Level 444

3
3
Survival Difficulty: Class 3
»⠀Unsafe
»⠀Unstable
»⠀Moderate Entity Count
==Description==
The Theatre Grandiose is network of over a thousand performing arts theatres, interconnected together forming a large liminal labyrinth. These theatres vary in appearance from exquisite, with golden trims and statues, elaborate artworks - to dingy, plain, outdated - to the ruined, burned and destroyed. 
The network is not linear. Some theatres are located above, below, at random, or off center angles from each other. The orientation of all the theaters seem to be random or chaotic with no grand design. Occasionally more than one theatre will merge, seemingly overlapping. Each theatre is unique. Some feel modern, with PA systems and advanced sound and lighting; some feel old, as from the turn of the century. 
Sections are recurring areas similar in function and appearance of level 444, as there are many more if not infinite duplicates within the Level itself. There are currently 8 identified sections of level 444, each with varying properties. 
== Sections ==
The Stage
=== Description ===
Being the point of main focus, the stage always face an auditorium. The stage will vary in size from 2.5m in width and 2m in depth to 63.5m in length and 64m in depth. Stages are typically wood, but there are some exceptions as some can be tiled or even polished cement. Most stages will have a curtain, majority being various shades of red, occasionally blue or black. More modern setups will have a fire curtain as well that will drop if fire detectors are activated. Props and buildings for shows may be present, as though they are set up for a performance that night. 
Other stages are empty with the exception of a single lamp with a naked light bulb. This is known as a ghost light. This light is usually the only light source for that entire theatre. Stages with the ghost light will sometimes house the level's only native entity, the grandiose phantom.
In certain rare instances, wanderers will experience what is called performance euphoria. This only happens on a stage that is lit up: a wanderer will stand, center stage, looking into the auditorium; the wanderer will start to feel strong waves of nostalgia. These wanderers have noted hearing orchestras tuning up their instruments or even applause. It's said to have brought many wanders to tears from the feelings present during the performance euphoria.
You can exit the stage in multiple ways. Backstage often leads to workshops, dressing rooms or occasionally, the greenroom. Backstage will also have ladders or staircases leading to the catwalks. Frontstage you can access the auditorium and will occasionally have lifts that can lead you to maintenance.
The Auditorium
=== Description ===
Like the stages, the auditoriums have many variations. Some of the smallest of the theatres are known to just have a few metal folding chairs where some of the largest can have up to 3 levels and have over 100,000 seats, all with the finest upholstery. Seating can be either cloth, leather, plastic, wood, or metal. The larger theatres will have multiple opera boxes for VIPs. Décor will vary depending on the depicted time period and size. Nicer theaters typically favor dark reds and gold trim with Greek and Roman designs. Some favor a more modern, sleek black or dark blue design, appearing rather minimalistic. 
Auditoriums will vary in modern amenities. Newer setups will have large, advanced PA systems, automatic lighting systems, sound panels, speakers etc. Most theaters will have at the very least, a spotlight or a few. These spotlights have unusual properties as they are known to inflict harmful effects on certain entities. 
You can exit the auditorium by either getting on stage, exiting via the main entrance in the back, occasional exits from either of the sides or through a small staircase leading under the stage to maintenance. Some of the spotlight boxes or 2nd/3rd tier seating will have accesses to catwalks. 
The Lobby
=== Description ===
The most likely place to find entities is in the lobby. Though you will mostly only find adult facelings, you also might find a skin stealer. Facelings will often be dressed in some sort of costume or formal wear. Lobbies, like most of level 444, will vary in size and style. Lobbies are usually well lit, often with a fancy chandelier and wall lights. The purpose of the lobbies are mostly to lead or give access to other theatres. It is possible to find a concession stand/booth that has some snacks and almond water, but this is rare.
The Catwalks
=== Description ===
The catwalks are non-Euclidean, meaning they will shift from place to place at different times for different wanderers. Catwalks are high above the stages and occasionally the auditoriums. They can have multiple levels. Some will have railings, others are more dangerous without safety guards and rails. They vary in width and length. They can exist at multiple levels. Some theatres will have catwalks at 20 different levels, zig zagging and crossing about. Some are in disrepair, on the verge of collapse, or unstable. Use caution when traversing the catwalks. Catwalks will often have spotlights or hooks to hoist props or people. 
You can enter and exit catwalks through different means. The more adventurous can use prop/people hoists to travel below. This is risky as some may be in a state of disrepair. Usually, ladders can be found on the ends of catwalks. These ladders can lead up to other catwalks or down to the backstages and workshops. Catwalks will often have doors on either side. These doors can lead to other theaters, lobbies, maintenance, etc. In very rare instances these doors can lead to other levels. Catwalks are always dark and can be home to smilers. Again it is strongly advised to exercise caution when traversing the catwalks.
Maintenance areas
=== Description ===
This area is usually pretty small, depending on its correlating stage. Not all theatres have a maintenance section. This section will house the wiring for the microphones, floor outlets, lighting etc. You'll find breaker boxes, sometimes water heaters, and HVAC systems. Maintenance will also house the mechanics for lifts if the stage has them. These areas are usually dark, in various states of upkeep or disrepair. Being a dark place, it is advised to be cautious of smilers that could be present. Entering and exiting maintenance can be done either via the lift, a ladder or a staircase. Sometimes a door will lead to a catwalk of another theatre.
The Workshop
=== Description ===
Wanderers often will seek the workshops of level 444. You can find workshops connected to the backstages of larger theatres. Not all theatres will have workshops. Workshops often will have various tools, powered and manual, mostly for woodworking and set building. Rarely you can find welding gear. Props and other items such as instruments, scaffolding, and wood can also be found stored in the workshops. Workshops sometimes will house ladders giving access to catwalks. Doors leading to various sections can also be found here.
The Dressing Rooms
=== Description ===
Vanities, sinks, toilets, wardrobes, closets, tables, and chairs call all be found in the dressing rooms. Water from the sinks is safe to drink but may have bacteria, so it is advised to boil it first. You can find makeup and all types of clothing from various time periods and cultures. Props can be stored here as well. These rooms will vary in size and upkeep much like most sections in level 444. There have been 2 reports of skin stealers being found in the dressing rooms so it is advised to be cautious and check before entering a dressing room. Dressing rooms can be found backstage or rarely through a lobby door.
Green Rooms
=== Description ===
A slice of paradise for level 444. Green Rooms are completely safe as dangerous entities will not enter the doorways, even if they are chasing a wanderer. Green Rooms vary in size and shape and vary in amenities. Not all theatres will have Green Rooms. Most in fact will not. Green Rooms will have tables, chairs and often large couches. You can find snacks, fridges with almond water and food (safe for consumption). Many Greenrooms will have a sink and a microwave. Green Rooms replenish themselves if they are unoccupied for a time. If staying on level 444 for a time, it is advised to seek out a Green Room. This area can only be found backstage, often near a dressing room.
== Notable Locations == 
The Theatre Grandiose
=== Description ===
This is the largest theatre known to level 444. Discovered by the M.E.G. in 2016, this auditorium has over 100,000 seats, 3 tiers and many opera boxes. The stage is close to an acre in size (63.5m in length and 64m in depth). The décor is remnant of an exquisite theatre from the 1920's but with modern tech and lighting. It has red, cloth seats trimmed with gold paint. The walls are also red fabric with golden Greek designed trim and golden statues mounted on both of the top corners of the stage. The stage has a huge red curtain as well as a fire curtain hidden behind it. The stage has a large lift that can house a full orchestra. The entire level 444 was named after this one theatre due to its grandeur. Being a large theatre, The Theatre Grandiose has a very large workshop and a moderate greenroom. After it's discovery, the M.E.G. quickly made an outpost here for operations on level 444.
ALGR
=== Description ===
Also known as The Abnormally Large Green Room, is a coven of roughly 4,000 square meters. This greenroom has all amenities including a fully stocked kitchen, bathroom, multiple couches, table and chairs. This Green Room even has a pool table and a TV/Blu-Ray setup with a collection of classic movies and musicals. The ALGR is home to The Troupe, a colony of actors that puts on full production shows for wanderers in level 444.
The Scorched
=== Description ===
It is unknown how this theatre caught fire and burned down, but it was a fairly large theatre that could've hosted around 20,000 people or so. Everything is burned, from the seats to the stage and workshops. This area is unstable and parts of the stage have collapsed. This area has a particular high entity count (smilers and skin stealers) so it is advised to avoid it altogether.
The Vertical Mile
=== Description ===
Though not actually a mile high, this theatre is known for having 20 levels of catwalks above its stage. These catwalks can sometimes be unstable and they shift around every time someone wanders near them. Be wary of smilers as this area is very dark.
The Juxtaposition
=== Description ===
This area houses an absurdly large and ornate lobby, complete with chandeliers, bathrooms, concessions, and ornately dressed facelings. At the end of this lobby is a grand entrance to its corresponding theatre. The theatre, however, is notably small, hosting only around 30 people with a small, dinky, cement stage. No dressing rooms, workshop or greenroom attached.
== Entities ==
Level 444 has a moderate entity count of common entities and one native entity. Covens are devoid of any hostile entity. 
* Facelings can be found anywhere in level 444 but most commonly in lobbies. They are non hostile and are usually dressing in costumes or in fancy, formal dress.
* Smilers are most common in catwalks or maintenance rooms but can be found in any dark areas in level 444. Smilers will disappear, seemingly injured if spotted by a spotlight.
* Skin Stealers are rare, but have been found in lobbies, auditoriums, workshops, and twice in dressing rooms. Skin stealers will burn if exposed to a light from a spotlight.
=== The Grandiose Phantom ===
* The Grandiose Phantom is level 444's only native entity. It is a ghostly, seemingly female phantom. She is a solid, bluish white, dressed in a long, white gown. Her eyes are empty and her feet do not touch the ground. She can be found sometimes on an empty theatre stage; one that has a ghost light. She will sing notable classical arias and operas. Her voice is noted to be angelic, giving a calming sensation to the wanderer. She is non hostile as long as a wanderer is quiet and attentive, sitting in the auditorium. If the wanderer is disruptive and loud or approaches the phantom on stage, the Grandiose Phantom becomes aggressive and violent. Her behaviors are as follows:
#Her voice becomes aggressive. She no longer sings angelically, rather she will scream with a low, vocal fry. Wanderers will call this a death growl.
#Her dead eyes activate into flaming lights. She will then look right into the eyes of the wanderer.
#If the wanderer remains, she will lift her arms and electricity with start to buzz around her hands.
#She will then shoot lightning from her hands at the wanderer. This is not 100% accurate but a direct hit will likely kill the wanderer. The sound is temporarily deafening and can cause permanent hearing loss.
It is advised to leave the theatre if the phantom becomes aggressive. It is theorized that a spot light will make the phantom disappear. This has not been verified. 
== Outposts and Colonies ==
*The M.E.G. Outpost 4-Charlie-Tango: Established shortly after discovering the Theatre Grandiose. There are about 20 personnel active at Outpost 4-CT. They operate out of a workshop and a Green Room and are friendly to wanderers and other colonies.
*The Troupe: An acting group of about 40 members. The can be found at the ALGR. They are a team that will build, write, and perform shows with live music. They are welcoming to any friendly travelers and wanderers and will lodge them as necessary, temporarily.
*The Phantom Watchers: A small group of about 10 or so individuals that actively seek The Grandiose Phantom. They defend and worship her, calling her an angel sent for their salvation. They constantly search for the phantom and thus have become experts in traversing level 444. The M.E.G. often rely on The Phantom Watchers as guides for research expeditions.
== Entrances and Exits ==
=== Entrances ===
*Finding a theatre with a classical look form level 11 will bring you to a lobby in level 444.
*Entering a large workshop from level 89 and playing any musical instrument will transport you to a workshop section of level 444 when exiting the door.
*Finding a door that says Grandiose from The Hub will always bring you to an auditorium in level 444.
*Wearing any costume clothing in any high school or college theatre/auditorium/stage has a small chance of you teleporting you to a dressing room in level 444.
*Entering a barricaded door in level 191 can make someone appear in the level's dressing rooms.
=== Exits ===
*Exiting a lobby, opposite of its main theatre (the one with the grandest of entrances) has a chance of either transporting you to level 11, or the main lobby of level 5.
*Using a door from a catwalk has a small chance to teleport you to any level.
*No-Clipping in the maintenance section has a chance to take you to level 3.
*Finding a large organ with hidden pipes and passing into its inner part will lead one to Level 447.
Credits
Author:TheDadams
Page Design: 1morro.com and Cringeaccount123456789
Photos: Free Stock Images or AI generation.
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Category:Class 3
Category:Levels
Category:Cluster I
Category:Unconfirmed Levels
Category:The Wanderers Toolbox