Info
Title: Level 31-ID — "Black Shrine"
Author: lemme
Release: 2023
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Description
Black Shrine
Black Shrine is a structure resembling an East Asian-style temple of unknown size, with all parts made of dark blue-black wood and stone. Most of the structures on this level consist of a labyrinthine corridor with a few rooms, including a prayer room, a kitchen, a storage room, and a rest area. Lighting on this level is very minimal and comes only from candles in the prayer room and windows offering a view of the area outside the structure; therefore, survivors are advised to bring their own lighting equipment. The view outside the structure indicates that the level is locked at night, and there are no clouds or stars—only a white full moon. Food supplies and important items such as Almond Water can be found in the kitchen, so this room is usually a priority for survivors. Large piles of corn can be found inside the kitchen; it is unknown who placed them there or how they got there, but all of this corn is known to be edible and will always be in good condition.
Descending the stairs leading downward will take survivors to the upside-down side of the temple, where the entire known structure of the temple will be inverted. Even though it is upside down, survivors will still experience normal gravity, so they will stand and walk on the temple’s ceiling as if it were the floor. However, the temple’s objects do not experience the same gravitational forces—they will continue to stick above the Survivor’s head. These objects can still be moved; once moved, they will then experience the same gravitational forces as the Survivor, meaning they can no longer stick above the Survivor’s head and can only be placed on the floor. Looking out the window will no longer reveal an open view or the sky from this level, but rather: the other side of the inverted temple structure, the structure where the Survivor was initially located—which is now above—and the other side of the temple located below the Survivor’s current position.
Finding and descending the stairs again will lead the Survivor to the inverted side of the previous temple; this time, the temple structure will appear to be a replica of the one the Survivor first visited. It is known that the temple structure repeats in this manner an unknown number of times, but careful observation through the window will reveal that there is a Void at the very bottom of the temple.
The Red Fox
Some illustrations about The Red Fox.
There is speculation that a civilization of this level once existed, although it is unknown why it has since disappeared. This speculation comes from the presence of numerous artifacts depicting a red-furred fox that was treated as an object of worship—and is now regarded as a religious belief. Evidence of this belief can be found in various objects scattered throughout many rooms, such as statues, symbols, images, and manuscripts, all of which depict a red fox. It is unknown whether this figure is a real entity or merely a fictional creature created by those who once lived on this level, but the number of items featuring the red fox is considered quite abundant.
Stories about this red fox can be found in many ancient manuscripts that survivors can easily come across; typically, these tales recount the fox’s greatness, while others describe its harmonious relationship with human communities. All the stories essentially follow a similar pattern: the Red Fox defeats a terrifying monster and is subsequently revered by the humans it has saved from that monster. What’s intriguing about these tales is the resemblance between the locations and monsters in the stories and the levels and entities in Backrooms; it’s unclear whether these tales are merely works of fiction or actual events that occurred in the relevant levels.
The Red Fox itself is not merely a fox capable of defeating its opponents; it can also shapeshift into whatever form is necessary to overcome them. This is evident in numerous illustrations depicting the fox transforming into various hybrid forms—such as growing wings, fins, tentacles, and more. This indicates that the Red Fox itself is a unique entity—it’s no wonder it attracts so much attention from survivors who want to learn more about it. Unfortunately, access to this level is known to be quite difficult to obtain, as it has been claimed by a group of survivors that is quite closed off to outsiders.
Entrances and Exits
Entrances
So far, there is only one method to access this level. There is a black wooden plank kept by a group of survivors at Mega Sky Bridge; noclipping on that plank will transport survivors to this level. Permission is required to gain access, and visitors are strictly monitored by the group; it is known that this group does not want the Black Shrine to be visited by looters, thieves, or even survivors who might damage the shrine.
Exits
- Touching the fox statue in the prayer room will transport survivors back to the Mega Langit Bridge—note that not all statues possess this ability.
- Entering the pile of corn in the food warehouse will transport the Survivor to Night Watchman.
- Noclipping on the pagoda emitting warm air will transport the Survivor to Prambanian.
- Entering and noclipping on the inside of the cabinet will transport the Survivor to Megamendung.