ENTITY NO. Χ
THREAT LEVEL
4
Habitat:
The Hub, all levels
Aggression: 1/5
Attacks if threatened
Intellect: 5/5
Surpasses human IQ
Danger: 5/5
Attacks are mainly fatal
Description
Entity Χ, colloquially titled The Keymaster, is a mysterious and powerful being presiding over The Hub. He is the sole creator, proprietor and distributor of Level Keys, and can access any/every level of The Backrooms. He is best known for providing level keys to wanderers in his travels, assisting them in the escape of levels they are trapped within. Pervasive yet obscure, he has been sighted in practically every level – yet eludes attempts to discover more about him.
Superficially, The Keymaster appears like a normal human – and at first may even be mistaken for one – although he can be distinguished by pale gray skin and teal eyes. He has long, unkempt wiry black hair, and his face is sparsely speckled with stubble. His figure is tall and slender, wearing form-fitting attire such as a turtleneck sweater enclosed by a black leather trench coat. The trademark of his appearance is a ring of keys attached to his waist.
Behaviors
Although socially reserved in most cases, The Keymaster will make snide remarks in extended conversation. He thinks rather highly of himself – something rapidly apparent upon conversation with him. He is haughty and egotistical, viewing mortal humans as “inferior”. He may even behave sadistically towards those which he has deemed worthy of such fates. Fragment No.2:
I slowly expanded my domain, eventually encompassing an entire kingdom over most territory.
It was around that time that I noticed an anomaly in my domain.
It was a human. A “wanderer” to be exact.
They seemed to have appeared from nowhere, or rather elsewhere, as if bending force and matter to their will.
I never imagined such a insignificant creature to cause the catastrophe that it did...
The third letter to my name is G.
If a wanderer approaches The Keymaster and requests a level key, he is generally willing to provide it; though this is typically transactional, with him first requiring some form of trade or “tribute”. A wanderer may give up a physical possession, or even a quality of themselves in exchange for the key.
While the Keymaster generally makes an effort to avoid conflict, he is willing to retaliate against anyone attempting to attack him, and neutralizes his opponents rather quickly. Hostile entities tend to display fear towards him, while intelligent entities seem to display a level of reverence, and often will stay out of his way.
Biology
The Keymaster’s most notable ability lies in his namesake, being able to manifest any given level key at will. It is unknown whether this is accomplished by summoning the key from a location or spontaneously materializing it. The Keymaster is additionally rumored to be in possession of the Key of Salvation, which presumably leads to Level Alpha-Omega. He has never confirmed nor denied this, and tends to dodge most questions relating to the subject.
An additional ability possessed by The Keymaster is what seems to be a complete mastery over No-Clipping, allowing him to bend this property of The Backrooms to his will.
Despite his human appearance, The Keymaster is anything but. By all accounts, he cannot be destroyed, or at least can always come back from it. He has been seen to sustain heavy injuries in the past, only to appear completely unharmed the next time he is seen.
The Keymaster’s ability to unlock things may even extend beyond levels to a certain degree. Rumors and legends persist of miraculous feats of access that he has performed. It is said that he may be capable of unlocking deeper aspects of beings, such as repressed memories or full potential. It is for this reason that he is widely renowned/revered by certain groups and individuals.
Discovery
There was no single “discovery” of The Keymaster, as his existence has been known to inhabitants of The Backrooms ever since records have been kept. The most frequent sightings of The Keymaster take place in The Hub, his level of residency.
Attempted Interview Log
The following is a transcript of the M.E.G.’s attempt to make contact with The Keymaster and perform a formal interview. Unfortunately, due to The Keymaster's stubborn demeanor, little information of value was gained from the interaction. Regardless, a transcript of the event is included here in this entry for posterity:
Interviewer: Adrian Waxillium
Interview Subject: Entity Χ
Interview Location: The Hub
Adrian: (quietly) Okay…recording, I’ve managed to find Entity Χ and am attempting to begin the interview now.
[Adrian approaches Entity Χ, whose back is turned towards him.]
Adrian Excuse me, sir, do you have a moment?
Entity Χ: Ah, a new wanderer has come before me to request a key? Let us see, then...
[Entity Χ turns around to face the interviewer. He grins at first, but his expression turns disdainful upon noticing the recording equipment.]
Entity Χ: Oh...just what do you want?
Adrian I work on behalf of the M.E.G., and I wanted to ask you some-
Entity Χ: Now, hold there just a moment. I think you mortals should know by now that I give out keys, not answers to your questions about me.
Adrian So, you’re unwilling to answer any questions?
Entity Χ: I see no point in such trivialities. Now, if you do not want a key, begone from my presence.
Adrian: Of course, just... you don’t want people to know of your deeds?
[Entity Χ raises an eyebrow.]
Entity Χ: Come Again?
Adrian: It’s just that you’re such a capable and important being that’s done so much to help. Morale would be greatly improved if people could hear more from the being that’s, for a lot of them, their savior.
Entity Χ: What should they hear from their ‘savior,’ exactly?
Adrian: Uh, just general notions of goodwill and charity? Inspiring stories? Maybe hinting at a key to a particular level?
Entity Χ: Why would I-
[He suddenly pauses.]
Entity Χ : Ah, I see...
[A smirk slowly crosses his face.]
Entity Χ : I suppose I could give you something for your troubles. I’ll widen the lock of your mind just a little further, to allow you a deeper comprehension of this reality that you desire so desperately to learn about...
Adrian: Um, I...well, okay.
[Entity Χ approaches Adrian, pressing his thumb on his forehead. Adrian stands still for a moment, before his body stiffens and he screams out in horror. The recording equipment falls to the ground as Adrian collapses, abruptly ending the recording.]
Relations
Mortis Abelson: The Keymaster is rather ambivalent to Mortis. Mortis, on the other hand, despises The Keymaster’s arrogance and boastful demeanor.
The Alchemist: The Alchemist often helps the Keymaster (sometimes with the King of Normality in tow) to aid wanderers of the Backrooms.
King of Normality: They tend to travel many parts of The Backrooms together, helping each other rescue wanderers as comrades.
The Storyteller: The Keymaster seems to regard the Storyteller as a “know-it-all”, stating his annoyance towards constantly being corrected on supposed “inaccuracies” in his claims.
Philia: The Keymaster is sometimes seen in Level 150 with her, keeping her company and spending time with her.
Celeste: According to Celeste’s diary, she has entrusted The Keymaster with the keys to her neck brace.
The Dark Sovereign: The Keymaster greatly respects the Sovereign, and holds him in high regard. He has often confided in him, primarily regarding Hubris.
The Crimson Wanderer: There are some claims of them interacting, possibly even working together. Both of them refuse to elaborate on what relation or business that they have with each other.
Hubris: Hubris and The Keymaster have forever been at odds. Hubris has constantly hatched schemes in an attempt to use the Keymaster to gain entry to the Throne Room.
The Jester: The Keymaster thinks lowly of The Jester, calling him a “literal clown”. He believes that whatever station of power The Jester claims to currently hold is illegitimate, as is his word.
Maria: The Keymaster seems to have assumed somewhat of a fatherly role over Maria, though he refuses to publicly admit this fact.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do
- Exhibit a neutral demeanor at minimum towards him. He will not be malicious if left unprovoked.
- Maintain a safe distance if inexperienced with navigating The Backrooms or interacting with its denizens. Negligence may lead to loss of life.
Don’t
- Display aggressive or hostile behavior. No human will win in a fight against him.
- Ask him personal questions. He deeply values privacy, and seems to keep many secrets…
Relevant Tales
- The Legend of The Court
- A Proposition
- A Chaotic Future
- Keys to The Kingdom
- The Battle for The Crown
- Awakening
- Dark Reflection
- Sins of The Father