Object 2 : “Level Keys” (Trimmed; Open for Rewrite)

Level Keys come in countless unique configurations, commonly following prevalent 17th- to 21st-century designs1, though sometimes deviating from what would be considered a traditional key entirely2. Each key is associated with a particular level, and its aesthetic theme is usually indicative of its origin. Much like their design, each Level Key's size also varies greatly, with individual keys measuring anywhere from three to twenty centimeters in length. Level Keys are typically made out of various types of metal, though keys made of other materials—such as plastic or stone—have also been discovered.

Quick Tip: There are currently two main methods of testing a key's authenticity: a frequency test to determine the key's harmonic properties & the direct application of placing the key into a keyhole and seeing if it leads anywhere. While the frequency test is the most regularly used method, non-metal keys are typically tested (or accidentally discovered) through direct application.

Level Keys are connected to a corresponding level through an unknown force capable of interacting with them over immeasurable distances3. Each key has three main attributes that separate them from mundane keys and make them extremely valuable assets.

Remote Access

Level Keys can be used to access its level of origin from any level. While the keys can only open one passageway at a time, there is no apparent limit to the number of times they can be used. This effect is achieved by inserting the Level Key into an applicable lock, most notably those found in doors4, and turning it clockwise three full rotations. When opened, the door will then lead to the keys' corresponding level.

In levels where doors are present, this process will occupy a random door, and conclude once it is closed5. Levels that have no doors will manifest one on a surface in the level—such as trees, walls, or the ground itself. These doors will dematerialize when not being directly observed.

Warning: Undocumented Level Keys may lead to dangerous or inescapable levels, caution should be taken when using them.

Harmonic Resonance

When lightly struck with a metallic object, a Level Key will emit an audible tone, exactly 500 Hz in its level of origin. When this method is used remotely, there is a measurable uptick in frequency corresponding to the number of levels between the key and its origin point, at a rate of approximately 20 Hz per level. This phenomenon, in conjunction with its other properties, make Level Keys the perfect object for mapping routes.

Accurately measuring the harmonic resonance of a key requires an oscilloscope6, which in and of itself is a rare and costly object. Historically, cartographers would use a series of handcrafted tuning forks to measure a key's frequency; though the practice is somewhat antiquated, it is still used by certain mappers today. Though these tools are prohibitively scarce, a well-trained ear can hear the difference in frequency and estimate the number of jump points.

The following recording is a baseline 500 Hz tone, for use in identifying Level Keys.

Pseudo-Magnetism

Level Keys are tied to their level by more than just harmonic resonance—there is also an unseen force that pulls the key towards its origin point. This effect is only perceivable when the object is suspended, either in the air or on a liquid surface, and carefully observed for movement.

Historically, a common usage for this property was a cartography method known as dowsing, during which the key would be hung from a string and held out in front of the mapper. The pseudo-magnetic force would slightly pull the key, allowing it to be followed towards its origin level. Though effective, this method had many shortcomings, most notably, user error and environmental interference.

Initially invented by The Leaders, a "key compass" utilizes the pseudo-magnetic force to a much greater accuracy. Using a jar or bowl, a key is affixed to an adequately sized piece of cork7 and suspended in a salinated liquid8. This allows the key to be used as a makeshift compass, shielded from external interference.

Quick Tip: Most Level Keys can also be used to open locked doors within their corresponding level; this is useful in situations where brute force is a non-viable option. On several occasions, keys have been reported capable of opening other objects such as lockers, vaults, and padlocks. They can also be used to lock or unlock their level's door within the Hub.

For most of recorded history, Level Keys have been revered as vital tools for both survival and stability. Their value has drawn the attention of countless cultures and groups, contributing to both societal achievements as well as devastating conflicts.

The Legion's First Key

Discovered in the year 960 BCE, this Level Key quickly became an integral part of the Lost Legion's military hierarchy. The key was bonded to a now forgotten level known by the Legion as "Cursores Turricula" (Messenger's Tower), which was recorded to have been a relatively small level resembling a fortified stone tower. The Legion used this level as a communications hub, wherein a Claviger (key-bearer) and his unit would relay messages throughout the expanding Legion's territory. The Clavigar was eventually killed by the Lost Kengir, who used the key to lay siege to the Cursores Turricula. During a separate conflict between the two groups, a captured Kengirian nubanda9 damaged the key to avoid it being used by the Legion again. The damaged key was rendered inert, even after many attempts to repair it. This Level Key is now in the possession of the I.M.B.H., as part of one of their many exhibits.

Ezekiel Murphy & Cecil Stanley

By the year 1927, Ezekiel Murphy10 had collected a total of fourteen Level Keys during his nearly thirty years of exploration. This was an astounding feat even by modern standards, which has led to the belief that this collection was acquired with the help of several of his colleagues.

Murphy's group would go on to sell these keys to a man named Cecil Stanley in exchange for a subsection that would later become the group's headquarters. Cecil Stanley would found the Stanley Key Exchange in Level 11 later that year, in large part due to Murphy's contribution. This market's primary focus was the acquisition, trade, and auctioning of Level Keys, and still is to this very day. As one of the longest-running modern institutions, the Stanley Key Exchange's appraisals of Level Keys are the standard by which most groups value them. The group has locations both in Level 11 and within Trader's Keep in Level 1.

The M.E.G.

In its formative years the M.E.G. knew of the existence of Level Keys but was unable to find any until 2015, at which time the group came into possession of their first stash of thirteen keys. At the time, the M.E.G. was engaged in a prolonged conflict with the group known as the Church of the Veiled, who was the previous owner of these keys. During a raid on an outpost controlled by the church in Level 9, the M.E.G. team was able to abscond with the stash of keys, several other objects, and various documents that greatly assisted with their early research programs.

Most notable of the keys found in this collection were bonded to Level 1, Level 3, and Level 76—with the M.E.G. relinquishing control of the latter two during the schism of 2016. During their split, the B.N.T.G. and U.E.C. were given a total of six keys from the M.E.G.'s collection, which helped establish trade routes for both of the newly formed groups.

The CBS: Though smaller than the previously mentioned groups, The Coalition of the Backrooms Survivors did considerable research into Level Keys until their dissolution in 2023. Through their research they acquired a collection of keys believed to be comparable to the other, much larger, organizations at the time. A majority of their collection eventually found its way to the Stanley Key Exchange.

Throughout the years, there have been many attempts to construct or manifest Level Keys but there has never been a substantiated case of successful recreation. These attempts include the forging of new keys, recasting of existing keys, and the widespread practice of "key farming".

A common expectation is that a Level Key's properties are tied to the metal itself and that it can be smelted and reformed into several functioning keys. This unfortunately is not the case. Any significant alterations to the key (whether melting, recasting, or even moderate structural damage) often render it inoperable.

Quick Tip: Despite typically being made of metal, Level Keys are often fragile and prone to warping or chipping; always handle them with care. It is ill-advised to experiment on keys outside of the appropriate conditions.

Key Farms

Many believe that Level Keys form when an ordinary key undergoes a slow bonding process with its environment, gradually altered by long-term exposure to Liminal Echo. This has not only led to the creation of "key farms" but also a minor secondary market for non-anomalous keys11. Typically a key farm consists of shelves or racking from which any number of keys are attached. These displays are placed in levels where the creator hopes to produce a Level Key and the keys are usually tested periodically for any changes.

Counterfeit Keys

As with any object of value, there are always people looking to take advantage of others with the prospect of a "unique opportunity", and Level Keys are no exception. A common scam run by traveling merchants and obscure establishments is the sale of counterfeit keys to unsuspecting wanderers. Usually presenting it as a "once in a lifetime opportunity", these grifters will trade these fakes for a substantially lower value than what they are typically sold for. Though most groups outright ban these practices, they still do occur, especially in areas where centralized authorities are not found.

Crime

The acquisition of a Level Key is often considered an extraordinarily fortunate event. The sale of even a single key can provide ample resources for its discoverer—a prospect that tends to draw the envy of those less fortunate. This frequently leads to intergroup conflict, theft, and, in some cases, murder. To disincentivize such behavior, many organizations now offer shared rewards to all members of an expedition responsible for recovering a key.

Quick Tip: Caution is advised when dealing with Level Keys regardless of the situation. Anonymity and concealment are always recommended. Only use trusted sources when buying or selling keys; information on relevant resources should be available at most major outposts.

As some of the most valuable and rare objects in the Backrooms, Level Keys have a well-established remunerative ecosystem. While each organization has its own manner of compensation, the Stanley Key Exchange's "key grade" system is normally what is used to assess a Level Key's worth. The keys are generally valued based on the level with which the key is bonded and are divided into six classifications. Though standardized, the actual value fluctuates based on the market and organization(s) involved—all transactions are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Quick Tip: While the prospect of hauling away 2000 bottles of Almond Water is daunting, you need not worry. Using almond water as a value reference is a common practice—most transactions involve more valuable objects and resources of equivalent worth, or the use of currency.

Level Keys are originally found exclusively within the level to which they are bonded, and finding one is an extremely rare occurrence. While some keys have been discovered in known areas, most are hidden in unpredictable, inaccessible, or even dangerous locations. In expansive or infinite levels, this problem is compounded, and their keys may remain undiscovered simply due to scale. Because of this, most wanderers are far more likely to encounter a previously recovered key than to find a new one.

Though it is assumed that all levels could potentially have a Level Key, the exact quantity produced by any given level is unknown. Some levels have had multiple keys discovered, while many have only one, or far more likely, none. Whether this variance is natural or influenced by environmental factors, such as Liminal Echo, human interaction, or Level Velocity, remains a matter of debate.