds heavily concentrated in the oxids' spit.
Oxids form colonies of a modest size throughout Level 544, but gather in enormous numbers to feed off of foreign architectural structures deposited by Phenomenon 544-P (a behavior described further in this article)—to the extent that in-person investigation of these structures has yet to occur.
However, a significant number of entities within Level 544 have no database entry or, most often, no extant documentation at all. Those that are at present exclusive to this level's bounds, described here, are given provisional PA designations until further documentation is provided or deemed necessary.
Entity PA-11
Entity PA-11 is an insectoid entity most closely resembling the Earth violin beetle, albeit with a glossy green abdomen and elytra as to mimic the leaves of the shrubbery it resides within. Each individual is about 2-3 centimeters in length.
Instances of PA-11 form colonies in the dozens to hundreds, housed within a single large shrub that it modifies using large quantities of their strongly adhesive spit. The shrub's outermost leaves are glued together to form a solid shell with very few openings for the workers, while the interior leaves and branches are formed into distinct enclosed tunnels and rooms for egg and food storage. This does not appear to harm the shrub itself, though it is prevented from growing in size or forming additional leaves and branches.
These hives are disturbed only by herds of white closet ants, indiscriminate eaters they are. Several of these hives have been observed being completely overrun by closet ants, eating away at the exterior and swarming its innards through the resultant holes. While the spit impedes their progress, and PA-11 themselves will hunt and eat their invaders, more often than not the herd will leave little behind of the hive but a leafless skeleton and a graveyard of smothered beetles.
Entity PA-12 is a crustacean entity bearing close resemblance to the anomalocaridid, a long-extinct Earth marine species 30-40 cm in length with a shrimp-like form, a segmented body with lateral flaps for swimming, and two distinct frontal appendages used for grasping. However, PA-12 is considerably smaller at 5-10 cm in length and is far less aggressive of a predator, choosing to "farm" aquatic plants rather than pursue live prey (though, if vegetation is scarce, it proves an efficient hunter for its relative bulk).
Instances of PA-12 are most commonly found in larger bodies of water, as they reproduce quickly and require considerable amounts of food to maintain a population. In areas with particularly dense PA-12 inhabitation, individuals have been observed dragging themselves out onto land in search of adjacent bodies of water to populate. In the case this is successful, a significant portion of the group will migrate over, digging out a trail in the mud for easier traversal in the future.
Entity PA-13
Entity PA-13 is an insectivorous pitcher plant with a shallow root system supporting several thick stalks, each with a single uncovered pitcher leaf encircling the stalk and topped by a white bulb. When in a low-light environment, this bulb opens to reveal a specialized pistil coated with a highly reflective compound. This pistil is used to draw insects in, at which point they are incapacitated by the sedative the bulb releases and fall into the pitcher trap. Though rarely active due to the conditions in which the bulb opens, this lure is highly effective in catching prey en masse—enough so that the pitcher can keep reserves of food for extended periods of time before digestion.
Although PA-13 instances can grow to 2-3 meters in height, they pose no danger to humans; neither the digestive nectar nor sedative substance have acute effects on the human body. The opened flower bulb may, however, be used effectively as a reflective light. Discussion of organized cultivation of PA-13 for pest control and/or medicine is underway.
Entity PA-14
Closeup of PA-14 filaments.
Entity PA-14 is a translucent aquatic organism most closely resembling the Earth slime mold, a unicellular organism that spreads thin across surfaces in the manner of mosses or lichens. Unlike slime molds, entity PA-14 prefers to grow over the surface of bodies of water, and is largely insectivorous. It appears similar to an amorphous scrap of wet paper to a human observer, but is comprised of a sporadic net of tiny filaments that grow and interweave with one another (right).
This entity's surface is remarkably adhesive for its thickness, able to hold on tight to any small flying creatures that land on it by mistake. Like living flypaper, it is near impossible to free oneself once attached—and even then, likely not before the entity's digestive enzymes make their way to its hapless prey. Due to the relative size and frequency of their meals, PA-14 instances spread quickly; entire pond surfaces have been observed under a single instance's domain.
Of course, these little enigmas are not invincible, as larger creatures are able to puncture them with relative ease. PA-14 instances have even been observed being "farmed" by PA-12 instances and Earth insects such as wasps, a seemingly effective means of nutrition due to their growth and passivity. They can do very little against humans if they happen to be stepped in, if only clingy and difficult to wash off—though it is highly advisable to patch open wounds before journeying into Level 544's waters to prevent serious infection.
Entity PA-15 is an emergent succulent plant comprised of an extensive net of roots and a singular large, fleshy stem, somewhat reminiscent of an Earth cactus aside from the addition of a metal-rich external membrane. The stem's top opens into a large pit that extends most of its height, within which its fruit and dispersion mechanism develop. The bottom of the pit contains a soft tissue saturated with dilute firesalt, which is detonated by the plant when mature and noisily launches the fruit at distances well in the kilometers. PA-15 instances only grow one fruit at a time, but will grow several over the course of their maturity.
The fruit cannot decompose or release its seeds to germinate until its metallic exterior is removed, a process that is facilitated most often by oxids. Indeed, PA-15 instances can be found wherever large amounts of oxids gather, suggesting that this mutually beneficial relationship is a long-standing one.
No live instances of Entity PA-16 have been discovered. Corpses resemble those of a variety of Earth jellyfish, and have been found in just about any locale in Level 544: lying in mud, hanging from branches, floating in puddles, skewered and melting on reeds. Most disintegrate quickly in the constant heat, but very few may be preserved just under the surface of shadowed lakes and ponds.
The best working explanation for this entity's unfortunate existence is that they have been dislodged from their original habitat and deposited upon Level 544's surface by Phenomenon 544-P, though this is at present unverifiable.
Phenomena
While not expressly forbidden, Level 544 rarely lends itself well to being photographed using conventional cameras.
More mundane observations aside, Level 544 is most easily characterized by the unidentified luminous bodies that sprawl across its sky. These most closely resemble massive, radiant clouds: far too large and amorphous to be called stars, and far too bright to be classified as auroras. Photographing them directly is an exercise in futility. For convention's sake, these objects are given the working designation of Phenomenon 544-P.
Instances of 544-P are not stagnant, but chart a steady journey across the sky over the span of hours or days. Whether this would constitute an upper-atmosphere current or a day/night cycle is unclear, but the weather remains a constant regardless.
Thankfully for those on the surface, 544-P instances output far less heat than light, generating only enough to warm the level to slightly above room temperature. However, the quantity of ultraviolet radiation generated notably exceeds that of sunlike stars. Thick clothing and headwear is strongly recommended when entering Level 544 to prevent severe sunburn, as even the densest foliage provides very little protection.
Although bulk high-UV shielding is an entirely possible development in the future, Level 544 is by no means a potential spot for long-term habituation.
An impact crater, long weathered by time and water.
Level 544 is infrequently peppered by falling bodies of foreign matter, ranging from dust particles to objects the size of small islands. Due to the relative rarity of this occurrence and the difficulty of observation, the means by which these objects enter the level is not known. What is known is the relative danger posed by their appearances, and the remnants that suggest these impacts have occurred long before their discovery.
Two (2) accounts of these objects in descent have been recorded at present, but Level 544 is littered with wreckage from larger debris. These are often sizeable chunks of land and, on occasion, pieces of man-made/adjacent architecture.
Several of these more intact structures have been noted to host functional apertures to and from the level, suggesting that these are not isolated bits of matter but discarded pieces of other levels within the Backrooms. Only some of these locations these connect to are documented elsewhere; those that are not have been given provisional PA designations. Note that this is not a complete list by any means. More exits likely exist in the present—or may arrive in the future.
Structure of Note: A series of large consecutive stone arches, partially roofed with haphazard wooden planks.
This series of arches has only one above-ground end, as the entire stone foundation it rests upon is partially sunken into the surrounding marsh. Although the hallway progresses fully into the ground before leveling out into the Leyline Arches proper, the sunlight filtering through the wooden ceiling persists.
Structure of Note: A single flat slab of concrete, within which is embedded a steel trapdoor with a rusted-off lock.
The trapdoor has been recorded to open into the ceiling of a warehouse platform; however, the continual shifting of the Gray Precipice's contents render this information unusable for future visitors.
Structure of Note: The remains of a concrete box culvert, fractured upon impact and partially flooded.
Though much of the culvert has been broken off or eroded, what is left of its hollow frame still composes a usable aperture to and from the Culvert Park. The culvert on the other end is similarly flooded, having been placed in an isolated pond within the park's bordering forests.
Structure of Note: The mangled spine of a metal staircase, formerly supported by the numerous latticed beams found strewn nearby. The staircase itself is estimated to be 4-5 kilometers long, though the support beams themselves vary in length to the point where measurement becomes moot (2 to ~10 km). Hosts a burgeoning population of oxids.
Several metal fire exit doors can be found attached to the staircase, though entering these is highly discouraged outside of extremely dire circumstances. Rarely are the survival odds in the Stairwell Suspensions favorable to any other.
Level PA-19 • Unclassed, Pertinent dangers
Structure of Note: A nearly-spherical mass of rock generously laced with large veins of opal, riddled with several holes large enough for a human to enter. Located at the bottom of a relatively shallow impact crater, though the structure itself remains remarkably intact.
Opens into a dimly lit forest populated entirely by solid mineral structures in the shape of vegetation. Further exploration deemed too risky due to the danger posed by traversing the forest floor, covered in thin crystalline blades in lieu of grass.
Level PA-20 • Unclassed, Pertinent dangers
Structure of Note: The remains of a largely-pulverized wooden shack, partially buried in a story-high mound of red sand. Though the shack and its accessible doorway are pitched over to the point of ridicule, the staircase it opens into is entirely upright.
Leads into an indeterminately high stairwell, crossed by a single ramshackle wooden staircase. The entirety of the space within is ravaged by a constant storm of red sand, presumably having already buried at least the bottom several floors. Entry into this space is discouraged.
Level PA-21 • Unclassed, Unknown environment
Structure of Note: A single arched frame and door comprised of white marble. Laid upon its back and partially sunken in mud, though otherwise entirely intact and unblemished.
Opens into what appears, for all intents and purposes, to be deep space. Entry into this space is discouraged.
Level PA-22 • Unclassed, Unknown environment
Structure of Note: The remains of an overlarge totem pole, carved entirely from a single segment of blackened wood. Partially embedded in mud, though the segment that contains the inter-level aperture remains well above ground.
Opens into a overcast plane of pebbles, flooded with an inch of water and divided by wandering paths of stepping stones. Populated by similar, albeit intact, totem poles and large conifer trees with unusually dark foliage.
Level PA-23 • Unclassed, Pertinent dangers
Structure of Note: A hundred-meter wreck bearing a striking resemblance to the Earth Elizabeth Clock Tower, overgrown by opportunistic maples and entity PA-15 instances.
Opens into a gridlock of similar (albeit upright and functional) towers on a foundation of black sand, divided by a single cobblestone road. The air within is choked with hot smoke, rendering further exploration inadvisable.
Level PA-24 • Unclassed, Unknown environment
Structure of Note: A chunk of sloughed-off limestone with the approximate dimensions of an above-ground swimming pool. Partially eroded by the pond it rests in, itself barren due to the severely hardened water. The largest face, set on its side, is completely flat and etched with a myriad of circular and spiral patterns marked at the circumference. Appears to be a part of a larger design.
One circular etching is set apart via the numerous long lines extending from its center, connecting it to several others. Contact with this etching instantly transports one to the center of what appears to be an exact replica of Earth's Stonehenge under a dark, cloudy sky. Return is facilitated by contact with any of the monument's stones.
Entry and Egress
Entrance to Level 544 from the Snowswept Permanence.
Access to Level 544 can be achieved via any of the locations denoted in the above inter-level access points (that are not denoted as one-way), though this is not an exhaustive list. Travelling via any of these methods leads to their respective foreign structures.
Alternatively, a number of one-way entrances to Level 544 have been found strewn across numerous other levels. These each take the form of a thick growth of reeds and/or ferns emerging from secluded nooks, oftentimes breaking through the terrain, surrounding a luminous pool of freshwater. Completely submerging oneself in this body of water grants immediate access to Level 544 at the bottom of one of its own ponds, though this may not always be feasible due to the large variation in these pools' breadth and depth. Very few of these entrances are permanent, as these gateways tend to manifest within spatially transient/unstable levels.
These have been found in the Metamountains, Prismatic Freefall, Snowswept Permanence, Echoed Avenue, Mad Gallery, and the Blue Reprise. More likely exist.
Egress from Level 544 can, as well, be achieved via any of the locations denoted in the above inter-level access points, though this is not an exhaustive list. Outside of dire emergencies, choosing a high-risk or undocumented level to exit to is strongly inadvisable, as numerous safer destinations likely exist within a reasonable distance. Any additional exits that are not listed on this page are encouraged to be documented and avoided, unless one is absolutely certain of the safety of the space beyond.
