- Mostly Safe.
- Fairly Secure.
- Minimal Entity Count.
Stormstone Keep, the only remaining building on Level 28.
Level 28, also known as "Final Virtue," consists primarily of windswept grasslands under a perpetually overcast sky. Despite this, it has never been observed to rain on this level. The sky is also devoid of both a sun and a moon; instead, the level is illuminated by a faint blue glow.
The safest region of the level spans roughly 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles) across. Beyond this central zone, within the surrounding mountains, lies an encroaching darkness resembling a viscous, tar-like material, which appears to be slowly advancing toward the center of the level.
Level Anomalies
A distant Abyss Pool advancing from the mountain.
As previously described, the safest area of this level is surrounded on all sides by an ever-encroaching black tar-like material colloquially referred to as "The Living Abyss." The Abyss exhibits certain traits resembling sentience, the most relevant being signs of self-preservation and adaptive behavior. When any portion of it is isolated or destroyed, it'll temporarily retreat only to return later, having "learned." Any learned behaviors are typically short-term and will decay within a few cycles.
Anything that actively comes into contact with the abyss is slowly contaminated by its corruption, progressing in 3 stages of visible change. At Stage 1, it begins by targeting the mind, causing individuals to lose most, if not all, of their memories. Memories are gradually lost in chunks, beginning with older memories, such as those from childhood, and progressing until the infected lose their sense of identity. At this stage, the corruption is only temporary, and its reversal can be hastened by ingesting Almond Water.
If an infected individual remains in contact with the abyss for 8 more hours, they will enter Stage 2. In stage 2, the infected wanderer's veins will enlarge and become significantly darker. At this stage, wanderers typically experience a high fever and become unresponsive. Almond Water no longer works as a cure, and separation from the abyss will not reverse its progression.
After 3-4 more hours of contact, the infection will progress to Stage 3. The infected individual will begin to disintegrate gradually. Starting from their fingers, every piece of them will begin to turn into ash-like particles that begin to shrink out of existence.
Stormstone Keep
Stormstone Keep, also known colloquially as just "The Keep," is a dilapidated European-style medieval castle, located roughly in the center of the safe zone. The interior of the keep is the only area not bathed in a permanent blue glow, instead lit from normal lamps and ceiling lights. The interior's design is reminiscent of classic medieval designs with a bizarre mix of modern appliances and amenities. On the second floor, there are 7 guest bedrooms and 1 bedchamber belonging to the Blue Knight. Located in the basement is a forge with weapons such as swords, maces, spears, and other malformed metals strewn across the ground.
Entities
Level 28 is almost entirely devoid of entities. Common entities that no-clip in from other levels, such as smilers, hounds, and skin stealers, are known to immediately disintegrate upon entry. While rarer and often level-specific entities are no-clipped back to their natural habitats.
The only entity confirmed to reside on this level is the Blue Knight, a large, hollow suit of armor. According to reports, he identifies as male and has been known to refer to himself with the name "Temperance," although irregularly. Although intimidating in his appearance, the Blue Knight has not exhibited any signs of hostility and is generally willing to assist wanderers. However, Temperance is known to become attached to those he believes are his friends and may be reluctant to share information about exits. Wanderers are advised to remain emotionally distant if planning to depart.
Attached to this page are transcriptions of The Knight's journal, recovered from photographs.
Continued observation of the Blue Knight reveals that he routinely patrols the perimeter of the safe zone and actively engages with the Abyss when it encroaches. Although the mechanism behind it is not well understood, Temperance's sword is able to harm the abyss; tendrils struck by it shatter into particulates that eventually disintegrate. Consequently, surrounding portions of the substance will recoil back into nearby Abyss pools.
As of 5/8/2020, it is not recommended to attempt neutralization or removal of The Knight, as it is highly likely that this would result in the rapid advance of the abyss and subsequent deterioration of the level. It is currently unknown how long this equilibrium between The Knight and the abyss has been maintained.
Entrances And Exits
Entrances
- Paintings on Level 5 that resemble this level are the most consistent entrance
- Following pink butterflies on forest-like levels such as Level 14 and Level 199 will lead to the outskirts of this level
- Certain convenience stores on Level 82 will transport one here
- Jumping off the roof of Level 104's Fortress leads to this level
Exits
- Falling into an Abyss Pool has a chance to send one to either Level 10.1, Level 41, or Level 88
- No-clipping into a lamp in Stormstone Keep leads to either Level 4 or Level 5
- Getting struck by lightning will occasionally bring one to Level 73
- Crawling into the smithy's furnace leads to Level 611
- Walking through this level's forest can allow one to enter Level 9.3
- No-clipping into a locked door in Stormstone Keep will lead to Level 381