SCP-001-AC

Level 0 of the, the first level of The Backrooms.

## **`DESCRIPTION`**

SCP-001-AC is a dimension outside of our own reality. Each of the documented levels of SCP-001-AC seems to behave differently, often defying our known universal laws, possessing seemingly infinite and near identical hallways or room layouts, or looping back in on themselves. Some levels are host to one or more native entities that are often hostile.

Accessing SCP-001-AC is extremely difficult, as one does not access SCP-001-AC on purpose. Subjects who have returned from SCP-001-AC have said they entered SCP-001-AC by phasing through a wall. There seems to be no correlation between the location or material of the wall or the method of phasing, as some recount leaning on a wall and falling through while others say they walked right through a wall and ended up in SCP-001-AC. Although multiple subjects have returned from SCP-001-AC, many reports detail individuals who have entered, never to return.

The first room each survivor of the backrooms has reported ending up in was a "Level" dubbed by the foundation as "Level 0". Other subsequent levels each have a number placed on a surface within the space, not following any known pattern or sequence, giving each of the subsequent Levels its own unique designation. Once entering a new level, the entrances will either become inoperable, disappear once the line of sight of all visitors is broken, or will lead to entirely new areas within the current level. Each Level documented to date, and their properties, are listed below:

* **LEVEL 0:** Level 0 is a seemingly infinite set of rooms and corridors, reminiscent of an office space, the walls of which are of the same faded yellow color with a floral design. The level is illuminated by florescent tube light fixtures, emitting a dull yellow-white glow, similar to the lighting found in many typical office buildings. An electrical buzz can be heard from these light fixtures. The floors are covered in a beige-colored carpet that is slightly moist, emitting an odor typical of mold or mildew. The similar appearance of corridors and rooms make navigation extremely difficult. Within Level 0 exists a single instance of an entity dubbed by some as "The Howler". The howler appears at irregular intervals, displaying an ability to teleport around the immediate area. It is extremely hostile and will let out an inhuman wail, as it chases down and attempts to kill any person in its sight. Seemingly at random, entering a room or corridor of Level 0 will transport the individual to Level 27. This can also be triggered by breaking through a wall, or the floor.
* **LEVEL 2:** Level 2 consists of long, dim concrete maintenance hallways with steam pipes lining the walls and ceilings. The pipes cause the heat in Level 2 to, at random intervals, reach immense temperatures, reportedly reaching 200 degrees Celsius (93 degrees F) and higher, boiling any wanderer alive. A notable, musty smell can be found in areas where the pipes exist. This is due to the presence of multiple different species of mold growing on the pipe walls and floors. Despite the inherent humidity, water itself is scarce, with the exception of a few small puddles scattered throughout; though, these puddles should only be used as a source of water when one has no other supply. Level 2 is also home to a number of tall, dark entities with long arms ending in clawed hands. These creatures, dubbed "Scratchers" by one returned survivor, are adapted to the extreme heat and darkness of Level 2 and are extremely hostile to human life. Finding and using either a fire exit or an elevator will transport an individual to Level 3.
* **LEVEL 3:** Level 3 is an expansive complex of brick hallways with electrical machinery and pipes scattered throughout. The layout of Level 3 appears to randomly shift and warp in many directions, most of which are illogical in layout. Level 3 is similar in some ways to Level 2, causing some survivors to report that it took them a while before they'd even realized they switched levels. Varying types of machinery can be found throughout Level 3, but the majority of these machines power an unknown location, while others seem to control and power the pipes. Level 2 is also home to humanoid entities known as "Skin-Stealers". These creatures are carnivorous and hunt humans for food. They have the ability to remove and wear the skin of their victims, to mimic human appearance and mannerisms. They can also emulate human speech in order to help lure in prey, but are unable to speak apart from what they hear and parrot back from humans. An elevator found on Level 3 will lead a person to Level 196.
* **LEVEL 27:** Level 27 is a seemingly endless, labyrinth of wooden rooms and hallways, varying minutely in design. Upon entering the level, one may find it difficult to maintain an accurate sense of direction due to the nature of its layout. Rooms and corridors branch off in numerous directions, some leading to dead-ends or looping back upon themselves. The level's layout seems to shift and change, making it quite difficult to create a reliable map or navigate in a straight line. The wood used in its construction is in an advanced state of decay, and the carpeting throughout Level 27 is a drab gray, in stark contrast to the wooden walls and floors. Several reports of explorations within Level 27 detail strange sounds emanating from behind its decayed walls, akin to that of knocking. The source of these sounds remains an ongoing mystery; no wanderer has ever reported coming across any other life within the level, including other wanderers. The weak, artificial light sources located throughout the level provide little actual illumination, and as such, many report the level to be unsettlingly dim. The air within Level 27 is thin, stale and stagnant, with heavy dust buildup due to a lack of ventilation. Finding and using a simple, wooden door that doesn't fit the style of the rest of the Level will transport an individual to Level 2.
* **LEVEL 196:** Level 196 is a finite level of the Backrooms, with the appearance of an average hotel. This level of SCP-001-AC contains a number of narrow hallways and hotel rooms, with furnishings and amenities typical of a hotel. This includes one or more beds, food, drink and even alcohol. While the rooms are entirely safe, the hallways are not. The lights go out at irregular intervals, allowing a number of Level 196's native entities to spawn. These entities are known as "Smilers". Smilers are attracted to any source of light. Despite this, Smilers will not attack in the hotel's rooms, or while the hotel's lights are on. A common response to darkness is to cast a source of light, which will invariably lead the entities right to the caster. Smilers can be seen through the darkness by their ethereal, glowing eyes and a wide, unnerving grin, easily seen through any shadow. They will attack and engulf a victim, presumably killing them. Although no body has ever been reported to have been found. Throwing a source of light is able to distract Smilers for some time. It is unknown if the Smilers have a physical form. The only way to escape from Level 196 is to locate a unique key on the level. The key vanishes and respawns in a random area after every use. The key only opens a single door on Level 196, a door labeled "Management Office". The room will appear, for all intents and purposes, to be a typical office room, complete with a desk, and two chairs, one on either side of the desk. Turning around and leaving will transport the individual back to Our World. However, there exists a number of windows in the hotel, which appear to look out onto various city streets of seemingly random cities anywhere in the world and at any height above ground level that the building at the observation point will allow. The observer can see and hear through the window and even feel wind. However, no entities seem capable of seeing or hearing the Backrooms inhabitant and attempting to exit through one of the windows will immediately transport the individual back to Level 0.

# **SCP-001-AC Entities**

Howler (Level 0)Scratchers (Level 2)Skin-Stealers (Level 3)Smilers (Level 196)
## **`CONTAINMENT`**

Uncontained. All return survivors are to be debriefed, then amnesticized, with a cover story being crafted. Before The Foundation could respond, a survivor detailed his experience on a message board, which quickly went viral. The Foundation immediately located and amnesticized the user, before beginning a disinformation campaign, to discredit SCP-001-AC as an urban myth.