Level 603

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=Description=
An image of Level 603 taken from a drone.
Level 603 is an infinite expanse of varying terrain, all overlaid by black volcanic sand. The landscape of this level has led wanderers to characterize it as 'alien' and 'otherworldly'. This level features multiple different biomes, unique in appearance and overall characteristics when compared to one another, all sharing widespread features like the blackened sand and rocks. Various events occur on Level 603, making it more difficult for wanderers to traverse and endure the level. Long, winding roads and scattered vegetation spread throughout the level. Water exists in many forms on Level 603, ranging from cumulus clouds and tiny, unnoticeable puddles to cumulonimbus clouds and vast oceans of indiscernible depth. The level features a day and night cycle similar to various other outdoor levels of the Backrooms. It features an unknown celestial object rising and setting on the horizon, creating a day and night cycle with 11.5 hours of daytime and 17.25 hours of nighttime, totaling 28.75 hours in a single day/night cycle.
Black sand is the primary and most dominant facet of Level 603. The sand differs from regular black sand in the Frontrooms in various aspects. As opposed to conventional Frontrooms sand particles, which range from 0.6 millimeters to 2 millimeters (0.023 inches to 0.078 inches), sand on this level ranges from 2.4 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters (0.094 inches to 0.137 inches). Black sand in Level 603 traps more heat than all Frontrooms sand, heating the surface to temperatures as high as 92.4 °C (198.3 °F) in rare conditions. When sand heats to extreme temperatures, steam rises from the surface, often obscuring one's vision. Inexplicably, this sand supports plant life; it still baffles experts on how plants thrive on this deathly sand. Researchers are still studying this peculiar sand, and more information is yet to be known, such as composition and initial formation.
An image of Level 603 photographed during nighttime.
Rock formations are another facet of Level 603, appearing in varied forms and dimensions. All rocks on the level are black, similar to the sand. Level 603 features two distinct types of solid rock, differing from one another only by composition. The first type of rock is deep bedrock, a classification only found deep beneath the level's surface, posing near-indestructible properties. The structure and composition of both rock classifications are still under investigation, and information is insufficient to provide a definite explanation. Some larger formations can collapse and possibly cause a chain reaction of events, such as sand avalanches, which can put one's life at risk.
Varied vegetation and flora thrive on the seemingly inhospitable sand of Level 603. The vegetation and flora on the level diversify, ranging from moss to palm trees. Sizable flora is much rarer than minuscule vegetation. Wanderers can harvest trees for Almond Water, although not all trees contain the substance. Fortunately for trees containing Almond Water, they do so in large amounts; an average tree can bear an equivalent of 75 cans of almond water, and with appropriate technology and skill, one could harvest an equivalent of fifty cans from one tree. Vegetation can bear flowers, although these do not germinate into fruits. Some species of small vegetation seep out Liquid Pain, although in tiny and non-lethal quantities.
A rather peculiar feature of Level 603 are winding highways. These highways always have the same characteristics, with minor deviations. They are pictured as composed of concrete, having centered double solid yellow lines, with a solid line for each edge of the roads, and fluorescent streetlights and utility poles on either the left or right side of the road, but never both. The concrete surface cracks easily when enough force is applied. The streetlights and poles are flimsy and may topple under enough strength—in this case, it can involve tempestuous winds or a formidable kick. The roads of Level 603 feature signage; they can be speed limits, stop signs, turn signs, or direction signs.
=Biomes=
The expansive geography of Level 603 has been categorized into four distinct biomes, each with its own distinctive characteristics, making them discernible from one another. The biomes differ in appearance, weather, traversal difficulty, entity presence, and stability. The four distinct biomes the level has been categorized into are the Ominous Ocean, the Voluminous Volcanoes, the Vast Valleys, and the Mountain Ranges.
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|-| Ominous Ocean=
=== Description ===
The first known photograph of the Ominous Ocean. 
The Ominous Ocean is one of the four biomes present on Level 603. It is the largest and most prominent biome out of the four biomes. As stated in its name, the biome is an expansive ocean of seemingly infinite depth, emanating an uncanny feeling toward wanderers. The waters of the Ominous Ocean are deuterium water, colloquially referred to as heavy water. Because of the deuterium composition, objects can float on the water easily, it is more difficult for wanderers to swim in the ocean, and for some reason, light penetrates through the water much less.
The biome is frequently shrouded in thick fog, hindering visibility—this makes condensation a semi-severe issue, especially in the vast expanse of the ocean. Conventional wooden boats can easily dilapidate through constant exposure to thick moisture. The thick fog gives wanderers the sensation that even though they are floating above the ocean, they are still not truly above it—the dense fog provides the feeling that they are still beneath the sea despite not being so.
Ominous sounds have been reported to be from the dark abyss of the Ominous Ocean. These sounds become louder and more frequent the deeper a wanderer dives. These sounds incite dread in wanderers, regardless of how courageous they are, especially at lower depths. These sounds usually resemble the sounds of mythic sea creatures, such as the Bloop from the Frontrooms and Mega MarvinA Mega Marvin is an instrument utilized for creating sounds for horror films. noises. Some have even reported visual hallucinations, although there are too few accounts to confirm such events.
|-| Voluminous Volcano=
=== Description ===
A photograph of a Voluminous Volcano taken via a versatile drone, obscured by some clouds.
The Voluminous Volcano is one of four of Level 603's biomes. In contrast to the Ominous Ocean, this biome is the rarest out of the four. As stated in its name, the Voluminous Volcano consists of a massive volcanic peak piercing the clouds. An instance of this biome always consists of only one gigantic volcano, and no two biomes can be closer than 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from each other. The heights of volcanoes range from 900 meters (2950 ft) to 7.6 km (4.7 mi) and average out at 1.7 km (1 mi).
Volcanoes may initially appear inactive until a Lava Flows event begins occurring; for the duration of the event, Voluminous Volcanoes will erupt in a ferocious explosion and then spew out lava in multiple directions. Once the event ends, the peaks of the volcanoes seem to regenerate themselves, appearing as if nothing has ever transpired. The cycle then repeats once another Lava Flows event occurs.
Taller volcanoes can invoke landslides. These landslides can range from a boulder's fall to a significant portion of the volcano collapsing. The latter is highly likely a catalyst for the entire volcano collapsing. Volcanoes that have wholly collapsed can no longer be hosts of the Lava Flows. Initially, when a volcano collapses, it releases an enormous plume of dust and ash, shrouding the surrounding area in nuclear winter and worsening its air quality. It takes, on average, a fortnight for a plume to dissipate entirely.
|-| Vast Valleys=
=== Description ===
A photograph of the Vast Valleys. Photographer confirmed deceased.
Being the second-most prominent of Level 603's biomes, the Vast Valleys are a series of extensive plains spanning large areas, usually surrounded by biomes such as the Voluminous Volcano and the Mountain Ranges. With the Vast Valleys having minimal environmental and biological hazards, coupled with the area being relatively easy to build, wanderers have designated the biome as the easiest to establish communities, and all the colonies and outposts of Level 603 exist within this biome.
Volcanic craters, sometimes inferred as "dormant mini volcanoes" or "DMV's," are a terrain characteristic of the Vast Valleys. The composition of the sand in craters is more compact than regular sand in Level 603. These craters may house deposits of valuable materials such as iron, gold, platinum, tungsten, magnesium, silver, and titanium. A near-unnoticeable mist can be seen rising from the craters, the reasons for which are unspecified.
Occasionally, one may find regenerative springs of Almond Water within the Vast Valleys. These springs of Almond Water are roughly a twentieth of an Olympic-sized swimming pool in terms of area and volume. When one spring empties entirely, it takes eight days for the Almond Water to become fully replenished with liquids. The Almond Water in these springs is hyper-sterilized and cleaner than tap water in the Frontrooms and regular canned Almond Water. These springs are utilized for consumption, bathing, cultural practices, and even rituals.
|-| Mountain Ranges=
=== Description ===
Aerial shot of the Mountain Ranges Biome.
The Mountain Ranges are the least significant of the four of Level 603's biomes. It has no remarkable features other than being a chain of towering peaks and having the most vegetation of any biome in the level. Some wanderers have attempted to establish bases in the biome, but all have proven futile, primarily due to the rough terrain.
The Mountain Ranges unnaturally generate large amounts of mist, clouds, and fog. When none of the two events are taking place, the biome generates the most water vapor of any of the three land-based biomes. Researchers are yet to unravel the catalyst for this phenomenon, as it is vital to obtaining a greater understanding of Level 603.
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=Events, Occurrences, and Anomalies=
Level 603 hosts a few events and anomalies that add variation to the level's atmosphere. These events increase the level's treacherousness when they occur. When an event occurs, it does not do so in Level 603's entirety. Two events can occur on Level 603: The Treacherous Tempest and the Lava Flows. Three anomalies are present on Level 603: the Ball Lightnings, Green Lightining, and the Blue Lava. 
Events and Occurrences
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|-| Treacherous Tempest=
=== Description ===
An image of the Ominous Ocean during the Treacherous Tempest. Photographer alive, yet severely injured. 
The Treacherous Tempest is the most prominent event that occurs on Level 603. This event is a thunderstorm posing severe danger to both wanderers and entities alike, as well as affecting large swathes of the level at once, but not its entirety, as stated previously. The Treacherous Tempest is the most frequent event, occurring once in an average of sixteen Level 603 days or once every 460 hours. The event has an average duration of three and a half hours.
The Treacherous Tempest begins almost inconspicuously and then gradually escalates to a hellish thunderstorm. It initiates when unnaturally dark clouds start coalescing in the atmosphere. These dark clouds also have an unnatural slight purple tint, as opposed to the common colorless clouds found in Level 603. After around 25 minutes, lightning strikes initiate, although they are relatively harmless. After an hour passes, the lightning strikes become a source of harm, and the atmosphere becomes almost entirely blanketed in sinister clouds to the point that it becomes nearly impossible to discern between day and night. The storm's power peaks at roughly this time and maintains this state until 20 minutes before the ending; the clouds and thunderstorms will rapidly dissipate, and the level quickly returns to its normal state.
Instead of panicking and potentially undergoing a hellish demise, one must swiftly take proper precautions, including seeking shelter, exiting the level, heightening awareness, or pursuing lower elevation. Not all shelters can protect one from the wrath of the Treacherous Tempest; the only safe shelter options are man-made bunkers, caves, and road tunnels. One must maintain a dry state at all times during the event since it increases the probability of being struck by lightning.
|-| Lava Flows=
=== Description ===
The highest quality image of Level 603 during the Lava Flows. 
The Lava Flows are a seldom occurring event on Level 603. It occurs roughly once every three months (90 Level 603 days, 107 regular days for Terra in the Frontrooms, or 2587.5 hours), making it the level's least frequent event. It is an event in which molten rock slowly streams down the level's terrain, wreaking havoc in its course. The event always has a duration of 90 minutes, with minor deviations. The eruption of one Voluminous Volcano counts as an instance of the Lava Flow event, and the eruption of a volcano can cause nearby volcanoes to erupt, although such an event is rare.
Congruent to the Treacherous Tempest, the Lava Flows unnoticeably begin when waves detected only by seismometers start arising. One can also feel a shaking sensation, which gradually intensifies. After 10 to 15 minutes, at least one Voluminous Volcano erupts viciously, and lava starts oozing out of the volcano(es), slowly descending as it wreaks havoc across the level. The volcanos halt oozing lava an hour in, and the event stops when all lava has solidified.
Five hours after the event ends, all solidified lava begins to shrink inexplicably. It is unknown what happens to the solidified lava during this process or its destination; some have theorized The Void, while others believe it evaporates into a gas invisible to the naked eye. On average, it takes 5 to 6 hours for all solidified lava to vaporize completely.
One should refrain from panicking during the Lava Flows and take proper precautions such as seeking shelter, exiting the level, moving to higher ground, or staying calm. Sealed man-made bunkers are the only preferred shelter option during the event; lava could fill in road tunnels and caves.
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Anomalies
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|-| Ball Lightnings=
=== Description ===
The first known photograph of Ball Lightning, presumably dating back to the 1950s. 
The Ball Lightnings are the most prominent phenomenon in Level 603. It is "a luminescent spherical object comprised of pure lightning." They move in inconsistent directions but are usually attracted towards wanderers and entities and repelled by the ground. They instantly vanish when they make contact with a conductive metal. The sound the balls emit is a mixture of the fluorescent humming noise of Level 0 and an electric mains hum. Their size ranges from 9 mm (0.3 inches) to 20 meters (65 feet). They leave behind a sulfuric odor, lasting for 30 seconds. This odor is not emanated by ball lightnings less than 40 cm (15.7 inches) in diameter.
The origin of Ball Lightning is currently unknown. They appear more frequently during the Treacherous Tempest, leading some to believe they originate from it. They appear when the Treacherous Tempest is not ongoing, although more seldomly. There are multiple futile attempts to explain these spherical phenomena. One plausible explanation is that Ball Lightning forms when black sand particles in the air react with ionized atoms, creating an explosion muffled by dense clouds, forming a mass of spherical lightning. The aforementioned theory is still very flawed, such as the lack of explanation for the sulfuric odor. 
Human contact with this electric phenomenon has a variety of consequences. If the ball is less than 35 cm (13.7 inches) in diameter, there will be no detrimental effects, and the wanderer will only experience static sensations. Any balls greater than the given size will electrocute wanderers, potentially killing them. Any injuries caused by Ball Lightning are unrecoverable without proper treatment.
The Ball Lightnings of Level 603 share similarities with The Lights of Level -69. They have similar appearances, erratic aimless motion, their possible origins, and their physical effects on wanderers. Some have even said they are the same phenomenon but with minor differences. Due to the inhuman nature of Level -69, the Ball Lightnings are more understood; learning more about the Ball Lightnings could give insights into the true nature of both phenomena.
The Ball Lightnings of Level 603 are very different from the Lighters entity. Ball Lightnings are plasma spheres, whereas Lighters are supernatural miniature stars. Lighters are sentient beings, unlike Ball Lightnings. Lighters are more closely related to stars, whereas Ball Lightnings are more closely related to lightning. The entity and the phenomenon have similarities, such as their attraction to lifeforms.
Ball lightning is a substantial element in the local culture of Level 603 for various reasons. The level has seen permanent human habitation dating back to the 1940s. The electrical phenomenon has laid the foundation for some cultural beliefs surrounding Level 603. Some say that the phenomenon signifies divine presence in the level, perhaps throughout the Backrooms. Others may say that it is simply a scientific phenomenon. Many have written stories and folktales regarding Ball Lightnings. Most wanderers see them as negative rather than positive, primarily due to their potential to harm wanderers.
|-| Green Lightning=
=== Description ===
A photograph of the Green Lightning phenomenon. 
The Green Lightning is one of the rarest occurring phenomena on Level 603. It only appears when the Treacherous Tempest and the Lava Flows events happen simultaneously. Once both events are simultaneously occurring, nearly all lightning strikes will turn green, and there will be a significantly reduced number of lightning strikes. Most Green Lightning strikes will originate from volcanic plumes emitted from Voluminous Volcanoes during the Lava Flows event. These lightning strikes are generally less dangerous than regular lightning strikes. The thunder emitted from Green Lightning is calmer than conventional lightning.
The first accounts of Green Lightning started occurring in the early 1930s and were only fully confirmed in the mid-1960s. Scientists and researchers do not fully understand the existence of this phenomenon, and there are no plausible theories. Some local cultures say that it exists to provide a balance for when both catastrophic events are occurring. The origin of the phenomenon and why it exists is still unexplained to this day.
|-| Blue Lava=
=== Description ===
Artistic illustration of a Voluminous Volcano spewing out Blue Lava.
The Blue Lava is the rarest phenomenon on Level 603. The existence of this phenomenon is not entirely confirmed. There are no known high-quality photographs of this phenomenon due to its rarity. It has an inconsistent sighting pattern, and there is no determination of when it will occur; no proper patterns or causes have been seen for this phenomenon. 
According to most accounts, Blue Lava is a phenomenon in which the lava during Lava Flows events is blue. Only a minuscule portion of all lava will be blue, and there are only five known cases in which all the lava during the event turns blue. There is no concrete data regarding the lava's composition, surface temperature, viscosity, any characteristics of the emitted fumes, or possible origins. 
A similar phenomenon of the same name is present in the Frontrooms. This phenomenon is not lava; it is an electric-blue flame with the illusory appearance of lava, being the byproduct of sulfur burning. However, the phenomenon in Level 603 is not the same since the anomalous lava is actual lava and not sulfur burning. The Backrooms phenomenon should also have temperatures of 6000 °C (10830 °F), although estimates put it below 720°C (1360°F).
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=Entities=
Both male and female Deathmoths, Hounds, Skin-Stealers, Carbonations, Spines, Jantlers, and The Rabbit roam the vastness of Level 603. Hostile entities are more common at night. All entities are absent from the level when an event is ongoing. Note that Ball Lightnings are not entities by any means.
=Colonies and Outposts=
M.E.G. Base ν
The Major Explorer Group base ν (Nu) is the oldest and most prominent permanent human settlement on Level 603. Base μ was founded on an unspecified date in 1929 and has a permanent human population of 1,054. They are willing to accept trade as long as the other party shows no hostility. The settlement is located in a subterranean complex. They have four workforce divisions, which are Housekeeping, Healthcare, Defense, and Research. Labor is mandatory for wanderers between the ages of 17 and 62; otherwise, they are banished from the colony if they are unemployed for over 50 days. Two impresarios are kept in charge of governing the settlement, such as enforcing civil rules, running facilities, and other government-related tasks. Base μ is one of only two settlements on Level 603 to have sustainable food and water, which they either provide for their people or export to other colonies. They are the only settlement with a research facility dedicated to studying the alien nature of Level 603.
Backrooms Pioneers Base Osiris
Base Osiris is a Backroom Colonists settlement on Level 603. It is the second oldest and second most populated permanent human settlement on Level 603. It currently has an estimated 450 permanent residents. They are only accepting trade with other permanent inhabitants of Level 603. The settlement is located next to a road tunnel beneath a mountain range. Wanderers with physical disabilities are put into specialized care facilities until their death or if they can be transferred to a safe level such as Level -33 or Level 399. The settlement was the birthplace of former Backroom Colonist minister Devika Desai. The settlement is currently run by former minister Lee Hollingsworth, who has been rumored to start a political dynasty in the colony. They are the only settlement other than the Major Explorer Group to have renewable food and water resources.
Anti-Entity Agency Mecca
The A.E.A. Mecca is an elusive group residing in Level 603. The word "Mecca" refers to "a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest." Founded sometime in the early 2010s, this colony of the AEA is the theorized capital and most prominent settlement of the group, estimated to have 130 permanent residents. This settlement has isolated itself from other settlements on Level 603, only communicating with other wanderers to distribute weaponry. They have only two confirmed facilities, which are a training academy and an arms manufacturing facility, presumably the biggest one in the level. Little is known about their origins, intentions, government, or whereabouts.
Tri-Union
The Tri-Union is a secluded group of wanderers residing in Level 603. They were previously three different groups, but due to proximity, relations, and similarities, they decided to unite into one large settlement in 1997. Similar to the Major Explorer Group Base μ, they are willing to accept trade and communication from anyone, as long as they aren't hostile. The initial three colonies were founded around the same time and shared the same ideologies. Their focuses are level mapping, manufacturing, and developing the level's third sustainable food and water source, expected to be in operation by the end of 2023. They have close ties with the Major Explorer Group and the Backroom Colonists.
=Ingress and Egress=
Ingress
A presumed entrance from Level -69.
*If the blue door on Level 288 is coated with a layer of ash, it will guarantee sending one to Level 603;
*In Level 42, one may find a hallway with dark carpet, wallpapers and ceiling usually 400 meters (1310 ft) long, traversing to the end of this hallway sends one to Level 603;
*Noclipping through a painting depicting a volcano on Level 67 leads one to Level 603;
*Passing out in the sea of Level 308 might send wanderers to Level 603;
*Entering a valley with blackened terrain on Level 426 leads one to Level 603;
*Noclipping through a blockage of volcanic ash on Level 398 leads one to Level 603;
*Entering through a tunnel on Level 847 will lead to one emerging through a road tunnel on Level 603;
*Jumping into a pit of black sand on Level 46 will lead one to Level 603;
*Entering a hallway littered with broken neon lights and slightly filled with an ashy substance in Level 997 leads one to Level 603;
*Entering a black door emblazoned with an image of a volcano in Level 15 leads one to Level 603;
*Seldom random noclipping on Level 145 leads one to Level 603.
Egress
A presumed exit to Level 597.
*Noclipping through a large patch of thick vegetation might send one to either Level 110, Level 370, or Level 222;
*Noclipping through a blocked road tunnel may send one to Level -69, Level 777, Level 752 or A Long Ride;
*Noclipping through a manhole will send one to either Level 34, Level 37.9, Level -206, or Level 49;
*Sitting under a streetlight during the night for 2 hours will send one to either Level 633, Level 115, or Level 63;
**Rarely, the process lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes and instead takes wanderers to Level 100 or Level 357;
*Submerging oneself beneath an Almond Water hot spring rarely sends wanderers to Level -33;
*Meditating in the Ominous Ocean rarely sends wanderers to the Blue Horizon;
**If there is no land in sight, no events are occurring, and if it is sunset, the wanderer is sent to Level 699 in rare cases;
*Staring at the night sky while floating on the Ominous Ocean for 15 minutes sends one to either Level 200, Level 240, or Level 24.
Category:Levels
Category:Unconfirmed Levels
Category:Cluster I
Category:M.E.G
Category:Backroom Colonists
Category:Dangerous