Level 196

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The first image captured of Level 196(03/27/2004).
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Level 196 is the 197th level of The Backrooms.
==Description==
Level 196 is a large level that has many distinct biomes that include the caves, swamp, and forest (the forest is the phase where the water descends in the main part of the level.) The climate of the level is on average 14º (celsius) and moreover it is a level of interest for exploration due to it including remains of past Backrooms entities or levels, however this level can pose a danger to those unprepared.
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An image of a swamp in the level.
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===The Swamp===
Within the boundaries of Level 196 lies an expansive and enigmatic ecosystem known as the "Murkwood Marsh." This vast wetland is a landscape of unique allure and danger, where the air is heavy with humidity, and a perpetual veil of mist shrouds the surroundings, limiting visibility to just a few meters. The marsh primarily consists of towering arboreal specimens with thick and contorted trunks. These trees form an intricate canopy overhead, effectively blocking out most natural light. The leaves, darkly verdant and glossy, create a carpet of foliage over the stagnant waters below. The swamp's waters are shallow and murky, possessing an eerie inky quality. Beneath the surface, concealed undercurrents and treacherous mud beds add an element of danger to every step. Surprisingly, the swamp lacks visible avian fauna, yet the air resounds with the persistent symphony of chirping birds, creating an unsettling auditory dissonance. Simultaneously, inexplicable insect activity manifests, with otherworldly species emitting discordant hums. Level 196 is abundant with unique flora, some of which can be dangerous, while others offer benefits to intrepid explorers.
====Dangerous Flora:====
Bloodroot Vine: These creeping vines are adorned with vibrant red flowers. Contact with the vines releases a toxic substance that causes severe skin irritation, blisters, and hallucinations if left untreated.
Siren's Lure: Appearing as innocent, luminescent mushrooms, the Siren's Lure releases a sweet scent that entices wanderers closer. Inhalation induces a trance-like state, leaving victims susceptible to other dangers in the swamp.
====Beneficial Flora:====
Healing Iris: These irises, known for their vibrant purple petals, accelerate the healing process when their nectar is applied to wounds. Experienced wanderers often carry these irises for first aid.
Glimmering Lilies: These rare lilies emit a soft glow during the night, providing a natural source of light for travelers. Picking one doesn't harm the plant and allows wanderers to have a portable light source.
Level 196 is widely believed to be sentient, as it constantly changes and contorts with no apparent pattern. Water levels rise and fall unpredictably, and the fog thickens at random intervals. Sounds vary over time, with insects becoming louder and more active. The day-night cycle mimics that of Earth but extends to 32 hours. Plants here can regenerate instantly, even when stepped on or damaged. Thick vines are also found tangled in the water and spreading between trees, hindering further exploration. It is unknown why some parts of the level are confined.
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A cave present in Level 196.
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===Caves===
Beneath the surface of Level 196 lies a sprawling and intricate network of caves known as the "Labyrinthine Abyss." These caves are vast and complex, extending for miles beneath the swampy surface. Here, the air is cool and damp, carrying the scent of ancient earth and a faint hint of minerals.
The cave system is a labyrinth, with tunnels winding and twisting through the depths of the earth. Some tunnels are wide and spacious, while others are narrow and claustrophobic. The walls of these caves are adorned with jagged rocks, some of which are massive, forming imposing geological features that define the underground landscape. The primary rock composition of these caves consists mostly of limestone and slate.
The caves are naturally dimly lit, with only sporadic patches of bioluminescent moss providing a faint, eerie glow. These radiant patches of moss serve as a unique source of illumination within the otherwise dark caves, clinging to the cave walls and ceilings, casting shifting shadows that create an almost hypnotic effect.
Occasionally, pillars of rock reach up from the cave floor, creating natural formations that stand as silent sentinels in the underground darkness. Underground rivers meander through the labyrinthine tunnels, their waters reflecting a captivating turquoise hue. These rivers are deep, with some estimates suggesting depths of up to a meter, winding their way through lush vegetation and around ancient rock formations.
Navigating the caves is not without peril. The narrow passages may lead to dead ends or sudden drops into dark abysses. Some tunnels are unstable, and cave-ins are not uncommon. There are pockets of toxic gas, occasionally released from deep underground, which can overcome an unsuspecting wanderer.
In the caves, a peculiar moss-like being is present. This organism resembles moss but exhibits striking fluorescence, displaying various colors, most commonly seen in shades of green, yellow, red, and purple. These radiant patches of moss serve as an unusual source of illumination within the otherwise dimly lit caves. However, approaching or touching these vibrant patches comes with grave consequences. When touched, this luminous moss gradually spreads over the wanderer's body over the course of a week. If left untreated, the moss will sap the affected body part of blood cells and muscle tissue, rendering it immobile and significantly heavier as the moss takes hold.
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An image captured of a Temple in Level 196.
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===Ruins===
On Level 196, ruins (from which the level derives its name) are scattered mostly throughout the forest. These are abandoned and demolished stone structures covered in vegetation and moss, creating a verdant cloak. The walls are crumbling and overgrown with vines, and the roofs have deteriorated, revealing the sky above. The ruins are silent and still, as if abandoned for centuries. Within the ruins, old notes, journals, and ancient artifacts are common. Unfortunately, many of the notes and diaries are unreadable due to decay, tears, or being written in an unknown language that has yet to be deciphered. These notes are said to describe undiscovered levels that no present wanderer has entered. There are also reports of deceased entity matter found in the ruins, which hasn't been seen anywhere else in the Backrooms and is believed to be remnants of potentially extinct entities of the Backrooms. There are five types of ruins present:
Temples: These towering stone temples are adorned with intricate carvings and statues. They are rumored to have been places of worship for long-forgotten deities. The echoes of past chants and prayers still reverberate within their walls, creating an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. Adventurers who enter may experience vivid visions of the temple's past, providing cryptic insights into the level's history.
Overgrown Observatory: A once-grand observatory with a massive telescope now lies in ruins. It was used by astronomers to study the celestial bodies in the Backrooms. Although the telescope's lenses have shattered over time, the observatory's remains offer a commanding view of the night sky, revealing other levels and anomalies within the Backrooms.
Lost Libraries: The walls of the libraries are lined with shelves upon shelves of ancient books, scrolls, and manuscripts. Most of the texts are written in an unknown language or have decayed beyond legibility. However, some contain valuable information about undiscovered levels, rare entities, and the history of the Backrooms.
==Colonies and Outposts==
Due to the relative abundance of resources in the swamp, small settlements have cropped up in the Murkwood Marsh over the ages. These resilient communities have learned to coexist with the swamp's dangers and benefits. They often trade with other outposts and entities in Level 196. Given how old this level is, there can or could've been tens, hundreds or thousands of outposts or whole civilizations lost to this level's long history. Below is a list of the current largest groups present in Level 196:
===M.E.G Base Stagnum===
M.E.G Base Stagnum is consisted of roughly 80-90 members and are a recently established outpost, settling in Level 196 due to its abundant vegetation making it suitable for human inhabitants. It also has almond water imported from other levels and are open to trading.
===The Roamers===
The Roamers is a forename for groups of nomadic wanderers that have made a permanent home in the swamp by living off the plant life present here. These groups aren't united at all but rather inhabitants who reside in Level 196.
==Entities==
The typical threats to a wanderer include the Hydrolitis Plague. Moreover, the marshland is riddled with harmful parasites and bacteria. It is strongly advised not to consume the water. Disease-carrying mosquitoes are endemic throughout the level.
However, there are entities exclusive to Level 196: the Swamp Hag and the Carnivorous Flower. The latter is structurally similar to spadix flowers. It is scattered throughout Level 196 and varies in size, with the largest measuring up to 3 feet across, while the ordinary flowers are 10 centimeters across when blooming. Carnivorous flowers vary in appearance but are usually found budding. Their bloom consists of clusters of smaller flowers with glands that release protease enzymes. The spadix is covered with suckers and can split into 4 petals that grab any unsuspecting victims once the flower opens up. It is advised not to be near any large flowers in a bud.
The Swamp Hag is a large, slimy creature that resides in the swamp of Level 196. It is approximately the size of a human but is much more muscular and agile. Its skin is a dark green color, and it is covered in slime that makes it difficult to grasp. It has large, yellow eyes and sharp claws and fangs. The Swamp Hag is a solitary creature and is rarely seen by wanderers. However, it is said to be very territorial and will attack anyone who enters its swamp. It is also considered very intelligent and can use its camouflage abilities to ambush its prey. When the Swamp Hag attacks, it uses its claws and fangs to tear its victim apart. It also uses its slime to poison its victim, making it difficult for them to escape. If the victim is not killed immediately, the Swamp Hag will drag them back to its lair to feed on them slowly.
==Entrances and Exits==
===Entrances===
*Some emptier areas of Level 45 can bring you here.
*Noclip in a Level 300 waterfall can take you here.
*Noclip in a toxic plant of Level 764 will immediately teleport you here.
*Throwing a Serpenthral Scale into the waters of Level 296 transports the surrounding wanderers to this level.
===Exits===
*Swimming in deep wetlands can take you to the Level 37.44
*Some cave paths take you to Level 8
*Going too far in the forest can take you to many levels with the aspect of jungle or nature, but the most common is to take you to Level 370.
*Noclipping into a miniature stone idol of a train washed in the swamp water of this level takes one to Level 913. A wanderer may very rarely find an idol in the remnants of a temple, but it is more reliable to make one yourself and use when needed.
*Wandering into some tall grass will lead one to Level 10.9
*Falling into a pit in the area of the ruins has the opportunity to lead you to Contradiction.
Category:Levels
Category:Cluster I
Category:Unconfirmed Levels