SURVIVAL DIFFICULTY:
Class 5
- {$one}
- {$two}
- Presence of a Fatal Entity
Description
A photograph of Level 580.
Level 580, also known as "The Constrictive Caves," is a cave system of an indeterminate size with tight and enclosed passageways. The cave system consists of mostly straight crawlspaces, with turns and intersections being rare. This forces anyone that comes to the level face in one direction for most of the time, as the caves are too small to turn around.
The passages of Level 580 change size depending on the wanderer in the level, and will be just barely big enough for them to crawl through. Initially, it was assumed that every person has their own copy of the level, but it was later revealed that that is not the case. Instead, each person is sent to one out of twenty predetermined copies.
Level 580 is packed with minerals such as iron, gold, and diamonds. Sometimes, these minerals poke out of the stone as small crystals, making it harder to navigate, and could even lead to cuts if not careful. Cold, shallow water coats the entire floor of Level 580, being around 10 centimeters deep. This water makes further difficulty of getting around the level. The water comes from the walls, as it seeps down from some parts of the cave. This has led some to believe that Level 580 is situated underwater.
Occasionally, parts of the ceiling will cave in, blocking off certain areas, or even crushing unsuspecting wanderers. The level usually shakes and makes rumbling sounds before the ceiling collapses, akin to an earthquake. It is unknown if the shaking causes the collapse, if it's the other way around, or if another force is causing these events to happen after each other.
Lanterns can be found aligned on the walls of the cave, each being no more than a few meters apart. The lanterns have a dim, orange glow, which is sometimes tinted to be red or yellow instead. These lanterns serve as the only light source available in the level, excluding any other utilities and tools brought into the level such as flashlights.
Hearing sounds such as distant screaming, subtle whispers, echoing crashes, and many other unidentifiable sounds is a common occurrence. Many wanderers describe these sounds as extremely eerie, and they often invoke paranoia and anxiety.
The air in Level 580 is very thin, and can lead to suffocation if one spends too much time in the level. This being paired together with the Level 580's properties can make one very panicked, and consequently leading to them not controlling their breathing, which can be extremely dangerous later on.
Recovered Note
Below is a transcribed note found outside of an exit from Level 580 in Level 8.
"Torture. Pure torture. I've only been here a few hours, yet it seems like it's been days. These caves are so tight that I have to crawl the entire time. I cut my hand on a crystal jutting out of the ground, and it hurts like hell. One time I even had to crawl backwards because the path was blocked off, and there was no space to turn around. I keep hearing these weird noises, and I feel like there's something following me. I just want to get out of here.
Please, just let me go."
Entities
Besides the Dweller, no entities have been found in Level 580. However, it is assumed that some entities from other levels, specifically Level 8, have accidentally wandered into Level 580.
The Dweller
The Dweller is an entity that lives burrowed a few meters underground. When it is full, it rests in one spot that it has dug through. However, when it is hungry and hears any noise from above, it will follow wherever the noise is coming from, and start releasing unknown gasses. It will remain underground while it does this, but slightly higher so that the gasses can easily release into the air. These gasses can cause tiredness and fatigue, making any affected wanderer or entity an easy target.
After the wanderer fully has all of the effects, the Dweller will swiftly burrow to them, and drag them under the ground. It is unknown what happens next, as anyone who has been in this situation were almost certainly killed, but it is highly probable that the Dweller eats them, leaving their bones to be left in the stone. Several bones have been found in Level 580, and the Dweller is most likely the cause.
The Dweller can be avoided by watching out for lumps on the ground, as these often signify areas where the Dweller has burrowed into. Similarly to how only one person can be in the level at one time, only one Dweller entity exists in Level 580 at a time.
Colonies and Outposts
Due to Level 580's inhospitality, restrictive structure, and isolating effects, no colonies and outposts exist.
Entrances and Exits
Entrances
- In Level 8, small areas that are only big enough to crawl through often provide entry to this level.
Exits
- Eventually, the series of passageways will lead to a larger cavernous area, which will lead to other cave-like levels such as Level 8.
