World

The Backrooms exist on a separate timeline from the current world. A one-way tunnel to the Backrooms can appear at any time, from the ancient past to the present. This means that a 20-year-old born in 1895 can be the same age as a 20-year-old born in 2001.

Time runs differently in the Backrooms, and nobody is sure how fast it passes. Mobile phones don't seem to know the current time, and directional sensors don't work at all. The same goes for compasses, due to a lack of a magnetosphere. They only work if a powerful enough magnet is active in a specific radius.

People who go insane after getting lost in the backrooms get their effects amplified by 100. After some time they evolve into beasts and adapt to the Backrooms to survive better.

The lights inside the Backrooms regularly turn on and off without warning. These are the "Blackouts" that serve as a day/night cycle. Blackouts are always two times shorter than "Whiteouts". During blackouts, the effects of despair are doubled, and already lost people thrive.

The survivors have located where newcomers fall into the Backrooms and have built a giant outpost called the "Nexus". There, newcomers are prepared for their life in the Backrooms.

Outside of the Nexus people have separated into 4 factions: “The Cartographers”, “The Firefiles”, “The Drifters” and people without a faction who are considered as “The Stranded”

• The Cartographers
  • History: This faction was founded by a crew of sailors/explorers who appeared in the backrooms during the victorian era after allegedly sinking into the sea.
  • Visual look:
    • General info: The cartographers even though they were founded by skilled explorers they still use outdated and old technology, like paper and ink, candles and etc. They have a small amount of electronics that they might use but generally they do not know what these are, how they work and how to use them.
    • Uniform: An average member of this faction has a cylinder and a make-shift coat with multiple pockets, as well as a simple backpack. Their uniform has usually darker tones with yellow as contrast, mainly the logo of the faction on the inner side of the cylinder
    • Outposts: The outposts built by the cartographers are mainly created out of wooden planks, rope and a small amount of metal for extra durability. Their buildings are built into walls and an outpost is usually protected by a large wall that blocks off an entire corridor at times, lit up by makeshift gas lamps or rarely by lightbulbs. In the center where the main campfire is located they have various armchairs, benches and wooden chairs. Everyone has their own sitting place and even some extra seats.
    • In-outpost activities: Cartographers love to map out the layout of the backrooms, making them masterful traders. They find and map out various trade routes between their own outposts and outposts of other factions. You can find these maps and open up new areas and visuals in your minimap. They also build a small amount of weapons, but they aren’t that skilled at it, so after the middle game these weapons most likely will not make the cut. A Cartographer outpost is the best place to trade wood and other basic resources excluding electronics and firesalt. During blackouts you can listen to various adventure stories from different members of the outpost, since most of them are people from the Victorian era during the time when geographical discoveries happened the most
• The Fireflies
  • History: The Fireflies originated from a group of engineers and blacksmiths who found themselves trapped in the backrooms during the industrial revolution after a major earthquake. Their expertise in metalworks and electronics gave them an advantage in surviving and thriving.
  • Visual look:
    • General info: The Fireflies compared to others are more familiar with modern technology and have a deep understanding of metalworking and electronics. They are skilled in crafting powerful melee weapons and devices. They have a distinct fascination with a unique resource called Firesalt, which plays a crucial role in their faction's activities.
    • Uniform: Members of The Fireflies typically wear goggles, leather aprons, and gloves, which protect them during their metalworking activities. Their attire often incorporates shades of orange to symbolize the fiery nature of Firesalt. They carry tool belts filled with various gadgets and tools, some of which are specially designed to handle Firesalt safely.
    • Outposts: The Fireflies' outposts are designed to resemble workshops and factories, incorporating the presence of Firesalt throughout their structures. Firesalt crystals, glowing with an orange hue, are integrated into the walls, giving off a warm and vibrant light. The outposts are equipped with specially designed ventilation systems to control the volatile nature of Firesalt. They have fireproof chambers dedicated to refining, storing, and safely handling this unique resource.
    • In-outpost activities: The Fireflies harness the power of Firesalt in their metalworking and weapon crafting endeavors. They use Firesalt as a fuel source for their forges and as a catalyst to enhance the properties of the weapons they create. By infusing Firesalt into the metal, their melee weapons gain an added fire effect. The Fireflies also experiment with Firesalt-powered gadgets and devices, utilizing its unique properties to create light sources, heat generators, and even rudimentary explosive devices. Firesalt is a valuable resource for The Fireflies, and they actively seek out darker areas of the backrooms where it is known to be found. They undertake expeditions to extract Firesalt, often facing dangers and challenges in the process. The faction's expertise lies not only in metalworking and electronics but also in the responsible handling and utilization of Firesalt. During blackouts, The Fireflies gather around the campfire, the flickering glow of Firesalt illuminating their surroundings. They share stories about their encounters with Firesalt and the backrooms' mysterious properties, exchanging knowledge and insights with one another. The Firesalt's fiery nature adds an extra element of intrigue and danger to their tales, captivating listeners and emphasizing the unique position The Fireflies hold within the backrooms' ecosystem.
• The Drifters
  • History: The Drifters are a faction of nomadic wanderers who have embraced the transient nature of the backrooms. Their origins and precise history remain unknown, as they prefer to live in the present moment, embracing constant movement and exploration. They are known for their stealth, adaptability and stashes of exotic items.
  • Visual look:
    • General info: The Drifters have an eclectic and diverse appearance, reflecting their nomadic lifestyle. They tend to wear practical and versatile clothing, favoring layers, sturdy boots, and lightweight garments that can withstand the rigors of constant travel. Their attire often bears signs of wear and tear, showcasing their experiences in the backrooms. They however always have a bright green element to unite together.
    • Equipment and Belongings: The Drifters travel light, carrying essential supplies and tools necessary for survival and exploration. They typically possess sturdy backpacks filled with provisions, water containers, first aid kits, navigational tools like compasses or astrolabes, and portable shelter materials like lightweight tents or sleeping bags. Many Drifters also carry melee weapons, emphasizing their self-sufficiency and readiness for encounters.
    • Campsites: Rather than traditional outposts, The Drifters create temporary campsites wherever they rest. These campsites are minimalist and efficient, utilizing natural features and available resources to set up shelter and cooking areas. They often blend into the surroundings, making it difficult for others to detect their presence or trace their movements. Their outposts are usually made from placing large cloths onto sticks and attaching them to the area of the wall near the ceiling to create an improvised roof
    • In-camp Activities: The Drifters focus on survival skills, self-reliance, and gathering information during their brief stays at campsites. They excel in stealth, looting and foraging, extracting every single possible thing that might aid them in their survival. While at camp, they exchange knowledge and stories, sharing tips on navigation, backrooms lore, and the best routes to take. They are open to interacting with other factions but prefer not to stay in one place for too long, always keeping an eye on the horizon.
• The Stranded
  • History: The Stranded are a group of individuals who have chosen to live outside the framework of established factions in the backrooms, or are exiled for their behavior. United by their rejection of faction allegiances, they have formed a loose coalition known as The Stranded. While some members of this group may have once belonged to factions, they have become disillusioned with their ideals and have embraced a more opportunistic and independent way of life.
  • Visual look:
    • General info: The Stranded have a rugged and diverse appearance, reflecting their unaffiliated status and their tendency to operate on the fringes of society. They dress in a mix of patched-up clothing, practical gear, and concealment garments that allow them to blend into their surroundings. They often bear the marks of their nomadic lifestyle and encounters with other factions.
    • Equipment and Belongings: The Stranded equip themselves for survival, stealth, and combat. They carry lightweight backpacks with essential supplies, including rations, water, makeshift tools, lock-picking sets, and other tools for their illicit activities. They arm themselves with a variety of weapons, ranging from melee weapons to makeshift firearms, salvaged from encounters or acquired through unscrupulous means.
    • Hidden Encampments: The Stranded eschew traditional outposts and instead establish hidden encampments in concealed areas of the backrooms. These encampments are often camouflaged with natural elements or built within forgotten structures. The Stranded prioritize secrecy and security, making it difficult for others to locate or infiltrate their hideouts.
    • Black Market: The Stranded operate a clandestine black market where they trade and sell rare materials and stolen goods. Their black market is an underground network that thrives on secrecy, catering to the desires of factions and individuals seeking unique or illicit items. The Stranded excel in acquiring and distributing rare materials that are hard to find elsewhere in the backrooms.