Level 240

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Level 240, also known as "The Starry Grove" is the 241st level of The Backrooms.
==Description==
Level 240 resembles an expansive coniferous forest. The level's time is always set as night time. The prevailing presence of tall, dark green trees serves to partially obscure the sky. The sky offers a spectacular display of abundant stars and nebulae. Notably, there exist clearings within the level where the absence of trees allows for an unobstructed observation of the night sky, affording wanderers an enhanced opportunity for stargazing. The elevation of the level varies, forming small hillocks several meters high. The average temperature of this level remains at 25 °C (77 °F). Gentle winds consistently blow throughout the level. Notably, the level has a finite size, it is a planet with a surface area of approximately 100 million km2. The planet is presumed to be stationary, not rotating on its axis.
Despite its beauty, the level is completely unfit for long-term settlement. The level lacks any lakes, rivers or other water bodies, making it impossible to find food here. It also doesn't contain any other useful resources. This level also induces the 240 Effect upon wanderers, which is elaborated further below.
==The 240 Effect==
The 240 Effect is a phenomenon affecting all wanderers entering the level. It greatly accelerates the wretched cycle and causes other mental problems. Over the course of one's staying in the level, the symptoms of this effect worsen. The following are the symptoms experienced by a wanderer being affected by the 240 Effect .
Time after exposure	Symptoms 	Remarks
Immediately 	Wanderers will experience a calming sensation upon entering the level. They will become increasingly happy and their negative emotions will decrease. 	This is the only 'good' symptom of this effect, which diminishes in later stages.
12 Hours 	They will begin hearing a soft ringing sound constantly, which hampers sleep and creates a general disturbance. The sound slowly will start to get louder and increase in pitch. 	
24 Hours 	They will start to be confused and their capability of rational thinking will reduce. The ringing sound will also be intensified, making it near impossible to sleep. They will also exhibit symptoms of a Stage 1 Wretch. 	Almond Water can slow down the progression of this effect, but not fully stop or reverse it. The only way to stop it is by exiting the level, after which the symptoms will start to diminish The progression also depends on the mental strength of each wanderer, with symptoms manifesting more slowly for mentally tough ones.
36 Hours 	Their vision will start to become blurry and they will get more disoriented. The ringing sound will block out most other sounds, making them unable to hear. They will usually exhibit the symptoms of a Stage 2 Wretch by this time.	
48 Hours 	They will become paralyzed and unable to move. The ringing sound will drain all their sanity, and consequently, they will no longer be able to respond to any external stimuli. They will usually turn into a Stage 3 Wretch by now. 	Wanderers are beyond saving at this point. Even if they somehow exit the level, they are doomed to become a full Wretch.
60 hours 	They will turn into a Stage 4 Wretch. They will regain their motor functions and start to roam the level. 	
Note: The time for each symptom to manifest is an approximation under the assumption that one does not consume any Almond Water or other sanity-restoring items.
==Entities==
Occasionally one can encounter Wretches in this level, them being wanderers who have succumbed to the 240 Effect.
===Colonies and Outposts===
The 240 Effect prevents all forms of long-term settlement in this level. Hence, no outposts or colonies were established in this level.
==Entrances and Exits==
===Entrances===
*Staring at the night sky while floating on the Ominous Ocean of Level 603 for 15 minutes might send one here.
*Noclipping through a tree on Level 185 has a chance to take you.
*No-clipping through a conspicuously snowless conifer on Level 224 can lead to this level.
*No-clipping through a green-barked tree in Level 455 can also lead here.
*Entering a waterfall in Level 257 will lead a wanderer here.
===Exits===
*No-clipping through a dead tree will send one to Level 39.
*No-clipping through a glowing green tree will lead one to Level 45.
Category:The 240 Effect
Category:Cluster I
Category:Levels
Category:Mental Hazards
Category:Unconfirmed Levels
Category:Dangerous