Ruins Left Behind

## **Description:**

Once a seemingly ordinary multi-story car park, Level 22, now known as the "Ruins Left Behind," bears the remnants of a society that once thrived within its confines. This level's evolution from a simple car park to an independent micronation, and its eventual decline into abandonment and decay, tells a captivating tale of human endeavor and the resilience of a community in the face of adversity.

### **Historical Evolution:**

Initially discovered in 1925, Level 22 presented itself as an average car park with rows of parked vehicles and shopping carts filled with building supplies and provisions. This mundane appearance, however, concealed the rich history and transformation that would unfold within its walls.

### **The Rise of Emstable:**

In 1987, a significant turning point occurred as Level 22 was declared a small micronation known as Emstable. Breaking away from affiliations with other factions in the Backrooms, Emstable's inhabitants embarked on a journey of independence and self-sufficiency. What followed was a rapid growth and development of the micronation, leading to a complex societal structure and economic system.

### **Societal Structure and Economy:**

Emstable's society was organized into distinct "families," each assigned to specific floors of Level 22. A rigid caste system emerged, with higher floors enjoying more privileges and access to resources. The higher floors focused on activities such as concrete mining and sophisticated amenities, while lower floors engaged in tasks like food cultivation and scavenging.

### **The Collapse and Abandonment:**

Emstable's prosperity came at a cost. The constant mining and resource exploitation strained Level 22's structural integrity, resulting in a slow decline that could not be halted. The societal disparities between the floors and the exploitation of lower levels led to internal strife. As the level's stability eroded, the empire faced its downfall.

### **Today's Reality:**

Level 22 now stands as a testament to the rise and fall of Emstable. The car park's interior has been transformed into a chaotic expanse of debris, twisted metal, and rubble. Abandoned vehicles and shattered remnants of tents serve as somber reminders of a community that once thrived. The level's dangerous and unstable conditions make traversing it a perilous endeavor, with crumbling infrastructure and gaping holes adding to the hazards.

### **Exploration and Artifacts:**

The discovery of recovered documents, including diaries and census reports, offers a glimpse into Emstable's past and the lives of its inhabitants. Personal accounts, such as the diary of Jacobs Opal, provide insight into the aspirations and struggles of individuals who called Level 22 home. Census records shed light on the diverse occupations and challenges faced by different floors of Emstable.

### **Entrances and Exits:**

While Emstable attempted to seal off many of the original entrances to Level 22, the collapse of the level has created new pathways. Entrances can be found through Level 21 and Level 23, where the deteriorating structural integrity has resulted in openings. Additionally, remnants of the original entrances exist, including glass doors in Level 1, exit ramps from Level 69, and an exit within Level 172.

### **Conclusion:**

Level 22, the "Ruins Left Behind," is a poignant testament to the ambitions and complexities of a society that once flourished within the Backrooms. Emstable's rise, decline, and eventual abandonment have left an indelible mark on this level, inviting wanderers to reflect on the fragility of human endeavors and the enduring legacy of those who came before. As you navigate the treacherous terrain and uncover artifacts of the past, remember the story of Emstable—a society that carved its identity within the enigmatic depths of the Backrooms.