Level Classification

Difficulty	1/5	The level poses no direct danger aside from a stark lack of resources.
Entity Count	0/5	The level is entirely devoid of entities.
Chaos Gradient	2/5	Subtly shifting geometry makes consistent navigation difficult.
Basset-Frazier Index	1/5	This level is relatively safe and non-anomalous.

fig 1.0 An image of Sublimity.

Description

Sublimity is an expansive complex of interconnected rooms and corridors slightly submerged in undulating, lukewarm water. Each area of the level varies greatly in size and structure, ranging from uniform pools and hallways to more open, abnormally-shaped areas. The walls, ceilings, and floors of the level all appear to be constructed from the same white ceramic tile, with the only deviation from this color being the blue-green hue of the water. Such tiles are eerily pristine in condition, all identical to one another, without a single hint of damage on their shiny surfaces.¹

The architecture of Sublimity is varied, but strict in design; all areas in the level connect to one other in a senseless manner, with none having an easily-identifiable purpose. Although the intended use of each area is difficult to ascertain, they are much too large to properly serve the function of a pool. The abnormality of Sublimity’s geometry negates any purported purpose it might serve: pillars protrude out of the water in certain areas, much too large in quantity to be practical; many open areas of water lack ledges for one to hoist onto; light is cast from irregular angles, leaving some areas completely cast in darkness; and certain staircases descend directly into deep pits of water.²

fig 2.0 Another image of Sublimity.

Deeper investigation has shown that traces of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) are present in the waters of Sublimity. This compound, when engulfing one’s body for extended periods of time, has a naturally relaxing effect, relieving muscles and alleviating bodily pains. Alongside this, traces of multiple unidentified compounds were also found present in the water; the origin and properties of these substances currently remain unknown, but due to their coexistence with the aforementioned Epsom salt, it is believed that they enhance the water's relieving effects via anomalous means.

Interestingly, a constant but minimal rippling is present on all liquid surfaces within Sublimity, despite it being undisturbed. It is not known whether this rippling originates from a certain point in the level, or if it is a property inherent in the water itself, though some wanderers theorize the level may be so large that it has developed its own tidal forces.

Sound is severely altered in Sublimity. Examples include the sudden dropping-off of noises produced in the level, soundwaves not reverberating as they should, and speech feeling "muted" or "dampened". It is suspected that this primarily stems from the sound of the water, which behaves in a subtly unorthodox manner. In certain explorations, the sound of the water is reported to be quiet, almost calming, whilst in rarer cases, it quickly becomes obtrusive and drowns out other sounds. The cause of these effects is still undergoing research, but no concrete conclusion has been drawn thus far.

Entities

fig 3.0 Light seeping into dark corners.

Sublimity is thought to be entirely devoid of life. No encounters with entities or other wanderers have been recorded in the level; it is not known if this results from a previously unknown isolating property of Sublimity, or if the level is so unimaginably large that one could not possibly come across another living being within it. Lest new developments occur, the level shall remain classified as devoid of life.

Communities

Due to a lack of general incentive, its possible isolating properties, and the fact that its terrain does not allow for permanent settlements, no outposts currently exist within Sublimity. The level's immense size and its inability to sustain life also do not entice long-term inhabitants to attempt the creation of permanent housing, and community-building would prove difficult due to its strange auditory properties.

Attached Information

The following is what is generally accepted to be a page of an unknown author's journal, transcribed verbatim. Its inclusion in this file stems from its popularity in wanderers' circles, particularly amongst free-spirited exploration groups, when used to express the desire to enjoy the unique nature of the Backrooms.

My Musings

"After numerous explorations, boundless journeys through unquantifiable locations, it seems I have finally reached a place of solitude. Endless halls, long darkly-lit corridors, empty structures of no end — those are what I have become accustomed to. This, however, is my first breathing point in a storm of chaos and confusion, a peaceful point where I can finally rest. Never before have I witnessed architecture such as this; brightly-lit rooms with pools of blue water, surrounding one’s body like a warm embrace, and white ceramic tiles making up the walls and floor, reflecting the all-encompassing light and leaving no corner untouched by its radiance.

"These places are not bounded in reality — they are a macrocosm of one’s mental state, a reflection of their emotions; they are a twisted parody of reality, extended interpretations of locations one does not typically give much thought to whilst passing through in their day-to-day lives. Exploring them can be likened to exploring a place inside a dream. Whether they are finite, I know not. It is my belief that these places reflect the headspace of those experiencing them, that it is one’s emotions that keep the rooms extending — one's thoughts and emotions are the impetus for their continued growth and existence. There is no architect to these places beside our minds; that is why experiencing these places alone accentuates feelings of isolation. They are human thought pushed away from its makers, alien despite their familiarity.

"I’ve come to call them Scapes. Dreamlike realms one passes through, experiencing and subsequently continuing to the next, like a journey of sorts. One may exit at any time with the right mindset and headspace; attaining it, however, is no easy feat, especially when one is running through looping hallways and decrepit offices with nonsensical geometry. Despite being illogical and foreign, these places become all you know. The places you never would have given thought to before become your whole reality — ironic, is it not? Yet even when you live within them, they feel uncanny, uncomfortably familiar to a point where they lose their semblance to dreams, and instead become nightmares. I have acknowledged their dangers — I have come face-to-face with them, after all — and can conclude that, indeed, they do remind me more of nightmares than of dreams, but that is simply part of the thrill for me. There is always the chance that every new Scape may be my last. The thought has not escaped me, but it is a motivator rather than a source of discouragement, as I may as well experience each one with a smile on my face and a spring in my step rather than focusing on that familiar feeling of impending doom. I may not come out victorious, but were I to die exploring, my last breaths would be the winds of an arduous journey's pleasant end.

"I digress. In short, this Scape in particular truly amazes me. The effect it has on those who experience it is intriguing; while one may feel peace and calmness permeating throughout it, another cannot help but notice a feeling of dread wash over them with every turn of a corner. "What lurks behind them?" they may wonder. ”Is it of blight, of malice?” An explorer may feel moribund, whilst another may feel tranquil. This variety between individuals has never ceased to intrigue me. These "Poolrooms" are without blemish or defect — an intricate design, a possibly infinite puzzle whose pieces form something peculiar — indescribably strange, yet indescribably perfect; it can only be the handiwork of a God."

Entrances and Exits

Entrances

Submerging oneself in the waters of The Flooded City may lead to one reemerging in Sublimity. Alternatively, certain areas of The Aquarium may act as entrances to this level. Lastly, certain points along the barren external areas of the Starlit Cinema also allow entry.

Exits

Enclosed, dark tunnels in this level may lead to the decrepit latter blocks of Boundless Retail. Occasionally, extended corridors in Sublimity may act as entrances to the Boiler Room of The Hotel.

Footnotes

+ Author(s)