Level 130

## Description

Level 130 — deemed "The Pilgrimage" by wanderers — is an extensive system of concrete tunnels. The exact architecture of said tunnels is best described as depressing and maddening. Some believe the tunnels themselves have been specifically engineered to induce extreme stress upon those unfortunate enough to find themselves in the circular tunnels of Level 130.

The tunnels are oftentimes enshrouded by darkness though some are illuminated by an admixture of kerosene lanterns, candles held by wall sconces, and strings of florescent lights. Artificial light aside, natural lighting can be found in the form of sunlight emitted from shafts that can be occasionally seen interrupting the otherwise uniform ceiling.

It is of utmost importance that you remember to stay moving. Resting for an extended period of time is discouraged due to psychological effects imposed by the anomalous nature of the level. Notable symptoms such as drastic deterioration of cognitive function, dizziness, and increased paranoia have been observed. Furthermore, wanderers affected by these time-induced ailments have also described an "intimidating presence" around them.

Said presence causes the feeling of being spectated from the hazy periphery of your sight; additionally, you will now be afflicted by paranoid hyper-awareness which is only amplified by remaining stationary in your travels. As explained by an anonymous wanderer:

"It is not that it feels natural to keep moving; rather, it is the knowledge that resting will result in eventual terror. I will see faces in the corner of my eye -- an unwelcome spectator that ceases to torment me from a distance. Far into the tunnels, I swear I could see movement. Even during my travels it is still ever-present. But when I'm moving, I can pretend that it isn't there."

Additionally, it is suggested you travel with a single direction in mind. Aimlessly wandering the labyrinthine tunnels is not the ideal mentality in Level 130. This is because large populations of creatures act in behaviors unseen in other levels. Most creatures, even those that are typically aggressive, can be seen mindlessly moving in larges clusters. Specifically, in one general direction.

You may travel alongside said clusters and even pass them entirely -- usually without issue. These creatures will not even acknowledge your presence as if they were consumed by some overarching objective. They will continue pressing forward without ever deviating from their path. The only risk presented comes from non-conformity or provoking them: walking away from the horde in the opposite direction, provoking them, or staying still for too long. All of which will result in heightened aggression, even from creatures that are typically non-hostile outside of Level 130.

The tunnels themselves are typically arranged in a grid-like pattern. This allows for consistent travel in a singular direction. Level 130 is spatially volatile -- occurrences such as the sudden collapse of tunnels or the anomalous event of tunnels being rearranged in position are commonplace in the chaos of Level 130.

At some areas, the seemingly endless maze of monotonous tunnels abruptly comes to a halt. Chasms that reach down to the exposed tunnel can be found at said areas. Rays of sunlight reach down from the top of these chasms. However, all attempts to scale these chasms have resulted in failure due to their impossible depth. The true surface of this level is unknown because of this.

The circular tunnels themselves are usually in something close to a grid format, allowing travel in the same general direction to be mostly consistent. The tunnels themselves are highly chaotic, cave-ins and events where tunnels rearrange anomalously being very common.

## Colonies And Outposts

### The Horde

A community of nomads that are constantly travelling. The nomadic nature of the group allows for significant accumulation of people. Some are bound my the philosophy of endless exploration in hope for reaching a fabled promised land one day, others just travel with the group until they reach an exit. They are oftentimes seen travelling alongside other creatures.

### Various Outposts

Due to the nature of Level 130, founding permanent settlements is impossible. However, numerous temporary outposts have been built across the level. These outposts are stocked with essentials which allow for short breaks. It is important to only rest for a short period of time.

### Pilgrimage of Creatures

As mentioned earlier in the article, groups of creatures are a common sighting in Level 130. Dense clusters of creatures may be an off-putting sight for those accustomed to running from them in other levels, but you will quickly get used to them after extended travel. Some of the creatures include:

* Amalgamations
* Crawlers
* Impersonators
* Loners
* Lurkers
* Geometric Worms
* Additional creatures...

## Entrances And Exits

Finding the attic in Level 123, and attempting to climb the ladder in the attic will create an entrance to Level 130. Additionally, various entrances to Level 130 can be found in Level 129. Entrances from level 129 are not one-way, allowing easy travel. Attempting to run in the other direction of a pilgrimage of entities will result in the floor collapsing a while after you are able to escape. Escaping said situation is unlikely, but if you do, under the floor will be an entrance to Level 117. Rusty metal gates found throughout the tunnels are few and far between, but they will reliably lead to Level 131.

**Author Information >**

Page written by Banach and Excerium#5764.