Level -52

## Level -52: "Pylon Purlieus"

### Description:

**Level -52** is one of the deadliest negative levels of the Backrooms; one should never enter this level intentionally unless equipped with the right equipment.

**Level -52** consists of several seemingly abandoned sidewalks, branching in multiple directions. Each sidewalk extends linearly for an unknown length cutting through a thick forest. There are poles and pylons in a static blood-red sky with, sometimes, clouds. At first, this level might seem safe due to the visible lack of entities, but do not be mistaken—this level is incredibly lethal; once a wanderer enters, they should run as fast as possible because nowhere is safe. Almost everything is pitch black, absorbing light, except for the sidewalks, some alleyways, and one unique about 25 miles away pylon. Bring extra light sources as they may malfunction unexpectedly. A faint rustling sound from an unknown source can also be heard occasionally. Once one enters the level, they will begin rapidly losing sanity; bringing Almond Water is needed, as no known almond water is located. Alternatively, wanderers may pick up the energy bars perhaps found on the ground, albeit those are somewhat uncommon.

As one runs further down **Level -52**, you will find several alleyways. However, these are traps that you shouldn't enter these alleyways if the wanderer wishes to survive. Also, exposed wires coming from the utility poles hang unnaturally low. All utility poles have live wires that can kill with a single touch. Walking deep into the forest along some paths may lead to the Chromyl River, the deadliest non-entity hazard in the area.

Most likely, the biggest reason as to why so many die when entering this level is **Level -52**'s only entities, **Predatory Pylons**. They look just like their non-sentient counterparts but are capable of movement. They move somewhat quickly and can easily kill by crushing any wanderers with their supports. This is the sole reason that a wanderer should never stand still in this level, and also why one must constantly be on the move, lest they get crushed by the entities.

#### Chromyl River:

Chromyl River is a river of undetermined length, composed of a blood-red liquid that gives off a deadly red smoke. This river is the only place that Predatory Pylons will stay away from; however, the river offers an excruciating death if one remains too long. The liquid and the smoke it gives are toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic, and sometimes even explosive. After some studies, the liquid was determined to have the same molecular structure as Chromyl Chloride, a dangerous chemical found in the Frontrooms. The liquid still has some anomalous properties; for example, part of the liquid might experience zero gravity and start floating about, spreading itself and the smoke around, or the liquid might suddenly form into semi-solid bubbles, which will then burst, spreading the liquid everywhere. Being around the liquid also causes insanity. Most of the time, however, the liquid is relatively calm. Due to its anomalous properties, the liquid found in the Backrooms has been named Chromyl Backrie due to its similarities to Chromyl Chloride.

Never drink or jump into the liquid, no matter what—the human body can easily succumb to corrosion and destroy one's organs from the inside. Furthermore, the liquid is very carcinogenic, meaning it increases the risk of cancer significantly. If a wanderer does encounter this river, they should turn back immediately. If that is not an option, run over the bridge that each sidewalk passing over the river offers as fast as possible, but even one might get a few painful blisters on the legs. Stick to the main sidewalk unless necessary to use smaller ones that cut deeper into the forest due to potential dangers. Attempts are still being made to find the source of the Chromyl River.

### Entities:

As mentioned, the only entity in **Level -52** is Predatory Pylons. Those are sentient and are the only type of entity residing on this level; however, they also behave somewhat differently relative to **Predatory Pylons** found in other levels, and, like most things within the level, they are pitch black. They range from 20m to over 50m in height. When entering a level, they will be about 120 meters behind you, although immediately will enter their destructive state and start chasing you unless they are in the line of sight. These pylons prefer to stick to the forest around the sidewalks and will not move directly onto the sidewalks. It is recommended to avoid entering the surrounding forest for safety reasons. These entities can be stopped by simply staring at them: this ensures they will stop moving, albeit remember that even a single blink allows them to move. They will also make a metallic scraping noise and loud bangs when they are on the move. Once they get within 10 feet of a wanderer, the wanderer will likely get crushed by their legs, instantly getting killed.

### Colonies and Outposts:

The nature here does not allow for colonies or outposts. There have been several attempts before the understanding of the Predatory Pylons and Chromyl River that all ended in catastrophe, including, but not limited to:

#### The Deep Dark Forest Colony:

* A group of two who attempted to start a logging business.

#### The Solace Home:

* A 1-man outpost, attempting to find some solace in the Backrooms.

#### The Backhand Colonies:

* A group of 5 small colonies intending to survive and thrive at this level.

All of the colonies/outposts were killed, presumably by the Predatory Pylons or Chromyl River.

### Entrances and Exits:

#### Entrances:

* Noclipping through a 5m x 5m wooden box containing metallic items in Level 1 will get you here.
* Seeing a red fog roll in on Level -5 will lead to here.

#### Exits:

* Noclipping through the sidewalks will get one to The Void.
* Noclipping through any tree at most 2m away from Chromyl River will get you to Level -5. This will result in an irreversible loss of up to 20 IQ points, though, along with severe impairment to the rest of the body.
* There should be a patch of grey and wet grass in the middle of every sidewalk, about 17 miles from the entrance. Noclip through it to get to either Level 1, Level 4 or Level 10
* Finding the one non-sentient pylon with color (25 miles from the entrance) and noclipping into it can take you to Level -5.
* A few people have been crazy enough to run farther than 50 miles. After reaching the 50-mile mark, one will immediately become unconscious. After this, one will find oneself in Level 399 or, less commonly Level 199.